🎙️ Episode Description
In this powerful first episode, host Aisha joins actress and impact leader Nadine Nicole (The Expanse) to talk about identity, inclusion, and what it really means to make space for everyone.
From personal journeys to the Citizen Astronaut Program, they explore how storytelling can spark change—and why you don’t need a STEM degree (or a perfect resume) to become an astronaut or shape the future of space.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the space industry (or any industry), this one’s for you!
đź”— Universal Inclusion Links
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/
⏱️ Time Stamps / Chapters
- 00:00 – Lights, Camera, Lift-Off
Meet Aisha and special guest Nadine Nicole as they set the stage for a podcast that’s all about making space more human.
- 01:40 – What is Space for Humanity?
Nadine explains the Citizen Astronaut Program and her involvement.
- 02:31 – Who is Aisha?
How Aisha’s roles at Universal Inclusion and Space for Humanity led to the podcast.
- 04:32 – The Power of Storytelling
DEI as human experience, not politics.
- 10:14 – Why Inclusion in Space Matters
Nadine on diversity in space, underrepresentation in media, and authentic storytelling.
- 14:31 – You Don’t Need to Be at the Top to Inspire
Uplifting voices at every career stage.
- 16:56 – Aisha’s DEI Journey
Growing up biracial in Northern Alberta and recognizing inequality early on.
- 27:49 – The Moment It Clicked
Reading Citizen Astronaut applications and realizing the impact of inclusive space access.
- 31:05 – Nadine’s Cosmic Connection
From The Expanse to Joshua Tree stargazing and global awe.
- 33:12 – Space is for Everyone
Space belongs to all of us — not just the privileged.
- 35:27 – How to Get to Space (Without a STEM Degree)
What makes a powerful Citizen Astronaut—and how anyone can apply.online.
- 41:43 – What’s Next
Teaser for Episode 02: Katia Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to fly to space.
👤 Guest Bio
Nadine Nicole is an actress, most known for her performance as Clarissa Mao on the renowned sci-fi hit The Expanse. Beyond acting, Nadine is passionate about social impact initiatives. She founded True Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and is launching The Centered Self: A Guide and Journal to Rewriting Your Life's Narrative,. A true creative Nadine is also the founder of Yari Designs, a fine jewelry brand focused on promoting diversity and women empowerment, and Shared Elegance, a circular economy fashion initiative. Stay tuned for updates on her projects as she continues to inspire through storytelling and advocacy.
đź”— Guest Links
- IG@_nadinenicole_
- IG @_sharedelegance_
- www.sharedelegance.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!