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 overcame systemic barriers to become a trailblazer in human spaceflight.

• Why Victor Glover 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 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 Edited by Leo Hornak with Sound design by Lee Turner for Inter Astra, The Bolden Group and Kathy Sullivan

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 for Inter Astra, The Charles F Bolden Group and Dr Kathy Sullivan.

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

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

• Inter Astra on LinkedIn

• The Charles F. Bolden Group

• The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn

• The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube

• Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn

Credits:

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Production by CxS Partners LTD

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.

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.

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:

Connect with Charlie Bolden:

• Inter Astra

• Inter Astra on LinkedIn

• The Charles F. Bolden Group

• The Charles F. Bolden Group on LinkedIn

• The Charles F. Bolden Group on YouTube

• Charlie Bolden on LinkedIn

Credits:

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Production by CxS Partners LTD

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.

Bill Nye “the Science Guy” is an American science educator, engineer, comedian, television presenter, author, and inventor with a mission to help foster a scientifically literate society and to help people everywhere understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work. Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has been passionate about his entire life. Bill is a seven time Emmy Award winner and was involved in placing the first sundial on Mars.

Today, Bill joins me to share his story. We talk about the young Bill Nye and the people and events that acted as his greatest influences. He talks about his experience doing stand-up and his life during the war in Vietnam. He discusses the different categories of science and the importance of its advancement. He discusses the role of Congress in this advancement and offers his solutions for political problems. He discusses the exploration of Europa and fields a series of rapid-fire questions.

“BY THE TIME SOMEBODY’S EIGHT YEARS OLD, HIS OR HER ABILITY TO REASON IS PRETTY GOOD. IT’S THE LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT YOU’RE MISSING.”

-

“BRAVERY IS WHEN YOU’VE ACTUALLY ASSESSED THE DANGER.”

- BILL NYE

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

• Bill Nye and the sundial on Mars
• Bill’s experience as an engineer
• The role of dancing in Bill’s life
• Political discussion
• The importance of the advancement of science

Mentioned Resources:

• The Planetary Society
• The Science Rules Podcast

Credits:

Inter Astra

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

First published - June 10th, 2021

Dr. Charles Justiz is a former research pilot at NASA Johnson Space Center and an aerospace engineering and risk management expert.

Sharing his remarkable journey from the U.S. Air Force Academy to NASA, you’ll hear about the variety of aircraft he flew, including the Space Shuttle training aircraft, and how he contributed to crucial safety and risk management programs.

You’ll hear about his most memorable moments working with Astronauts and team members and lessons learned from past missions. He shares why understanding and managing risks in space exploration is crucial. He also highlights the opportunities that come with these risks and how innovative processes can lead to safer and more efficient space operations.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Dr. Justiz’s journey from the U.S. Air Force Academy to becoming a research pilot at NASA.

• The critical role of risk management in space exploration and the lessons learned from NASA’s history.

• How Dr. Justiz’s work in safety management has influenced current practices in aviation and space industries.

• Insights into the development of innovative aerospace technologies and the challenges of designing space vehicles.

• The future of space exploration and the opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators in the space industry.

Quote:

"We had, 2 massive accidents while I was there, of course, which were devastating to us. But, the whole thing is, you can't make all the mistakes yourself. You have to learn from the mistakes of others."

- Dr. Charles Justiz

Episode Links:

• 🎧 Dr. Justiz in conversation with Kathy Sullivan: ‘The Man Who Carried Space Shuttles’ on Kathy Sullivan Explores…
• Connect with Dr Justiz via The Charles F. Bolden Group
• NASA
• Charles Justiz on LinkedIn

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

As the CEO of The Bolden Group and Chairman of the Inter Astra Institute a non-profit creating equitable access and opportunity to the business of space, Ché Bolden builds relationships between young stem workforce, small businesses, corporations, and governments around the globe to create access to the business of space.

A retired Marine, Ché has extensive experience at the executive level leading projects and teams at the governmental, national, and international level. He has decades of experience navigating complex problems and providing qualitative results.

In this encore episode, Ché Bolden shares his journey from aspiring fighter pilot to becoming a key player in the business of space. As the son of a four-time astronaut and former administrator of NASA, Charles F. Bolden, Ché speaks about growing up in the shadow of the shuttle era.

You’ll hear how being immersed in the remarkable NASA community around him, gained a unique perspective on the potential of space as a day-to-day reality for humankind and how he brings diverse voices to the table in the global business of space.

On This Episode You’ll Discover:

• The influence of Ché's NASA lineage on his career in aerospace and his vision for accessible space commerce.

• Defining experiences that pivoted Ché's focus from military service to the commercial space sector.

• Ché's take on the burgeoning role of private companies in space and their impact on global business opportunities.

• Insights into the Inter Astra Institute's mission under Ché's leadership, promoting diverse industry involvement.

• The significance of education and cross-industry collaboration in the new era of space business as envisioned by Ché.

• Influences from astronauts like Nyberg and Hurley on Ché's mission to foster a worldwide space community.

• The role of storytelling and connection in making the space industry relevant across various demographics.

Quote:

“Today, I focus on bringing the business of space to places it has not traditionally been seen as relevant. And the best way to go about that is to connect the different people from disparate areas and tell their story in a way that lets people see the possibilities”

- Ché Bolden

Episode Links:

Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn

Connect with Ché Bolden on LinkedIn

🎧 Listen to Ché’s interview on Kathy Sullivan Explores…

'Creating Diverse and Inclusive Pathways to Space with Ché Bolden'

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.

https://interastra.space/