Bountifull Podcast: Lindsay Kaldon
🌟 "I try to squeeze every last drop out of life that I can. If I could have two or three shots at it, I would. There’s just so much to explore." 🌟
Some people tiptoe through life—Lindsay Kaldon is not one of them. A NASA project manager, nuclear engineer, Air Force officer, pilot, and mother of four, she radiates energy and curiosity, always looking for the next frontier to push, the next challenge to tackle. From working on nuclear reactors that could power lunar and Martian bases to encouraging people of all ages to pursue their dreams, Lindsay embodies a life lived to the fullest.
In this episode, we talk about big dreams, bold risks, and the mindset that turns the impossible into reality. Lindsay shares her journey from Air Force missions to NASA’s cutting-edge space programs, why she believes it’s never too late to start something new, and how she stays focused, fearless, and endlessly excited about the future. Whether you’re chasing a big ambition or just need a reminder that life is for living, this episode will leave you inspired.
About Lindsay Kaldon:
Lindsay Kaldon is the Fission Surface Power Project Manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to joining NASA in 2023, she served as the Technical Lead and Deputy Program Manager for the Navy’s Electromagnetic Pulse Office at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. She has over 10 years working in the Department of Defense on unmanned intelligence aircraft for both the Navy and the Air Force. She began her professional career as an Air Force electronic warfare officer on the high-altitude U-2 and Global Hawk aircraft. Lindsay has a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Evansville, a professional degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering from Penn State where her research focused on radioisotope power and nuclear propulsion systems. She is a Captain in the Air Force Reserves serving within Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, NM.
Beyond her work, Lindsay is a passionate advocate for STEM education, a private pilot, and a mother of four. Her infectious enthusiasm for life and learning makes her a true force of nature—one who believes that no dream is too big and no path is ever closed.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
🚀 What it takes to power the Moon and beyond—Lindsay’s work on nuclear energy for space exploration.
💡 The power of persistence—why she refuses to give up on her dream of becoming an astronaut.
🛩️ Learning to fly at 41—why age should never stop you from pursuing your passions.
🔥 Resilience, risk, and pushing boundaries—how growing up in the military shaped her mindset.
📖 Why learning never stops—her advice for anyone who feels like it’s “too late” to start something new.
🔬 The future of space exploration—how NASA is laying the groundwork for a lunar economy.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Lindsay Kaldon: NASA project manager, nuclear engineer, and lifelong dreamer
04:12 – Growing up in a military family and learning to adapt to change
07:45 – Why it’s never too late to start something new—her advice for lifelong learning
10:30 – Becoming a pilot at 41 and why she still applies to be an astronaut
14:58 – The reality of working at NASA—what a day in her life looks like
20:40 – How nuclear energy will power the Moon and beyond
27:05 – The Artemis missions and why this generation is the “Artemis Generation”
33:14 – Overcoming fear and uncertainty—her approach to risk-taking
38:25 – The biggest misconceptions about nuclear energy and space reactors
44:30 – How NASA and the military are shaping the future of space travel
51:10 – What life has taught her about success, setbacks, and second chances
58:00 – The mantra that keeps her moving forward—what fuels her relentless optimism