Astranotes

Charles F. Bolden and Victor Glover

Charlie Bolden and Victor Glover come together for a rare, cross-generational conversation that explores legacy, representation, and the human side of space exploration. From growing up in segregated America to preparing for a historic mission around the Moon, their stories reveal what it truly takes to step into the unknown. Bolden reflects on his journey from a childhood shaped by limited representation to becoming one of NASA’s first Black astronauts and later Administrator. Glover, set to become the first Black astronaut to orbit the Moon on Artemis II, shares how curiosity, resilience, and unexpected moments shaped his path into spaceflight. Together, they highlight the importance of mentorship, visibility, and perseverance in building the future of space exploration. This conversation explores identity, adversity, leadership, and the responsibility of representing humanity when leaving Earth. In this episode you’ll discover: • How Charlie Bolden [about:blank] overcame systemic barriers to become a trailblazer in human spaceflight. • Why Victor Glover [about:blank] sees resilience, teamwork, and lifelong learning as essential traits for future astronauts. • The role of representation in shaping ambition and why seeing someone like you in space can change everything. • Behind-the-scenes stories of being selected as an astronaut and what those life-changing moments really felt like. • How the NASA [about:blank] Space Shuttle programme expanded access to space beyond test pilots. • The mindset required to navigate adversity, from discrimination to high-stakes decision making in elite environments. • Why astronauts ultimately represent all of humanity, not just their country, when they leave Earth. Quote: “You don’t have to be number one. But you do have to know you’ve done the absolute best you can do.” — Charlie Bolden 00:00 Charlie Bolden's early life 06:08 Early inspirations and Naval Academy dreams 09:10 Encouragement to apply to NASA 11:33 Childhood adventures and exploration 15:49 How Shuttle opened space travel 17:05 Encouraging diversity in astronaut office 21:51 Getting the astronaut call 28:30 Struggling through Naval Academy life 31:42 Growing up 36:22 Visiting and speaking with troops 40:22 Importance of resilience and growth 41:26 Life lessons beyond the classroom Executive Producer Toby Goodman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-goodman-cxs/] Edited by Leo Hornak with Sound design by Lee Turner for Inter Astra, The Bolden Group and Kathy Sullivan [https://www.kathysullivanexplores.com/]

Kathy Sullivan In Conversation with Christina Koch

Recorded in 2023 the 3x Shuttle Astronaut, First American woman to walk in space and Fmr. NOAA Administrator Dr Kathy Sullivan spoke with NASA Astronaut Christina Koch soon to be the first woman to orbit the Moon on Artemis 2, for a one-of-a-kind conversation spanning generations. Together, they explored the evolution of space exploration: contrasting their moments of selection, training, early inspirations, and the ongoing journey toward greater diversity in the astronaut corps. From reflections on those historic "one small step" days to the excitement and uncertainties surrounding humanity’s return to deep space. With personal stories and practical wisdom you'll hear about what has changed, and what hasn’t, for women and underrepresented voices in space. Sullivan and Koch discuss the skills and mindsets future explorers will need, and unpack how Artemis astronauts are laying the foundation for a new era of human spaceflight. Whether you dream of spacewalks, or are simply fascinated by the people making the cosmos a little more accessible, this episode sets the stage for an inspiring season ahead. * Episode produced by Toby Goodman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-goodman-cxs/] for Inter Astra, The Charles F Bolden Group and Dr Kathy Sullivan. [https://www.kathysullivanexplores.com/] 00:00 Processing life-changing news 05:36 Training cycles and international missions 09:06 Pursuing passions over checklists 12:34 Passion for exploring Antarctica 13:15 Starting the astronaut interview process 18:53 Pursuing challenges and supporting others 21:20 Preparing for Artemis missions 23:37 Joining a seasoned mission team 28:12 Family involvement in space missions 30:20 Team meetings and collaboration 33:28 Testing Artemis mission docking systems 38:22 The rise of commercial spaceflight 40:09 Commercial lunar missions and NASA's role 45:03 Expanding global astronaut representation 48:41 The importance of the Artemis Accords 51:33 NASA's new spacewalking suit 53:24 Christina Koch and Artemis 2

TRAILER: Astronauts compare notes on life in space

A brand-new inspirational space podcast featuring Astronauts from different generations comparing notes on everything from their moment of selection, training, mission, and legacy. LISTEN TO THIS EXCLUSIVE TRAILER FEATURING CONVERSATIONS FROM THE FIRST TWO EPISODES: 1. Dr. Kathy Sullivan, a three-time NASA astronaut and the first American woman to walk in space speaks with Christina Koch, a serving NASA astronaut set to be the first woman to reach the moon. 2. General Charles F. Bolden, a four-time NASA astronaut, and the first black NASA administrator, speaks with Victor Glover, a serving NASA astronaut set to be the first black man to reach the moon. 🔎 DISCOVER MORE PODCASTS ON THE INTER ASTRA PODCAST NETWORK AT INTERASTRA.SPACE [https://interastra.space/] Credits: 🚀 For The Charles F. Blend Group & Inter Astra [https://interastra.space/] 🎙️ Production by CxS Partners LTD  [https://www.cxspartners.com/] 🎙️ Executive Producer: Toby Goodman & Leo Hornak [https://www.cxspartners.com/] 🔈 Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner [https://www.cxspartners.com/] 🎨 Artwork: Ryan Field [https://www.cxspartners.com/]