James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society
🎙 Ashton Zeth sits down with James Burk, Executive Director of the Mars Society, to share updates on the newest analog station HOPE in Ladakh, India (with ISRO as partners), record participation at MDRS, plans for the upcoming 2025 Mars Society Convention at USC, the launch of the new Mars Society Research Journal, and exciting developments from the Mars Technology Institute.🌍 Highlights:Massive participation at MDRS this seasonLaunch of the HOPE Analog in LadakhMars Society Convention 2025 — October 9–11 at USC (don’t miss Rob Manning at the Friday Night Banquet!)Updates from the Mars Technology Institute and new collaborations like Purdue UniversityDiscussing what's next in Mars exploration📅 Preliminary Convention Schedule (subject to change): View Here---Links --Journal of Space Analog Researchhttps://jsar.spaceHOPE analog Announcement:https://www.marssociety.org/news/2025/09/16/indias-first-crewed-mars-analog-launches-with-protoplanet-isro-the-mars-society/The Mars Society Convention 2025https://www.marssocietyconference.orgSponsor the upcoming convention in October: https://www.marssocietyconference.org/sponsorsFour Sponsorship Levels:GoldSilver BronzeLogo Only!Flashline Analog in the Arctichttps://fmars.marssociety.org/
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Dr. Bhavya Lal
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bhavya Lal, space policy leader, MIT alum, PhD from George Washington University, and recipient of NASA’s Distinguished Service Medal. After serving in senior leadership at NASA, Dr. Lal returned to RAND: School of Policy to continue shaping the conversation on national space strategy.Our discussion spans some of the most urgent issues in space today: the growing orbital debris problem, the need for a shared global dataset, and the tension between America’s resources and ambitions in space. She emphasizes why strategic coherence and bipartisan commitment are essential for credibility and long-term success.We also talk about the power of books to shape perspective, highlighting George R. Stewart’s Earth Abides — a life-changing novel that offers an “anti-history” of collapse and resilience, and what it teaches us about humanity’s fragile place on the cosmic shore.
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Matt Gjertsen
🚀 Episode: Matt Gjertsen – From the Flightline to SpaceX to StartupsMatt Gjertsen has lived a life that blends military discipline, startup hustle, and a love for space. From early dreams of going to Mars, to serving as an Air Force instructor pilot, to shaping HR and training during SpaceX’s Crew Dragon era — his path has been anything but ordinary.Now, through his own leadership courses and podcast, Matt explores what makes great teams tick — from the grind of late nights at startups to mission-focused endeavors. In this conversation, he shares how his military background gave him unique insights into building high-performing teams, why space still pulls at his heart, and how we can intrigue the world beyond the space bubble.🌌 Expect talk of leadership, resilience, space stations, and the culture that pushes humanity further.🎧 Tune in if you want to know what it takes to lead where it matters most — whether in the cockpit, the boardroom, or orbit.Matt's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgjertsenhttps://bettereverydaystudios.com/Host / Producer of Leadership Launchpad Podcasthttps://leadershiplaunchpad.captivate.fm/listen
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Leonard David
In this episode, space expert Leonard David dives into the evolving landscape of space law on the Moon, highlighting growing conflicts—especially with China—and framing it as the new space race. He shares insights from his unique background working near the historic Atlas rocket and discusses the impact of funding cuts during the Trump administration on space exploration. Leonard also breaks down the latest news about plans to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon and what this means for future lunar missions. Don’t miss this timely conversation on the challenges and ambitions shaping humanity’s next giant leap.
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Space Communicators Panel
A Stellar Chat with Ad Astra Su, Galactic Gal, and Astro AlexandraJoin us for a captivating journey back to our July 15th episode, featuring an incredible trio of space communicators: Ad Astra Su, Galactic Gal, and Astro Alexandra! This special conversation offered a unique glimpse into the world of an engineer working on lunar payloads at a top aerospace company, exploring the delicate balance of privacy while maintaining a prominent social media presence. Our guests also shared exciting insights into their next big adventures, both on Earth and beyond. Tune in for an inspiring and educational discussion that truly explored the vastness of the universe and the personal journeys within it.Find them on Social Media & the web:https://www.thegalacticgal.comhttps://www.astroalexandra.comhttps://www.instagram.com/adastrasu/?hl=en
A raw, off-the-cuff look into all things Mars. We will talk with planetary scientists, STEM field experts, commercial space representatives, and space advocates who all have a deep passion for Mars.
Ashton Zeth is the new host of our 60-minute video broadcast on behalf of the Mars Society and will lead and moderate tantalizing discussions with our virtual guests as we delve into the questions and work being done in order to make the human exploration and settlement of the Red Planet a reality.
For more information about the Mars Society, visit www.MarsSociety.org
South Africa