

A NASA Hero’s Plan to Bring Ethics Back to Washington | A Conversation with Terry Virts
Aug 2, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Terry Virts, a retired Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut, shares his journey from pilot to politician as he runs for the U.S. Senate. He emphasizes the need for new leadership in Texas, advocating for middle-class issues while reconnecting the Democratic Party with rural voters. Virts reflects on the transformative experience of viewing Earth from space, critiquing political ethics and the importance of sound judgment in leadership. He calls for reforms to combat corruption and enhance accountability in governance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Terry's Shuttle Pilot Story
- Terry Virts flew as pilot on Space Shuttle Endeavour and helped complete International Space Station assembly.
- He manually flew the shuttle in orbit and during landing approach, sharing unique astronaut experience.
Meet Voters Where They Are
- Engage voters by meeting them where they are, including appearances on AM talk radio and local events.
- Address misconceptions directly to build trust beyond traditional Democratic media channels.
Receiving the Astronaut Call
- Terry described how he received the call selecting him as an astronaut candidate at Edwards Air Force Base.
- The joyful moment was marked by celebration and disbelief among his peers.