In this captivating episode of the NILC Freedom to Thrive podcast, host Victoria Ballesteros sits down with NASA astronaut John Daniel Olivas, the first person of Mexican-American heritage to walk in space. Together, they explore the age-old human fascination with space, touching on how ancient cultures worshipped lunar and solar deities, and how the stars have guided explorers through history.

John shares his inspiring journey from a starry-eyed kid in West Texas to becoming a U.S. astronaut, offering a glimpse into the rigorous path that led him to fly missions on the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Discovery. They discuss the challenges of spacewalking, the awe-inspiring view of Earth from space, and the humbling perspective it provides on human borders and shared humanity.

Listen as John delves into his family heritage, the influence of his great-grandfather's immigration story, and how it shaped his commitment to diversity and inclusion. The episode also highlights the Space for Everyone Foundation, co-founded by John and his wife, Marie, aiming to support legal immigration pathways and family unity.

Join the conversation to discover the profound connections between space exploration, cultural heritage, and the shared human experience.