Going To Mars with NASA director Laurie Leshin | A Bit of Optimism Podcast

As the private space industry races to colonize space for profit, where does NASA fit into the equation?
Laurie Leshin is just the person to answer that question. She's the Director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the first female director in JPL's storied history. To her, NASA's future is defined by its mission - exploring the cosmos for the greater good of humankind.
Laurie and I discuss the role of Space X and Blue Origin in the new space age and why NASA should set its sights on Mars, and flying to even deeper space beyond.
This...is A Bit of Optimism.
To find out more about Laurie and her work, check out:
jpl.nasa.gov/
⏰ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:41 Childhood Fascination to Professional Career
2:24 The Evolution of Space Exploration
5:25 NASA's Mission and the Future
10:48 The Role of Innovation and Challenges in Maintaining NASA's Legacy
12:05 International Collaboration and Humanitarian Impact
15:02 The Future of Human Space Exploration
17:09 Lessons from Commercial Space and Risk Management at JPL
21:25 Memorable Experiences
28:41 The Debate on Manned Mars Exploration
33:01 Finding Magic in Nature and Teamwork
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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.
Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.
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Website: simonsinek.com/
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Simon’s books:
The Infinite Game: simonsinek.com/books/the-infi...
Start With Why: simonsinek.com/books/start-wi...
Find Your Why: simonsinek.com/books/find-you...
Leaders Eat Last: simonsinek.com/books/leaders-...
Together is Better: simonsinek.com/books/together...
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#SimonSinek

[@elifcicekli2046]

I enjoyed this a lot as a space nerd who wanted to be an astronaut as a child. I think her camping memory aligns with what she wants to achieve with Mars which will also be: 1) Magical, 2) Beautiful, 3) Risky, 4) Great experience shared as a team, and 5) We go there, stay a bit, and return home.

[@CraigBarron-qx9bq]

An awesome and thought provoking interview/conversation.
Exploring setting up other places for human civilisation to be in the long haul is inspiring and I expect will lead to many other discoveries and benefits.
Please also continue the invaluable work ensuring we look after our amazing planet earth. The environment is far less hostile than Mars, and the economics better. If we can't live sustainably on earth, we won't be able to live sustainably on Mars.

[@joryiansmith]

The Mars helicopter invention story was so wonderful and inspiring 🔥❤️

[@user-fh9st5fi1u]

Simon, i start watching you since 2009 ! i'm so impressed when i looked at your ted talk🥰

[@kartikchaturvedi7868]

Superrrb Awesome Fantastic video

[@user-gb4qg4et3z]

never better

[@jji7667]

SPACEEEEEE!!!

[@brain_respect_and_freedom]

👍

[@harmonylifewithjess1593]

Create space for more SPACE. Isnt this then Infinity 😜

[@PavloT-cn3rm]

great talk and super uncomfortable chair for Simon :)

[@systems_logic]

Why are people idealizing young people's input these days? I feel it's disrespectful and a damaging part of "disruption" culture.

[@mietonen]

' .. " There's strenght, geniusness, and magic in bravery. " 🥰🤍🙈💌
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe