Show notes
Today Patty interviews NASA astronaut and retired US Navy Captain Butch Wilmore about his book ‘Stuck in Space’ and the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed test flight that became a 10-month stay on the International Space Station instead of 9–10 days. Butch describes facing closed doors in football and naval aviation, relying on determination, prayer, and scripture, and how being assigned the A-7 Corsair—despite not wanting it—led to Desert Storm, test pilot school selection, and a NASA application that stood out. He recounts a spacewalk moment seeing his reflection and the awe of Earth from orbit. Wilmore explains Starliner thruster failures near docking, the risk of not docking, intensive simulator training, and how his faith removed fear and provided contentment. Website: https://www.butchwilmore.com Episode Highlights:00:00 Meet Butch Wilmore01:17 Determination and Faith04:08 Football Setbacks04:34 Navy Training Curveball06:22 A-7 Lesson in Trust08:05 Steady Emotions and Purpose09:57 Becoming an Astronaut13:02 NASA Interviews and Selection14:46 Spacewalk Mirror Moment18:32 Stuck in Space Book20:51 Starliner Thruster Crisis23:28 Thrusters Failing Fast24:45 Backup Mode Decision25:12 Faith Under Pressure28:06 Truth Over Feelings30:52 Leadership for Crew31:32 Leaving NASA Next Steps35:36 Why He Published Book36:38 Where to Get Book37:29 Rapid Fire Fun40:49 Host Wrap Up
