Astronaut Susan Kilrain on What It Really Takes to Get to Space | EP 641

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

John R. Miles

Reinventing Yourself, Behavior Change For Good, Human Behavior Change, Self Mastery, Live Like You Matter, Emotional Resilience, Why You Matter, Purpose, Mental Fitness, The Power Of Mattering, Why Mattering Matters, Science Of Mattering, The Need To Matter, Science Of Human Flourishing, Science Of Wellbeing, The Mattering Effect, How To Be Successful, Veterans, Bio Hacking, Personal Growth, Tiny Habits, Health, Mattering, Knowing Yourself, Self Awareness, Spiritual Health, Success Strategies, Life Span, Passion, Self-improvement, Self Help, Self Improvement Podcast, Relationship Health, Life Lessons, Metabolism, John R. Miles, How We Learn, Health Habits, Fitness, Mindfulness, Grit, Education, Passion Struck Life, Cancer Survivor, Peak Performance, Personal Mastery, Power Of Intentions, Live Intentionally, Behavior Change, Health & Fitness, How To Be Unstoppable, Success, Meditation, Future Of Work, Brain Plasticity, Leadership, Power Of Choice, Self Limiting Beliefs, Education Podcast, Health Podcast, Passion Struck, Courage, The Power Of Letting Go, Inspirational, Naturopath, Self Development, Entrepreneurship, Be Intentional, Habit Formation, Alternative Medicine, Personal Relationships, Health Span, Neuroscience, Military, Intentional Living, Life Coaching, Future Self, Passion Struck Podcast, Behavior Science, Mental Health, Eft Tapping, Self Realization, Alternative Health, Functional Medicine, Micro Choice, Human Connection, Growth Mindset, Self Love, Perseverance, Ideal Self, Spirituality, Intentionality, Happiness, Best Self, Longevity, Self Actualization, Balanced Lifestyle, Introspection, Executive Coaching, Habit Loop, Alternative Health Podcast

4.9 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 24 July 2025

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

What happens after you’ve lived the dream—and it’s over?

In this profound conversation, astronaut and Navy fighter pilot Susan Kilrain joins Passion Struck to explore her journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to piloting two Space Shuttle missions, becoming one of the few women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, and raising a family while married to a Navy SEAL.

But this isn’t just a story about spaceflight. It’s about grit, reinvention, and identity. Susan opens up about how landing on an aircraft carrier prepared her less for motherhood than she thought—and why stepping away from NASA was harder than launching into orbit. Together, we explore what it means to chase excellence, embrace failure, and start over without losing yourself.

If you’ve ever asked, “Now what?”—this episode will meet you there.

Visit this link for the full show notes.

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Catch more of Astronaut Susan Kilrain: www.susankilrain.com

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Coming up next on Passionstruck.
0:02.1	I did approach my father and nervously thinking he wasn't going to support my dream and said,
0:08.7	hey, I want to be an astronaut.
0:10.2	And thankfully, he said, you can be anything you want to be.
0:13.1	I think that's the key.
0:14.5	Almost to every child's success and ability to dream is that they have somebody in their
0:20.2	corner that says, yeah, I don't know what my dad was actually thinking.
0:23.9	He was probably thinking there is no such thing as a woman astronaut, but or you're not smart enough or any of the above, but he just said, yeah, you can be anything you want to be.
0:33.5	Welcome to Passionstruck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles. and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turned their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you.
0:47.7	Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.
0:55.2	If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays.
1:00.3	We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors,
1:06.2	CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes.
1:12.6	Now, let's go out there and become passion struck.
1:16.1	Welcome to episode 641.
1:19.0	If you're new here, I'm your host, John Miles, and I want to thank you so much for discovering
1:24.0	the podcast, where our goal is to help you live like you matter.
1:28.6	Today, we're continuing our series on the power to do more, not through hustle or hyper-productivity,
1:34.4	but through purpose, presence, and choosing what matters most.
1:38.3	As I reflect on Tuesday's conversation with New York Times best-selling author Oliver
1:43.6	Berkman, one line keeps echoing.
1:46.5	You don't have to do more to matter more. It was a freeing reminder that time is not a problem
	...

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