Astronaut Mike Massimino Spotlights Engineers Chasing the Impossible in New ‘Moonshot’ Podcast

Columbia Engineering has launched a new video podcast hosted by former NASA astronaut and mechanical engineering professor Mike Massimino BS’84.

“Moonshot: Engineers Achieving the Impossible,” features engaging conversations between Massimino and his guests — innovators, researchers, students, and alumni — exploring what it means to radically tackle a novel problem or overcome a seemingly impossible challenge. 

Across its six episodes in the first season, “Moonshot” features guests who have introduced a completely new approach to treating untreatable diseases, who have helped alter the fate of a slumping media industry, and who continue to see wonder and delight in engineering innovation — from AI, robotics and medicine, to aerospace, food, and entertainment. 

“Guided by our Engineering for Humanity vision, Columbia Engineering is pursuing the biggest and most ambitious ideas in pursuit of solutions to the challenges facing society today,” said Shih-Fu Chang, dean of Columbia Engineering. “We’re excited to be launching our first podcast with a focus on people who are among the best ambassadors of our vision and pushing the limits of what’s possible.”

“It has been a great experience to take a moment to learn more about the people and the stories behind the incredible work happening on all corners of engineering,” said Massimino. “Plus, we’ve had fun along the way.”

Each episode connects a lesson Massimino learned on his astronaut journey with a challenge his guest encountered on their path to success. These obstacles often defined decisions that helped shape their lives and careers. Shared between him and his guests are moments of vulnerability and achievement, whether they’ve pursued fields outside their areas of expertise or ventured boldly into completely uncharted territory. 

From space to Earth, what our host learned in orbit applies almost anywhere. Throughout the season, we get an inside look at what drives people to achieve the impossible.

“Moonshot” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Episodes can also be viewed on YouTube.