(00:00:00) 151. Mike Foreman: From Navy Pilot to NASA Astronaut

(00:00:12) Meet Mike Foreman

(00:02:53) Navy Pilot to NASA

(00:03:38) Three Applications Later

(00:06:35) Life in NASA

(00:08:25) How Astronauts Train

(00:10:46) First Spacewalk Nerves

(00:11:32) Earth View Effect

(00:12:22) Spacesuit Fit Scare

(00:15:52) Spacewalk Work and Fatigue

(00:18:03) Returning to Gravity

(00:21:13) Life After Space

(00:22:06) Fame and Being Ordinary

(00:23:49) How Many Astronauts

(00:24:55) Mars and Artemis Future

(00:26:44) Why Explore Mars

(00:29:57) Closing Stories and Goodbye

What does it take to leave Earth behind and step into space?

Sue Stockdale speaks with former NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, whose remarkable career took him from flying helicopters in the U.S. Navy to completing two Space Shuttle missions and multiple spacewalks aboard the International Space Station.

Mike shares the persistence required to become an astronaut after eight applications to NASA, the realities of astronaut training, and the physical and mental demands of working in space. He reflects on his first spacewalk, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from orbit, and the challenges of returning to gravity after living beyond our planet.

The conversation also explores the future of human space exploration, including the Artemis programme and the possibility of missions to Mars, as well as Mike's thoughts on why exploration continues to matter.

In this episode:

• Mike's journey from Navy pilot to NASA astronaut
• The astronaut selection process and lessons in persistence
• Training for life and work in space
• The experience of conducting spacewalks
• Viewing Earth from orbit
• Life after NASA
• The future of lunar and Mars exploration

Whether you're fascinated by space, leadership, resilience, or human potential, Mike's story offers a compelling insight into what can be achieved through determination, curiosity and a willingness to venture into the unknown.

About Mike Foreman

Mike Foreman is a former NASA astronaut, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and aerospace engineer whose career has taken him from the cockpit of military aircraft and into space. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Naval Postgraduate School, and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he accumulated more than 7,500 flight hours across over 50 different aircraft types.

Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1998, Mike spent more than 637 hours in space during two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-129. He completed five spacewalks, totalling over 32 hours, helping to construct and maintain the International Space Station.

Today, he shares lessons from his extraordinary experiences as a speaker and serves as the Mayor of Friendswood, Texas.

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Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

This episode includes AI-generated content.

In this special bonus episode, Pierre Heistein, who was guest in episode 91 takes the host's chair alongside co-founders Sue Stockdale and Clive Steeper. They celebrate reaching 150 episodes by reflecting on the conversations with guests, lessons learned, and the common threads that bind these stories together. Pierre delves into the origins of the podcast, what does it mean to be inspirational,  and how the show has impacted Sue and Clive and their listeners.  Together they discuss how the podcast has influenced their perspectives about life and work, and how they look to the future for taking the next steps of development.

Key Reflections

• "The most inspirational people often have an overriding purpose – something greater than themselves that motivates them to act."
• “Inspiration is about more than success or achievement. It's about attitude – a willingness to explore, to take risks, and to stay curious.”
• “Many of our guests had to embrace uncertainty or ambiguity at some point in their journey."
• “Being an inspiration to others was often something guests had not considered about themselves.”
• “The podcast is designed to challenge assumptions – by hearing from people outside your own world, you begin to understand different ways of thinking.”
• “What guests often valued most about the interview was the opportunity to reflect on their life and what shaped them.”
• “Each episode is a window into someone’s world, and those windows have revealed the many forms that inspiration can take.”
• “These conversations continue to affirm one thing – that every person has a story worth hearing.”

Time Stamps
01:26 Origins of the Podcast
03:41 Defining inspiration
06:06 Personal reflections on inspiration
12:36 The role of curiosity and vulnerability
23:31 Unexpectedly inspiring guests
27:17 The journey of resilience and tenacity
29:45 The power of ordinary acts
32:21 Impactful stories from the podcast
36:17 The Atuel river journey
42:14 Reflections on longevity and success
47:54 The future of the podcast 


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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

In this landmark 150th episode, Sue Stockdale talks to Kris Tompkins, one of the world's most prolific conservation philanthropists.  Kris shares a powerful, personal perspective on what drives her and urges listeners to ditch the myth of individual powerlessness: “The excuse that ‘I’m just one person’ - that’s the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.”

In the conversation, Tompkins reflects on how her business experience helped shape a vision for nature conservation at scale, highlighting themes of risk-taking, leadership, and the power of direct engagement. She reminds us that the gritty, uncomfortable days in nature often leave the strongest impressions: “I like people being miserable in the national parks - those are the days we remember.”


