Kathy Sullivan Explores

Latest Episodes:

S'pose She Dies? Feb 03, 2022

Show notes

In October of 1984, I became the first American woman to walk in space. But, before this became possible, I had to face and overcome a hurdle that presented itself the moment I was given the assignment: NASA’s medical research team saw a problem that not only could have stopped me from the assignment—it could have ruled out all women from spacewalking.

In this episode, I describe how I became the first woman to walk in space and how bias in medical reporting almost prevented all women astronauts from spacewalking. You’ll learn what an altitude chamber test is and why airlines always tell you to put your mask on first before helping others. I describe why spacewalking is high-risk and outline some conditions that make individuals more susceptible to the bends. You’ll also gain insight on handling problems—even if they seem personal—with a level head and why leaders should focus on the root cause of problems.

“Peel away the layers, think carefully about what’s causing what, and get to the root of the issue. You’ll often find that a lot of the mess and noise falls away when you tackle the root problem.” - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The rarity of the space flying experience

● Why spacewalks are only done when necessary

● The early days of women flying in space

● The first problem I encountered when I was given the spacewalk assignment

● How to handle problems when they seem personal

● What a pre-breathe is and how spacewalkers are trained to fix emergencies

● What it means to keep the main thing “the main thing”

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “Figuring out what the main thing is amid a swirling cloud of detail and loud voices can be difficult, but it’s important for leaders.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “Keep yourself and your team focused. Fight the right battle and solve the root of the problem.” - Kathy Sullivan

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.

Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead!

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

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The Joyous Wonder of the Ocean with Helen Scales Jan 27, 2022

Show notes

Helen Scales is a British marine biologist, writer, and broadcaster. Her passion for underwater exploration started when she learned to scuba dive as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked with the World Wide Fund for Nature, TRAFFIC International, and Natural England. Helen is also the author of The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean, and the Looming Threat That Imperils It, which explores the majesty and mystery of an underwater world few are privileged to see.

Helen joins me today to discuss her passion for ocean exploration and the inspiration behind her books. She shares how being in love with the ocean shaped her hobbies and career interests. You’ll hear about the dives she did in various tropical countries and the marine conservation programs she and her team helped fund along the way. She explains her concern about marine wildlife welfare and why people should take marine conservation seriously. You’ll also gain insight on Helen’s thoughts on deep diving and books she has planned in the future.

\"What I would love to see is more people celebrating the joyous wonder of the ocean and what lives there—not how we can conquer it or make money out of it.\" - Helen Scales

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Where Helen\'s passion for sea exploration started

● Collecting shells, painting them, and other ocean-related hobbies

● Marine-related careers that run in Helen\'s family

● The rise of green awareness in the \'90s

● How to earn the Duke of Edinburgh\'s Award

● Helen\'s personal rating of her writing skills

● Doing dives in Belize and other countries, finishing her PhD, and helping kids along the way

● Exploring tropical countries and helping them refine their tourism programs

● Helen\'s first encounter with a seahorse

● Helen\'s thoughts on the lack of marine conservation awareness

● Why Helen looks forward to blackwater diving

● Deep diving in the abyss and overcoming claustrophobia

● Helen answers lightning round questions

● The one thing Helen wants people to know about the ocean

● The books Helen intends to write in the future

Connect with Helen Scales:

● Helen Scales Official Website

● Book: The Brilliant Abyss: Exploring the Majestic Hidden Life of the Deep Ocean, and the Looming Threat That Imperils It

● Book: The Great Barrier Reef

● Helen Scales on Instagram

● Helen Scales on Twitter

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

How I Spent My Winter Holiday Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones, finding warmth during the coldest time of year. In my case, I found warmth in the coldest place on Earth: Antarctica. It wasn’t my first time in this icy cold desert, but it never ceases to make me in awe of its sights and experiences. There\'s just something about this place that keeps me coming back. Happy New Year to you all, and thank you for listening to this episode.

