Kevin Cirilli sits down with Michael "Ludes" Martindale to talk about one of the most important — and least understood — challenges facing the future of space: people.

As Education Director at the Space Force Association, Martindale is focused on building the pipeline for the next generation of space talent — from high school students to undergraduates and beyond. His mission: make space real, reachable, and relevant long before someone ever considers becoming an astronaut.

In this conversation, Martindale explains how space is no longer an abstract concept reserved for science fiction or elite pilots. Space now touches everyday life — from GPS and AI to communications, energy, and national security — and the jobs supporting it span welding, cybersecurity, data science, education, policy, and more. Being an astronaut, he says, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Kevin and Ludes explore how experiential learning, hands-on programs, and workforce development can help young people see themselves in the space economy — whether they grow up in Silicon Valley, Washington, DC, or rural America. They also discuss how pop culture sparks curiosity, why “space-collar jobs” are already here, and how today’s industrial revolution is opening doors most people don’t even realize exist.

This episode is a reminder that the future of space won’t be built by a few heroes in orbit — it will be built by millions of people on Earth who finally understand that space is already part of their lives.