Bountifull Podcast

• Lessons from a NASA Scientist on Curiosity, Failure, and Staying the Course

  “So much of what’s meaningful about science is the process of discovering something that nobody else knew.”What can the universe teach us about being human? For astrophysicist and NASA program scientist Joshua Pepper, the answer lies in curiosity, contribution, and learning to sit with the unknown. In this episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we talk about exoplanets, randomness, and the emotional realities of life in science—from funding cycles and impostor syndrome to the joy of a good spreadsheet. Joshua reflects on the long arc of discovery, the privilege of asking big questions, and why we should make time to look up.This is an episode about wonder and meaning, but also one about endurance. Because sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about answers—it’s about the people you meet, the questions that stay with you, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.✨ Episode Highlights🌍 How Randomness Shapes Our Paths – From unplanned encounters to last-minute applications, Joshua talks about the role of luck, openness, and decision-making in his life and career.🛰️ What a NASA Program Scientist Actually Does – A behind-the-scenes look at Joshua’s role supporting researchers, managing grants, and helping guide missions like KELT and LEAP.🪐 Exoplanets, Time, and Big Questions – Why the search for planets beyond our solar system isn’t just scientific—it’s philosophical. Joshua explains what these distant worlds can teach us about scale, meaning, and hope.💭 The Emotional Reality of Science – We talk about mental health in academia, impostor syndrome, and what it takes to stay committed to long-term research that may not be recognised for decades.🧠 What Curiosity Feels Like – Joshua shares what lights him up about spreadsheets, problem-solving, and the joy of discovering something truly new.⏳ Living on a Longer Timeline – Reflections on working in a field where timelines stretch across generations—and why it’s still worth it.Guest Bio:Dr. Joshua Pepper is a NASA Program Scientist and Associate Professor of Physics at Lehigh University. He supports several major space science initiatives, including the TESS mission (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), the Exoplanet Exploration Program, and NASA’s Open-Source Science Initiative. Josh co-founded the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT) project, which has discovered more than two dozen exoplanets, and helped build the TESS Input Catalog guiding NASA’s search for new worlds. His work blends curiosity, discovery, and a deep commitment to exploring the universe through science.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful and joyful life through meaningful conversations with interesting people from diverse backgrounds. This week, Joshua Pepper, a NASA Program Scientist and astrophysicist, joins us to explore the intersection of curiosity, discovery, and resilience. From exoplanets to impostor syndrome, Joshua reflects on the emotional realities of life in science, the endurance it takes to keep asking big questions, and why sometimes a bountiful life isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the unknown and continuing the journey. This episode reminds us that meaning can be found in the questions we ask, the people we meet, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.

  --------  

  58:47

  --------

  58:47
• From Elite Athlete to Everyday Joy: Zara Davidson on Reinvention

  “I wanted more stuff that felt like it was mine.” Zara Davidson’s life has been defined by excellence — elite basketballer, top of her class, and a rising force in AI. But behind the accolades is a story of transition, questioning, and quiet reinvention. In this episode, she opens up about the intensity of her athletic and corporate years, the quarter-life unraveling that followed, and the slow, tender process of rediscovering joy through Pilates, friendship, and shell-painting on the beach. Zara reminds us that identity isn’t fixed — it’s shaped, stretched, and sometimes surrendered.Zara’s journey invites us to reimagine success not as achievement, but as ownership — of time, energy, and joy. She shows us that a bountiful life isn’t found in the grand gestures, but in the intentional details: planking in your living room, spotting bunnies on your morning walk, or making something with your hands just for the fun of it. Through her honesty and humour, she nudges us to let go of who we think we should be, and instead ask: What actually feels like mine?🎧 Episode Highlights – Zara DavidsonRedefining identity after high achievement Zara shares what it was like to step away from elite sport and a fast-paced tech career, and how she began to rediscover who she was beyond being “good” at things.From burnout to bunnies and Pilates She opens up about her quarter-life crisis, the slow process of creating space for joy, and how simple practices like outdoor walks and creative hobbies helped her reconnect with herself.“You never regret a swim.” Zara reflects on the healing power of nature, movement, and the outdoors — and why going for a swim is her go-to reset.Letting go of the ‘shoulds’ She discusses the pressure of external expectations, and how she’s learned to ask: “Do I want to do this, or do I just feel like I should?”The power of play, presence, and non-performance Whether it’s surfing, crafting, or Pilates, Zara now chooses activities that feel good — not ones she has to be great at. Her shift from performance to presence is a major theme in this conversation.Guest Bio: Zara Davidson is a high-performing technology sales professional and former professional athlete whose career bridges the worlds of elite sport and cutting-edge innovation. Zara is an accomplished technology Sales Executive with a track record of helping Fortune 500 companies leverage generative AI-powered solutions to achieve digital transformation. Her expertise lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human-centric technology, with a focus on selling innovative, impactful AI SaaS solutions that create engaging customer experiences.Most recently, she played a pivotal role at Soul Machines, where she closed the largest deal in company history and generated over 80% of total revenue in a single year. Known for her ability to connect across strategic, technical, and human dimensions, she’s collaborated with global leaders at Microsoft, AWS, Google, and more. Before entering the tech world, Zara represented New Zealand on the international basketball stage and competed at the NCAA Division I level. About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast is all about exploring how to live a joyful, purpose-driven life. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to dive into themes like personal growth, emotional wellness, and creativity. In this episode, Zara Davidson, former elite athlete and tech professional, opens up about her journey of reinvention. From navigating burnout and stepping away from the pressure of high achievement, Zara shares how she found joy in the simple, intentional details of life—like Pilates, nature walks, and creative hobbies. Her story reminds us that success isn’t just about performance, but about choosing joy, embracing change, and letting go of external expectations to reconnect with what truly matters.