In this episode, I share how I spent my winter holiday among penguins, whales, and the people I love. You’ll hear about my adventures, beginning with penguins and how, in the Arctic’s silence, we could listen to their footsteps. I recall how magnificent whales were when they ate together like a family. I also explain what you should plan for when making a trip to Antarctica, especially regarding the people in charge of the boat.

\"Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination for many folks, but this was my sixth time exploring there.\" - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Spending my winter holiday with penguins

● Why penguins fascinate me

● How penguin families live

● Why Antarctica never gets old for me

● What it was like hearing penguin footsteps

● What lunge feeding whales look like and how they eat together

● What to consider when planning a trip to Antarctica

Resources Mentioned:

● Gerlache Strait

● Drake Passage

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Being a Black Man in the '70s with Manson Brown Jan 13, 2022

Show notes

Manson Brown became the first African American Vice Admiral in the US Coast Guard in May 2012. Despite not knowing how to swim, Manson set his sights on the Coast Guard. Utilizing his tenacity and passion, he became the first African American student body leader in 1977. After he retired from the Coast Guard in 2014, President Barack Obama appointed him to the NOAA and he served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction until his retirement in 2017.

Manson joins me today to share his experience being an African American in the ’70s and how he coped with discrimination in his youth. You’ll learn why he wanted to join the Coast Guard and how his experience in high school prepared him for the academy. He describes the unforgettable conversation he had with a colleague who didn’t like him for his skin color. You’ll also hear Manson reflect on his career in the NOAA, what he learned from working with bright minds, and his thoughts on how Americans perceive the climate change threat.

“Some of the rage I remember having converted to passion to get my piece of the American Dream. I thank my high school for that.\" - Manson Brown

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Who Manson Brown is, his childhood, and his career milestones

● How Manson was raised and what the \'70s were like for African Americans

● Joining the Coast Guard despite not knowing how to swim

● The notable memories Manson recalls from his time in the Coast Guard Academy

● Experiencing racism in the Coast Guard and his conversation with a chief petty officer

● The first moment of leadership strength in Manson\'s career

● What Manson learned from working with someone who didn’t like African Americans

● Manson\'s time with the NOAA and the cultural differences he noticed

● Working together for diversity and inclusion

● Where Manson\'s interest in cycling started

● Moments that stand out in Manson\'s time in the NOAA

● Manson\'s thoughts on climate change and what he wants America to realize

● How Manson has been spending his time lately

Connect with Manson Brown:

● Manson Brown on LinkedIn

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Ask Me Anything Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

This past year has been more or less better than its predecessor. Looking at the silver linings, 2021 opened many doors to people who didn’t know those doors even existed. In that same light, the previous year was when I became a podcast host, allowing me to interview amazing people who do extraordinary things that benefit society and the world. With that in mind, I figured the best way to start this new year is by turning the tables and answering the questions some of my beloved guests asked me.

In this episode, I reflect on the past year, what it taught me, and the guests I’ve had excellent opportunities to interview. You’ll hear some questions my guests asked me, with tiny bits and pieces of my life experience as well. I describe why bioengineering should be our technological priority, how arts and crafts affected my development, and why we’re all crew members aboard this spaceship called Earth. You’ll also receive leadership advice pertaining to self-doubt.

\"No one can speak as honestly about what you have done than you yourself.\" - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Reflecting on the various guests I\'ve interviewed in 2021 and answering their questions

● The future technology I think humanity should be investing right now

● Health and economic benefits of investing in bioengineering in the long-term

● The role of the arts in my personal and professional development

● Being a crew member of Earth and knowing how our life support system works

● Ocean acidification and how it threatens all life on Earth

● What I wanted my life to be like as a child

● My childhood fascination for learning languages and how it tied to my dreams of exploration

● My advice for dealing with being overlooked or underestimated

● The person who made writing my doctoral thesis difficult

● One of the main reasons I left NASA

Resources Mentioned:

● Episode 11: Kathy Sullivan Explores… Mountain Climbing, Deep Ocean Diving & The Purpose of Life with Victor Vescovo

● Episode 9: Kathy Sullivan Explores… Performing in and Running a Theater Group with Stacie Boord

