Casey Handmer and Christine Corbett Moran are Ph.D. physicists working at NASA JPL who happen to be married to each other. In Skylab they discuss their hobbies outside of work while going on scenic drives in their electric car, a Tesla Model 3.
In this wide-ranging episode, Casey and Christine dive deep into leadership transitions, complex systems, and the art of managing large-scale projects. Christine discusses her new role as Head of Engineering at a Series D startup, managing 60+ people and Casey discusses the counterintuitive challenges of scaling teams. Christine shares her synthetic biology progress, building an orbital shaker from scratch and exploring the intersection of hardware and biotech. The conversation spans from ancient Roman infrastructure projects to modern space exploration, touching on hiring challenges, the value of going to primary sources, and why some historical civilizations came tantalizingly close to industrial revolution but never quite made the leap.Arabian Sands by Wilfred ThesigerNow It Can Be Told about the Manhattan ProjectWhat Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall GoldsmithAccelerate by Nicole Forsgren, Jez Humble, and Gene KimRadical Candor by Kim ScottPlayground - Contemporary science fiction novel about seasteading and AIClimbing Gold - Alex Honnold's podcast (featuring Vitaliy Musiyenko's Sierra traverse story)Conversations with Tyler - Tyler Cowen's interview showLex Fridman Podcast - Episodes with Jeff Wasserstrom (China scholar) and Tim Sweeney (Epic Games)The Complete History & Strategy of Standard Oil (Part I) (Acquired)Founders Podcast - Episodes on Jeff Bezos shareholder letters, Jim Simons, John D. Rockefeller, and Estée LauderHow Andreessen Horowitz Disrupted VC & What's Coming Next (Ben and Marc Discussions)The DER Task Force - Distributed energy resources podcast (Jesse Peltan episode)Main Engine Cut Off - Space industry podcast T+303: The Trump 2024 Transition (with Mark Albrecht)The Almost-Industrial Revolutions of Rome and China Cost of Glory - Ancient history podcast (Julius Caesar series)Circuit Playground Express - Adafruit electronics learning boardAda Fruit Orbital Shaker Tutorial - DIY lab equipment projectThinking by My Wits - Website featuring Scholar Alex Jones's literary works
In this episode, Casey recounts his recent trip to Australia to visit family and friends, while Christine shares her experience running a lemonade stand fundraiser for their children's preschool. They discuss ongoing technical and creative projects, explore the challenges of educational systems for exceptionally bright children, and reflect on various books they've been reading. The conversation weaves through topics of metallurgy, neurodiversity, programming languages for kids, and the future of space exploration.Neurotribes Exceptionally Gifted Children Superconvergence Now It Can Be Told Secret CodersFounders Podcast: Michael DellComplex Systems: Fixing Government Tech With Mikey Dickerson Complex Systems: Power In Local GovernmentAdafruit: Orbital Shaker
SummaryIn this week's episode, Casey and Christine discuss their weekend family adventures, including picnic table remodeling, bike maintenance, and trips to the local airport and climbing gym. They explore their experiences with AI toys for children, microwave modification projects, and dive into deeper conversations about human intelligence, biology experiments, and aging research. The discussion ranges from reflections on their honeymoon in Cuba to thoughts on economic growth, education, and the potential of technological advancement to solve fundamental human problems.LinksAsterix comics - Comics that Casey enjoyed as a child and now reads with his childrenNow It Can Be Told by Leslie Groves - About the Manhattan ProjectThe Prodigy's Cousin - Book about links between autism and childhood prodigiesNeuroTribes - Book about autismAcquired podcast episode on Epic - Healthcare software companyGompertz mortality lawDino - Magical Toys [AI powered toy]Paperclip Maximizers and Squiggle Maximizers
Bronze Sword Replication Project - Inspired by a 3,400-year-old bronze sword found in South Central Germany in 2023Lost PLA Method - Similar to the lost wax method for metal castingCybertruck Experience - Family rented and drove Tesla's CybertruckGlowing yeast experimentCRISPR experimentDNA athleticism gene testingVoyage of the Southern Sun - Book by Michael Smith about flying around the world in an ultralight aircraftLike War - Book about social media's impact on global politics and warfareAbundance by Ezra Klein - Audiobook being listened to by hostsAcquired Podcast - Episode on MeituanRadiohead - Music being enjoyed in the biology labHeracles and the Trojan War - Historical/mythological reference point for the bronze sword eraNon-alcoholic beers - Athletic Brewing, Partake, and Sober Carpenter brands mentioned
Show NotesTerraform's new blog post - Casey's Terraform 2.0 announcement and job postingsPalladium Magazine - Why Starship Matters - Casey's article on what Starship meansBeast Academy - Math enrichment programUNSW Math Enrichment - University math problemsModern Relationships Podcast - Agnes and Arnold - Episode with Agnes and Arnold discussedYour Undivided Attention - Cult deprogramming - Podcast on cult deprogrammingDwarkesh Podcast - Scott Alexander - Scott Alexander's first podcast appearanceSituational Awareness blog - Leopold's blog on AI safetyChristine's create a home biolab blogpost updateChopin Nocture in C-sharp minor, Op. Posthum.
