Podcast
Space Spiels
Hosted by Paige Kaufman · EN
With a focus on community within the Aerospace Industry, Paige Kaufman speaks with various engineers, students, and scientists. As a human spaceflight life support flight control trainee, Paige pulls back the curtain, having down-to-earth conversations about her guests' recent projects and engineering backgrounds, while discovering their favorite experiences, inside jokes, and hobbies. Click play to become inspired and entertained!
Instagram: spacespiels
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Failure in Engineering w/ Dylan Johnson
4d ago00:28:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige sits down with instrumentation and controls engineer Dylan Johnson to talk about his journey in engineering. The conversation dives into his relationship with failure, work-life balance, and the misconceptions many people have about engineers. Dylan shares how embracing mistakes helped shape both his career and the way he supports the people around him. This episode is an honest and encouraging conversation about resilience, uncertainty, and trusting that even when doors seem to close, things can still work out exactly the way they’re meant to. Connect with Dylan!
Transcribe →From Army to Artemis w/ Matthew Landon
Apr 1300:35:16Tap to summarizeMatt does not speak for the U.S. Army, government, or NASA. All views are our own.In this episode, Paige sits down with Matthew Landon, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, to talk about his path in the military and aerospace world. Matt shares how his background in intelligence, education, and leadership shaped his perspective. The conversation highlights powerful lessons on trusting your instincts, embracing difficult challenges, and choosing passion over external expectations. He reflects on moments of imposter syndrome, the importance of staying genuine and approachable, and why being yourself is ultimately your greatest advantage. Matt also reflects on unforgettable moments – like witnessing an Artemis launch – and leaves listeners with grounded advice on growth, self-belief, and not taking life too seriously.Connect with Matt🚀🚀🚀Disclaimer: My personal social media communications only reflect my personal views and do not represent the views of my employer or associated organizations.
Transcribe →My Imposter Syndrome Experience and How I Overcome it
Mar 3000:22:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige opens up about her personal experience with imposter syndrome and 4 tips that help her overcome it. She breaks down what imposter syndrome is, why so many students in STEM struggle with it, and how it manifests in her. Paige shares honest stories from her time at USC, including academic challenges, self-doubt, and the pressure of being surrounded by top performers. She gives practical strategies for overcoming these feelings, emphasizing community, self-awareness, and learning how to succeed in a way that is both challenging and sustainable. Listen now for a vulnerable and helpful conversation!Connect with me!
Transcribe →Art and Space w/ ORBES CEO Anna Shaposhnik
Mar 1600:29:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige sits down with Anna Shaposhnik, founder and CEO of ORBES, to talk about her path into the space industry. Anna shares how her interdisciplinary education at USC’s Iovine and Young Academy allowed her to combine art, design, and engineering while working hands-on at the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab as both a machinist and visual design lead. She reflects on her experience at the startup Orbit Fab and what it was like balancing work while still in school. Now leading a company of her own, building robotic workers for space stations, Anna discusses what it’s been like learning to be a CEO right after graduating and why putting yourself in challenging situations is key to growth. The conversation explores creativity in engineering, taking initiative in your education, and building the future of space through collaboration.Follow Anna!
Transcribe →Year One in Aerospace: Anne Weber
Mar 300:31:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige sits down with aerospace engineering student Anne Weber to talk about her journey into the space industry and finding confidence in a challenging field. Anne shares how Hidden Figures, an inspiring high school speaker, and a visit to Kennedy Space Center helped her realize a career in aerospace was truly attainable -- even after initially doubting whether she was “smart enough.” She opens up about transitioning into college, tackling difficult physics courses, and what it’s like working on the avionics team for The Buckeye Space Launch Initiative. Anne also explains her unique minor in Science and Engineering in the Public Interest and how it shapes the way she thinks about engineering’s broader impact. Click listen for an honest look at how Anne is finding her place in aerospace!Connect with Anne!
Transcribe →Confidence and Career Leaps w/ theplanekate
Feb 1600:32:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige has a down to earth conversation with Flight Test Engineer Kate Gunderson! She reflects on her best day at test pilot school and the differences between life as a student, a NASA engineer, and now a full-time flight test engineer. Kate dives into how she decided to leave a dream job to chase an even bigger one: choosing growth over comfort. The conversation also covers confidence in technical spaces, balancing ambition with relationships, and how running strengthens Kate’s mindset in aerospace. This conversation is REAL, inspiring, and applicable!!
Transcribe →Answering YOUR Aerospace Questions
Feb 200:28:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige answers YOUR questions about her background, aerospace, and advice. She shares how she got into space, along with her high school journey. Paige breaks down the differences between aerospace, mechanical, and astronautical engineering while discussing the real pros and cons of the field. She also responds to questions about struggling with math, choosing between engineering and astrophysics, and navigating uncertainty in your career path. This episode is packed with practical advice for students who are finding their place in space.Find my socials here
Transcribe →The Astrophysicist Variant of Elle Woods: Dr. Clary
Jan 1900:24:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige sits down with astrophysicist Dr. Clary Rizzo to talk about her journey from childhood curiosity to direct imaging of exoplanets. They explore how early research experiences shaped Clary’s path. Clary opens up about embracing femininity in the space industry and navigating what it means to be taken seriously while staying true to herself. She shares what life looks like now as a postdoctoral researcher at Caltech/JPL and what excites her most about her work. The conversation closes with heartfelt advice on kindness, perseverance, and finding the people who make the hard moments worth it.Check out thatastrogirlie here!
Transcribe →Networking 101 with Flight Controller Jack Tanner
Dec 2300:36:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Jack Tanner, a fellow flight controller, and I have an unapologetically real conversation about networking in engineering. He shares his “networking origin story,” and breaks down three practical networking steps for beginners. He shares animated stories of awkward moments and lessons learned, revealing how initiative and kindness are the foundation of networking. We close by mentioning our networking pet peeves, with an emphasis on the importance of specificity and authenticity. Enjoy this episode!!Connect with Jack on LinkedIn here!Disclaimer: My personal social media communications only reflect my personal views and do not represent the views of my employer or associated organizations.
Transcribe →Building Knowledge and Confidence: Emily Hesby
Dec 800:22:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Paige sits down with aerospace engineer Emily Hesby. Together, they unpack the challenges and rewards of dedicating years to a student propulsion team, including how to grow one's confidence. Emily also shares stories from her SpaceX internships -- including her first impressions of Starbase -- and what truly sets exceptional interns apart.Connect with Emily!
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