The Space Revolution with Rick Tumlinson

In this thought-provoking episode of The Space Revolution, host Rick Tumlinson sits down with space architect and strategist Brent Sherwood to challenge some of the biggest assumptions in space exploration. From NASA and Artemis to Mars, the Moon, commercial space stations, and the future space economy, Brent introduces his “Four Futures” framework—a way of thinking that separates exploration, settlement, tourism, and space-based industry into distinct paths instead of treating them as the same goal.
Along the way, the conversation explores why returning to the Moon may be more important than racing to Mars, why near-Earth asteroids deserve far more attention, and what humanity still doesn’t know about living—and eventually thriving—beyond Earth.
In the second half of the conversation, Brent shares his remarkable journey from aspiring architect to Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Blue Origin, along with the mentors and experiences that shaped his vision for humanity’s future in space.
Whether you’re a lifelong space enthusiast or simply curious about where humanity is headed next, this episode offers a fascinating look at the big-picture thinking behind our next giant leaps.
Topics include:
Brent Sherwood’s Four Futures model
Why exploration and settlement are not the same thing
The case for returning to the Moon before Mars
Near-Earth asteroids and the future of space resources
Closed ecological life support and living sustainably in space
Commercial space stations and the emerging space economy
Brent’s career at Boeing, JPL, and Blue Origin
The mentors who influenced modern space development
See more at https://www.aureliainstitute.org/brent-sherwood
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about the people, ideas, and movements shaping the next chapter of human exploration, subscribe to The Space Revolution and join us each week for conversations with the pioneers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and visionaries building humanity’s future in space.
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your Go To Place in the Galaxy for Space News, Culture, Entertainment and Music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
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Have we been thinking about humanity’s future in space all wrong?
What if the technologies that carry us beyond Earth are only half the story—and the real challenge is who we become along the way?
In this episode of The Space Revolution, Rick Tumlinson welcomes Samantha Tauber (VNCCII)—Creative Polymath, Space Diplomat, and author of Made in Energy, the first novel in her VNCII trilogy—for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of creativity, storytelling, and human consciousness in building humanity’s future beyond Earth.
Together, they explore why artists belong alongside engineers, why space exploration should inspire us to look inward as much as outward, and how culture, imagination, and authenticity may become some of humanity’s greatest assets as we expand into the cosmos.
You’ll hear them discuss:
Why humanity doesn’t have to become perfect before becoming a multi-planetary civilization
The relationship between space exploration, personal growth, and the Overview Effect
How storytelling and science fiction inspire the future long before technology catches up
Samantha’s vision for space diplomacy and using creativity to unite people across cultures
The inspiration behind Made in Energy, the first book in her VNCII trilogy, and her long-term creative vision
Why independent creators and artists have an essential role in shaping humanity’s future in space
Why finding your authentic voice may be one of the greatest contributions you can make—to Earth and beyond
Whether you’re passionate about commercial space, science fiction, the Overview Effect, human potential, or the future of civilization, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to build humanity’s future beyond Earth.
Learn more about Samantha Tauber, Made in Energy, the VNCII universe, and her work at https://www.samanthatauber.com.
If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about the people, ideas, and movements shaping the next chapter of human exploration, subscribe to The Space Revolution and join us each week for conversations with the pioneers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and visionaries building humanity’s future in space.
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your Go To Place in the Galaxy for Space News, Culture, Entertainment and Music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

What if one of humanity’s boldest climate solutions isn’t on Earth at all?
 
On this episode of The Space Revolution, Rick Tumlinson sits down with Morgan Goodwin of the Planetary Sunshade Foundation to explore a radical idea: using giant space-based sunshades to help cool the planet. A longtime climate advocate, former Mayor of Truckee, California, and former Sierra Club Angeles Chapter director, Morgan brings a rare blend of environmental leadership and big-picture thinking to the future of space.
 
From solar sails and climate science to asteroid resources and planetary-scale engineering, this conversation asks a fascinating question: could space technology help humanity buy time in the fight against climate change?
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

The Space Revolution isn’t just about rockets—it’s about who leads the charge.
In this episode, I sit down with rising space industry force Kimberly Washington, CEO of Deep Space Biology, for a powerful conversation on science, inclusion, and what it really takes to open the frontier.
From her roots in Georgia to her vineyard in Napa, Kimberly brings brilliance, boldness and taste to the movement. She's championing the role of biology in space and lifting up the next generation through her inspiring Girls in Space Club.
She’s a renaissance woman. A rebel. A Spacer.
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

It's Time for a New Mantra: "Space is for All" with Robert S. Katz, CEO & founder of World Innovation Network (WIN)
The title “space visionary” gets thrown around a lot in this industry, but in today’s episode of “The Space Revolution,” Rick Tumlinson sits down with a true Space Visionary: Robert S. Katz, CEO & founder of World Innovation Network (WIN).WIN is a technical think tank and an international credentialed non-governmental organization that is brining the importance of recognizing Space as a sustainable develop goal to the United Nations.
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

The Dream & Promise of Star Trek with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, President Roddenberry Entertainment
In this episode of “Space Revolution,” Rick Tumlinson and special guest, Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, engage in a thought-provoking conversation exploring Rod’s unique experiences and philosophies shaped by his Star Trek legacy. They discuss the influence of Rod’s father, Gene Roddenberry, and delve into the broader implications of Star Trek’s cultural and ethical themes, emphasizing the importance of diversity and forward-thinking in shaping a better future.
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

Creature Comforts in Space with Samuel Coniglio, Retro-Futurist & Author "Creature Comforts in Space"
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

Is it Ok to Bury People on the Moon? with Charlie Chafer, Owner Celestis: Memorial SpaceFlights
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

AI in Space with Bryan Talebi , Founder Ahura AI
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.
c

What's Going on with Space Culture & Media? with Charles Black, Founder & CEO of Sen
 
Don't miss The Space Revolution on iRoc Space Radio!  
Listen live on iHeart Radio Mondays & Thursdays 8AM & 8PM PST
The Space Revolution podcast is produced and distributed exclusively by
iRoc Space Radio
Your go to place in the galaxy for space news, culture, entertainment and music.
For access to the full mind blowing line up,
visit us at iRoc Space Radio or listen on iHeart Radio.