In this week's episode, Christine and Casey dive into their recent adventures and intellectual pursuits. Christine shares highlights from Jeff Bezos' exclusive MARS conference (Machine learning, Automation, Robotics, and Space), including fascinating encounters with colossal mammoth revival efforts, fusion energy breakthroughs, and quantum consciousness theories. Casey discusses his explorations in creating custom watch faces for his new Garmin device. The conversation expands into thoughtful discussions on education systems around the world, examining Finland, South Korea, and America's approaches to gifted education, teacher quality, and standardized testing. They debate college admissions philosophies, curriculum rigor, and the value of challenging young minds with unsolved problems. The episode concludes with reflections on media consumption, journalism ethics, and the importance of truth-seeking in reporting.MARS Conference - Jeff Bezos' invite-only event focusing on Machine learning, Automation, Robotics, and SpaceColossal - Company working on woolly mammoth de-extinction through genetic engineeringZAP Energy - Fusion energy company using Z-pinch technologySignal Messaging - Mentioned in context of recent news coverageThe Smartest Kids in the World by Amanda Ripley - Examining education systems in Finland, South Korea, and PolandGenius Denied by Jan and Bob Davidson - About education for gifted studentsThe Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller (not recommended by hosts)Longitude by Dava Sobel - Historical account of the longitude problemSharing Space by Cady Coleman - Autobiography of NASA astronautThe Voyage of the Southern Sun by Michael Smith - Account of recreating the historic flying boat route from Australia to EnglandThe Tech God Complex: Why We Need to Be Skeptics - PodcastAcquired Rolex Episode - Episode on Rolex No, poor people aren't funding your credit card rewards (Complex Systems Podcast) - Patrick Mackenzie's podcast on payment systems and complex systemsOff-Nominal and Main Engine Cut Off - Space industry podcastsTilt Parenting- TPP 178: The Davidson Institute on Supporting & Educating Profoundly Gifted Children - Podcast about raising neurodivergent kidsThe Davidson Institute - Resources for gifted educationMagnus Carlsen Interview on Lex FridmanCustomizing Monkey C SDK for wearable devicesBeast Academy (from Art of Problem Solving) - Math curriculum for advanced studentsThe Collatz Conjecture - An unsolved mathematical problem discussed when talking about challenging gifted students
This week, hosts Casey Handmer and Christine Corbett Moran share stories from their recent family road trip to Las Vegas for a cousin's wedding. They discuss the efficiency of Vegas weddings, touring the Hoover Dam and its impressive Art Deco design, and experiencing the technological marvel of The Sphere. The conversation explores engineering history through the lens of Henry Kaiser's accomplishments, biohacking experiments, professional achievements, and Casey's ongoing Mars terraforming project. Sure Thing Wedding Chapel in Las VegasTouring the Hoover Dam and learning about its Art Deco architectureVisiting the Great Unconformity geological formationExploring the National Atomic Testing MuseumExperiencing The Sphere and its "Postcard from Earth" show by Darren AronofskyDiscussion of Western Colossus (Kaiser biography)Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (book club selection; Christine does not recommend though)Bayesian Conspiracy podcast - "Super Babies" episodeFounders Podcast - Henry Kaiser EpisodeCost of Glory PodcastModern Relationships podcast with Eric Weinstein
Show notes:Bento Lab - Portable DNA analysis lab with centrifuge, gel electrophoresis, and PCR machineBio Bits - Kits for demonstrating protein synthesis with fluorescent indicatorsShannon-Hartley theorem - Information theory concept discussed related to signal transmissionRock climbing for kids - REI resource about climbing with childrenThe Martian - Book referenced during discussion of radio communications from MarsJoule-Thomson effect - Physics concept mentioned regarding gas expansionBlue Ghost lunar lander - Recent moon landing discussedStarship test flights - SpaceX's Starship development programErica DeBenedictis' work - Research on microbial tolerance to Martian environmentsMoving Mars - Science fiction book by Greg BearHabit Chaining - Productivity concept mentionedIKEA Poäng chairs - Mentioned as ideal reading chairsStreet Parking - Modified CrossFit workout program Christine usesThe French Laundry Cookbook - High-end cookbook Christine purchasedAfter Meat - Book about bioreactor technologyAcquired Podcast: Lockheed Martin episode - Podcast Christine is listening toBanff Mountain Film Festival - Film festival they attended with their childrenThe Weirdest People in the World - Book by Joseph HenrichGuns, Germs, and Steel - Book by Jared DiamondThe Machiavellians - Book by James BurnhamHis Majesty's Dragon - Historical fantasy novel with dragonsRed Mars - Book by Kim Stanley Robinson about Mars colonization28C3 Cellular protocol stacks for Internet (Harald Walte) - (Video)How to Set Up a Home Biohacking Lab for Education - Christine's blogpost
