

From HBO to NASA+: How Rebecca Sirmons Built an Emmy-Winning Streaming Platform
In this episode of The Media Machine, host Johanna Salazar sits down with Rebecca Sirmons, General Manager of NASA+. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from working with major networks like HBO, Netflix, and El Rey Network to leading NASA's global streaming platform. She highlights her mission to bring captivating space stories to the forefront, including Emmy-winning content like Cosmic Dawn and The Color of Space. Discover how Rebecca's background in storytelling, technology, and leadership is transforming NASA Plus into a hub for live space walks, documentaries, and educational content. Learn about her strategic partnerships with Netflix and Amazon Prime and the challenges of broadcasting live from space. This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of media, innovation, and public service, emphasizing the importance of making space content accessible to all generations.
SHOW NOTES
00:00 Introduction to NASA's Vision
00:40 Meet Your Host: Johanna Salazar
00:59 Introducing Rebecca Sirmons
01:31 Rebecca's Journey and Achievements
05:04 The Heartbeat of NASA+
08:15 Building NASA+
10:53 Challenges and Innovations
15:38 Content Strategy and Partnerships
21:21 Leadership Insights & Lessons
23:38 Learning from Small Networks and Mentorship
24:03 Rebecca’s Leadership Style and Career Highlights
29:04 The Future of Live Space Content
32:23 Technical Challenges of Space Broadcasting
35:34 Encouraging Creative Collaborations with NASA
38:18 Distribution and the Role of AI in NASA
40:04 Upcoming Projects, Social Plugs & Credits
CREDITS
The Media Machine is hosted by Johanna Salazar. Our producers are Johanna Salazar and Mia Vinciguerra.This episode was edited by Adriana Saravia. This episode features music, graphics and visuals from Envato Elements.
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ABOUT THE PODCAST
This is The Media Machine - where media, business and innovation intersect. Host Johanna Salazar will explore the future of content, technology, and entertainment through the lens of four key pillars - process, profits, people and planet. Through insightful conversations with visionaries, disruptors, and pioneers, The Media Machine unpacks the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of media.
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