About Kris Tompkins

Kris Tompkins is the president and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation, and former CEO of Patagonia, Inc. For three decades, she has committed to protecting and restoring wild beauty and biodiversity by creating national parks, inspiring activism, and fostering economic vitality as a result of conservation. Kris and her husband, Doug Tompkins have protected over 15 million acres of parklands in Chile and Argentina through Tompkins Conservation and its partners, making them among the most successful national park oriented philanthropists in history.

Kris served as Patron for Protected Areas for the UN Environmental Programme from 2018 to 2022. The recipient of numerous honours, she was the first conservationist to be awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. Her 2020 TED talk "Lets make the earth wild again" has over two million views.  

Find out more about Kris Tompkins and the work of Tompkins Conservation : Rewilding Argentina : Rewilding Chile :Trailer for National Geographic documentary - Wild Life 

Time Stamps

01:57 Developing a passion for nature 
04:29 Challenges and Triumphs in Conservation
11:25 Building Teams and Collaborative Efforts
27:34 The Role of Technology in Conservation
31:22 Reflecting on Successes and Lessons Learned
34:24 Inspiration and Call to Action

Key Quotes

•  I'm actually inspired and motivated probably more by grief and a kind of yearning, than I am by something that's fabulous and positive.
•  You can't fall in love with something you don't know.
•  I like people being miserable in the national parks as those are the days we remember- the days you were freezing.
• The excuse that “I’m just one person”. That's the weakest, nonsensical excuse there is. One person, it does matter.
• People have to decide that they want to participate in something more than what they currently have in their daily life. They see what's going on in the outside world and they want to do something. And that's a decision. And that's probably the most difficult step of all.
•  There are people working for nature who need what you're good at. It's the wilfulness that people get stuck on. 

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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale talks to Alice Morrison, an adventurer, author, and TV presenter. Alice has journeyed across deserts, trekked through mountains, and immersed herself in diverse cultures from Morocco to Saudi Arabia. Alice shares her experiences of resilience, discovery, and connection, including surviving the Moroccan earthquake, navigating Saudi Arabia on foot, and the joy of storytelling. Alice discusses her passion for adventure, the importance of cultural understanding, and why she believes exploration is about more than just physical endurance.

About Alice Morrison
Alice Morrison is an adventurer, TV presenter, and writer known for her bold expeditions and compelling storytelling. From racing her bike across Africa in the Tour d’Afrique to running the Everest Trail Race and walking thousands of kilometres across Morocco, she has consistently chosen the path less travelled. Her adventures are driven by a desire to understand our rapidly changing world, celebrate shared humanity, and bear witness to environmental and cultural transformation.

Her work is now showcased in documentaries such as From Morocco to Timbuktu, and Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabataeans, alongside her acclaimed books Dodging Elephants, Walking with Nomads, and Adventures in Morocco.  Now based in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Alice lives immersed in the landscapes she writes about, walking alongside Amazigh guides and camels, podcasting from remote deserts, and sharing insights through public speaking and media appearances.

Connect with Alice Morrison - Website: Instagram : Podcast : YouTube : TikTok

Key Quotes

• "Adventure isn’t about searching for yourself; it’s about experiencing as much of the world as possible."
• "I treasure my freedom, and I’m grateful every day that I have the opportunity to explore, to learn, and to share stories with others."
• "The reality of Saudi Arabia was so different from the stereotype—I found warmth, humour, and incredible hospitality at every step."
• "People are fundamentally good everywhere in the world. The more we meet and understand each other, the more barriers we break down."

Time Stamps
01:28 Experiencing Ramadan in Morocco
02:56 Challenges of Adventuring in Saudi Arabia
06:55 Alice's Background and Attraction to the Middle East
09:09 The Importance of Storytelling
10:44 Surviving the Moroccan Earthquake
12:53 Themes of Freedom and Self-Reliance
15:09 Community vs. Individuality
21:06 Packing Tips for Explorers
24:41 Lessons from Nature and Camels
26:08 Future Adventures and Goals


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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale speaks to adventurer, author, and deep thinker Ed Ley-Wilson. Ed shares insights from his life exploring both the outdoors and the mind. From kayaking the rugged west coast of Scotland to reflecting on resilience, solitude, and the power of slowing down, Ed reveals how adventure - whether on land, sea, or within ourselves shapes our engagement with the world. 

About Ed Ley-Wilson
Ed has over thirty years of working and engaging with business, community, educational, social and environmental issues throughout the Highlands of Scotland. He has undertaken long self-supported kayaking journeys in Norway and Patagonia and has run 1200 miles of the Great Wall of China (1988) and the 2000 mile length of the Himalayas (1990). Ed is no stranger to hardship and during his 2022 kayaking journey up the west coast of Scotland he faced some of the worst weather in that region for years. He also has two books to his name, ‘The Himalayan Shuffle’ and ‘Kayaking the Sea Roads.

