239: Through These Doors - Diallo Wallace
08/24/24 • 45 min
Ever wonder what sparks a lifelong passion for space in someone?
In this episode of the Casual Space Podcast, Beth Mund teams up with Chris Key and Josh Whitfield for an uplifting chat with Diallo Wallace—a naval aviator turned high school teacher who’s all about inspiring the next generation of space lovers.
Diallo’s story starts with a bang—literally—as he recounts how watching the Space Shuttle launch in 1981 changed his life forever. From dreaming about being a truck driver or paleontologist to becoming a naval aviator with a deep love for space, Diallo’s journey is full of twists, turns, and a whole lot of passion.
Now, as a high school teacher, Diallo is on a mission to show his students that there’s more to space than just being an astronaut. He’s all about highlighting the cool jobs like flight directors and engineers that make space exploration possible. And he’s not stopping there—Diallo is a big believer in giving back. He’s using his experiences and connections to mentor young people, helping them chase their dreams in the space industry.
Tune in to hear Diallo’s inspiring story, his thoughts on the power of mentorship, and why he believes that the future of space exploration lies in the hands of the next generation. Whether you’re a space geek or just love a good story, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: @casualspacepodcast
Facebook: Casual Space Podcast
YouTube: Casual Space Podcast
About:
Diallo Wallace
Diallo Wallace is a dedicated educator, former naval aviator, and lifelong space enthusiast. His passion for space began in 1981 when he watched the Space Shuttle launch, igniting a dream that led him to a career in aviation. Now, as a high school teacher, Diallo inspires the next generation, encouraging students to explore careers in space beyond just becoming astronauts. Through his mentorship and outreach, Diallo is committed to giving back, ensuring that young people have the opportunities to pursue their dreams in the space industry. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us on social media using: #CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors. Interested in Space Camp? Visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp
The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern.
Calling all Cosmic Social Media buffs looking to get practical experience or become an intern in a dynamic non-profit organization that will send a girl to space! The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern to help us get our content out to all via our various social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube). Join the team and become Cosmic! Cosmic Girls Foundation
Ever wonder what sparks a lifelong passion for space in someone?
In this episode of the Casual Space Podcast, Beth Mund teams up with Chris Key and Josh Whitfield for an uplifting chat with Diallo Wallace—a naval aviator turned high school teacher who’s all about inspiring the next generation of space lovers.
Diallo’s story starts with a bang—literally—as he recounts how watching the Space Shuttle launch in 1981 changed his life forever. From dreaming about being a truck driver or paleontologist to becoming a naval aviator with a deep love for space, Diallo’s journey is full of twists, turns, and a whole lot of passion.
Now, as a high school teacher, Diallo is on a mission to show his students that there’s more to space than just being an astronaut. He’s all about highlighting the cool jobs like flight directors and engineers that make space exploration possible. And he’s not stopping there—Diallo is a big believer in giving back. He’s using his experiences and connections to mentor young people, helping them chase their dreams in the space industry.
Tune in to hear Diallo’s inspiring story, his thoughts on the power of mentorship, and why he believes that the future of space exploration lies in the hands of the next generation. Whether you’re a space geek or just love a good story, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: @casualspacepodcast
Facebook: Casual Space Podcast
YouTube: Casual Space Podcast
About:
Diallo Wallace
Diallo Wallace is a dedicated educator, former naval aviator, and lifelong space enthusiast. His passion for space began in 1981 when he watched the Space Shuttle launch, igniting a dream that led him to a career in aviation. Now, as a high school teacher, Diallo inspires the next generation, encouraging students to explore careers in space beyond just becoming astronauts. Through his mentorship and outreach, Diallo is committed to giving back, ensuring that young people have the opportunities to pursue their dreams in the space industry. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us on social media using: #CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors. Interested in Space Camp? Visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp
The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern.
