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PODCAST · business

Cold Star Project

by Jason Kanigan

The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before they run you over!

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Episodes

  1. REPLACEMENT: Ex-Pentagon Software Chief Says 80% of Your Job Is Already Gone

    80% of your daily workload didn’t vanish because you were laid off: it’s because autonomous software simply took over.In this episode of the Cold Star Project, we sit down with Nicolas Chaillan, the first Chief Software Officer of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. After famously walking away…

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  2. The Hard Truth About Building a Space Business | Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab

    What's the hard truth about building a space business?For years, the commercial space industry was defined by optimism. Lower launch costs, new investment, and ambitious founders created the belief that space companies could scale quickly. The reality has been far more complex.In this episode of...

  3. The New Space Race Is About Resources Not Exploration

    The New Space Race Is About Resources Not Exploration With Namrata Goswami The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 101 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan Space is no longer about exploration. The real shift is happening around resources. Water, energy, and the ability to build and...

  4. Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race?

    Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race? Nuclear reactors may be critical for the future of space exploration. But as the United States debates policy and regulation, China is rapidly advancing plans for nuclear power systems in space. From powering lunar bases to enabling deep space...

  5. Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World

    Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 99 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan What if science fiction didn’t just predict the future — but helped create it?In this conversation, we explore how post-World War II...

  6. Why the Space Force Needs a Tony Stark Acquisition Model

    Why the Space Force Needs a 'Tony Stark Acquisition Model'The Pentagon takes years to build what China develops in months. But what if the problem isn't the technology: it's the system itself?Colonel Eric Felt (ret.) spent his career inside the machine—leading the Air Force Research Lab Space...

  7. What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle?

    What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle? Nicholas Moran (The Chieftain) returns to Cold Star Project for an in-depth analysis of interwar tank doctrine development and its applications to modern space defense.Episode Focus: How seven major nations approached...

  8. Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - CSP S04E22

    Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - Interview with Joel Mozer In this revealing interview with Dr. Joel Mozer, retired Chief Scientist of the US Air Force and Space Force, discover insights reshaping America's Space Force and warfighting strategies. Based on a...

  9. NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students! [Paul van Susante] - CSP S05E08

    NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students - Interview with Paul van SusanteHow do we generate power on the Moon — and keep it running through the harsh 14-day lunar night? In this episode of the Cold Star Project, Dr. Paul van Susante of Michigan Tech shares what it really takes to...

  10. WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy [Bill Conley] - CSP S04E21

    WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy - Interview with Bill Conley How did America transform from a peacetime economy to the "arsenal of democracy" before entering WWII? In this compelling interview, Dr. Bill Conley—former Director of Electronic Warfare at DARPA…

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  11. Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage! [Mike Brown] CSP S04E20

    "Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage!" with guest Mike Brown The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 20 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan War On the Rocks article…

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  12. Meet the MASTERMINDS Behind 2025's Most Epic Space Piracy Book! [Hugh Taylor and Marc Feldman] CSP S03E03

    "Meet the MASTERMINDS Behind 2025's Most Epic Space Piracy Book!" With guests Marc Feldman and Hugh Taylor The Cold Star Project - Season 3, Episode 23 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan The Book: Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit published by John Wiley & Sons,...

  13. Mike Brown - What is the Role of Commercial Technology In Great Power Competition? - CSP S04E18

    Past Defense Innovation Unit Director, visiting Scholar at Stanford, former large tech company CEO, and current venture capitalist Mike Brown is this interview guest on the Cold Star Project. Host Jason Kanigan asks Mike about the role of commercial technology in Great Power competition. We...

  14. Tim Anderson - "A Personal 2023 Wrap-Up of the Space Industry" - Cold Star Project S02E98

    US Navy Commander and defense contractor Tim Anderson returns to the Cold Star Project to give an update on what he's seen in the space industry over the past six months. This interview has a different format than usual. Host Jason Kanigan and Tim have a relaxed conversation about talent...

  15. Rand Simberg - Let’s Talk About Safety and Building Codes In the Space Industry

    "Recovering aerospace engineer" Rand Simberg is on the Cold Star Project to discuss three space industry issues. With host Jason Kanigan, Rand elaborates on: Overvaluing "safety first" in the space industry, and his book, Safe Is Not An Option Building codes for orbital, cislunar, and BEO...

