Episode
Exploration with Leland Melvin
32:59
Published: Tue Feb 14 2023
Description
Explorers discover new worlds and perspectives that change humanity forever.Leland Melvin has spent his life exploring. He’s been a rocket scientist, an astronaut, and an NFL player.Now, he’s an educator who uses the dramatic ups-and-downs of his own life to inspire the next generation of explorers. This is… A Bit of Optimism.For more on Leland and his work, check out: lelandmelvin.com
Chapters
The preparation for being an astronaut includes research, work, communication with other astronauts, reading books, and finding out what it means to be a good astronaut.
00:00 - 04:18 (04:18)
Summary
The preparation for being an astronaut includes research, work, communication with other astronauts, reading books, and finding out what it means to be a good astronaut. Astronauts spend long periods of time in space, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving and positivity.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
Former NFL player, Leland Melvin, shares how he transitioned from sports to becoming an astronaut at NASA thanks to his love for chemistry and a non-OSHA certified chemistry set from his mother.
04:18 - 07:40 (03:21)
Summary
Former NFL player, Leland Melvin, shares how he transitioned from sports to becoming an astronaut at NASA thanks to his love for chemistry and a non-OSHA certified chemistry set from his mother.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The speaker was invited to speak at a NASA education conference due to their experience in the astronaut program, including flying on the Atlantis and working on detecting leaks on the space shuttle tanks.
07:40 - 10:30 (02:50)
Summary
The speaker was invited to speak at a NASA education conference due to their experience in the astronaut program, including flying on the Atlantis and working on detecting leaks on the space shuttle tanks.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The speaker reflects on how small experiences and his upbringing have contributed to his personal growth and mentions two things he believes can benefit everyone.
10:30 - 15:45 (05:15)
Summary
The speaker reflects on how small experiences and his upbringing have contributed to his personal growth and mentions two things he believes can benefit everyone.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The influence of living a life of service extends beyond one's lifetime, with the power to positively reshape the lives of others for generations to come.
15:45 - 20:59 (05:14)
Summary
The influence of living a life of service extends beyond one's lifetime, with the power to positively reshape the lives of others for generations to come. Anecdotes from Matthew McConaughey demonstrate this concept through the experiences of his father, a mentor who inspired positive change in countless individuals.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The speaker reflects on the importance of not judging someone based on a single interaction, taking into consideration their past actions, character and personal circumstances.
20:59 - 25:04 (04:04)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the importance of not judging someone based on a single interaction, taking into consideration their past actions, character and personal circumstances.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The Overview Effect is the experience many astronauts have when they look down on Earth and wonder why humans can't all work together to protect our planet.
25:04 - 28:56 (03:51)
Summary
The Overview Effect is the experience many astronauts have when they look down on Earth and wonder why humans can't all work together to protect our planet. Instead of trying to go to inhospitable places like Mars, we should invest our energy in ensuring that Earth can continue to support human life.
EpisodeExploration with Leland Melvin
PodcastA Bit of Optimism
The act of exploration allows us to learn and grow by experiencing the unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
28:56 - 32:50 (03:54)
Summary
The act of exploration allows us to learn and grow by experiencing the unfamiliar and uncomfortable. While it involves taking risks and the unknown, there needs to be a healthy balance between exploration and taking care of people back on Earth.