
248: Scott Holcomb: From Space Camp to the Classroom
10/12/24 • 75 min
Beth welcomes movie star and educator, Scott Holcomb! Scott shares his remarkable story from his surprise audition to his role in the industry CLASSIC film, Space Camp, and how it led him to a meaningful career in education. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Scott discusses the impact Space Camp (the movie AND the experience) has had on his life and how he’s inspiring the next generation to dream big. Tune in for behind-the-scenes tales from Space Camp, the joy of rekindling childhood wonder, and insights into fostering curiosity in today's students.
Scott shares his hilarious story about how he got a role in Space Camp and talks about his fantastic six years at the Space and Rocket Center, how his love for Space Camp inspired him to become an educator and encourage the new generation to stay curious and dream big. His passion shines through for expanding the Space Camp alumni network, especially among teachers, to keep that spark alive for future campers. About Scott Holcomb:
Scott Holcomb is a lifelong educator, former Space Camp cast member, and self-proclaimed “nerd extraordinaire.” His journey began with a surprise role in the Space Camp movie, a serendipitous experience that ignited his passion for inspiring young minds. After working for several years at the Space and Rocket Center, Scott found his true calling in education. Today, he’s an elementary school teacher who brings his love for space, science, and tech to the classroom, encouraging his students to embrace curiosity and explore their potential. Scott is also dedicated to fostering a sense of community among Space Camp alumni and actively works to connect educators with the program.
Connect with Scott:
- Twitter/X: @HideoTakamini
- Instagram: @hideotakamini
- Space Camp Alumni Chapter: Learn more about Scott’s work with the Space Camp alumni network at SpaceCamp.com.
- If you want to join a budding new Memphis, TN area Space Camp Alumni Chapter, email Scott at: [email protected]
Speaking of Movies... watch Scott in Space Camp the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH-WKqWsibs and see Beth in the trailer, and the movie, Alcohol in Space https://vimeo.com/792808522
Beth welcomes movie star and educator, Scott Holcomb! Scott shares his remarkable story from his surprise audition to his role in the industry CLASSIC film, Space Camp, and how it led him to a meaningful career in education. Through humorous anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Scott discusses the impact Space Camp (the movie AND the experience) has had on his life and how he’s inspiring the next generation to dream big. Tune in for behind-the-scenes tales from Space Camp, the joy of rekindling childhood wonder, and insights into fostering curiosity in today's students.
Scott shares his hilarious story about how he got a role in Space Camp and talks about his fantastic six years at the Space and Rocket Center, how his love for Space Camp inspired him to become an educator and encourage the new generation to stay curious and dream big. His passion shines through for expanding the Space Camp alumni network, especially among teachers, to keep that spark alive for future campers. About Scott Holcomb:
Scott Holcomb is a lifelong educator, former Space Camp cast member, and self-proclaimed “nerd extraordinaire.” His journey began with a surprise role in the Space Camp movie, a serendipitous experience that ignited his passion for inspiring young minds. After working for several years at the Space and Rocket Center, Scott found his true calling in education. Today, he’s an elementary school teacher who brings his love for space, science, and tech to the classroom, encouraging his students to embrace curiosity and explore their potential. Scott is also dedicated to fostering a sense of community among Space Camp alumni and actively works to connect educators with the program.
Connect with Scott:
- Twitter/X: @HideoTakamini
- Instagram: @hideotakamini
- Space Camp Alumni Chapter: Learn more about Scott’s work with the Space Camp alumni network at SpaceCamp.com.
- If you want to join a budding new Memphis, TN area Space Camp Alumni Chapter, email Scott at: [email protected]
Speaking of Movies... watch Scott in Space Camp the movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH-WKqWsibs and see Beth in the trailer, and the movie, Alcohol in Space https://vimeo.com/792808522
Previous Episode

247: Defending Space Through Storytelling with Stuart Hardwick
Award-winning science fiction author and friend of the show Stuart Hardwick returns to share the story behind his latest work, Tales of the United States Space Force and his passion for space defense and storytelling.
Happy WORLD SPACE WEEK! https://www.worldspaceweek.org/
We’re celebrating World Space Week with our partners, Cosmic Girls and their INCREDIBLE Space Competition announcement you DO NOT want to miss: https://www.cosmicgirls.org/
In this episode, Stuart & Beth discuss the critical importance of space defense and how science fiction plays a role in educating the public about the future of space exploration. Can fictional stories dispel misconceptions about America’s newest military service branch, the United States Space Force? Listen to hear the answer to this question, the challenges of space militarization, the role of satellites in our economy, and why protecting our presence in space is more critical now than ever.
About Stuart Hardwick: Stuart Hardwick is an award-winning science fiction author and editor passionate about blending fiction and fact to bring important topics to light. Having grown up in an Air Force family during the Apollo era, Stuart has always been fascinated by space and its role in shaping our world. His latest project, Tales of the United States Space Force, is a groundbreaking anthology that combines science fiction stories with factual articles to illustrate the need for space defense while dispelling myths about the Space Force. His work reminds listeners and readers alike that space is vital to our economy and everyday life—and must be defended.
Learn more and get a free ebook sampler at:
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it!
You can follow and share in the socials,
LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast
Facebook - @casualspacepodcast
Instagram - @casualspacepodcast
YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83
or email me at [email protected].
*Remember!!! You can send your story to space TODAY! The window for STORIES of Space Mission 03 is NOW OPEN! Send your story, for free, to www.storiesofspace.com
Next Episode

249: Chris Quigg: Exploring Grace in All Simplicity
Chris Quigg, the celebrated theoretical physicist and co-author of Grace in All Simplicity, whisks us away on a journey through the wonders of particle physics—served with a dash of poetry and a sprinkle of grace! With a talent for turning complex ideas into accessible stories, Chris shares insights from his new book and reveals the inspiration behind its intriguing title. Listen for unforgettable moments in the history of science and get a sneak peek into life at iconic research centers like CERN and Fermilab.
Thank you, Chris, for showing us how curiosity and a love for learning can transform our understanding of science and our approach to life.
About Chris Quigg: Chris Quigg has spent his career making particle physics approachable and fascinating for everyone. Having worked at world-renowned institutions like CERN and Fermilab, he’s explored fundamental questions about the universe. In Grace in All Simplicity, co-authored with Bob Kahn, Chris combines science with storytelling, inviting readers to discover the personal journeys of scientists behind remarkable breakthroughs. His warm and engaging style draws in curious minds of all ages to experience the wonder of physics.
Resources Mentioned:
- Grace in All Simplicity by Chris Quigg and Bob Kahn
- CERN Science Gateway – A new visitor center bringing science to life for the public
- Fermilab’s Lederman Science Center – An educational space for kids and families to explore the wonders of science
Connect with Chris: Twitter/X: @chrisquiggbsky.social: @chrisquigg
Check out the reviews of the book: Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03424-5 Science https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl2396.
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