NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore shared his harrowing experience with Starliner’s thruster failures during a recent interview. However, I’d argue that luck played a significant role in getting him to open up.
As an interviewer, I don’t possess the same level of confrontational skills as some top TV interviewers. Instead, my approach is rooted in preparation and genuine interest in the subject matter – space exploration. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve learned that crafting a comfortable atmosphere is crucial for securing compelling stories.
I drew inspiration from past interviews with notable figures like Stephen Hawking, who I spoke to in March 2003, during my early days as a reporter at the Houston Chronicle. Sharing some of those memorable experiences will give readers a glimpse into what it’s like to be on the other side of the interview – and sometimes, it’s not just about getting a great story, but also about learning from the experience.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/private-jets-awkward-convos-and-kazakh-vodka-my-most-memorable-interviews