In this week's episode, we explore Christine's new adventures in biohacking and home biology experiments, including plans for a PCR machine and DNA analysis. Casey shares detailed insights from his recent visit to SpaceX's Starbase, discussing the facility's impressive growth and the technical challenges of Mars colonization. The conversation weaves through topics from DNA structure to educational approaches for children, while touching on historical figures and the evolution of dating technology.Links:Lost in Math by Sabine HossenfelderBeast Academy - Math education programThe Amoeba Sisters - Biology education resourcesBento Lab - Portable DNA analysis laboratoryBiotechnology 101Bacterial CRISPR and Fluorescent Yeast Combo Kit BioBits - Educational biology kitsSpaceX Starbase - SpaceX's launch facilityEveryday Astronaut's Starbase TourDwarkesh Podcast with Jeff DeanTSMC Founder Interview on AcquiredValentine's Day reflections: single women in STEM into single men in STEMHenry ParkesScientific Concepts:Histones - Proteins that help organize DNAKaryotype - Chromosomal displayPCR Machine - DNA/RNA amplification technologyGel Electrophoresis - DNA/RNA separation technique
Nuclear Reactors for Mars and Career Management (W6 2025)In this rain-soaked LA episode, Casey and Christine explore diverse topics from nuclear reactor design for Mars bases to the evolution of AI capabilities and career advice. The conversation weaves through Finland's unique energy landscape, the challenges of seasonal power storage, and innovative solutions using sand for thermal storage. They discuss the intersection of AI and professional development, share insights on productivity consulting, and debate the optimal size for growing engineering teams. The episode wraps with reflections on personal productivity systems and recent media consumption.Energy & Infrastructure [00:05:00]AI & Technology [00:35:00]Career Development & Management [00:55:00]Productivity & Business Growth [01:15:00]Links https://liberationlabs.comIndustrial Biotechnology Commercialization Handbook, How to make proteins without animals and fuels or chemicals without crude oilAcquired, Microsoft Volume IIhttps://modernrelationships.fmFirst Landing Master and Commander seriesStuff you should have been taught in college but weren't (Casey Blog)Productivity Consultation (Christine)
In this wide-ranging discussion, Casey and Christine explore recent projects and interests, from Mars launch window calculations to precision fermentation technology. The conversation covers space exploration, particularly SpaceX's Starship development and its implications for Mars colonization. They discuss Christine's renewed newsletter project, language learning preparations, and her exploration of alternative protein technologies. The episode also touches on topics like personal productivity systems, piano practice, and reflections on hardware startups versus software development. Books:Clean MeatWriting Irresistible Kid LitIntermezzo by Sally RooneyFive Levels of GiftedThe Wild RobotPodcasts:80,000 Hours - Alternative Proteins EpisodeAcquired - LVMHAcquired - NintendoAcquired - HermèsComplex Systems Podcast - 2024 Year in Review with Sammy CottrellMusic:Jan Lisiecki's Performance Chopin's Nocturne in C-sharp minorAbout Chopin's Nocturne in C-sharp minorCompanies & Organizations:Good Food InstituteSpaceXBYD (Build Your Dream)Y CombinatorBeehiivTechnical References:Liberty Ships & Richmond Shipyards Historical InfoPrecision Fermentation Technology Overview
Re:Productivity Podcast - Week 3, 2025 In this episode, Christine and Casey discuss their recent evacuation experience during the LA wildfires, exploring themes of emergency preparedness, community resilience, and the aftermath of natural disasters. They share personal insights about family dynamics during crisis situations, reflections on urban planning and fire prevention, and their impromptu journey to Palm Springs and the Salton Sea, weaving together discussions about infrastructure, technology, and parenting. "The Salton Sea lives rent free in my brain. When it's full, it's 240 feet below sea level, but historically, that's an anomaly. Over the last 1000 years, it was actually mostly full – and by full, I mean 40 feet above sea level. Like really high up. You can see the water line. It would go from completely full to completely dry in about ten years. And then remain dry. You stand on the edge of it, and you think this is not a puddle – it's a sea. The shoreline is 110 miles. For an absolute environmental festering hellhole, it was actually pretty nice. And now we're thinking: what if we turned it into the world's largest swimming pool?" Media and Books mentioned: Watch Duty app Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Becoming Trader Joe by Joe Coulombe The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown The Settler Sea by Traci Brynne Voyles Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green Live Players podcast Complex Systems podcast Acquired podcast (Microsoft episode one and Microsoft episode two) Chopin's Nocturne in C sharp minor The Los Angeles Wildfires are Self Inflicted blogpost by Casey Handmer
