<p>Former NASA engineer Homer Hickam talks about growing up in West Virginia coal country, his complicated relationship with his father, the influence of a special teacher, and the inspirational story that resulted in the best-selling memoir ROCKET BOYS and the popular film OCTOBER SKY.</p>

Former NASA engineer Homer Hickam talks about growing up in West Virginia coal country, his complicated relationship with his father, the influence of a special teacher, and the inspirational story that resulted in the best-selling memoir ROCKET BOYS and the popular film OCTOBER SKY.

Season 2, Episode 7: Homer Hickam

<p>AMERICAN ACHIEVERS explores the power of ambition, commitment to excellence, risk-taking and tenacity in pursuit of the American Dream. Hosted and produced by author, documentary filmmaker, and media trailblazer Keith Dunnavant, who has been interviewing newsmakers for more than four decades, including many years as an award-winning journalist for various major publications, covering and directing coverage of sports, business, media, culture and politics. Widely acclaimed for his history books, including THE MISSING RING, MONTANA and SPY PILOT, Dunnavant directed the 2023 ESPN Films documentary BART STARR, based on his definitive biography. With each episode of AMERICAN ACHIEVERS, Dunnavant explores the life of an accomplished individual who has relentlessly chased success and fulfillment, often battling through significant adversity and reflecting universal lessons that strike at the heart of the American experience. Featuring entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, astronauts, media figures and civic leaders. Coming in late 2026: Season 5. KeithDunnavant.com</p>

Society & Culture

AMERICAN ACHIEVERS explores the power of ambition, commitment to excellence, risk-taking and tenacity in pursuit of the American Dream. Hosted and produced by author, documentary filmmaker, and media trailblazer Keith Dunnavant, who has been interviewing newsmakers for more than four decades, including many years as an award-winning journalist for various major publications, covering and directing coverage of sports, business, media, culture and politics. Widely acclaimed for his history books, including THE MISSING RING, MONTANA and SPY PILOT, Dunnavant directed the 2023 ESPN Films documentary BART STARR, based on his definitive biography. With each episode of AMERICAN ACHIEVERS, Dunnavant explores the life of an accomplished individual who has relentlessly chased success and fulfillment, often battling through significant adversity and reflecting universal lessons that strike at the heart of the American experience. Featuring entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, astronauts, media figures and civic leaders. Coming in late 2026: Season 5. KeithDunnavant.com

Share Season 2, Episode 7: Homer Hickam

Sign up to save your podcasts

Season 2, Episode 7: Homer Hickam

Season 2, Episode 7: Homer Hickam