The Night I Wore a Baked Potato

Kathy Sullivan Explores

One of my favorite stories from my career as a NASA astronaut is about the night I attended a formal Air Force dinner in 1987. A fellow NASA astronaut, Joe Engle, had been invited to give a talk at the dinner but couldn’t go and suggested that I stand in for him—I did. What started as a night where I gave a talk about my career as an astronaut ended in a hilarious moment—me, wearing a baked potato. But here’s the thing about stories: people have different versions of them. While I can retell the events that led to my wearing a baked potato in vivid detail, Ray Belz—the pilot who flung the baked potato in question—remembers it differently.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the talk at the 1987 Air Force dine-in that led to my dress getting accessorized with a roll of potato, sour cream, butter, and bacon. I share Ray’s version of the scene and how he became the recipient of a “Couth Award.” I also offer some public speaking advice from the night and highlight the value of being intentional, connecting with your audience, and not taking yourself seriously.

“If you want to have an impact, don’t just say your lines—adapt your message to connect with the audience where they are, in the moment. Whatever you do, don’t take yourself too seriously.” - Kathy Sullivan

This week on Kathy Sullivan Explores:

● What a “dining-in” means in the military

● Why I chose to move away from my standard talk and ad-libbed in a formal Air Force dine-in

● Food tricks you can do in space and how to start a food fight with a gravity-bound audience

● The night I wore a baked potato—from Ray’s perspective

● The first recipient of the brand-new Couth Award

Our Favorite Quotes:

● “If you plan to speak in public, it’s crucial to understand your audience and read the room. Be intentional about whether it’s best to match that or upend expectations.” - Kathy Sullivan

● “If you’d like to use this podcast as inspiration to start a food fight, I’d be honored. You have my blessing.” - Kathy Sullivan

Spaceship Not Required

I’m Kathy Sullivan, the only person to have walked in space and gone to the deepest point in the ocean.

I’m an explorer, and that doesn’t always have to involve going to some remote or exotic place. It simply requires a commitment to put curiosity into action.

In this podcast, you can explore, reflecting on lessons learned from life so far and from my brilliant and ever-inquisitive guests. We explore together in this very moment from right where you are--spaceship not required.

Welcome to Kathy Sullivan Explores.

Visit my website at kathysullivanexplores.com to sign up for seven astronaut tips to improving your life on earth and be the first to discover future episodes and learn about more exciting adventures ahead!

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