Re:Productivity Podcast - Episode 1, 2025 Summary In our first episode of 2025, we dive into our recent activities, from 3D printing train whistles to exploring the complexities of hardware manufacturing and global supply chains. We discuss parenting in the digital age, share thoughts on the limitations of school-provided technology, and debate the future of manufacturing and strategic resources. The conversation ranges from technical deep-dives into Mars colonization literature to practical discussions about New Year's resolutions and the challenges of running hardware startups. We also touch on historical infrastructure projects, vaccine development, and the evolving landscape of global industrial production. Show Notes Books & Media Mentioned: Arabian Sands by Wilfred Thesiger Red Mars (and the Mars Trilogy) by Kim Stanley Robinson Seven Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy by Hamilton Helmer Becoming Trader Joe by Joe Coulombe Three Habit Chaining — Productivity concept Acquired Podcast episodes: IKEA Amazon Walmart Kids Educational Resources: Beast Academy (Art of Problem Solving) Ubuntu for kids' computing Historical Documentaries: Building the Hoover Dam Liberty Ships & the Richmond Shipyards Projects & Technology: 3D printed train whistle designs The Salton Sea restoration project Signal Messaging PGP Key Management
Christine Corbett Moran and Casey Handmer discuss a fascinating blend of parenting, productivity, and ambitious projects in this episode of Re:productivity. They delve into Casey's involvement in decoding ancient scrolls, highlighting the painstaking process of using cutting-edge AI and imaging technology to uncover lost texts. The conversation transitions into ambitious visions for addressing water scarcity in the American West through large-scale desalination projects, with dreams of terraforming new lakes and cities.Christine shares her ongoing project to design an AI-powered hardware device for kids, blending interactive learning with innovative robotics. Reflecting on their parenting journey, they highlight the joys and surprises of raising three children, and the ways additional kids can enhance family dynamics.The duo also explores broader themes, including the inefficiencies of bureaucracies, lessons from historical urban design, and the potential for future AI applications in parenting and societal problem-solving.Books, blogs, podcasts, and websites discussed:Poor Charlie's Almanack by Charles T. Munger — A collection of speeches and talks by Charlie Munger, offering insights into his investment strategies and life philosophies. View on AmazonNever Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro — A dystopian novel exploring the lives of students at a mysterious boarding school, delving into themes of memory, identity, and the ethics of human cloning. View on AmazonHenry J. Kaiser: Western Colossus by Albert P. Heiner — A biography detailing the life of industrialist Henry J. Kaiser, known for his significant contributions to shipbuilding and construction during World War II. View on AmazonCadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water by Marc Reisner — An examination of water management in the American West, discussing the environmental and political challenges associated with water scarcity. View on AmazonAcquired Podcast — A show that delves into the stories behind companies, exploring how they were built and the lessons learned along the way. Visit Acquired.fm. Episodes: IKEA, Amazon, MARS, AWSCasey's Blog Posts — Explore Casey's WritingGalaxy Zoo (Crowdsourced Citizen Science) — A platform that enables the public to assist in classifying galaxies, contributing to scientific research in astronomy. Explore the Zooniverse and Galaxy Zoo
