The Burn Sequence

About The Burn Sequence

The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

Publisher

United Launch Alliance

Category

science · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Jun 2025

Latest episode

22 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Dec 2025

   Episode 11: Santa Claus

   This holiday season, Santa joined us for a special episode with the elves keeping careful watch to ensure no North Pole secrets were revealed. Santa Claus shares insights into the logistics of delivering gifts around the world in one night. He discusses the blend of efficient planning, navigation, and the sprinkle of Christmas magic that makes it all possible. Tory and Santa explore the similarities between Christmas operations and rocket science, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, joy, and the spirit of collaboration. As the conversation unfolds, Santa reflects on the future of Christmas logistics, the significance of generosity, and personal touches in celebrations, culminating in a light-hearted lightning round of questions. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

2. 

   4 Dec 2025

   Episode 10: Destin Sandlin

   Tory Bruno and Destin Sandlin explore the fascinating world of rocket science and engineering. They discuss Destin's journey from a mechanical engineer to a prominent STEM communicator on YouTube, emphasizing the importance of integrity, problem-solving, and effective communication in technical fields. The dialogue delves into complex topics such as orbital mechanics, the physics of conflict, and the future of space exploration, all while maintaining a light-hearted and insightful tone. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us. Also available on Apple & Spotify.

3. 

   24 Nov 2025

   Episode 9: Rob Meyerson

   Tory Bruno and Rob Meyerson discuss the potential of harvesting natural resources from space, focusing on the Moon and helium-3. They explore the importance of sustainability, the engineering challenges of space mining, the legal frameworks surrounding space resource ownership, and the role of government in supporting these initiatives. The discussion highlights the urgency of establishing a domestic source of helium-3 for quantum computing and the broader implications for national security and economic growth. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us. Also available on Apple & Spotify.

4. 

   11 Nov 2025

   Episode 8: Butch Wilmore

   Tory Bruno and astronaut Butch Wilmore discuss the significance of space exploration, sharing personal experiences from their careers. They delve into the intricacies of rocket launches, the importance of human safety in spaceflight, and the teamwork required for successful missions. The discussion also touches on the future of space exploration, including the challenges of Mars missions and the role of technology in advancing human capabilities in space. Wilmore reflects on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and the people who have supported him along the way. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

5. 

   7 Oct 2025

   Dr. Miles Yu

   The Burn Sequence: A podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us. Dr. Miles Yu: A senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, Director of the China Center, and the host of China Insider. For decades, he has analyzed the Chinese Communist Party’s doctrine, its military strategy, and how Beijing views global competition. Miles is one of the sharpest voices on China’s strategy and military doctrine, and if you’ve heard him before, you know he brings clarity and candor to some of the toughest questions we face as a nation. On this episode, Tory and Miles cover a lot of ground from China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific, what a conflict over Taiwan might mean in space, and how the US should be think about resilience and deterrence. Episode 7: Tory Bruno and Dr. Miles Yu discuss the growing threat posed by China, particularly in terms of military buildup, strategic competition, and the importance of Taiwan. They explore China's perspective on space and warfare, its regional ambitions, and the implications of the Belt and Road Initiative. The discussion also touches on the nature of Chinese governance and economy, and concludes with a hopeful outlook for the future of the Chinese people.

6. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Episode 6: Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

   This episode features Tory Bruno and Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen who served as NASA’s Science Mission Directorate associate administrator from 2016 to 2022, leading one of the most ambitious periods in the agency’s history. During his tenure, NASA launched and managed groundbreaking missions like the Perseverance rover on Mars, OSIRIS-REx which just returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, the Parker Solar Probe mission, which has taken us closer to the Sun than any spacecraft in history, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Z is known not only for championing bold missions, but also for pushing NASA to take smart risks, embrace innovation, and inspire a new generation of explorers. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

7. 

   4 Sept 2025

   Episode 5: Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno

   She helped build the U.S. Space Force. She was the first woman general officer in its history. Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno joins Tory Bruno to discuss deterrence, the origins of the U.S. Space Force, and the importance of leading the space domain against China. Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno was one of the first officers to take launch seriously as a career path. She went on to help stand up the United States Space Force, becoming one of its founding leaders and shaping how we think about space as a true warfighting domain. A true pioneer, she was the first woman to serve as a general officer in the Space Force, and during her tenure as director of staff at Space Force headquarters, she helped build the foundation of America's newest military service. Over her career in the Air Force and Space Force, she’s commanded Space Wings, led the second largest operations group in the Air Force, led a squadron, and been at the forefront of missile warning, space surveillance, and strategic operations.

8. 

   19 Aug 2025

   Episode 4: Amanda Bacchetti

   Vulcan isn’t just another rocket. It’s America’s most advanced launch system. Guest Amanda Bacchetti joins The Burn Sequence to break down the story of Vulcan. The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

9. 

   1 Aug 2025

   Episode 3: Jeff Armstrong

   The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

10. 

    8 Jul 2025

    Episode 2: Jim Bridenstine

    Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine discusses space technology and global rivals with Tory Bruno, offering insights into our future among the stars in this interview episode.

11. 

    5 Jun 2025

    General Lester L. Lyles

    General Lester L. Lyles analyzes the future of space deterrence, exploring missile technology and anti-satellite weapons in this interview episode.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

16,516,723

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

39

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

81

Contact The Burn Sequence

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.