I sit down with astrobiology PhD student and astronaut hopeful Alyssa Carson for a real talk about what it actually takes to get space ready. We jump straight into facing fear and building courage, from skydiving when your body wants to freeze, to floating in microgravity and learning how to stay calm when everything is weightless. Alyssa walks me through a 9G jet turn that tunnels your vision to the size of a bottle cap, and how breathing, focus, and reps make the difference. We go inside the spacesuit, breaking down IVA suits you wear inside the spacecraft and EVA suits built to survive outside, and why water training helps you move and work when the suit feels heavy on Earth.

We get practical too. What astronauts really eat in orbit, why bread is a no go because of crumbs, how tortillas solve that problem, and yes, how espresso can work in microgravity when an astronaut really loves coffee. We dive into her research on methane on Mars, why that signal matters, and what it could say about past microbial life. Alyssa shares the path to space careers in plain English, start with what you love doing, flying, building, experimenting, then stack skills, keep your grades strong, and look for programs, labs, and mentors that let you get your hands on real work. We talk about mindset during the long PhD grind, staying steady when progress feels slow, and using small wins to keep momentum.

If you are a kid at heart who wants space, or a parent helping a kid aim high, this one gives you concrete steps, inside the suit details, and a clear picture of the courage and curiosity it takes to fly.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with speaker and author Steve Gamlin to talk about designing a life that actually fits you. We dig into vision boards that go beyond cars and cash, building habits one small action at a time, and why measurable goals matter. Steve opens up about losing his wife, how he is processing grief with honesty and humor, and the simple daily practices that keep you moving forward, gratitude, acts of kindness, and showing up. If you need a blueprint for resilience, clarity, and purpose, this conversation delivers practical steps you can start today.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Maynard Okereke, also known as the Hip Hop MD. We dive into why science literacy matters more now than ever, how curiosity fuels discovery, and how merging pop culture with science can inspire the next generation. Maynard shares his journey breaking into science communication, the challenges of representation in STEM, and why empowering kids to think critically changes everything. We talk about my daughter’s journey learning science, the first Vietnamese woman in space, and how we can bring back the “wow factor” of discovery. If you’ve ever felt that science was out of reach, this conversation will show you—it belongs to everyone.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Doug Tallamy, a leading entomologist and ecologist who's changing the way we see our backyards. We explored why insects are absolutely essential to life on Earth, how lawns are destroying biodiversity, and what each of us can do to make a difference, starting with our own homes. Dr. Tallamy shared powerful insights about native plants, the food web, and how we can all become part of what he calls a “Homegrown National Park.” This conversation left me inspired and reminded me that even small steps can create huge change. If you’ve ever wondered how to help the planet, this episode will show you where to start.

In this episode, I sit down with Carolina Ramuski, a holistic nutritionist and sleep expert, to explore how sleep affects every part of our lives. We talk about parenting, brain health, circadian rhythms, and how small habits like morning sunlight and screen-free evenings can transform your rest. Carolina shares wisdom from her experience in naturopathic nutrition and sleep science, and we dive into how our bodies send signals we often miss. From baby sleep routines to ancestral diets, this episode is packed with practical tools for anyone who wants to sleep better and live healthier. Whether you're a tired parent, a stressed student, or just trying to feel more energized, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with behavioral scientist and author Mike Rucker to unpack the myths of hustle culture, burnout, and toxic productivity. We explore the real science of happiness and why fun is essential—not optional—for success. From the power of reframing your time to the emotional toll of hyper-productivity, this conversation offers practical strategies to bring more joy, balance, and sustainability into daily life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working nonstop but still falling behind, this one’s for you.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode of The Sean Trace Show, I sit down with Monica Brown, an “architect of transformation” from Johannesburg, South Africa. Monica opens up about her courageous journey—from surviving sexual assault and a forced marriage, to living on the streets with her daughter. But instead of letting that pain define her, she turned it into purpose. Today, she runs a safe house and mentors vulnerable people, using empathy, structure, and fierce love to help rebuild lives. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, spiritual leadership, and what it means to believe in someone when they can’t believe in themselves.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with former NASA rocket scientist Kevin J. DeBruin to explore his inspiring journey—from being a bullied kid to becoming a rocket designer. Kevin shares how the movie October Sky changed the course of his life, why STEM education is essential for every child, and how we can ignite the next generation of innovators. We also dive into the incredible science behind NASA’s mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa. From real-world resilience to alien oceans, this episode is a mind-expanding deep dive into dreaming big, failing forward, and building the future.