
HawkeTalk
No one decides to wake up one day, walk across Antarctica, or leave their bohemian parents and join the Navy Seals. Or any number of crazy, amazing things that people do. These aren’t the dreams most kids have. And yet, fascinating people have done them. How? Why? HawkeTalk is a podcast all about the origin stories of the most interesting people in the world. Today, you know our guests are famous athletes, authors, and entrepreneurs, but there’s so much more to the story. How did they navigate upbringings that seem so far from what they eventually became? What pivotal moments steered them in a new and fascinating direction forever? Buckle up: Everyone loves a good origin story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

May 13, 2025 • 43min
138. Dr. Lori Glaze: Leading NASA's Planetary Science & Space Exploration
What does it take to lead NASA’s groundbreaking planetary missions? Lori Glaze, the powerhouse behind NASA's Planetary Science Division, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From Earth to Mars, her leadership is shaping the future of space science.In this episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Lori Glaze, a renowned planetary scientist and volcanologist, whose journey from a curious math and science enthusiast in North Texas to a leading researcher at NASA is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Glaze shares how her engineer parents and the eruption of Mount St. Helens ignited her passion for volcanology, setting her on a path to groundbreaking work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center.She provides an insider’s perspective on navigating research funding, the fast-paced environment at NASA headquarters, and the challenges of working within the federal budget. We also dive into the Artemis program—a visionary effort to return humans to the Moon and eventually land astronauts on Mars—highlighting the vital role of collaboration with commercial partners.Dr. Glaze offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals, including trusting oneself and overcoming imposter syndrome. This engaging conversation underscores the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and resilience in driving scientific discovery.Don’t miss this inspiring episode—be sure to subscribe and rate the show!In this episode: (00:00:00) Introduction to Lori Glaze's journey(00:05:17) Influence of Mount St. Helens eruption(00:10:20) Research on Venus(00:15:30) Changes in space interest over time(00:20:01) Mars volcanism research(00:25:12) Return to NASA Goddard(00:25:35) New robotic missions(00:29:57) Career transition to leadership(00:35:10) Challenges of fast-paced environment(00:36:19) Political shifts and stability(00:37:26) Focus on the Artemis program(00:39:22) Partnerships with commercial companies(00:40:49) Future goals for the moon and Mars(00:41:31) Advice for aspiring professionals(00:42:19) Closing remarksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Lori Glaze is the director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, overseeing missions that explore the solar system and beyond. With over 30 years of experience at NASA, she has held various leadership roles in planetary science research. Glaze has contributed to several high-profile projects, including the Mars Perseverance rover and the Artemis program. Her leadership focuses on advancing scientific discovery and developing partnerships to achieve NASA's exploration goals.Dr. Lori GlazeLori Glaze -LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 46sec
[Trailer] Dr. Lori Glaze: Leading NASA's Planetary Science & Space Exploration.
What does it take to lead NASA’s groundbreaking planetary missions? Lori Glaze, the powerhouse behind NASA's Planetary Science Division, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From Earth to Mars, her leadership is shaping the future of space science.In this episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Lori Glaze, a renowned planetary scientist and volcanologist, whose journey from a curious math and science enthusiast in North Texas to a leading researcher at NASA is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Glaze shares how her engineer parents and the eruption of Mount St. Helens ignited her passion for volcanology, setting her on a path to groundbreaking work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 51min
137. Kristen Ulmer: From Hall of Fame Extreme Skier to Fear & Anxiety Expert
What if fear wasn’t your enemy but your secret weapon? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Ulmer, a former professional skier turned fear and anxiety specialist. Kristen takes you through her journey, from being a shy, legally blind child to becoming a world-class skier. She shares how her unique relationship with fear shaped her life, including a transformative trip to Asia that changed everything. Kristen reveals how embracing fear, instead of fighting it, has been key to her personal growth and success.Kristen skied for a decade without a single day off, except for filming, promoting sponsors, or judging. She tackled 70-foot drops, rock climbed, ice climbed, and even paraglided. Yet, it wasn't without challenges—four ACL reconstructions in three years, and she still didn’t miss a ski season. Her resilience and fearlessness in the face of physical and mental hurdles are truly awe-inspiring.Tune in to hear how