Today we talk with Shelli Brunswick, who shares her unique journey through the space industry, from her early days in the Air Force to her current role as an entrepreneur and author. The conversation explores various themes including space acquisition, the importance of soft skills, the impact of space technology on everyday life, and the significance of mentorship and leadership in the industry. Shelli emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and the role of technology in fostering economic prosperity, while also discussing the geopolitical implications of space exploration.

In today's episode we talk with labor and employment attorney Jon Anderson from law firm Husch Blackwell to discuss the evolving landscape of labor law as it pertains to NASA and JPL. We explore the historical context of unions, the complexities of employment at JPL, and the implications of project-based funding on job security. The conversation delves into the challenges of unionization efforts, the importance of transparency in layoff decisions, and the unique nature of employment in the government-sponsored space industry. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of labor rights in this context.

Here are the two JPL unionization websites referenced in the discussion:

https://jplworkersunited.org/

https://jplbeinformed.com/

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast we have Ken Ruffin, a long-time volunteer with the National Space Society. We discuss Ken's journey into space exploration, the history and mission of the National Space Society, and the impact of the Challenger disaster on Ken's career. The conversation also touches on the importance of public engagement in space exploration, the challenges of funding, and the role of optimism in advocating for a better future in space. Ken shares his experiences in outreach and education, emphasizing the need for public awareness and the potential for rapidly advancing technology to shape the future of space missions.