Key Quotes

• "Adventure isn’t just about the physical challenge; it’s about how we engage with the world around us and what we learn from it."
• "Solitude teaches you resilience in a way nothing else can - you have to sit with your thoughts and find your own way through them."
• "Whether on the sea or in life, you can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it."
• "The lessons I learned from John Ridgway weren’t just about survival; they were about self-reliance, discipline, and understanding your own limits."
• "Slowing down and disconnecting from the noise of the modern world is one of the greatest gifts adventure can offer."
• "It's not a weakness to not know stuff. It's a strength actually".

Chapters
01:57 Early Adventures and Influences
03:33 Lessons from the Wild
04:31 The Philosophy of Adventure
05:42 Kayaking the Sea Roads
10:07 Reflections on Highland Communities
16:27 The Importance of Time and Space
21:30 Embracing Uncertainty and Curiosity
23:06 The Role of Yoga in Kayaking
25:54 The Journey of Self-Discovery
35:39 Balancing Life and Future Plans

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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale welcomes Zara Lachlan, who shares her extraordinary experience of rowing solo across the Atlantic from mainland Europe to South America, covering over 3,500 nautical miles in 97 days. Despite overcoming many challenges as well as mental and physical hurdles during her voyage, Zara highlights the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of support from loved ones.

About Zara Lachlan
Zara Lachlan is a 21-year-old physics student at Loughborough University who is joining the army in September 2025 as a technical officer. She has competed internationally in cycling and rowing which she started at 16 at Welbeck, the Army’s 6th Form College. Zara heard about ocean rowing when she was much younger but only decided to take on this challenge last summer, and the first time she ever saw an ocean rowing boat was in August.Two and a half months of intensive training later, she was fully prepared to row across the Atlantic solo.

Zara faced extreme weather leading to a capsize, orcas and sharks, and a near miss with a large ship, yet still describes her expedition as the most enjoyable and rewarding experience she has come across so far. Zara set out to encourage others to find a fun way to keep fit and healthy and gain the confidence needed to try something new. None of her crossing would have been possible without the support she got from the charity Team Forces and all her sponsors.

Connect with Zara Lachlan via Instagram 

Key Quotes

• "I didn’t have a big reason to row across an ocean, I just thought it would be fun."
• "Some days, I rowed for 21 hours, and it still wasn’t enough. That was a hard lesson in learning to accept what’s out of my control."
• "For almost 60 days, I had no music, no distractions, just the ocean, the wildlife, and my own thoughts."
• "The hardest part wasn’t the physical challenge. It was waking up every day knowing I had 3,000 miles left to go."
• "Nine times out of ten, you’re stronger than you think you are. The only way to find out is to go for it."

Time Stamps
(02:42) The Impulse to Row Across the Atlantic
(04:28) Competitive Spirit and Family Influence
(06:42) Preparing for the Atlantic Row
(09:37) Life on the Ocean
(13:56) Encounters with Marine Life
(19:59) Mental and Physical Resilience
(23:09) Returning to Land and Future Plans


Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale talks to Rosemary Hoskins, a learning and development expert, about navigating uncertainty in careers, personal growth, and leadership. Rosemary shares her journey from graduating during a recession to building a diverse career and offers insights on the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and peer learning. The conversation emphasizes the value of evaluating risks, asking 'what if' questions, and creating plans to manage the unknown. Rosemary also talks about her unique personal experiences, including bringing a polo pony from Argentina and building her own ecohouse illustrating the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone to explore opportunities.

About Rosemary Hoskins
Rosemary Hoskins has built her career in people development around designing and leading strategic change to enhance organisational capability and to change the way that people work. Most recently serving as Global Capability Lead at AstraZeneca, she has previously worked in learning and development roles at Barclays, Citi, BP, UKTI, and PA Consulting.  Her first career was as an independent environmental consultant.  She likes to learn things mainly through doing them, supported by sharing ideas with others and just the right amount of relevant content.  

Connect with Rosemary Hoskins on LinkedIn

Time Stamps
01:57 Rosemary's Early Career Challenges
04:04 Skills for Thriving in Uncertainty
05:34 The Role of AI in Critical Thinking
06:57 Working in the Grey
08:37 Learning and Development Strategies
09:55 Personal Stories and Career Reflections
10:42 The Polo Pony Adventure
17:33 Leadership and Peer Support
20:04 Future Outlook and Final Thoughts

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews Anil Damle, a passionate nature and wildlife enthusiast from India, about his epic road trips across the continents of Africa, Latin America, and Australia. Anil shares his experiences of overcoming logistical challenges, the importance of teamwork, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. They delve into his journey's practicalities, including vehicle maintenance and adapting to different terrains and the personal growth that comes from embarking on such ambitious travels.

