Universal Inclusion

About Universal Inclusion

Universal Inclusion spotlights global voices reshaping space through equity, innovation, and lived experience. We have conversations with astronauts, industry experts, and specialists driving DEI and inclusion initiatives, exploring the debates and reflections shaping the future of space.

Publisher

Aisha Said

Category

business · science · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Apr 2025

Latest episode

27 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2025

   Episode 10: Reclaiming the Narrative: Identity, Inclusion, & Science

   Aisha interviews Maynard Okereke, The Hip Hop M.D., about navigating identity and culture in STEM, offering insights into inclusive science communication.

2. 

   13 Aug 2025

   Episode 09: Where the Veil Is Thin: Wonder, Belonging, and the Power of Possibility

   Host Aisha interviews linguist and astrobiologist Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen about how disability inclusion and diverse perspectives shape the future of space exploration.

3. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Episode 08: Resilience in Orbit: Riyam Ojaimi on Identity and Equality

   Host Aisha interviews Riyam Ojaimi, aerospace medicine researcher and CEO of SpacePoint, who shares her experiences with racism and resilience in STEM, highlighting the importance of representation and open access in the space industry.

4. 

   16 Jul 2025

   Episode 07: Towards a Just Future: Accessibility as a Practice, Intergenerational Equity, and Ethics in Space

   Host Aisha interviews AJ Link, space law expert and human rights advocate, about building an inclusive future in space, questioning ethics, capitalism, and colonialism in space exploration, and challenging mainstream narratives.

5. 

   25 Jun 2025

   Episode 6: Accessibility, Belonging, & Justice with Khristian Jones

   Khristian Jones, Interiors Engineer, discusses building inclusive industry spaces beyond buzzwords, emphasizing emotional intelligence and empathy to foster belonging and value, in this interview.

6. 

   11 Jun 2025

   Episode 05: Pathfinder: From Possibility to Practice in Space Medicine, Service, & Self

   Host Aisha interviews Dr. Shawna Pandya, a physician and scientist-astronaut candidate, who discusses building a unique career path in space medicine through research, storytelling, and embracing opportunities, even when feeling unprepared.

7. 

   28 May 2025

   Episode 04: Between Worlds: Art as Our Cultural Connection to the Cosmos

   Artist Nahum, founder of KOSMICA Institute, joins Aisha to discuss the need for a reality check in the space industry, addressing Western romanticism, performative DEI, and commercial space's negative habits in this interview.

8. 

   14 May 2025

   Episode 03: Bootstrap to the Stars: Creating Pathways to Space with Martina Dimoska

   🎙️ Ep. 3 - Bootstrap to the Stars: Creating Pathways to Space with Martina Dimoska Guest: Martina Dimoska – Analog astronaut, engineer, STEM educator, and advocate for inclusion in space. Summary: In this powerful episode, Aisha sits down with trailblazing space researcher Martina Dimoska. From growing up in Macedonia with her sister to becoming the first female Balkan analog astronaut, Martina shares her deeply personal path into space exploration. This episode dives into accessibility in science, creating your own support bubble, and building bridges for underserved communities to reach for the stars. Martina also discusses her work with the International Space Alliance, her viral outreach as @astro_smarta, and how living through hardship shaped her relentless curiosity and resilience. 🔗 Universal Inclusion Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/ (https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/) Time Stamps / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome &amp; Guest Introduction Aisha introduces the show and Martina's pioneering background. 01:34 – The Ultimate Pursuit of Truth Martina shares how growing up with her sister fueled her love for solving problems and seeking truth through science. 03:02 – Creating a Bubble of Inclusion How creativity, imagination, and resilience became a foundation for hope in a society that didn’t embrace difference. 06:40 – The Power of Analog Missions Martina reflects on becoming the first Macedonian analog astronaut and what it means to simulate life on Mars. 10:55 – Space Belongs to Developing Regions Too Expanding space access for underrepresented countries and launching the International Space Alliance. 14:20 – Going Viral as @astro_smarta How her outreach on social media is sparking interest in space among youth, especially girls, in Eastern Europe. 17:05 – Lessons from Hardship Martina opens up about the pain and power that shaped her, and how she uses her story to inspire others. 20:42 – What’s Next? Future goals, bridging academia and activism, and advice for young people who feel like outsiders in STEM. 👤 Guest Bio Martina Dimoska is an award-winning research scholar, engineer, and pioneering space explorer. As the first Macedonian and female Balkan analog astronaut, she has served on many Space Agency-funded missions and holds a Suborbital Space Flight Certification as a Senior NASTAR Ambassador. Martina is the National Point of Contact for the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) for North Macedonia and in 2022 received their Emerging Space Leader Award. She is the Founder and President of the International Space Alliance, bridging the gap between agencies, industry, and academia to expand space opportunities in developing regions. As a passionate STEM educator, Martina promotes diversity and inclusivity in space exploration through workshops and global outreach under the popular handle @astro_smarta (https://www.instagram.com/astro_smarta/). 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: @astro_smarta (https://www.instagram.com/astro_smarta/) LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-dimoska/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

9. 

