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,...

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

My guest on this episode is Zolana Joao, a distinguished engineer and dynamic leader from the Angola National Space Program Management Office.

In this episode, we explore Zolana’s profound journey from his challenging early years in war-torn Angola to his instrumental role in advancing Angola’s aspirations in space exploration.

With his deep commitment to education and his strategic vision, Zolana has been a driving force in launching Angola’s first satellites, significantly impacting his country’s development and representation in the global space community.

This episode was recorded at the Inter Astra Retreat just outside Washington DC last November (2023).

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• From Civil War to Space Pioneer: Zolana’s journey through adversity to space leadership.

• Strategic Mind in Angola’s Space Ascent: His pivotal role in launching Angola’s satellites.

• Lessons from Global Space Partnerships: How international collaborations shaped his strategy.

• Advocating for Future Innovators: Zolana’s efforts to inspire the next generation in Angola.

• Leadership Philosophy: Insights into overcoming obstacles in space sector leadership.

Quote:

"I didn’t know that I was building muscle. Then after 9 months, I start applying for jobs in electrical engineering jobs. And I found, Motorola company. That time, Motorola was already in Angola, and they were hiring technicians. But I was scared because I was 17. I was not allowed officially to work yet. But I said, I have to gotta do something."

- Zolana Joao

Episode Links:

• Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Inter Astra
• Connect with Zolana on LinkedIn

Credits:

Production by CxS Partners LTD

Executive Producer: Toby Goodman

Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner

Artwork: Ryan Field

Recorded on location on Nomono Sound Capsule

Explore more episodes at Kathy Sullivan Explores... https://kathysullivaneexplores.com/

Find even more podcasts on the Inter Astra Podcast Network HERE

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.