In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with former NASA astronaut and engineer Nicole Stott for an expansive and deeply human conversation about curiosity, resilience, and what it truly means to work—and live—in extreme environments. From her early love of flight and engineering to hands-on work with the Space Shuttle and International Space Station, Nicole traces the micro decisions, mentors, and moments of doubt that quietly shaped an extraordinary career in space exploration.
The conversation goes beyond the mechanics of spaceflight to explore the mental and emotional demands of astronaut training, the power of persistence after rejection, and how creativity and humanity remain essential even in the most technical settings. Nicole reflects on everything from underwater training and spacewalks to painting with watercolors in orbit, offering insight into how astronauts adapt, cope, and thrive when there is no option to quit or escape.
Ultimately, the episode reframes space exploration as a mirror for life on Earth. Nicole shares how her experiences in orbit inspired her post-NASA mission through the Space for Art Foundation, emphasizing a powerful message: we are not passengers on this planet—we are crewmates, responsible for one another and the future we’re building together.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
[01:11] How Nicole’s childhood exposure to aviation sparked a lifelong fascination with how things fly—and why following curiosity mattered more than having a clear plan
[14:17] What it feels like to apply to be an astronaut, get rejected, and find the courage to try again
[19:35] Why astronaut training is as mentally demanding as it is physical—and how learning to manage frustration becomes a survival skill
[22:05] How underwater missions simulate life in space and teach astronauts to operate when there is no easy escape
[33:36] What it’s like to step outside the space station for a spacewalk and confront both awe and danger at once
[42:33] How painting with watercolors in space became a deeply human moment—and changed how Nicole thinks about creativity, exploration, and connection
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