● Episode 7: Kathy Sullivan Explores... Children, Writing, and Elephants with Kim Frank

● Episode 19: Kathy Sullivan Explores… The Unknown North with Jennifer Kingsley

● Episode 25: Kathy Sullivan Explores…The Courage to Step Out with Dawn Wright

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Astronaut Training and Space Tourism with Homer Hickam (Part 2) Dec 30, 2021

Show notes

Homer Hickam is an author and war veteran who has helped train and prepare astronauts for real space missions and exercises. One of his books, Rocket Boys, was adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky. He continues to entertain and relate with stories of struggle and fulfillment in Don’t Blow Yourself Up, a bookabout his life as a budding writer.

In Part 2 of my interview, you’ll hear Homer describe his career as an astronaut trainer, what astronauts should know regarding their spacesuits, and the time he trained a late-night talk show host for an underwater episode. He provides his thoughts on space camps and what he observed about students in one of those programs. You’ll gain insight to the experience of training foreigners in Japan and Russia, and their cultural differences from America. Homer also explains his fascination with SpaceX, the Moon, and why we should be cautious about space tourism.

\"There\'s no such thing as a perfectly safe rocket.\" - Homer Hickam

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● What it was like being a \"pretend astronaut\" while in training

● What astronauts should expect when wearing spacesuits

● Why getting into foot restraints wasn\'t an easy experience

● The time Homer trained David Letterman for an underwater episode

● Space camps: who started them and Homer\'s realizations them

● The difference between astronaut training cultures in the US and Japan

● Homer\'s experience with Russian cosmonauts

● Homer\'s thoughts on space tourism and the possibilities of mining the Moon

● Why there\'s no such thing as a safe rocket launch

● Why Homer says SpaceX is a special company capable of extraordinary things

● The future of humanity in space

Connect with Homer Hickam:

● Homer Hickam Website

● Book: Don’t Blow Yourself Up

● Homer Hickam on Twitter

● Homer Hickam on LinkedIn

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

The Gift of Care Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

Sometimes, all we need is a small gesture of kindness to open the doors to incredible opportunities. Being on the receiving end of generosity always feels good, but we also have to remember that giving kindness is just as gratifying as receiving it. This brings me back to when a small favor I did someone wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to them.

In this episode, you’ll see how one small act of kindness can be someone’s window of opportunity for something greater. You’ll learn about Ron Sheffield, what he did for NASA, and why he’s one of the reasons the Hubble Space Telescope has remained relatively error-free. I remember the repair and maintenance training we did, the day we launched, and the warmth we received shortly after the successful mission. I also explain the importance of giving and how it can change the world.

\"We were keenly aware that we were the last human beings who could test tools and procedures on the actual Hubble telescope.\" - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Ron Sheffield and his work at Lockheed

● Simulating future repair mission preparations

● Ron\'s technical judgment and his passion for the Hubble mission

● Knowing when to question authority on important decisions

● The three years of scorn resulting from Hubble’s \"blurry vision\"

● The effect of the successful Hubble repair mission in 1993

● Giving credit where it is due to Ron\'s team

● How the gift of care can change the world for the better

Resources Mentioned:

● Hubblesite: Servicing Missions

● Ronald L. Sheffield

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Leading a Triple Life with Homer Hickam (Part 1) Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

Homer Hickam has famously authored many books. His notable works include, Torpedo Junction, Rocket Boys—a book about his childhood which was eventually adapted into the Hollywood film, October Sky—andthe recently published Don’t Blow Yourself Up, a memoir of his experiences and struggles as a writer. Besides being a highly successful novelist, Homer is also a war veteran and scuba instructor who has worked with NASA in spacecraft design and crew training.

In part 1 of this episode, you’ll hear about Homer’s triple life as he describes his experiences as a writer, diver, and NASA spacecraft designer. He shares his love for reading and how it influenced his passion for writing. He recounts his experiences in the army and the frightening story of his first dive. He describes the shipwrecks he found in his dives and how they inspired him to write Torpedo Junction. You’ll also get insight into our time working together in NASA.

