Kathy Sullivan Explores

Charles F. Bolden and Victor Glover - Astranotes

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 - Astranotes

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

Encore: Pathways to Space with Charlie Bolden

Charles Frank Bolden Jr. is a retired US Marine Corps Major General and former NASA astronaut. After flying on four space shuttle missions—STS-61-C, STS-31, STS-45, and STS-60—Charlie was appointed by former President, Barack Obama, to serve as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017, making him the first African American to head the agency permanently. Today, Charlie is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity.   Charlie joins me today to discuss the qualities aspiring astronauts need to cultivate to be chosen for modern space programs. You’ll hear about his career at NASA and the characteristics he thinks made him a NASA astronaut. He explores how the dawn of the new space age may change selection preferences for would-be astronauts. You’ll also learn the value of being a team player and why being a jack-of-all-trades is essential to becoming an astronaut of today and tomorrow.   “YOU WILL BE TECHNICIANS, SCIENTISTS, AND RESEARCHERS ALL IN ONE—AND THAT’S THE KIND OF PEOPLE WE’RE GOING TO BE LOOKING FOR.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN   This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:   ●      Qualities and characteristics NASA looked for in astronaut candidates in the 1980s ●      Civil rights in the 1980s and the psychological implications of growing up in the segregated South ●      Why being a team player is a high-value trait for NASA astronauts ●      Diversity as a trait of a high-performing organization ●      Why being a good fighter pilot doesn’t necessarily mean being a great astronaut ●      The lack of diversity in NASA’s Apollo era and how astronaut selection preferences have changed since ●      How the dawn of commercial spaceflight is changing preferences for would-be astronauts ●      How commercial spacecraft may change the employment prospects of future astronauts ●      The kind of crew NASA may seek for the Artemis program and beyond ●      Jessica Watkins, Kate Rubins, Peggy Whitson, and why researchers may be the astronauts of the future ●      Ridley Scott’s The Martian and what it takes to be a modern-day astronaut   Resources Mentioned: ●      Book: Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut [https://www.amazon.com/Riding-Rockets-Outrageous-Shuttle-Astronaut/dp/0743276833/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MC8Y0YYVI89E&keywords=Mike+Mullane&qid=1664789845&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjc4IiwicXNhIjoiMi4zMCIsInFzcCI6IjIuMjgifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=mike+mulla%2Caps%2C318&sr=8-1]by Mike Mullane   Our Favorite Quotes: ●      “A great test pilot isn’t necessarily going to be a great astronaut; a great test pilot with a big ego is going to be a lousy astronaut.” - Charlie Bolden ●      “The astronauts of today and tomorrow are not going to have the opportunity to train over and over again on something because they’ll find that every day is something new.” - Charlie Bolden Connect with Charlie Bolden: • Inter Astra [https://interastra.space/] • Inter Astra on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interastra/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group [https://bolden.group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolden-group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_C_K0QXSCann5vtk177ZmA/featured] • Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-f-bolden-jr-010a751b5/] Credits: Executive Producer: Toby Goodman [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Production by CxS Partners LTD [https://www.cxspartners.com/] SPACESHIP NOT REQUIRED I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.   Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Encore: The Birth of the New Space Age with Charlie Bolden Part 2