   23 Apr 2025

   Episode 02: S4H Citizen Astronaut 01: Weaving Together Space Democratization, Fashion, & Legislation

   🎙️ Episode Description In this vibrant and deeply personal episode, host Aisha is joined by electrical engineer, citizen astronaut, and activist Katya Echazarreta to talk space, reform, and showing up fully – even in pink camo. They dive into Katya’s historic spaceflight, her work pushing space policy in Mexico, and how fashion and storytelling can drive cultural change. From childhood dreams to housing insecurity, this episode is a reminder that resilience comes in many forms—and that you don’t need to come from privilege or wear a lab coat to belong in space. If you’ve ever felt like you had to do everything just to survive, this one will speak to you. 🔗 Universal Inclusion Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/ (https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/) Time Stamps / Chapters 00:00 – Becoming Citizen Astronaut #1 Katya reflects on being Space for Humanity’s first astronaut and what it means to lead the way. 02:31 – From NASA to Nation-Changer We explore her move from engineering into politics, activism, and changing Mexico’s space future. 08:12 – Coping by Doing Too Much How growing up with instability wired Katya and Aisha to hustle non-stop—and what they’re learning about rest. 19:00 – “I Remember and I’m Sorry” A deeply emotional story about returning to the teacher who once kicked Katya out of class—and how healing can surprise us. 27:31 – Fashion as a Tool for Activism Clothes as conversation starters: Katya talks using style, storytelling, and representation to open new doors. 42:36 – Choosing the Right Partner Aisha and Katya open up about love, legacy, and why the right relationship can be the most powerful life decision of all. 👤 Guest Bio Katya Echazarreta is an electrical engineer, activist, speaker, and model. In 2022, she became the first Mexican-born woman in space as part of Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program. She is the founder of Fundación Espacial, a nonprofit providing access to space-related education and training for underserved communities. Katya has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan, and uses fashion as a platform to promote inclusion in STEAM. She is passionate about reforming global space policy and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. 🔗 Guest Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katvoltage/ (https://www.instagram.com/katvoltage/) Fundación Espacial: https://www.fundacionespacial.com/ (https://www.fundacionespacial.com/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyaechazarreta/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyaechazarreta/) Vogue Feature: https://www.katechazarreta.com/press (https://www.katechazarreta.com/press)

10. 

    9 Apr 2025

    Episode 01: The Human Element: Redefining Space for All

    🎙️ Episode Description In this powerful first episode, host Aisha joins actress and impact leader Nadine Nicole (The Expanse) to talk about identity, inclusion, and what it really means to make space for everyone. From personal journeys to the Citizen Astronaut Program, they explore how storytelling can spark change—and why you don’t need a STEM degree (or a perfect resume) to become an astronaut or shape the future of space. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong in the space industry (or any industry), this one’s for you! 🔗 Universal Inclusion Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/ (https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/) ⏱️ Time Stamps / Chapters 00:00 – Lights, Camera, Lift-Off Meet Aisha and special guest Nadine Nicole as they set the stage for a podcast that’s all about making space more human. 01:40 – What is Space for Humanity? Nadine explains the Citizen Astronaut Program and her involvement. 02:31 – Who is Aisha? How Aisha’s roles at Universal Inclusion and Space for Humanity led to the podcast. 04:32 – The Power of Storytelling DEI as human experience, not politics. 10:14 – Why Inclusion in Space Matters Nadine on diversity in space, underrepresentation in media, and authentic storytelling. 14:31 – You Don’t Need to Be at the Top to Inspire Uplifting voices at every career stage. 16:56 – Aisha’s DEI Journey Growing up biracial in Northern Alberta and recognizing inequality early on. 27:49 – The Moment It Clicked Reading Citizen Astronaut applications and realizing the impact of inclusive space access. 31:05 – Nadine’s Cosmic Connection From The Expanse to Joshua Tree stargazing and global awe. 33:12 – Space is for Everyone Space belongs to all of us — not just the privileged. 35:27 – How to Get to Space (Without a STEM Degree) What makes a powerful Citizen Astronaut—and how anyone can apply.online. 41:43 – What’s Next Teaser for Episode 02: Katia Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to fly to space. 👤 Guest Bio Nadine Nicole is an actress, most known for her performance as Clarissa Mao on the renowned sci-fi hit The Expanse. Beyond acting, Nadine is passionate about social impact initiatives. She founded True Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and is launching The Centered Self: A Guide and Journal to Rewriting Your Life's Narrative,. A true creative Nadine is also the founder of Yari Designs, a fine jewelry brand focused on promoting diversity and women empowerment, and Shared Elegance, a circular economy fashion initiative. Stay tuned for updates on her projects as she continues to inspire through storytelling and advocacy. 🔗 Guest Links IG@_nadinenicole_ IG @_sharedelegance_ www.sharedelegance.com (http://www.sharedelegance.com/) <a href="https://www.true-connection.org/the-centered-self"...

11. 

    3 Apr 2025

    Season I Trailer

    Episode 00 - Season I Trailer 🎙️ Episode Description Welcome to the Universal Inclusion Podcast — where diverse voices in the space industry take the spotlight. In this quick teaser, get a feel for what’s ahead: bold conversations, inspiring stories, and real talk around diversity, equity, and inclusion in space. 🔗 Universal Inclusion Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/ (https://www.instagram.com/universal_inclusion/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-inclusion-ui/) ⏱️ Time Stamps / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Universal Inclusion Podcast Introduction to the podcast's purpose and who it’s for. 00:35 – Inclusion, DEI, and Bold Conversations The podcast’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in space. 00:55 – Why You Should Tune In Final call to action: subscribe and get inspired. 📄 Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nU4hfY6afWV3t3TfeccJrf_ThYTuRhfV6xPRzNiReYU/edit?usp=drive_link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nU4hfY6afWV3t3TfeccJrf_ThYTuRhfV6xPRzNiReYU/edit?usp=drive_link)

Who has been a guest on Universal Inclusion

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Maynard Okereke
• Dr Sheri Wells-Jensen
• Riyam Ojaimi
• AJ Link
• Khristian Jones

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

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

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Universal Inclusion

Guest appearances

Books guests

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