Emily Calandrelli (more widely known as Space Gal) grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, with no scientists or engineers in her orbit. She chose engineering for the paycheck, discovered a love of science communication along the way, and eventually became the first woman in the country to solo-host a national science show. On this episode of She Pivots, Emily talks about pitching adult science shows for a decade only to hear that networks didn't think their male-dominated audiences would relate to a female host; pivoting to create Emily's Wonder Lab (the Netflix show that made her a household name to millions of parents and kids); and turning the show's cancellation into two bestselling books and a thriving YouTube channel. She also opens up about announcing her second pregnancy via a weather balloon at the edge of space, fighting for a federal law after being humiliated by TSA over breast milk ice packs, and why she's finally letting herself scale back with baby number three. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 01:44 Emily Calandrelli: The Space Gal 03:16 Navigating Academic Challenges 05:16 The Power of Progress Over Perfection 18:18 The Unexpected Path to TV Hosting 25:11 Breaking Barriers in Science TV 32:21 Balancing Career and Motherhood 33:55 The Cancellation of Emily's Wonder Lab 35:52 Balancing The Work 40:33 Parenting as a Scientific Experiment 45:28 Low Point to Launch 48:35 Closing Thoughts 49:37 Podcast Credits Keep up with Emily on Instagram @thespacegal, on YouTube @EmilysScienceLab, and on her website at www.thespacegal.com Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iHeart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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