From the challenges of raising curious kids to scaling Mars simulations and building hardware prototypes, hosts Christine Corbett Moran and Casey Handmer dive into a whirlwind of creativity, productivity, and life as parents on a mission. Whether it's simulating space elevators, exploring AI for kids, crafting non-alcoholic cocktails, or hiking with heavy weights at night, this podcast is a deep dive into the intersection of parenting and innovation. Featuring discussions on tech, philosophy, books, and the occasional digression into shipbuilding history or chess strategies, this episode is par for the course in the Corbett-Handmer household. Tune in for updates, insights, and plenty of laughs. Links and Resources Mentioned: Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson (Amazon ) Green Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson (Amazon) Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne (Amazon) Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller (Amazon) Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger by Charles T. Munger (Amazon) Acquired Podcast (Website) Founders Podcast (Website) OpenAI (Website) Data Button (Website) Chess.com (Website) Henry J. Kaiser - Explore his life and contributions (Wikipedia)
Today I talk with Kara Linse Buckley https://www.karabuckley.com/about, Kara currently works with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties, representing commercial rights for Team USA and LA 2028 where she develops innovative new commercial strategies to help athletes and sponsors. Kara is also a mom of 2. In this episode we chat how the arc of the pandemic and global climate has shaped our relationship to productivity, work, and our families while speculating about the changes the future may bring. Editing note: Kara's audio for the first 8 minutes is a little more challenging than the rest of the podcast. Stick with us, it gets better, and I'll get better at phone call recording next time!
The past few weeks I've focused on writing as a hobby, switching up my approach to creative writing to keep in a routine. With world events I've also been reflecting on what it means to focus on such minor-in-the-scheme of things activities. I've also coined a term "post-precedented times", to indicate unprecedented times, without hope of return to normalcy.
In this episode I review what has worked for me so far in 2022 in terms of bringing changes that meet me at where I am in my life, and take me to where I want to go. To do that I've had to increase reflection, find new catalysts, change the units on my habits, bundle them, unbundle them, track them, and sometimes change the intensity. I've come a long way even in a month or so, and you can join me for my journey and take inspiration (or lessons learned) to yours.
Re:Productivity is the parenting and productivity podcast for parents with goals
Christine talks media that energizes and relaxes with a focus on books. JP calls in with a question: how to fit in reading after the so called "witching hour" --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Christine and Teagan chat parenting newborns in this unique pandemic environment, and transitioning back to professional work after a newborn. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Christine and Casey talk logistics of creating a family holiday letter, tradeoffs with childcare before and during the pandemic, and considerations regarding COVID and kids. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Christine and Dr. Shanying Cui talk parenting, exercise, research goals, and team management in the New Year.
We talk about recent productivity reads, New Year's intentions, and self publishing. We talk about baby sleep and toddler playtime.
We talk electronic music and unicyling and parenting in the pandemic in our first podcast post parenting! Since we last talked we've had two children.
In this episode we discuss Casey's recent book on Mars industrialization and Christine's progress learning Mandarin Chinese on a roadtrip to Sequoia National Forest --- Casey Handmer and Christine Corbett Moran are Ph.D. physicists working at NASA JPL who happen to be married to each other. In Skylab they discuss their hobbies outside of work while going on scenic drives in their electric car, a Tesla Model 3.
In this episode, we give an update on the mason bees we were raising, talk about custom built drones, and kung fu over a road trip to the hills of Sierra Madre. We don't get the chance to discuss it, but we also saw a bear! --- Casey Handmer and Christine Corbett Moran are Ph.D. physicists working at NASA JPL who happen to be married to each other. In Skylab they discuss their hobbies outside of work while going on scenic drives in their electric car, a Tesla Model 3.
In this episode we discuss geology and quantum computing while on the way back from our road trip to Horseshoe Meadow. --- Casey Handmer and Christine Corbett Moran are Ph.D. physicists working at NASA JPL who happen to be married to each other. In Skylab they discuss their hobbies outside of work while going on scenic drives in their electric car, a Tesla Model 3.
In this episode, we discuss geology and raising mason bees on a road trip to Fossil Falls. --- Casey Handmer and Christine Moran are Ph.D. physicists working at NASA JPL who happen to be married to each other. In Skylab they discuss their hobbies outside of work while going on scenic drives in their electric car, a Tesla Model 3.
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