About Anil Damle
Anil Damle is a renowned film producer, author, and tourism pioneer. He comes from a distinguished lineage in filmmaking, being the grandson of the founder partner of Prabhat Film Co. now home to the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India. As a passionate adventurer, Anil holds three India Book of Records for being part of the first Indian teams to drive across Africa (2016), Latin America (2017), and Australia (2019). His career in tourism took off in 1993 when he founded Damle Safaris, specialising in wildlife tours, African safaris, and polar voyages. Anil is also a prolific author, having written 10 books on tourism, three of which have won the title of ‘Best Book of Tourism.’ 

Find out more about Anil Damle via website and YouTube

Time Stamps
01:15 Anil's Early Travel Inspirations
02:44 Epic Road Trips Across Africa
06:29 Challenges and Triumphs in South America
08:37 Navigating Language Barriers and Local Support
16:52 High Altitude Adventures in the Atacama Desert
19:50 Reflections on Resilience and Teamwork
31:08 Memorable Moments and Future Plans
37:09 Exploring India and Upcoming Adventures


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Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews Jayshree Seth, who was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science, communicate its benefits and the importance of STEM fields to drive innovation.
 
About Jayshree Seth
Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and currently holds 80 patents for a variety of innovations, with several additional pending. She joined 3M in 1993 after an MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, New York. She is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient from her alma mater REC Trichy India, now NIIT Trichy, where she earned a B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering. She is also a member of Carlton Society which is the 3M Science and Innovation “Hall of Fame.” Jayshree is the fourth woman and first female engineer to be inducted. In 2025 she was named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Radar list featuring people those whose ideas will help shape the future of organisations and leadership. 

Connect with Jayshree Seth via LinkedIn

Time Stamps
01:05 Jayshree's Early Life and STEM Journey
03:20 The Power of Curiosity
04:51 Becoming a Chief Science Advocate
05:18 Understanding Public Perception of Science
09:00 Mosaic Building: Jayshree's Problem-Solving Approach
13:02 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Innovation
22:34 The Role of AI in Innovation
25:00 Jayshree's Inspirations and Legacy 

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 

Sue Stockdale interviews trailblazing conservationist Astrid Vargas in episode 143 of the Access to Inspiration podcast. Astrid shares her journey from childhood fascination with nature to leading efforts in bringing species like the Iberian lynx back from the brink of extinction. They discuss the importance of inspiration, systemic thinking, and community engagement in conservation, and delve into the 'four returns' model for landscape restoration developed by Common Land. Astrid emphasises the role of art, celebration, and collective action in fostering a sustainable future, offering insights and encouragement for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the planet.

About Astrid Vargas
Astrid Vargas is an award-winning conservation biologist with a track record in setting up, developing, leading, and monitoring environmental restoration programs. She has been a key figure in the recovery of three of the world’s most endangered species: the Iberian lynx in Spain, the black-footed ferret in North America, and the golden-crowned sifaka in Madagascar. Astrid believes in the power of art and inspiration to transform society. She is the founder of Inspiration 4 Action, an initiative that inspires communities to bring collective creativity into ecosystem restoration.

Find out more about Astrid Vargas and Inspiration 4 Action  via website: her book website : Instagram : Facebook

Time Stamps
01:22 Astrid's Early Inspirations and Influences
04:50 The Journey into Conservation Biology
06:42 The Iberian Lynx Recovery Program
11:35 The Four Returns Model for Landscape Restoration
21:44 Art, Celebration, and Community Engagement
29:26 Advice for Young Conservationists
31:14 The Joy of Conservation and Final Thoughts

Key Quotes

•  What if saving the planet could be joyful, creative and inspiring?
• There's a big need in endangered species programs to resolve conflict and to listen to each other and to find ways where we can all move forward together.
•  It's our own activity that's causing the demise of so many species.
• The beauty of nature makes me want to act. It gives me the amazing love to try to to do whatever we can so we don't lose it.
• We need a different thinking than the thinking that caused this problem.
• Our mind has to move to a restoration, regeneration thinking.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee

Producer: Sue Stockdale  Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra 


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/access-to-inspiration--4156820/support.

Connect with Access to Inspiration: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Read our Impact Report and if you would like to support us then Buy Me A Coffee


Host: Sue Stockdale 
Producer: Sue Stockdale  
Sound Editor: Matias De Ezcurra