📘 About the Episode: This interview was recorded in 2016. Al Worden's candid, unfiltered perspective offers rare insights into the Apollo program and humanity's future in space that you won't hear in typical astronaut interviews.
In this special episode, I sit down with Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden–one of only 24 people who’s ever been to the Moon.
Al opens up about what he saw behind the Moon (no sunlight, no Earth, just stars), what it taught him about the universe, and why he believes space exploration isn’t just about discovery…it’s about survival.
We also talk about:
- What it’s really like to fly to the Moon
- Why he’s not impressed with NASA’s Mars plans
- His honest thoughts on aliens 👽
- The difference between moonwalkers and command module pilots (and why it matters)
- And the prank he pulled on Wally Schirra that went down in astronaut history
🧠 Favorite quote:
"All of a sudden I saw just light. So many stars you couldn't see a single one. And I knew–there’s life out there."
📚 Mentioned in this episode:
- Al’s book: Falling to Earth
- SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence)
- NASA’s Orion & Mars plans
- Mr. Rogers… yes, that Mr. Rogers 👔
If you’ve ever looked up at the stars and wondered what’s out there…this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now and let me know in the comments what stood out most to you.