  16. Paul Rulkens - What Do Corporations Hire a High Performance Culture Coach For? - CSP S04E16

    Paul Rulkens is frequently hired by organizations looking to install or improve their high performance culture. Examples are KPMG, Nestle, Uber, Siemens, and Mercedes Benz. But what does this mean in practical terms? What are these leaders bringing Paul Rulkens in to do? Jason Kanigan of the Cold...

  17. Greg Hodgin - How Can We Create a Tech Dev Consortium In the Space Industry?

    ZC Institute founder Greg Hodgin is the guest this time on the Cold Star Project. Dr. Hodgin is assembling a tech development consortium comprised of space industry labs and researchers. How has he done it? Where does the funding come from? Host Jason Kanigan asks Dr. Hodgin: How did you get into...

  18. Michelle Hanlon - What Does Space Resource Utilization Really Mean In Space Law? CSP S02E97

    Michelle Hanlon, PhD, is a well-known space lawyer. With Jason Kanigan, host of the Cold Star Project, she discusses initiatives in space law that have happened over the past couple of years. We address these questions: What in your opinion are the major updates in space law in the past several...

  19. John Caprani - "Is Your Content an Advertisement for Your Skills?" [Social Media]-Cold Star Project

    Fellow copywriter John Caprani joins Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project. Their topic: Methods by which the social media content you post can be an advertisement for your skills. When does this work? When does it not? John and Jason dig into the answers. Questions covered include: Who is this...

  20. Robert Twiggs and Matt Craft - "What Can We Do to Educate Our Kids In Space and STEM?" - CSP S04E15

    Robert Twiggs and Matt Craft, through Twiggs Space Labs, have run pilot Space and STEM / STEAM training programs for kids through the state of Virginia. Bob Twiggs is known as the "Father of the CubSat" for his co-development of the CubeSat standard. As they expand to serve the rest of the United...

  21. Nicholas Loise - How Can You Improve Your Sales Force To Maximize Enterprise Value? - Cold Star Project

    Sales Performance Team founder Nicholas Loise returns to the Cold Star Project. He was President of Glazer Kennedy Inner Circle - GKIC/Magnetic Marketing, involved with GKIC 8 years; Owner of a Direct Response Agency and Outsourced Sales Leader Company; Adjunct Professor of Marketing, North Park...

  22. Jacob Meyer - How Can We Create Commercial Space Products with SBIRs? - Cold Star Project S05E07

    Jacob Meyer, PhD, is VP of Technology at ATSP Innovations. He has experience with SBIRs and the struggles of creating commercial products from them. Host Jason Kanigan of the Cold Star Project discusses these challenges with Dr. Meyer. USEFUL LINKS: ATSP Innovations website:...

  23. Paul van Susante - How Are We Going to Power Our First Projects On the Moon? - CSP S05E06

    Dr. Paul van Susante of Michigan Technological University, a past guest (link below), returns to the Cold Star Project. We're discussing his participation in a number of investigative projects and NASA challenges related to powering our first projects on the Moon. Host Jason Kanigan asks Paul…

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  24. Jon Reyes - How Can A Great Copywriter Help You Scale A Business From The Ground Up? - CSP S02E96

    Did you know there are people with a specific skill set who can jumpstart your business? Copywriters like Jon Reyes and Jason Kanigan have the knowledge and experience to grow your business fast. Jon Reyes has been a copywriter for many years and worked for some of the top personal development...

  25. Bill Conley - Communication and Deterrence: Concert of Europe vs. Modern Day Diplomacy? - CSP S04E14

    Bill Conley was a DARPA Program Manager, then the US Department of Defense's expert on electronic warfare for four years, and is now Chief Technology Officer at Mercury Systems. Our topic is a comparison of the 19th Century's Concert of Europe vs Modern Day's communication and methods of...

  26. Rhonda Stevenson - Can We Create A Commercial Space Industry More Quickly? - CSP S05E05

    President and CEO of Orbital Assembly Rhonda Stevenson is our guest this time on the Cold Star Project. With host Jason Kanigan she discusses the challenges of building a truly commercial space company. We cover the capabilities of Orbital Asembly, as well as Rhonda's personal efforts to build...

  27. David Driscoll - What Scaling Problems Can You Find In SBIR/STTR Product Commercialization? - CSP S05E04

    Just because you CAN create a product doesn't mean you SHOULD. What Scaling Problems Can You Find In SBIR/STTR Product Commercialization? While small batches may work in the lab, commercializing will require large quantities and unexpected issues from supply chain through chemical reactions may...

