In The Loop

Our Podcast

In our podcast, we host conversations with leaders and innovators that continue to push the boundaries of technology and scientific discoveries. From discussions centered around Hyperloop, Space, Rocketry, Future Tech, and much more, we feature talks that inspire innovation in an all kinds of sectors

*Our intro music is “Astronaut Beach House” by The Everyday Astronaut.

Season 1

Episode 1 - Javier Bonilla

In our first episode, sat down with Javier Bonilla. Javier was the team’s head of business from 2018 - 2020. He had a strong vision for the team and helped get it to where it is today. He now works as a Fraud Analyst at Glovo in Barcelona.

Published February 1st, 2021

Episode 2 - Michael McDaniel

In our second episode, we had a chat with Michael McDaniel. Michael is an award winning designer, team builder, and a top level problem solver. Michael currently works as head of design for ICON, an Austin-based technology company using 3D printing robotics, software and advanced materials to advance humanity. ICON recently received funding from NASA to develop a space-based construction system to support future exploration of the Moon.

Published February 8th, 2021

Episode 3 - Dr. Bob Metcalfe

Episode 3 is an especially exciting one, where we had the opportunity to hang out with Dr. Bob Metcalfe. Dr. Metcalfe is credited with inventing and commercializing Ethernet, which forever changed how computers communicated with each other. Dr. Metcalfe then went on to start multiple companies, and in 2005, Metcalfe received the United States National Medal of Technology. Metcalfe is now Professor of Innovation here at UT, helping the next generation make an impact.

Published February 17th, 2021

Episode 4 - Dr. Leon Vanstone

In Episode 4, we will be joined by another one of UT’s own. Dr. Leon Vanstone is a Rocket Scientist, Aerodynamic Engineer, and Science Communicator. He is the director of the Texas Rocket Engineering Lab, and is a lecturer in rocket system design, fabrication, test and launch.

Published February 22nd, 2021

Episode 5 - Josh Giegel

In Episode 5, we are bringing it back to Hyperloop. We sat down with Josh Giegel, who is leading one of the most exciting companies in the Hyperloop industry, Virgin Hyperloop. Josh has worked at many different rocket companies, from NASA to SpaceX and Virgin Galactic. He then went on co-found Virgin Hyperloop where he is currently CEO.

Published March 1st, 2021

Episode 6 - Gary Bond

Gary Bond will be joining us for episode 6. Mr. Bond worked for Boeing for 26 years, becoming a technical fellow there then joining Solvay as a Technical Fellow in 2020. Gary’ composites specialist, a USAF veteran, and creator of LaminateLife.com. In his free time you can find Gary up in the sky in his Grumman AA-5B Tiger.

Published March 8th, 2021

Episode 7 - Paul Sean Hill

For episode 7, we will be hanging out with Paul S. Hill. Paul Hill spent 25 years with NASA developing space station construction techniques, and supported 24 missions as a Flight Director, including Space Shuttle and ISS missions. Paul then served as the Director of Mission Operations for Human Spaceflight for 7 years. Paul is now an author and speaker, applying his Mission Control expertise to help create high-performing teams.

Published March 15th, 2021

Episode 8 - Vik Parth

In episode 8, Vik Parth will be coming on the show. Vik Parth was the team captain of award-winning MIT Hyperloop II team, and he is currently the Director of Innovation and Product Strategy at Arrow Electronics Research Affiliate at MIT. His work has been featured at MIT, Wired Magazine, The University of Texas at Austin, TEDx and SXSW.

Published March 22nd, 2021

Episode 9 - Dr. Moriba Jah

In Episode 9, Dr. Moriba Jah shares his expertise with the team. Dr. Jah is the top expert in the field of Space Debris. He is leading an international effort to preserve humanities access to space, and has helped visualize the problem by creating AstriaGraph. He has previously supported Mars missions at JPL as a spacecraft navigator and is an avid science communicator.

Published April 5th, 2021

Episode 10 - Ben James

Ben James is a seasoned product leader and entrepreneur who is passionate about mixed and augmented reality systems, electric transportation, and education. He was one of the original members of Texas Guadaloop and is a self declared "Mad Scientist," always tinkering and building things. We always love chatting with Ben and he has some great stories!

Episode 11 - Amiee Quon

Amiee Quon is a UT alumna who now works at JPL. Amiee has worked on a number of robotic missions, most recently being the Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, as a chamber test engineer. Amiee is also involved in the National Community College Aerospace Scholar program where she mentors community college students and helps open them up to the world of space and robotics.

Season 2

Episode 1 - Matt Ondler

Mr. Ondler has served 28 years with NASA, starting in the Advanced Programs Office and eventually becoming the assistant director of Engineering at the Johnson Space Center. After NASA, Matt started his own robotics company, Houston Mechatronics, and joined Axiom Space as Chief Technology Officer. At Axiom, Matt is helping develop the worlds first commercial space station and paving the way for new industry in space.

Published September 2nd

Episode 2 - Tom Markusic

In this special episode David was able to go to Firefly Aerospace, just north of Austin in Cedar Park, to sit down with Founder and CEO Tom Markusic. Tom is one of the most experienced leaders in the aerospace industry, having previously worked as the Vice President of Propulsion at Virgin Galactic, Senior Systems Engineer at Blue Origin, Director of the Texas Test Site and Principal Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX. This one was super special for us and we appreciate Firefly for letting us come say hi!

Published November 22nd