Ever wonder what it’s like to talk to the titans of science and space? I recently had the thrilling experience of interviewing NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore about the Starliner spacecraft’s turbulent journey to the International Space Station. His gripping tales of thruster failures and high-stakes maneuvers were both alarming and awe-inspiring. While many congratulated me on the interview, I quickly realized it was Wilmore’s deep desire to share his experiences that made it so compelling.

So, was it luck that I got such a rich narrative? Perhaps. As a seasoned journalist with over 25 years under my belt, I know that preparation and genuine interest are key. I’m not a confrontational interviewer like some of the greats, but my passion for space has always worked in my favor. Interviewing is an art form; one that I’ve honed through a myriad of funny, awkward, and downright embarrassing encounters.

March 2003: The Hawking Encounter

Back in 2003, I had the surreal opportunity to interview Stephen Hawking, the eminent physicist. It was a massive coup for a budding reporter at the Houston Chronicle. Invited by Texas billionaire George Mitchell, Hawking’s visit sparked excitement among science enthusiasts. However, interviewing him was unique—his disability meant that I had to submit questions in advance. Watching him struggle to convey his thoughts through a speech-generating device was both humbling and enlightening. When he spoke about the Iraq War, his insight left a lasting impression on me: "It will be far more difficult to get out of Iraq than to get in." He was right.

Spring 2011: Conversations with Legends

In 2011, after nearly a decade at the Chronicle, I had the honor of interviewing primatologist Jane Goodall and oceanographer Sylvia Earle. Our discussions were rooted in their shared commitment to conservation. Goodall’s warmth was palpable during our phone interview, yet in-person meetings foster deeper connections. I exuberantly took my nine-year-old daughter to meet Earle, which not only inspired my daughter’s interest in marine biology but also made for a spirited, engaging discussion.

The Launch with Scott Kelly

By 2014, I was knee-deep in space reporting and ready for the next challenge. I had the delightful opportunity to travel to Kazakhstan to witness the launch of the Soyuz TMA-14M mission with astronaut Scott Kelly. What was supposed to be a traditional interview quickly escalated into a memorable night involving whiskey and camaraderie. Kelly’s candid remarks and the late-night revelry taught me that sometimes, the best stories come from informal conversations, not formal interviews.

A Flight with Elon Musk

Fast forward to 2019, when I interviewed Elon Musk, an experience I won’t soon forget. Set against the backdrop of SpaceX’s headquarters, I aimed to uncover the secrets behind the company’s success. Musk’s erratic moods added a layer of intrigue to the interview process, but once we began talking about his early days in the space industry, the conversation flowed. I learned that my deep knowledge and passion were my greatest assets in these high-stakes discussions.

Reconnecting with Butch Wilmore

In April 2025, my journey brought me full circle back to Butch Wilmore. During a press event at NASA's Johnson Space Center, I had the last interview slot, and it turned out to be a golden opportunity. Instead of asking clichéd questions, I focused on the mechanics of his spacecraft experience, and Wilmore opened up, sharing insights that only came after building trust over my years of journalism. This rich exchange reminded me that authenticity and genuine interest often yield the most sensational stories.

Ultimately, these encounters taught me one critical lesson: the most powerful interviews don’t start with a script; they flourish in the connections we build as humans.