  28. Wes Schaeffer - How Does 12 Weeks To Peak Help Founders and Salespeople? - Cold Star Project S04E13

    Sales trainer Wes Schaeffer is back on the Cold Star Project, and our topic is his free 12 Weeks To Peak sales accountability program. Host Jason Kanigan participated in 2022 Q4's version and 12 Weeks To Peak has been re-released for 2023. The two sales trainers share elements and results of this...

  29. Nicolas Chaillan - "Are We In The Nic Of Time To Save America?" - Cold Star Project S04E12

    Past Chief Software Officer of the US Space Force and Air Force Nic Chaillan is back on the Cold Star Project. Over the past year, Nic has developed his own learning platform, Learn With Nic. He has also hosted his own show, In The Nic Of Time. Host Jason Kanigan asks Nic: What have you learned…

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  30. Glenn Carlson - What Is The Modern Mission of the Association of Old Crows? - CSP S02E95

    Former Air Force Lt. Colonel and instructor Glenn Carlson was president of the electronic warfare industry's Assocation of Old Crows in 2022. Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks AOC President Glenn Carlson: - Tell us about how the AOC started Tell us about your background, how you joined…

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  31. Mike Read - What Does The ISS Have To Do With The Commercialization of Space? - CSP S05E03

    Mike Read is in the role of Manager, ISS Business and Economic Development Office at NASA Johnson Space Center. But what does the International Space Station have to do with the commercialization of space? Cold Star Project host Jason Kanigan asks Mike: You have a non-engineering background yet…

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  32. Paul Rulkens - How Do We Lead And Manage Smart People? - Cold Star Project S04E11

    High performance culture expert Paul Rulkens returns to the Cold Star Project, and this time we're discussing how to manage smart people. In "brain" organizations, people have strong opinions and they're often right. So how do you lead these intelligent, educated and strong willed people to…

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  33. Jonathan McDowell - Are We Building Enough Space Infrastructure Starting With JWST? - CSP S02E94

    Harvard-Smithsonian astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell is back on the Cold Star Project, and our topic is space infrastructure. From the Deep Space Network though JWST and Starlink, host Jason Kanigan and Dr. McDowell discuss what our experience so far has been and what our priorities in the field...

  34. Becky Schultz - When Should We Be Thinking About SBIR/STTR Product Commercialization? - CSP S05E02

    CEO of Compass Technology Group LLC Becky Schultz joins host Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project, and our topic of discussion is commercialization of products developed through SBIR/STTR grant funding. Jason asks Becky: Tell us about your background and its relevance to SBIR/STTR awards What…

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  35. David Carroll - How Does Product and Customer Development Work With Phase I and II SBIRs?

    CU Aerospace President David Carroll kicks off a new season of the Cold Star Project as we discuss the challenges of productizing a new space tech invention. After the struggle of winning an SBIR, then developing the technology, what are the hurdles to commercializing the result? Host Jason…

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  36. Chris Stott - Can We Really Have Data Storage On The Moon? - Cold Star Project S02E93

    Chris Stott has created several successful space businesses and organizations. Yet when he first told me about his stealth project a few months ago, I was more than a little skeptical. Could data storage on the Moon actually work? Now that Lonestar Lunar has come out of stealth mode, Chris can...

  37. Marco Cross - Space From the Front Lines - Cold Star Project S02E92

    Marco Cross recently completed his Masters degree in space engineering at Brown University, and is now Engineering & Commercialization Advisor at Cold Star Technologies. His experience includes developing and commercalizing products, chief engineer on satellite design projects, and commercial…

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  38. Nicholas Borroz - What Are The Common Business Challenges Of Space Companies - CSP S03E21

    Space industry analyst Nicholas Borroz moved from America to New Zealand to get a PhD in International Business, and ultimately start a space consultancy. But how did he break into the field, and what has he learned about the business of space--and the approach of most space sector companies to…

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  39. Gordon Roesler - A Space Superhighway?

    In this special episode Dr. Gordon Roesler, past DARPA Program Manager and president of Robots In Space, joins Cold Star Tech's Jason Kanigan to elaborate on his idea of a "Space Superhighway". We have logistics systems on Earth, and they provide teremendous economic value: how can we have a...

