What's different about outer space today?

What's different about outer space today?

Author: Francis Tapon March 21, 2025 Duration: 16:08

Matthew Weinzierl and Brendan Rosseau are the authors of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier. The new book explains the business side of space.


Watch all four videos about Space to Grow


I interview Brendan Rousseau, one of the two co-authors.


Brendan Rousseau shares his origin story and how he ended up at Blue Origin. He discusses why space isn't what it used to be.
Watch the Video
About Brendan Rousseau 

Current Role:




  • Strategy Manager - New Glenn, Blue Origin: Focuses on orbital launch strategy.




Education:




  • Williams College: Bachelor's in Astronomy and Economics.




  • Phillips Exeter Academy: MacKenty Prize in Astronomy.




Professional Experience:




  • Harvard Business School: Teaching Fellow and Research Associate.




  • Booz Allen Hamilton: Senior Consultant supporting U.S. Space Force programs.




  • Williams College Astronomy Department: Teaching Assistant.




Publications & Awards:




  • Co-author of Space to Grow: Unlocking the Final Economic Frontier.




  • Recognized as a Payload Pioneers - 30 Under 30 and Via Satellite Rising Star.






Questions


In these podcasts, I ask them the following questions:


1. If you were an entrepreneur, what space-related startup idea would you pursue?


2. What are some of the most surprising findings from your research?


3. How do you envision the future of human habitation in space?


4. In what ways can space exploration contribute to solving Earth’s economic challenges?


5. What ethical considerations arise from expanding economic activities into space? For example, can we colonize Mars or Europa if we find non-DNA-based bacteria there?


6. What were the challenges you faced during your research?


7. How do you foresee international relations evolving as nations compete for resources in space?


8. What are your predictions for the next decade in space exploration?


9. What are your thoughts on space tourism?


10. Who is the primary audience for this book?


11. What do you hope readers take away from "Space to Grow"?


12. What's a popular vision of space exploration that probably won't happen?


13. What narratives or myths about space need to be challenged?


14. What's the percentage chance that the Kessler Syndrome catastrophe will occur in the 2020s, 2030, and beyond?


15. How can public awareness be raised regarding the importance of investing in space?


16. What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to enter the space industry?


17. In what ways might our values shift as we become a multi-planetary species?


18. What is a rarely discussed consequence of expanding into outer space?


19. If there was one message you want readers to remember, what would it be?


20. Do you want to clarify any misconceptions about the space economy?


21. What do you wish you had mentioned in the book? Perhaps some breaking news?


22. Lastly, how can interested individuals get involved or contribute to discussions around space economics? 


23. What tips do you have for co-writing a book?


24. Did you change your mind about something during your writing process?


25. Do you have action items for the audience?


Feedback

Leave anonymous audio feedback at SpeakPipe


More info

You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com.



If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! 


On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on:



My Patrons sponsored this show!


Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon


Rewards start at just $2/month!


Affiliate links

Get 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in.


Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free!


In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken


Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!


For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.



Get full access to Francis Tapon at ftapon.substack.com/subscribe

There's a certain kind of travel that changes you, not just your location. It’s the slow, immersive kind where the journey itself becomes the teacher. In WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life, Francis Tapon acts as your guide into this world, exploring how leaving familiar ground can fundamentally reshape your perspective. This isn't about quick tips or itineraries; it's about the deeper conversations that happen at the crossroads of culture, society, and personal growth. Each episode delves into how we engage with places and people, often weaving in discussions about the role of modern technology in both enabling and complicating these profound experiences. You'll hear stories and insights that challenge the conventional tourist mindset, pushing toward a more thoughtful, engaged way of moving through the world. Francis draws from a wealth of experience to discuss concepts like vagabonding and deep travel, making the case that the greatest souvenirs aren't trinkets, but transformed thoughts. Tuning into this podcast feels like sitting down with a well-traveled friend who understands that the real destination is often a shift within yourself. It’s for anyone who believes that travel, at its best, is a powerful catalyst for learning and living differently.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 388

WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life
Podcast Episodes
Do Africans Still Practice Witchcraft Or Is That A Myth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:44
Anamaria is a Tanzanian who has lived 7 months in South Africa. Since many people think that all African countries are quite similar, I asked her to compare the two countries. We also delve into:FidelityThe Tanzanian gov…
How To Make A Successful Documentary Movie About Mountains [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:57
Jennifer Peedom is a mountaineer and filmmaker who made my favorite documentary about the mountains. It's simply called Mountain. It's free for Netflix subscribers or you can rent it for $4 on YouTube:https://www.youtube…
How To Do Good & Make Money in Africa - The Anou [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:53
Most people (including Africans) would love it if Africa no longer needed charity. If Africa was able to economically stand on its own two feet, charities could focus efforts elsewhere. The planet would be better off.Alt…
How Does Nigeria Compare to Other African Countries? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
Nigeria's Election is Tomorrow!On February 16, 2019, Nigeria will pick their new president. Learn more about the Nigerian election on Wikipedia.In the 28th WanderLearn podcast episode, I interview Sharon Georgewill. She'…
Rolf Potts on Vagabonding, Souvenirs, and Getting Drunk at 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:32
Vagabonding is a seminal travel book. The author, Rolf Potts, made people realize that they don't need to settle for just two weeks a vacation every year. Rolf shows you how you can travel for two months per year or even…
When Will iinside Give Us Intelligent Airports? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
iinside is obsessed about the last kilometer at the airport. You may use Google Maps, Maps.me, or some other mapping system to figure out how much congestion there is on your way to the airport. However, the automobile t…
How To Live A Meaningful Life: Wisdom From a 66-year-old Adventurer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:09:08
Sym "Symbiosis" Blanchard has had so many adventures in his 66 years, including:Hiking half of MadagascarWalking El Camino de SantiagoThru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail (as a section-hiker)Hiked ha…
Vacasa Is A Full-Service Solution If You Have A Second Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:13
There are two types of people who should listen to this podcast:1. You have a vacation property that you'd like to rent out in a hassle-free way.2. You're looking to rent a luxurious, professionally-managed home all for…
Acting CEO of Rome2Rio Strikes a Partnership With Lonely Planet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:03
Kirsteene Phelan, Acting CEO of Rome2Rio, has a 15-minute conversation with me to discuss her company's new partnership with Lonely Planet and what it means to the average traveler.We hit on other topics, including:How i…