The BeEngaged Podcast

EP20: Space Policy w/ Thomas Zimmerman

How do we govern space in a world that looks nothing like 1967? In this episode of The Be Engaged Podcast, host Michelle Harper—space industry vetran —sits down with Thomas Zimmerman, former Senior Policy Advisor to the NASA Administrator and expert in international space policy, to explore the evolving future of space diplomacy and governance.

Together, they unpack:

🚀 The limitations of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty
🌐 What the Artemis Accords mean for peaceful global exploration
🛰️ NASA's surprising role in soft-power diplomacy
💼 The shift from federal roles to independent space consulting
🤖 How AI and emerging technologies intersect with global space missions
🎬 Plus—yes, Star Trek references in policy meetings are a real thing

This episode is for space leaders, policy professionals, technologists, and anyone passionate about space sustainability, global partnerships, and the future of commercial and civil space.

🔊 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we engage with the minds shaping the future—on Earth and beyond. @BeEngagedNow on YouTube and Insta

Episode 19: Innovation Insights w/ Suha Zehl

Suha Zehl: Mortgage Innovation, Blockchain & AI in Business

In this episode, we talk with Suha Zehl, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at Z Technology Solutions, about the future of the mortgage industry, blockchain, AI, and eCommerce. Suha shares expert insights from her work consulting companies on digital transformation and business innovation. A must-listen for leaders in fintech and tech strategy.

Episode 18: Innovative Applications; GoUpVote.com w/Kasey Clary

 

🎙️ Welcome to The BeEngaged Podcast – where we spotlight bold thinkers, innovative startups, and mission-driven leaders shaping our future.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kasey Clary, President and Co-Founder of GoUpVote.com — a powerful AI-driven civic tech platform that’s making automated, educated policy analysis accessible to all.

Kasey shares his inspiring journey from working as a congressional page to founding a digital-first company at the intersection of technology and government policy. If you're passionate about how AI is transforming public engagement, and you believe in supporting the next generation of young entrepreneurs, this episode is for you.

Stay tuned as we explore how GoUpVote is bringing transparency, innovation, and accessibility to a space that desperately needs it — public policy.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The BeEngaged Podcast for more stories from changemakers in tech, policy, and beyond.

#AIinPolicy #CivicTech #DigitalFirst #YoungEntrepreneurs #PolicyInnovation #AutomatedPolicyAnalysis #TechForGood #BeEngagedPodcast #StartupJourney #GoUpVote

Episode 17: Gen Z check-in w/ Raquel Borras

Let's hear from Gen Z with Raquel Borras! 

Raquel Borras joins The BeEngaged Podcast to explore Gen Z challenges, youth mental health, and what is shaping the next generation. She shares insights from her Gen Z podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/0a4x5vCNFwtJdhWyXF7z89?si=f4d917b17a634375] and upcoming documentary I Hear You Gen Z.

🎧 Follow @BeEngagedNow on Instagram & YouTube.

#GenZ #YouthMentalHealth #TravelEducation #RaquelBorras #BeEngagedPodcast #IHearYouGenZ

Episode 16: The Comedian w/ Matt Balaker

🎙️ New Episode: Matt Balaker — Comedy, Fatherhood & Greg Giraldo
Join me as I sit down with my good friend @mattbalakerpodcast — comedian, author of Greg Giraldo: A Comedian’s Story, and proud comedy show producer. We talk laughs, life, and what it’s like raising kids while chasing the mic.

🎧 Tune in now on the BeEngaged Podcast!

#BeEngagedPodcast #MattBalaker #GregGiraldo #StandUpComedy #PodcastEpisode #ComedyLife #DadTalk 

Episode 15: Walking Away from Abuse w/ Hanifa Nakiryowa

🎙 BeEngaged Podcast: Hanifa Nakiryowa’s Fight for Justice & Healing 🔥

In 2011, Hanifa Nakiryowa survived an acid attack by her ex-husband in Uganda. Instead of letting it break her, she turned her pain into purpose. Now, through Ceresav (👉 ceresav.org), she provides life-saving medical care and reconstructive surgery for survivors of acid violence.

💡 In this episode, Hanifa shares:
🔹 Walking away from abuse & rebuilding her life
🔹 Fighting for survivors' rights & gender justice
🔹 Partnering with Face Forward Foundation for facial reconstruction

💬 Drop a ❤️ in the comments to support Hanifa & all survivors!

#BeEngagedPodcast #HanifaNakiryowa #SurvivorToLeader #Ceresav #StopAcidViolence #WomensRights

Episode 14: International Space Station w/Astronaut Jim Reilly

Ever wondered what it’s like waiting for your ride home from space? 🛰️ Astronaut Jim Reilly joins me to talk about Butch Wilmore & Suni Williams' time on the ISS and what they must be feeling as they (hopefully!) prepare to return to Earth. 🌍

From the thrill of space walks to the geological surprises of space, Jim shares insights from his three shuttle missions and deep space expertise.

🎧 Tune in now

#BeEngagedPodcast #SpaceForAll #AstronautLife #ISS #WomenInSTEM #BackToEarth #SpaceTalk

Episode 13: Roadtrip Nation w/ Mike Marriner

What started as a cross-country journey in a bright green RV became a movement that has inspired millions! 🚐💡 We sit down with Mike Marriner, co-founder and President of Roadtrip Nation, to explore how a simple idea turned into an award-winning nonprofit reaching 85 million households through public television. Tune in to hear how Mike and his friends turned curiosity into a career—and how you can, too! 🎙️ #BeEngaged #RoadtripNation #FindYourPath