  40. Arthur Alphin - Emotion vs Expertise, Precedent vs Fact: Could You Be Fooled? CSP S04E10

    We are simply not as "science-y" as we think we are. People presented to us as experts, precedent, and emotions non-factually impact our decisions--and can put the wrong people behind bars for a long time. Fashion of the moment, storytelling, and "they way we've always done things" can be enemies...

  41. Matthew Travis - Why Do We Need Environmentally Friendly Propulsion For Space Launch? - CSP S02E91

    Experienced space startup founder Matthew Travis returns to the Cold Star Project. What has his journey and pivot been like as he finds product-to-market fit in the space industry? What need is there for environmentally friendly propulsion for space launch and spacecraft? Host Jason Kanigan asks...

  42. Chris Quilty - What Makes A Good Startup In The Space Industry? - Cold Star Project S03E20

    Space industry analyst Chris Quilty joins host Jason Kanigan on the Cold Star Project to discuss what makes a good startup in the field. As a 20+ year veteran of space and satellite analysis, Chris founded Quilty Analytics in 2016. Jason asks Chris: What was it that made you realize opening your...

  43. Adam Anderson - Should I Be Looking To Fire Myself As A Space Or Defense Founder? - CSP S03E19

    Venture capitalist Adam Anderson got into the space industry by way of cybersecurity. He knows what it takes to start up successful businesses--and when to get out of your own way as the founder so the business can grow further. Host Jason Kanigan asks Adam: How did you get involved in space...

  44. John Bicknell -How Can We Think Differently About Space Domain Awareness?- Cold Star Project S02E90

    Are there new and unexpected ways to gather and interpret data in the space domain awareness field? More Cowbell Unlimited founder John Bicknell thinks so. Combining interests in operations research and national security, John looks to develop valuable predictive insights. Cold Star Project host...

  45. Nicolas Chaillan - What’s Happening With DevSecOps In The DoD? - Cold Star Project S04E09

    Nicolas Chaillan is the past Chief Software Officer for the US Space Force and Air Force. He lead a number of software initiatives in the US Department of Defense (DoD) and has demonstrated an impressive ability with project and change management. Host Jason Kanigan asks Nic: For those who…

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  46. Eric Felt - What Is The State of Space And US National Security With AFRL/NM? - CSP S02E89

    Director of the Air Force Research Lab/New Mexico's Space Vehicles Directorate Col. Eric Felt joins us for a discussion of US national security and the state of the space industrial base on this episode of the Cold Star Project. Host Jason Kanigan asks Col. Felt: In your talk earlier this year at...

  47. Shelli Brunswick - How Does Advocacy And Mentorship Influence The Space Industry? - CSP S02E88

    The COO of Space Foundation, Shelli Brunswick, is our guest on this episode of the Cold Star Project. After a successful Air Force career Shelli has taken on many mentorship and influencer roles in the space industry. But how impactful are advocacy and mentorship roles in space? Host Jason…

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  48. Eva Blaisdell "Lady Rocket" - How Does A Brand Personality Impact The Space Industry? - CSP S02E87

    As "Lady Rocket", Eva Blaisdell has developed a brand personality in the space industry. She brings relevancy to space for regular people through education and events. In this episode of the Cold Star Project, host Jason Kanigan asks Lady Rocket: How and why did you pick the “Lady Rocket” brand?...

  49. Basuti Bolo - How Is The Space Industry Impacting Southern Africa? - Cold Star Project S02E86

    Basuti Bolo is a space educator in Botswana and Zimbabwe. In this episode of the Cold Star Project, host Jason Kanigan explores the state of the space industry in Southern Africa by asking Basuti: What was your experience growing up, and how did you get involved with STEM? What path did you take…

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  50. Daniel Penaranda - What Is The ISU-FIT Commercial Space Program Like? - Cold Star Project S02E85

    Space business development and aeronautical engineering pro Daniel Penaranda is on the Cold Star Project to share his experience in International Space University - Florida Institute of Technology's (ISU-FIT) Commercial Space Program. This graduate level course prepares participants for the...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before they run you over!

HOSTED BY

Jason Kanigan

CATEGORIES

business

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Cold Star Project have?

Cold Star Project currently has 250 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Cold Star Project about?

The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before...

How often does Cold Star Project release new episodes?

Cold Star Project publishes regularly with 250 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to Cold Star Project on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Cold Star Project?

Cold Star Project is created and hosted by Jason Kanigan.
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