  --------  

  1:02:47

  --------

  1:02:47
• Curiosity, Compassion, Cosmos: A NASA Engineer’s Story of Resilience

  “There isn’t one rote path that you have to take to reach a goal... it’s okay to meander a little bit and live life and kind of explore.”For Agnar Hall, the journey to NASA wasn’t linear—it was layered. In this episode, he opens up about stepping away from a PhD, working at Starbucks while healing from fibromyalgia, and embracing his identity as a transgender man. With gentle candour and sharp insight, Agnar talks about what it’s like to rewire your definition of success while still holding onto your dreams. We touch on space science, social dynamics, and the subtle bravery of taking the long way home.There’s something deeply relieving about Agnar’s outlook. He offers a map that doesn’t require urgency or perfection, only honesty and small acts of momentum. His story reminds us that meaning doesn’t arrive fully formed—it’s built through slow pivots, quiet reckonings, and friendships that feel like gravity. If you’ve ever questioned the plan you were handed or felt behind in your own timeline, this conversation is a balm.🎧 Episode Highlights Growing up in Houston with a dream to study space from age twoWhat a systems test engineer at NASA actually does Living with fibromyalgia while building a career in scienceLeaving a PhD program, working at Starbucks, and redefining “success”Exploring gender identity and transitioning during grad schoolThe emotional weight of names, myth, and kindnessFriendship, humour, and what really matters at the end of the dayWhy “titles” and urgency don’t define worth—and what doesWhat the universe can teach us about being humanThe value of speaking up when you finally have the power to be heardGuest Bio: Agnar Hall is a Systems Test Engineer at NASA and a cosmologist at heart. With a deep-rooted passion for the structure and origins of the universe, his research has spanned galaxy clusters, high-redshift gas structures, and feedback processes in distant galaxies. He holds a Master's degree from New Mexico State University and a B.A. in astronomy from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he worked on both optical and X-ray observational studies. Agnar has contributed to research at institutions like LASP and NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and his current work involves testing the software systems that support human spaceflight.About Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores the power of purpose, personal growth, and living with intention through real stories and actionable wisdom. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds—from scientists and entrepreneurs to creatives and leaders—to dive into themes like identity, resilience, and the importance of embracing your unique path. This week, Agnar Hall, a NASA Systems Test Engineer, shares his remarkable journey of redefining success and building a life full of meaning through small steps and quiet courage. From battling fibromyalgia to transitioning during grad school, Agnar’s story reminds us that success doesn’t follow a straight line, and that purpose is often built through life’s twists and turns.https://bountifullworld.com/

