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