NASA’s Lindsay Kaldon on Powering Space, Chasing Dreams, and Living Without Limits

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🌟"I try to squeeze every last drop out of life that I can. If I could have two or three shots at it, I would. There’s just so much to explore." 🌟Some people tiptoe through life—Lindsay Kaldon is not one of them. A NASA project manager, nuclear engineer, Air Force officer, pilot, and mother of four, she radiates energy and curiosity, always looking for the next frontier to push, the next challenge to tackle. From working on nuclear reactors that could power lunar and Martian bases to encouraging people of all ages to pursue their dreams, Lindsay embodies a life lived to the fullest.In this episode, we talk about big dreams, bold risks, and the mindset that turns the impossible into reality. Lindsay shares her journey from Air Force missions to NASA’s cutting-edge space programs, why she believes it’snever too late to start something new, and how she stays focused, fearless, and endlessly excited about the future. Whether you’re chasing a big ambition or just need a reminder that life is for living, this episode will leave you inspired.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:🚀What it takes to power the Moon and beyond—Lindsay’s work on nuclear energy for space exploration.💡The power of persistence—why she refuses to give up on her dream of becoming an astronaut.🛩️Learning to fly at 41—why age should never stop you from pursuing your passions.🔥Resilience, risk, and pushing boundaries—how growing up in the military shaped her mindset.📖Why learning never stops—her advice for anyone who feels like it’s “too late” to start something new.🔬The future of space exploration—how NASA is laying the groundwork for a lunar economy.Detailed Timestamps:00:00 – Meet Lindsay Kaldon: NASA project manager, nuclear engineer, and lifelong dreamer04:12 – Growing up in a military family and learning to adapt to change07:45 – Why it’snever too late to start something new—her advice for lifelong learning10:30 – Becoming a pilot at 41 and why she still applies to be an astronaut14:58 – The reality of working at NASA—what a day in her life looks like20:40 – How nuclear energy will power the Moon and beyond27:05 – The Artemis missions and why this generation is the “Artemis Generation”33:14 – Overcoming fear and uncertainty—her approach to risk-taking38:25 – The biggest misconceptions about nuclear energy and space reactors44:30 – How NASA and the military are shaping the future of space travel51:10 – What life has taught her about success, setbacks, and second chances58:00 – The mantra that keeps her moving forward—what fuels her relentless optimismGuest Bio:Lindsay Kaldon is the Fission Surface Power Project Manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, leading efforts to develop nuclear reactors that will power future space missions. With over a decade of experience in military defense, nuclear engineering, and aerospace, her career spans roles in the U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, and now NASA. She holds degrees in electrical engineering, systems engineering, and nuclear engineering, and is also a Captain in the Air Force Reserves.Beyond her work, Lindsay is a passionate advocate for STEM education, a private pilot, and a mother of four. Her infectious enthusiasm for life and learning makes her a true force of nature—one who believes that no dream is too big and no path is ever closed.📖 Learn more about Lindsay’s work:🔗NASA Glenn Research CenterThe Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a bountiful life through stories of wellbeing, resilience, connection and creativity. Bountifull emerged out of a simple yet profound desire to see more joy in the world.Join the joy channel:www.bountifullworld.com/subscribe/⁠#space #nasa #inspiration #aviation #dreambig #nevertoolate #podcastepisode #science #stem #womeninstem #nevergiveup #podcast #universe #engineering #moon #characterdevelopment