Calling all Cosmic Social Media buffs looking to get practical experience or become an intern in a dynamic non-profit organization that will send a girl to space! The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern to help us get our content out to all via our various social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube). Join the team and become Cosmic! Cosmic Girls Foundation
Previous Episode
238: Through These Doors - Melanie Sinohni
Ever wonder what it’s like to push past your limits in an environment designed to challenge and inspire you?
In this episode of Casual Space, Beth Mund, along with co-hosts Chris and Joshua, shares another powerful story from the "Through These Doors" series. This time, we hear from Melanie, a former camper who attended Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SIVIS).
Melanie shares what it was like to connect with other visually impaired students for the first time, the thrill of overcoming fears, and how Space Camp has left a lasting mark on her life. She talks about the unforgettable mentors Jim Allen and Dan Oates, who were instrumental in her journey, and the importance of stepping into leadership roles—even when it's daunting.
Whether you’re curious about how Space Camp can transform lives or just love a good story of personal growth, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: @casualspacepodcast
Facebook: Casual Space Podcast
YouTube: Casual Space Podcast
About:
Melanie Sinohui
Melanie is a passionate space enthusiast and a former participant of Space Camp, where she embraced challenges that pushed her out of her comfort zone. Although she initially considered herself a "B plus" participant, Melanie's experiences at camp taught her the value of purposeful leadership and teamwork. She reflects on her time at Space Camp with humility and insight, recognizing the importance of following and leading in new, unfamiliar situations.
Melanie firmly believes in never underestimating the people around you, especially the power and potential of youth. Her journey through Space Camp has instilled in her a deep appreciation for teamwork dynamics and its critical role in achieving successful outcomes—whether in space exploration, military aviation, or everyday life. Melanie's story is a testament to the growth that comes from stepping into new experiences and learning when to take initiative and when to support others.
Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us on social media using: #CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors. Interested in Space Camp? Visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp
The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern.
Calling all Cosmic Social Media buffs looking to get practical experience or become an intern in a dynamic non-profit organization that will send a girl to space! The Cosmic Girls Foundation is looking for a new Social Media Coordinator Intern to help us get our content out to all via our various social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube). Join the team and become Cosmic! Cosmic Girls Foundation
Next Episode
240: Through These Doors - Jennifer Heldmann
What drives someone to pursue a lifelong career exploring the cosmos?
In this episode of Through These Doors, Chris Key, Josh Whitfield, and Beth Mund sit down with Dr. Jennifer Heldmann, a NASA planetary scientist whose passion for space began at Space Camp and led to a groundbreaking career at NASA.
Jennifer’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Jennifer's story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams, from her first plane ride to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, to earning a PhD in planetary science. In this episode, she recounts her experiences at Space Camp, where she first realized that a career in space wasn’t just a dream but a tangible goal. Jennifer takes us through her exciting work at NASA, including her contributions to Mars exploration and the search for life beyond Earth.
Throughout the conversation, Jennifer reflects on the impact Space Camp had on her life and career, offering valuable advice to young and mid-career professionals on pursuing their passions in the space industry. She also shares her thoughts on the potential discovery of life on Mars and how it could fundamentally change our understanding of the universe.
Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a space enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will motivate you to reach for the stars.
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: @casualspacepodcast
Facebook: Casual Space Podcast
YouTube: Casual Space Podcast
About:
Dr. Jennifer Heldmann
Dr. Jennifer Heldmann is a Planetary Scientist in the Division of Space Sciences & Astrobiology, Planetary Systems Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. Heldmann studies the Moon with a focus on improving our understanding of lunar volatile deposits as well as focusing on lunar geology. She works on spacecraft missions to study ice on the Moon (e.g., NASA’s LCROSS & VIPER missions) and leads teams analyzing data, creating numerical models, conducting field campaigns, and developing cutting-edge hardware and software tools for future planetary mission applications. Heldmann also supports NASA’s Artemis program by providing scientific input and astronaut training to optimize scientific exploration of the Moon on crewed missions.
Have you attended Space Camp or been inspired by similar stories? We’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us on social media using: #CasualSpace and #ThroughTheseDoors. Interested in Space Camp? Visit: https://www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp
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