Charles F. Bolden Jr. is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity. Appointed by the former president, Barack Obama, Charlie served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017, making him the first African American to hold the position permanently. Charlie is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General and former astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions.   Charlie speaks with Kathy about his perspective on NASA’s transition from space shuttle operations to commercial space flight. You’ll gain insight into the real inside workings of Washington, DC, as well as his journey to becoming the 12th Administrator of NASA. Charlie also discusses what the future holds for space commerce and exploration, and the surprising who he'd like to take to space.   “OUR PURPOSE IS TO MAKE THE EARTH A BETTER, MORE SUSTAINABLE PLACE. I THINK WE’RE UP TO THE CHALLENGE.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores: • Charlie’s last shuttle flight and the formation of the new space age • NASA’s state of play and Charlie’s road to Washington DC • His first experience with the National Space Council • The time Charlie had to convince the Congressional Black Caucus of the need for a space station • What working with Russian cosmonauts taught Charlie • My experience interacting with Soviet astronauts and cosmonauts • Charlie’s meeting with the former president, Barack Obama, and his nomination to NASA • The birth of the SLS, Orion, and commercial crew and cargo • Why NASA will remain the leader and catalyst for discovery • The advantages of developing a vibrant commercial space sector • The James Webb Space Telescope and what gives Charlie hope for the future Our Favorite Quotes:        “EVERY CREW BECOMES A FAMILY.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN        “STUDY HARD, WORK HARD, AND NEVER BE AFRAID OF FAILURE. LISTEN RESPECTFULLY TO YOUR PARENTS, BUT FOLLOW YOUR PASSION BECAUSE IT’S YOUR LIFE.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN Connect with Charlie Bolden: • Inter Astra [https://interastra.space/] • Inter Astra on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interastra/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group [https://bolden.group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolden-group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_C_K0QXSCann5vtk177ZmA/featured] • Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-f-bolden-jr-010a751b5/] Credits: Executive Producer: Toby Goodman [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Production by CxS Partners LTD [https://www.cxspartners.com/] SPACESHIP NOT REQUIRED I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.   Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Encore: The Life of a Visionary with Charlie Bolden Part 1

Charles Frank Bolden Jr. formerly served as the 12th Administrator of NASA from 2009 to 2017. He was the first African American to head the agency permanently. In addition to being a retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, Charlie is a former astronaut who has flown on four Space Shuttle missions. He is the Founder and CEO Emeritus of the Charles F. Bolden Group, a consortium of accomplished leaders founded in 2017 to foster international collaboration in making life better for all humanity.   Charlie joins us today to describe what it was like growing up in the segregated South. He shares his experience as one of the first African Americans to attend the Naval Academy. You’ll learn how he became a pilot in the Marine Corps despite hating flying in his youth. He also shares his observations on the leadership culture of NASA and underscores the characteristics astronauts have in common.   “THE ONE CHARACTERISTIC WE ALL HAD IN COMMON IN THE ASTRONAUT CORPS IS THAT WE WERE ALL VISIONARIES AND DREAMERS—PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT THE WORLD COULD BE” - CHARLIE BOLDEN This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores: ●      What it was like growing up in segregated South Carolina in the ‘60s ●       Charlie’s experiences with the Naval Academy ●       Why Charlie used to avoid flying airplanes ●       What eventually led Charlie to the Marine Corps during his plebe year at the Naval Academy ●       Finding his way to flight school and aviation ●       Charlie’s perceptions of NASA’s culture and leadership when he arrived at the Astronaut Corps ●       Bringing Apollo-era astronauts to the 20th century and making NASA a welcoming place for women and people of color Our Favorite Quotes: “THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN THE ASTRONAUT OFFICE THEN WERE LACKING, CONSIDERING THE CHALLENGE THEY HAD WITH MAKING IT A PLACE THAT WAS OPENLY WELCOMING TO WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF COLOR. WE WERE TOLERATED, RATHER THAN WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN “IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE DOG IN THE FIGHT, BUT THE SIZE OF THE FIGHT IN THE DOG.” - CHARLIE BOLDEN Connect with Charlie Bolden: • Inter Astra [https://interastra.space/] • Inter Astra on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/interastra/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group [https://bolden.group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolden-group/] • The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_C_K0QXSCann5vtk177ZmA/featured] • Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-f-bolden-jr-010a751b5/] Credits: Executive Producer: Toby Goodman [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner [https://www.cxspartners.com/] Production by CxS Partners LTD [https://www.cxspartners.com/] SPACESHIP NOT REQUIRED I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean. I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action. In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are… spaceship not required.   Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.