Lay of The Land #205: Carl Walz (NASA Astronaut) — 230+ Days In Outer Space
Carl Walz is an astronaut, a pioneer of space exploration, and a proud Clevelander! As an astronaut, Carl is a veteran of four spaceflights, logging a total of 231 days in outer space and performing three spacewalks during that time.
A physicist by training, with degrees from Kent State and John Carroll University, Carl made his way to NASA via the Air Force, where he served as a flight test engineer and managed all engineering activities related to F-16 avionics and armaments.
At NASA, he was a mission specialist on STS-51 in 1993, an orbiter flight engineer on STS-65 in 1994, a mission specialist on STS-79 in 1996, and ultimately served 196 days in space as a flight engineer on ISS Expedition Four from 2001 to 2002.
His expansive career at NASA includes missions aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS). Most notably, Carl served as a flight engineer for ISS Expedition Four, living and working in space for 196 consecutive days. Later, as Director for the Advanced Capabilities Division at NASA Headquarters, Carl led critical programs involving Human Research, Technology Development, and Lunar Robotic Exploration.
To say this was an awesome conversation would be the understatement of Lay of The Land…Our conversation explored his rigorous journey to becoming an astronaut, the profound experience of living and working in space, the awe-inspiring perspective gained from orbit, and the unique challenges of transitioning back to life on Earth. We also discussed his role in shaping the future of private sector space exploration (Oceaneering, Orbital ATK), international collaboration in space missions, and even his time performing with the only astronaut band in history!
00:00:00 - Introduction to Carl Walz and His Journey
00:05:39 - The Path to Becoming an Astronaut
00:07:49 - The Ohio Astronaut Legacy
00:10:07 - Experiences in Space Missions
00:12:37 - The Awe of Spacewalks
00:14:58 - Life on the International Space Station
00:17:33 - Scientific Experiments in Space
00:19:46 - Dealing with Adversity in Space
00:21:41 - The Fulfillment of Space Exploration
00:23:56 - Transitioning Back to Earth and the Private Sector
00:30:55 - Navigating the Challenges of Spacecraft Development
00:35:09 - The Evolution of Public-Private Partnerships in Space
00:38:36 - The Future of Space Exploration: Mars and Beyond
00:43:59 - Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life and UFOs
00:45:40 - The Unique Experience of an Astronaut Band
00:50:38 - Hidden Gem
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LINKS:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-walz-21b4579/
https://www.oceaneering.com/
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Roundstone Insurance is proud to sponsor Lay of The Land. Founder and CEO, Michael Schroeder, has committed full-year support for the podcast, recognizing its alignment with the company’s passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership.
Headquartered in Rocky River, Ohio, Roundstone was founded in 2005 with a vision to deliver better healthcare outcomes at a more affordable cost. To bring that vision to life, the company pioneered the group medical captive model — a self-funded health insurance solution that provides small and mid-sized businesses with greater control and significant savings.
Over the past two decades, Roundstone has grown rapidly, creating nearly 200 jobs in Northeast Ohio. The company works closely with employers and benefits advisors to navigate the complexities of commercial health insurance and build custom plans that prioritize employee well-being over shareholder returns. By focusing on aligned incentives and better health outcomes, Roundstone is helping businesses save thousands in Per Employee Per Year healthcare costs.
Roundstone Insurance — Built for entrepreneurs. Backed by innovation. Committed to Cleveland.
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