Kristen’s unstoppable mindset can help you transform your relationship with fear and use it as a tool for growth. If you're ready to face your fears head-on and unlock your true potential, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode: (00:20) Introduction to Hawke Talk (05:01) Kristen's journey to becoming a world-class skier (11:00) Impact of the Asia trip on skiing performance (15:02) Transition to big mountain extreme skiing (20:04) Experiencing sponsorship for the first time (25:21) The balance of healing and rehabbing from surgeries (30:00) The role of fear in performance and life (35:03) Transitioning out of professional skiing (42:25) Starting mindset ski camps (45:26) Misconceptions about fear (46:17) Future plans and writing on anxiety (48:46) Advice on pursuing high-level achievement (49:53) The amazing experiences on Earth (50:28) Closing remarks Hawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Kristen Ulmer is a thought leader, high-performance facilitator, and fear/anxiety expert. Drawing from her tenure as the world's top female extreme skier and 15 years of Zen study, she has facilitated over ten thousand clients on fear, anxiety, and achieving flow states. Her work has been featured in media outlets like NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. She authored "The Art of Fear: Why Conquering Fear Won’t Work and What to Do Instead," challenging existing norms about this misunderstood emotion. Kristen UlmerKristen Ulmer- WebsiteKristen Ulmer -Facebook Kristen Ulmer- Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 2min
[Trailer] Kristen Ulmer: From Hall of Fame Extreme Skier to Fear & Anxiety Expert
What if fear wasn’t your enemy but your secret weapon? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Ulmer, a former professional skier turned fear and anxiety specialist. Kristen takes you through her journey, from being a shy, legally blind child to becoming a world-class skier. She shares how her unique relationship with fear shaped her life, including a transformative trip to Asia that changed everything. Kristen reveals how embracing fear, instead of fighting it, has been key to her personal growth and success.Kristen skied for a decade without a single day off, except for filming, promoting sponsors, or judging. She tackled 70-foot drops, rock climbed, ice climbed, and even paraglided. Yet, it wasn't without challenges—four ACL reconstructions in three years, and she still didn’t miss a ski season. Her resilience and fearlessness in the face of physical and mental hurdles are truly awe-inspiring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 53min
136. Aloe Blacc: Grammy-Nominated and Billboard Chart-Topping Artist
Ever wondered how a kid from Laguna Hills, California, grows up to write chart-topping hits like "Wake Me Up" and "I Need a Dollar"? In this episode of Hawke Talk, I chat with Aloe Blacc, the renowned musician known for his contributions to hip-hop and soul. Aloe walks me through his origin story, growing up in Laguna Hills, California, and how his early passion for music began to take shape. He shares how his family, especially his parents, played a crucial role in supporting his dreams and the pivotal moments that set his career in motion.Aloe reminisces about starting to write rap songs at just nine years old, which eventually lead to his fame with hits like "I Need a Dollar" and "Wake Me Up." Throughout our conversation, Aloe's perseverance stands out as his importance on family and balancing personal fulfillment and professional success. It is an inspiring discussion that highlights his musical journey and the values guiding him along the way.Tune in now to catch this inspiring conversation and hear more about Aloe's journey firsthand!In this episode: (00:28) Aloe Blacc's early life(05:50) Hobby vs. career(11:52) Transition to music full-time(15:15) Optimism about the future(24:05) Signing with Interscope(30:44) Creating Wake Me Up(33:01) Early reception of Wake Me Up(34:06) Understanding the market(36:41) Touring with Bruno Mars(38:30) Shifting priorities(40:06) Instilling values in children(41:01) Deciding to stay home(42:10) Understanding Success(42:50) Aloe Blacc's new venture(43:39) Meijer Inc: A drug discovery company(44:58) Inspiration behind the company(46:34) Research and development journey(47:52) Cancer treatment focus(49:55) Advice for pursuing dreams(52:17) Closing thoughtsHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Aloe Blacc is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for his hit singles like "I Need a Dollar" and "The Man." With a diverse career that spans genres such as hip-hop, soul, and folk, he has collaborated with various artists, including Avicii, on the global hit "Wake Me Up." In addition to his music career, Blacc is involved in philanthropy and business, notably working in biotech with his company Meijer Inc., which is focused on innovative health solutions. He is also recognized for his advocacy in education and social justice.Aloe BlaccAloe Blacc -InstagramAloe Blacc- LinkedInAloe Blacc- Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 1min
[Trailer] Aloe Blacc: Grammy-Nominated and Billboard Chart-Topping Artist
