An Unexpected Wild Ride to the Stars

Recently, I penned an exhilarating piece about the Starliner spacecraft’s turbulent journey to the International Space Station, largely driven by insights from the mission's commander, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore. His gripping tales of thruster failures and his heroic attempts to steer the spacecraft safely were nothing short of riveting.

Following the article's release, I received praise from readers and friends alike for conducting a fantastic interview. But let's be real—it was all about Wilmore and his eagerness to share his journey.

A Fortunate Confluence of Timing and Opportunity

When I walked into the interview room, Wilmore was ready to talk. It felt as though he had been waiting for someone to delve into his experiences aboard the Starliner, and that someone just happened to be me. Was it luck? That’s a question I've pondered since.

As an interviewer, I don't possess the dramatic flair of the television greats, but with over 25 years of experience and genuine enthusiasm for space, I’ve discovered that preparation and passion are crucial.

Funny Fumbles on the Road to Mastery

Interviewing isn't a skill picked up overnight. Throughout my career, I've encountered awkward moments and learned lessons that have shaped me as a reporter. Here are a few memorable experiences from my journey.

March 2003: The Honor of Interviewing Stephen Hawking

In my early reporting days at the Houston Chronicle, I landed a golden opportunity—an interview with the iconic Stephen Hawking. Invited to Texas by billionaire George Mitchell, Hawking was a living legend. As a science writer, I had to submit questions in advance due to his ALS condition.

My questions were fairly basic given the readership's interests; while Hawking discussed cosmic backgrounds, his biting commentary on the Iraq War stuck with me: “It will be far more difficult to get out of Iraq than to get in.” His humble presence and the awkwardness of our communication lingered in my memory.

Spring 2011: Conversations with the Greats—Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle

Fast forward to 2011, I had now spent nearly a decade reporting on science. I was fortunate to interview Jane Goodall and iconic oceanographer Sylvia Earle, both passionate conservationists. Speaking with Goodall over the phone was delightful, but in-person conversations are truly where connections are made.

Later, I met Earle at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, taking my daughter along. Her curiosity instantly drew Earle in, resulting in an enriching discussion that went beyond marine biology.

September 2014: A Legendary Night with a Space Pioneer

In 2014, my deep dive into NASA's human spaceflight program led me to Kazakhstan to cover astronaut Scott Kelly's long-duration mission training. After witnessing a rocket launch, we headed to the bar where Kelly was unwinding with a few drinks.

In a moment fit for a movie, we ended up chatting over shots, and when writer Chris Jones pulled out his notebook, Kelly erupted, "What the hell are you doing?" That night was a lesson on how the best interviews often happen in relaxed settings without the pressure of formal questioning.

September 2019: Insight into Elon Musk’s Mind

My encounters with Elon Musk have varied, but a profound interview for my first book on SpaceX stands out. Traveling to SpaceX's HQ, I experienced the company’s internal dynamics just before the world changed with COVID-19.

Though delayed on the day of our interview, I was later invited onto Musk's private jet, an opportunity that felt both nerve-wracking and thrilling. Initially, he seemed distracted, but once he shifted focus, we enjoyed an engaging conversation about the genesis of SpaceX.

April 2025: Reconnecting with Butch Wilmore

Recently, I had the chance to interview Wilmore once more as he reflected on his Starliner mission. As I awaited my turn, I overheard him mention my name positively to a colleague, a promising sign.

Submitting smart, thoughtful questions instead of the usual queries paid off. When I asked about his Starliner experience, his face lit up and he shared insights I had never anticipated. Ultimately, it became clear that the best interviews are built on trust and understanding.

After a quarter-century, I’ve learned that sensational stories often need no embellishments; allowing the truth to shine is where the real power lies.