\"Sometimes, ignorance is not only bliss; it\'s also an advantage.\" - Homer Hickam

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Who Homer Hickam is and how he led a triple life

● The memoir Hollywood is set to adapt into a film

● Homer\'s love for reading and how it segued into writing

● Homer’s education, army service, scuba diving, and other experiences

● Writing a story about the battle against U-Boats during World War 2

● Homer\'s writing history and how shipwrecks inspired him to write his first book

● The amazing story of his first scuba dive and the wrecks he explored

● When Homer received a job offer from NASA

● Revisiting the time Homer and I worked together as divers

● Writing Rocket Boys and what it was like reliving his childhood

● How curriculum changed after Sputnik

Resources Mentioned:

● Film: October Sky

Connect with Homer Hickam:

● Homer Hickam Website

● Book: Torpedo Junction

● Book:Rocket Boys

● Homer Hickam on Twitter

● Homer Hickam on LinkedIn

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Well Oiled Machinery and Teams Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

Some say trust is rarely given twice, but every day we trust people to do their roles—whether in public transportation or keeping the internet stable—so our daily tasks aren’t interrupted. You shouldn’t give your trust to anyone, let alone a group of strangers, but sometimes you have no other choice. How do you know if the people you work with are trustworthy?

Today, I recall the story of Space Shuttle Discovery, mission STS-31, and how it made me recognize the elite group I’m part of. I describe the kind of people astronauts trust their lives with. You’ll hear about the time our second launch date was almost scrapped and how one outstanding engineer knew better than the machine that told him “no.” I also discuss the importance of appreciating being part of such an elite circle.

\"Grand achievements are never solo acts.\" - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● The trust we give to people in our everyday lives

● The people we trust as astronauts

● When our first launch date was canceled, what caused it, and key takeaways

● Trusting the engineer who made the right call on our second launch date

● How the engineer used his knowledge in physics to override a computer program

● The privilege of being part of an elite group of people

Resources Mentioned:

● Hubble Space Telescope Launch, April 24, 1990

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

Connecting to Nature with Craig Foster Dec 02, 2021

Show notes

Craig Foster is a leading natural history filmmaker and the Co-founder of the Sea Change Project, which seeks to remind people of their place in nature, especially the sea. They raise awareness through storytelling rather than figures and analytics, resulting in a stronger focus on ocean protection. Craig’s film, My Octopus Teacher, was nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Panda, Grand Teton, and PGA. The film tells the story of the year he spent with a wild octopus and what he learned from this magnificent creature.

In today’s episode, Craig shares his passion for the sea and recalls how he got into filmmaking. You’ll hear about the time he met and filmed with the oldest group of people on our planet and what aspect of their culture piqued his interest. He remembers his time in the navy, the struggles of being a young filmmaker, and why he returned to Africa. He recounts the time he encountered “The Octopus” and what motivated him to film its life. You’ll also receive insight on global issues the world is facing and what we can do to help future generations.

\"When you fall in love with the wild, that\'s the question you ask: How do we change human behavior?\" - Craig Foster

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● Craig\'s childhood, his life in South Africa, and his love for the sea

● Why Craig didn\'t like school as a kid

● Where his interest in filmmaking and storytelling started

● Meeting the \"oldest people\" on our planet

● The most interesting part of hunter-gatherer cultures

● Craig\'s experience in the navy, his life in Europe as a filmmaker, and his return to Africa

● Getting to know Craig\'s childhood animals on a deeper level

● What it was like being a cold water free diver

● Encountering “The Octopus”

● The first animal whose track he recognized

● Understanding biodiversity as a member of it

● How his experiences and journeys affected his son\'s perception of the world

● Craig\'s thoughts on the future and why it can be terrifying for humans

● How science and storytelling can help people change their ways

● How media has portrayed nature as a dangerous entity

● What Sea Change is and their projects

Connect with Craig Foster:

● Sea Change Project

● Film: My Octopus Teacher

● Sea Change Project on Instagram

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.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts!

Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google I Amazon Music.

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