Ever wondered how a kid from Laguna Hills, California, grows up to write chart-topping hits like "Wake Me Up" and "I Need a Dollar"? In this episode of Hawke Talk, I chat with Aloe Blacc, the renowned musician known for his contributions to hip-hop and soul. Aloe walks me through his origin story, growing up in Laguna Hills, California, and how his early passion for music began to take shape. He shares how his family, especially his parents, played a crucial role in supporting his dreams and the pivotal moments that set his career in motion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2024 • 38min
135. Avi Loeb: Visionary Harvard Astrophysicist & Founder of the Galileo Project for UFO Research
Did you know Proxima Centauri is only 4.24 light-years away, yet would take tens of thousands of years to reach with current technology? In this insightful episode, I got to sit down with Avi Loeb, a renowned astrophysicist and Harvard professor. Avi shares his incredible journey, from his days as a curious kid in Israel to becoming a leading figure in astrophysics. He talks about his early love for philosophy, how he transitioned into physics, and even his work on the Strategic Defense Initiative. We discussed his groundbreaking research in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, including the fascinating Galileo Project, which aims to find physical evidence of alien technology. Throughout our conversation, Avi emphasizes the importance of staying curious and open-minded, and the profound implications that discovering extraterrestrial life could have on humanity.Tune in to this captivating episode of Hawke Talk with Avi Loeb to uncover the mysteries of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life.In this episode: (00:00) Introduction to the podcast(02:12) Transition to Physics(04:58) Details of the SDI project(07:52) Lessons from physics and technology(08:51) Fermi's paradox and alien civilizations(10:07) The search for extraterrestrial intelligence(11:08) Traveling to Proxima Centauri(12:48) Robotic exploration of space(13:28) Philosophy's connection to physics(14:13) Military training in physics(15:42) Curiosity as a driving force(16:44) Challenges in academia(18:05) Avi's North Star in research(18:07) The vulnerability of tenure(19:16) Innovation and funding(20:07) The search for extraterrestrial life(20:30) Traditional methods vs. new approaches(21:12) The Galileo project(23:29) Interstellar meteor expedition(25:06) The mystery of Oumuamua(26:59) Cosmic meaning and existence(28:34) Presumptions about life in the universe(29:22) The importance of seeking evidence(34:06) What's next for Avi?Hawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Abraham (Avi) Loeb is the Frank B. Baird, Jr. Professor of Science at Harvard University and a bestselling author. He received his PhD in Physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at age 24 and has led groundbreaking research in astrophysics, black holes, and extraterrestrial life. Loeb is the Founding Director of Harvard's Black Hole Initiative and chairs the Advisory Committee for the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative. TIME magazine named him one of the 25 most influential people in space.Professor Avi LoebAvi Loeb -Facebook Avi Loeb- Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 8, 2024 • 57sec
[Trailer] Avi Loeb: Visionary Harvard Astrophysicist & Founder of the Galileo Project for UFO Research
Did you know Proxima Centauri is only 4.24 light-years away, yet would take tens of thousands of years to reach with current technology? In this insightful episode, I got to sit down with Avi Loeb, a renowned astrophysicist and Harvard professor. Avi shares his incredible journey, from his days as a curious kid in Israel to becoming a leading figure in astrophysics. He talks about his early love for philosophy, how he transitioned into physics, and even his work on the Strategic Defense Initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 1, 2024 • 57min
134. Building Empires: Entrepreneurial Journeys with Daymond John, Gary Vee, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Rachel Zoe, Anthony Anderson, and Cedric the Entertainer
Join Daymond John, founder of FUBU and Shark Tank star, as he reflects on his entrepreneurial roots in hip-hop culture. Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the transformative power of humble beginnings and resilience. Fashion mogul Rachel Zoe shares her lifelong passion for style. Award-winning actor Anthony Anderson talks about chasing dreams in the entertainment industry, while Cedric the Entertainer hilariously contrasts fame with real-world pressures. Each guest reveals the insights and mentalities that shaped their paths to success.

Oct 1, 2024 • 4min
[Trailer] Building Empires: Entrepreneurial Journeys with Daymond John, Gary Vee, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Rachel Zoe, Anthony Anderson, and Cedric the Entertainer
In this special compilation episode of HawkeTalk, Erik Huberman dives deep into the minds of some of our time's most successful and charismatic entrepreneurs and entertainers. With insights from Daymond John, Gary Vee, Dr. Andrew Huberman, Rachel Zoe, Anthony Anderson, and Cedric the Entertainer, this episode explores their early inspirations, challenges, and the mindsets that propelled them to build empires in their respective fields.From their early struggles and triumphs to the moments that defined their careers, these guests offer invaluable lessons on what it takes to build lasting empires. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.