In this captivating episode of Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas, Kent takes us on a nostalgic and thought-provoking journey through two of the most ambitious technological marvels of the 20th century: the Apollo moon landings and the supersonic Concorde jet. With his signature wit and wisdom, Kent reflects on the boundless optimism of the 1960s and 70s, when Americans believed we’d be living on the moon and flying across the globe in under three hours.

Kent revisits the excitement and eventual disillusionment surrounding these innovations, exploring how high costs, political hesitations, and public indifference grounded dreams that once soared. He also shares personal anecdotes—from flying the Concorde to humorous misunderstandings in Congress—and even touches on modern parallels with artificial intelligence.

This episode is a rich blend of history, humor, and insight, reminding us that sometimes, “the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.”

👤 Guest Background:

While this episode doesn’t feature a formal guest, Kent references past guest Ginger Kerrick, a NASA veteran who trained astronauts for the International Space Station and speaks four languages. Her story adds depth to the discussion on space exploration and international collaboration.

💬 Notable Quotes & Moments:

• “Luck never hit a guy sitting in the shade.” – A classic Daryl Royal quote that sets the tone for the episode.
• “The juice just wasn’t worth the squeeze.” – Kent’s summation of why the Concorde and moon colonization never took off.
• “If there are other people in the universe and they see Animal House, they’re not gonna wanna invade us.” – Kent on the enduring hilarity of the 1978 comedy classic.
• “Red is dead.” – Kent’s vivid description of flying through dangerous weather.

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