  --------  

  50:26

  --------

  50:26
• The Mindset You Need to Build Financial Freedom with Pascal Wagner

  “A bountiful life is driven by action, not by money.” — Pascal WagnerWhat does it really mean to be financially free—and how do you know when you have enough? In this powerful conversation, Pascal Wagner shares his journey from startup founder to investor, unpacking the mindset, strategies, and personal challenges that shaped his relationship with money. From accumulating and managing $8.5 million in assets to caring for his mother after his father’s death, Pascal offers a grounded, honest look at wealth, responsibility, and growth.His worldview is clear and unapologetic: clarity compounds. He doesn’t sugar-coat the emotional labour of responsibility or the discipline required to build something sustainable. What he offers is a model of financial literacy rooted in values, resilience, and focus. Not chasing the next big thing—but doing the small things right, over and over. Instead of glorifying outcomes, Pascal brings it back to process. He’s not selling a dream—he’s offering a strategy. His story challenges us to ask: how do I want to live? And what kind of thinker do I need to become to get there?🎯 Episode HighlightsHow Pascal generates $265K/year in passive income—and what it actually takes to get thereWhat “enough” looks like when your goals keep shifting and your responsibilities growWhy financial freedom is built on focus, consistency, and letting go of the need to do it all yourselfPascal’s biggest lessons from managing his family’s inheritance after his father passed awayThe importance of community and mentorship in both wealth building and emotional resilienceReal talk about diversification, asset allocation, and the danger of concentrating everything in one placeA reframe of money as just one form of capital—alongside time, relationships, and learningGuest Bio: Pascal Wagner is a former venture capitalist turned passive investor who built a $250K+/year portfolio through 30+ investments. As a VC at Techstars, he deployed $150M into 300+ companies, where he learned how top financial institutions analyze deals, manage risk, and make smart investment decisions—skills he now uses to help others build wealth.Today, he educates 200K+ investors monthly as a host on the Best Ever CRE Podcast network, sharing strategies to create six-figure passive income portfolios through real estate and alternative investments. His approach helps investors build a financial roadmap, evaluate deals, and access pre-vetted institutional-grade opportunities to accelerate their path to financial freedom.Want to start building your own six-figure passive income portfolio? Get started at PassiveInvestingStarterKit.comAbout Bountifull PodcastThe Bountifull Podcast explores how to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life by diving into the real stories of entrepreneurs, investors, and creatives. Host Sian Simpson connects with interesting people from diverse backgrounds to discuss personal growth, financial literacy, emotional resilience, and living with intention. Whether it’s learning about wealth-building strategies, finding balance in your life, or creating long-term sustainability, each episode offers actionable insights to help you build a more bountiful life. This week, Pascal Wagner shares his journey from startup founder to passive investor, offering wisdom on financial freedom, responsibility, and the power of focus.https://bountifullworld.com/

  --------  

  1:04:18

  --------

  1:04:18
• Knowledge, Power and the Female Internet with Emma Bates

  What do you build when the world around you wasn’t designed with you in mind? For Emma Bates, the answer was Diem - a social search engine and online community where women’s lived experiences are turned into collective knowledge and wisdom. In this week’s episode of the Bountifull Podcast, we sit down with Emma to talk about entrepreneurship, building what you wish existed, the value of asking better questions, and why access to the right information - information that reflects who you are and what you need - can be life-changing.We explore the power of community, information, and lived experience; how to thrive in a world that often isn’t designed for you; and how to build a business and a life on your own terms. For Emma, that’s meant dedicating her work to closing the gender information gap and making the internet a less lonely place for women and marginalised groups.We also talk about what living a bountiful life means to Emma, why she avoids working weekends even while running a high-growth, funded startup, how she thinks about prioritisation, and how she’s working on healthier rhythms. Episode Highlights🔍 Redefining Search – Emma shares the vision behind Diem: a social search engine inspired by how women have exchanged knowledge for generations—through stories, shared experiences, and community.🧠 Information That Reflects You – We explore how access to the right information—information that’s shaped by context, care, and lived experience—can empower better decisions and deeper connection.🌍 Building What You Wish Existed – Emma talks about noticing a gap and turning it into a mission: designing a digital space that feels more human, inclusive, and aligned with everyday life.The Importance of Real-World Search Contexts – Emma shares why traditional search engines often fail to deliver relevant answers, particularly for women’s lived experiences, and how Diem is designed to change that.🤝 Community as a Superpower – From group chat energy to shared wisdom, we look at how Diem creates space for honesty, curiosity, and connection - especially around topics you'll find in a group chat but not on the internet. Advice for Managing Pressure as a Founder – Emma talks about setting boundaries, like not working weekends, and prioritising mental health even while running a fast-paced, venture-backed startup.✨ What Living a Bountiful Life Means to Emma – For Emma, a bountiful life means having the time and space to be present, enjoy what you’re doing, and not feel pulled in a million directions.Guest Bio: Emma Bates is the CEO and co-founder of Diem, a social search engine and platform focused on women and non-binary individuals, aiming to address the gender information gap. She is a marketer and community builder with experience in fast-growing consumer brands and a background in social media, blogging, and community management. Bates is a passionate advocate for gender equity and equality, with a mission to foster real connections and create inclusive online platforms that celebrate women and non-binary people. About the Bountifull Podcast: The Bountifull Podcast explores what it means to live a fulfilling life, one conversation at a time. We have extraordinary guests from diverse backgrounds all contributing to our understanding of what it means to live a bountiful life.

  --------  

  50:39

  --------

  50:39

More Society & Culture podcasts

Trending Society & Culture podcasts

About Bountifull Podcast