-Life as an Astronaut-
Our perspectives on life and living are almost always derived from our own interactions with it all. Formative experiences in youth can shape opinions and views across a human’s lifetime.
Unique undertakings or encounters later in life can be equally profound, as far as how we ultimately interpret the world before us.
Again, this notion of ‘experience’ springs to mind as a major determinant in shaping our world views.
Well, here’s a question for you.
What would happen, if within the scope of humankind, you were one of only a handful of humans to hold a collection of unique and potentially transformative experiences.
How might that affect your philosophical view of others, the world we live in and everything pertaining to life as a whole?
What might you want to share with others? How would you go about it?
These are pretty heady questions, I know.
However, I think we have a shot at answering some of them on this episode.
Our guest just so happens to be one of these rare humans holding a portfolio of experiences that practically put him on another spectrum of life and living.
Introducing
Terry Virts is a retired U.S. Air Force test fighter pilot, a NASA astronaut, former International Space Station Commander and veteran of two spaceflights as well as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Harvard Business School.
That said, he is an outlier in the truest sense.
Professional Background and Interests
His professional background, career, accomplishment and present-day work varies to the point that attempts to pigeon hole him into one title is a near futile endeavour. Take his LinkedIn ‘ABOUT’ section description which reads as follows:
“I am a founder of Endeavour Renewable Energy, a company that will produce renewable diesel, hydrogen, electricity, biochar, and graphene.
I am also developing several TV and film projects, and have authored several books, ‘How to Astronaut’ and National Geographic’s ‘View From Above’.
I am a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and speak at corporate and public events around the globe, sharing stories and leadership perspectives from my time in space. Finally, I serve on several boards as an advisor.”
See what I mean?
Well, all of this adds up to fascinating insights and perspectives that are hard to come by.
Surely, not too many of us have been a US Air Force test fighter pilot, an astronaut or been put in charge of an International Space Station as a commander.
Reasons to Listen
Based off Terry’s singularly unique experiences, his insights and stories will be of sheer joy to listen to for anyone who has ever wondered about space travel.
This will be a talk worth listening to for:
- those looking for deep insights about a career and life so utterly different than most
- those interested in hearing about the impacts–both obvious and obscure–this profession can have on an individual
- those looking to sink themselves into an utterly fascinating conversation
Listeners will come away with insights on:
- misconceptions about being an astronaut
- what inspired Terry and lead him into becoming an astronaut
- how he fast tracked his career
- the complexity of flying a space shuttle
- the training and difficulties an astronaut faces
- daily life in space
- how geopolitical issues are handled in the International Space Station
- both desirable and undesirable personality traits of an astronaut
- how life in space can affect your personal worldviews
- surprising ways that space travel does NOT affect you
- what it’s truly like to experience the majestic views from space
- how conflict is handled in space
- a story of a memorable spacewalk
- Terry’s views on the future of space exploration
- Much more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
On whether being an astronaut changes people:
“I think if you’re disposed to be open minded and learning new things, space can profoundly affect you. If you’re not, then it won’t.”
-Terry Virts
Check Video Highlights of the Conversation:
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Terry, you can check out his personal website or find him on the following platforms.
Also do not forget to check out his latest book! The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet: Everything You Need to Know, from Training to Re-entry
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
