Interplanetary Podcast

In this episode, Matt unpacks what it really means when billionaires start shaping national space policy sometimes more directly than governments themselves. We talk about Jared Isaacman’s new NASA leadership tone, the fight over NASA budgets, and why institutions like NCAR suddenly found themselves accused of being “woke” simply for doing climate science. Along the way, we contrast all of that with the quieter, steadier side of exploration: ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and her upcoming Crew-12 mission to the ISS and zoom out... way out ...to two of the most astonishing science stories of the year: an interstellar visitor from another solar system, and a runaway black hole leaving a trail of newborn stars behind it. Who is space really for? the richest voices in the room, or the public that funds the future? And why the answer matters not just for space, but for climate, science, democracy, and what kind of civilisation we want to become.

In episode 323, Matt sits down with filmmaker Mark Craig to talk about his new documentary Apollo 1 the film that revisits the story of Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee, and the tragedy that reshaped NASA on the road to the Moon. Mark shares what drew him to the project, the moments that surprised him most during research, and why the Apollo 1 story still matters especially for audiences who know Apollo mainly through the later triumphs. APOLLO 1 is a Stopwatch / Haviland Digital 7T1 Films production (c) 2025 Find more about it here. https://www.facebook.com/Apollo1film/

In this episode, Matt opens with forgotten space hero John Bevis’ birthday and a cosmic musing on relativistic dust, black holes, and the unimaginable energies hidden in tiny things. Then astrophysicist and author Ethan Siegel joins the show to discuss his new book, The Grand Cosmic Story, a sweeping journey from the birth of the cosmos to the emergence of life and intelligence. Together they explore the importance of critical thinking, evidence, and scientific honesty in an age when misinformation moves faster than light itself.

In this episode, Matt is joined by acclaimed science writer Brian Clegg to explore the dazzling world of the multiverse. Brian unpacks the science and speculation behind one of physics’ most mind-bending ideas. Together, they discuss why the multiverse has captivated scientists and storytellers alike, the fine line between science and philosophy, and what it all means for our place in the cosmos. Brian Clegg is expanding our minds and what’s possible in his upcoming title The Multiverse: When One Universe Isn’t Enough (23rd October 2025).

Andy Saunders joins Matt to talk about his new book Gemini and Mercury Remastered. We dig into the forgotten missions that paved the way for Apollo, the astonishing images he’s restored from NASA’s archives, and the human dramas behind them from blown hatches to dangerous spacewalks.

Matt and Jamie dive headfirst into the cosmic foam to explore the Bubble Universe, the mind-bending idea that our universe might be just one of countless “bubbles” in a vast multiverse. From the physics of cosmic inflation and the mysteries of the cosmic microwave background, to the philosophical head-scratchers of infinite realities, they mix hard science, playful analogies, and a touch of pop culture chaos.

Matt welcomes Dr. Saralyn Mark, a world-renowned leader in women's health, space medicine, and innovation in gender-specific design. Dr. Mark is an endocrinologist, geriatrician, and former Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. She’s advised organizations such as NASA and the Department of Health and Human Services, and is the founder of iGIANT, a groundbreaking nonprofit accelerating gender-specific innovation across sectors, from health to space exploration. Dr. Mark is also the author of the fascinating book, Stellar Medicine: A Journey Through the Universe of Women’s Health, and today we’ll be exploring how insights from space can transform human health here on Earth, the importance of gender in space exploration, and much more. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7

Matt welcomes Roman Chiporukha, co-founder and CEO of SpaceVIP, the concierge service that books everything from zero-g airplane jaunts to orbital stays aboard the ISS. Episode 317 invites you to imagine your next vacation above the Kármán line—and weigh whether the price tag is worth the view. Strap in for a conversation that spans luxury, logistics, and the future of off-world adventure

Episode 316 of the Interplanetary Podcast kicks off with Matt tackling the unsettling news of NASA’s potential science funding cuts—raising concerns about the future of groundbreaking space research—and pondering whether SpaceX’s mighty Starship could become an over-budget behemoth or the key to humankind’s next giant leap. Then, Matt welcomes Steve Matier, CEO of Maritime Launch Services, who sheds light on Canada’s ambitious foray into commercial spaceflight. From building Spaceport Nova Scotia to launching the next wave of satellites, Steve shares how MLS is staking out its place in the rapidly growing space economy. It’s a thought-provoking deep dive into the business, engineering, and dream-chasing behind the new frontier of Canadian aerospace.

After a rant about civil discourse and the need for truth in the space commnuity, Matt Chats with Alan Smale who writes alternate and twisted history, and hard SF. Hot Moon, his alternate-Apollo “technothriller with heart”, was launched back in July 2022, followed by sequel Radiant Sky, in November 2024. The Apollo Rising series will conclude with Burning Night, in late 2025.

Matt chats with Stephen Thrum, a teacher at Windaroo Valley State High School in Logan QLD (Australia), whose career spans from professional model making to interning at NASA. and is a Space Settlement Design Coach—a role in which he has led teams of Australian school students to National and International victories over the past 16 years www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 -

Matt chats with Tarek Waked, Founding Partner of Type One Ventures. Type One is an investment firm committed to developing a future civilization that is self-sufficient and interplanetary. The firm invests in space centric innovations. Matt Also www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7

Matt chats with Yanni Barghouty, CEO and co-founder of Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC). Yanni is creating radiation shielding technology to ensure that hardware can operate in space without degrading. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt catches up with the crew from MSI-DFAT a company with over 60 years of combined engineering experience in spacecraft acoustic testing.

Matt catches up with Ethan Siegel again to chat about the James Webb Space Telescope and his new book Infinite Cosmos on National Geographic.

Matt is joined by Michelle Snyder and Jay Snyder to talk about their work with FREA the Foundation for Research of the Enzmann Archive. https://enzmannarchive.org/

Matt is joined by Pu Jian of Cailabs to talk about Space Laser Communications.

Matt is joined by the esteemed Dr. Gerard Van Belle of the Lowell Observatory to discuss the imminent nova of T Coronae Borealis. Dive into the fascinating details of this stellar event and what it means for our understanding of cosmic phenomena. Don’t miss this stellar conversation as we explore the universe’s explosive wonders!

Matt chats with Dr. Eiman Jahangir who was recently selected by Web 3 group MoonDAO as there 2nd astronaut to fly on a future Blue Origin New Shepard flight. A crazy story of trying and trying to then win a lottery. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russell Music: Matt Russell / Iam7 Twitter @interplanetypod

Matt sits down with acclaimed author and journalist Adam Higginbotham to discuss his latest book, "Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space." This definitive account of the tragic space shuttle Challenger disaster takes us on a journey from the Apollo program through the investigation that followed the catastrophe. Adam shares the meticulous research to reveal the untold story of what really happened and why. We delve into the internal discussions between NASA and Morton Thiokol executives, the heroic efforts of whistleblowers, and the profound impact this disaster had on space exploration and public perception. Adam's masterful storytelling brings to life the human drama, fascinating science, and shocking political infighting that defined this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the Challenger disaster, this episode promises to be both enlightening and unforgettable. www.linktr.ee/Interplanetary Hosts: Matt Russ