Katie Konans
Born 1996 · Age 29
Journalist and audio storyteller; NASA Goddard's audio & podcasting lead who built NASA’s audio program, launched flagship podcast 'NASA’s Curious Universe', mentors students, and was named to Forbes 30 Under 30.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born / Raised in McDonough, Georgia
Katie Konans was born and raised in the small town of McDonough, Georgia (she later cites being 'from the small town of McDonough, Georgia').
Produced 'Sounds of the Sun' short audio project
As an intern she produced short-form projects built with sounds from around NASA, including the three-minute 'Sounds of the Sun' piece that 'took off'.
Worked as a features reporter at Georgia Public Broadcasting (prior to NASA full-time)
Before joining NASA full time, Konans worked as a features reporter at NPR affiliate Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB).
NPR member-station fellowship (completed)
Completed an NPR member station fellowship (Konans describes being 'fresh out of an NPR member station fellowship' when joining NASA).
NASA internship at Goddard (summer intern)
Began as a NASA intern at Goddard Space Flight Center in summer 2018 and experimented with audio storytelling projects.
Joined NASA Goddard full time (audio/podcasting lead role)
After interning and freelancing during her senior year, Konans joined NASA full time at Goddard Space Flight Center in 2019 and took on leadership of audio efforts.
Invited to group to envision NASA's audio future (late 2019)
In late 2019 she was asked to be part of a team tasked with envisioning what the future of NASA audio would look and sound like.
Took leadership role of NASA audio program
Took on the leadership role for NASA's audio strategy and began shaping a consolidated audio program (Konans cites 'since taking the leadership role in 2019').
Graduated Mercer University, BA in Journalism
Graduated from Mercer University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism; noted as the first in her family to complete a traditional college degree.
Launched 'NASA's Curious Universe' (flagship podcast)
Launched NASA's flagship podcast 'NASA's Curious Universe' in 2020 to define 'what NASA sounds like' and bring listeners adventures with NASA experts.
First podcast to share microphone-recorded sounds from Mars
'NASA's Curious Universe' became the first podcast to share microphone recorded sounds from Mars in 2021 — Konans cites this as a favorite episode.
Consolidated NASA audio offerings to a strategic set of shows
Led effort to reduce widely scattered podcast offerings (formerly ~40) and build a strategic program of active, audience-tailored shows (resulting in five active podcasts).
Appointed to Mercer's National Journalism Advisory Board
Konans was appointed to Mercer University's National Journalism Advisory Board in 2022 and continues mentoring students interested in audio storytelling.
Received major recognitions (NASA Early Career Award, Webby, Robert H. Goddard Award) — noted by NASA
NASA notes that Konans has received the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal, a Webby Award, and the Robert H. Goddard Award for contributions to public engagement.
Launched NASA's first Spanish-language podcast (with NASA en Español)
In 2023 Konans launched NASA's first Spanish podcast in collaboration with the NASA en Español team to broaden reach to Spanish-language audiences.
Named coordinating mentor for Goddard communications internship program (ongoing)
Serves as a coordinating mentor for Goddard's Office of Communications internship program, mentoring students and interns.
Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Media) — Class of 2024
Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list (Media list) as one of two NASA employees honored for innovation in audio and podcasting.
First 'real' trip to New York City
Visited New York for the first significant trip (February 2024): saw a Broadway show (Wicked), Chelsea Market, and other NYC highlights.
Spoke at SXSW on science communication panel (with Pfizer)
Invited to speak on a science communication panel with Pfizer at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin (March 2024).
Observed total solar eclipse; started meditation practice
Experienced the April 2024 total solar eclipse and began a meditation practice; cited as personally transformative.
Life-changing trip to California; launched 'Red Letter Day' (Substack later)
A May 2024 trip to California described as life-changing; she started the Red Letter Day project around the same time (Substack later active).
Creative month: started making art, writing often; brother's 22nd birthday visit
June 2024: returned to creative pursuits, started writing regularly, chopped her hair, and hosted her brother Michael (celebrated his 22nd birthday).
Personal milestone: partner Shane turned 30; baked first from-scratch cheesecake
July 2024: celebrated partner Shane's 30th with her first from-scratch cheesecake — noted as a personal milestone and domestic accomplishment.
Mentor for NPR Next Generation & taught digital media to mentees
September 2024 (Den/Substack references): acted as a mentor for NPR Next Generation and taught digital media, integrating mentorship into career.
Turned 28
Personal birthday milestone (stated she turned 28 in November 2024).
Annual bake-a-thon & year-end reflection
December 2024: completed an annual bake-a-thon (kolaches, thumbprint cookies, buche de Noël) and reflected on 2024 in a sentimental Substack-like writeup.
Credited with expanding NASA reach in digital audio (millions of downloads worldwide)
By 2025 Konans' work had expanded NASA's reach in digital audio, resulting in millions of downloads worldwide (NASA reporting).
Ongoing role: manages five active NASA podcasts
As of 2025 she manages five actively releasing, strategic NASA podcasts (including 'NASA's Curious Universe').
Ongoing mentorship & student engagement
Continues to mentor communications interns at Goddard and students (including coordinating mentor responsibilities and work with the Reg Murphy Center alumni).
NASA metrics milestone: 8M Apple Podcast plays; 70% retention; manages five shows
NASA stated (page updated Feb 10, 2025) that since taking leadership in 2019 Konans grew podcast audience to >8 million episode plays on Apple Podcasts alone, with ~70% listener retention and five active shows.
Key Achievement Ages
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