Gayle King's Space Flight: 10 Minutes That Made History

On April 14, 2025, Gayle King made history—joining an all-female crew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket for a 10-minute suborbital space flight. But this wasn’t just a milestone in space exploration—it was a bold statement about reinvention, representation, and the courage to say yes to the unfamiliar.

In this episode of Holly’s Highlights, we reflect on the power of presence, the bravery of vulnerability, and what it means to pursue purpose at any age. Joined by incredible women like Lauren Sánchez, Katy Perry, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn, this mission was more than a flight—it was a reminder that it’s never too late to rise.

Whether you're launching into a new career, breaking free from old labels, or learning to show up fully as yourself—this one’s for you.

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome and Podcast Introduction
• 1:11 All-Female Space Crew Makes History
• 3:18 Meeting the Six Remarkable Women
• 5:15 The Mission: 10 Minutes in Space
• 5:35 Three Key Takeaways from the Mission
• 9:10 Applying Space Lessons to Everyday Life
• 12:45 Closing Thoughts on Taking Your Leap

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Hi, friend, welcome to Holly's Highlights, a podcast designed to encourage, inspire and equip you to intentionally live your life full of purpose. I'm your host, holly Kirby, motivational speaker, leadership cultivator, marketing strategist and personal cheerleader. Let's check out today's highlights. Holly's Highlights podcast is where encouragement meets action and your message could be right at the heart of it. With a growing audience of loyal, engaged listeners and ranked top 5% of all podcasts worldwide, sponsoring Holly's Highlights means more than just ads. It means alignment with a mission to uplift, equip and empower. If this podcast has inspired you or someone you love, here's a special way to give back Purchase a shout out to celebrate a friend, cheer on a loved one or honor someone who's made a difference in your life. Your shout out not only spreads joy, it helps sustain this podcast so we can keep sharing uplifting stories and practical tools with the world. Visit wwwhollykirbycom to purchase your shout out today. That's H-O-L-L-Y-C-U-R-B-Y. Together, let's keep the encouragement going, one highlight at a time. Good morning, my friends.

Speaker 1: 1:13

Today we're diving into a story that spanned just over 10 minutes but actually made history. Now I'm talking about yesterday, on April 14th 2025, when an all-female crew embarked on a suborbital space flight aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket Now. It was marking the first such mission since Valentina Tereshkova's solo journey in 1963. Now among the crew was none other than one of my personal favorites to watch every morning as I get ready Miss Gayle King, who is a renowned journalist and, of course, co-host of CBS Mornings. She recently turned 70 years old and she was embracing this challenge with a mix of excitement and, of course, fear, as we can all imagine. She sought counsel from her children and her co-anchors, and even her best friend, oprah Winfrey, before she decided to participate in this adventure. Now, I think this is one thing mentioned most about Gail during this whole experience was her willingness to be vulnerable vulnerable with her feelings, her thoughts, her fears. And, as Brene Brown has encouraged, vulnerability is not weakness, it's our greatest measure of courage. Now joining Gail were five other women Lauren Sanchez, who is an Emmy award-winning journalist, helicopter pilot and philanthropist, and as a fiance of Blue Origin founder, jeff Bezos. Lauren played a pivotal role in organizing this entire mission. She was aiming to inspire future generations by broadening perspectives about Earth. She also reminded us that being multi-passionate is a strength about Earth. She also reminded us that being multi-passionate is a strength.

Speaker 1: 2:45

Then, of course, there is global pop superstar, katy Perry, known for her powerful vocals and philanthropic efforts. And during the flight, perry sang a rendition of what a Wonderful World, honoring Earth and emphasizing the mission's message of love and unity. Now Katy brought art, joy and heart to what could have been seen as just another scientific mission. Then, of course, there was Aisha Bowe, a bohemian American aerospace engineer, former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEM Board. Now Aisha's journey from community college to space serves as an inspiration for young people worldwide to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. She showed the brilliance that comes from non-traditional routes. And, of course, amanda Wynn, civil rights activist, nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of RISE, which is a nonprofit organization advocating for survivors of sexual violence. Stemming from her own experience. Now, amanda's participation highlighted the importance of representation and empowerment in all spheres. On this flight, she proved that advocacy belongs everywhere. And last but certainly not least, carrie Ann Flynn. She's an accomplished film producer with a background in a nonprofit work, including contributions to the Allen Stevenson School, the High Line and Hudson River Park. Carrie Ann's involvement underscored the intersection of art, philanthropy and exploration. She showed the power of working behind the scenes and showing up on stage.

Speaker 1: 4:19

Now, the mission, designated NS-31, launched from Blue Origins facility in West Texas at about 9.30 Eastern time. The 10 minute 21 second flight took the crew just past the Karman line, which is the internationally recognized boundary of space. Before then it safely returned here back to Earth. Now, at 62 miles above Earth, the crew experienced weightlessness. They floated. They saw Earth's thin blue line. In the videos you can even hear Gail pointing out the moon. They floated. They saw Earth's thin blue line. In the videos you can even hear Gail pointing out the moon. They looked into the blackness of space and they felt something most of us will only imagine. And then, just like that, they came back 10 minutes.

Speaker 1: 4:58

Now, this wasn't a science fiction story. It was, as Gail referred to, after landing, a bona fide freaking flight. But surely this moment has revealings to us, regular folks, showing us that legacy, leadership and limitlessness can all sit in the same seat. This mission was more than a technological feat, though. It was actually a powerful statement. Three things stand out. One that representation matters statement. Three things stand out. One that representation matters.

Speaker 1: 5:28

Here we had an all-female crew showcased the evolving landscape of space exploration, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity. Inclusive teams bring varied perspectives, just as this group did, and they can foster creativity and progress. As leaders, you don't have to fit the mold to make a mark. Great leaders bring their full, authentic, genuine selves. So whatever room you're walking into the boardroom, the classroom or even a space capsule show up and represent the second thing breaking barriers. The participants hailed from various backgrounds journalism, music, science, activism and film demonstrating that space is accessible to all, not just career astronauts.

Speaker 1: 6:12

I think Gayle King showed us that you can be 70 and still just getting started. Curiosity, capability and opportunity they don't expire with age. And third, inspiration for future generations. By sharing their experiences, these women aim to inspire young girls and underrepresented communities to pursue careers in STEM and beyond. Well, great leaders understand their impact. They aren't only thinking about the moment or the opportunity. They're thinking about the message and they choose to lead in a way that lifts, inspires and encourages others. Even in brief moments, you can create a lasting ripple effect.

Speaker 1: 6:55

Now let's talk about what this flight symbolized. Once again. There's three of them Bold reinvention Gail King is known for the newsroom, not NASA, but she said yes to adventure, and we can too. There are times in life we must reinvent ourselves in a way. Career reinvention, whether that's pivoting industries, upskilling or reskilling thanks to new creations such as AI and digital tools, even reentering the workforce after raising children or caring for elderly parents or perhaps a disability, even post-retirement. Then there's personal reinvention, like moving to a new job or a new home, a new state, perhaps letting go of relationships or even realigning with your values by building new habits and routines, maybe even spiritual or emotional reinvention, like discovering what your purpose is or working on your emotional intelligence Bold reinvention.

Speaker 1: 7:54

Second one is the modern women's narrative. We are not one thing. We can lead, learn, explore and evolve at any age. So often, as women, we are labeled mom, daughter, wife, employee. We aren't just one thing, though. We can emerge from those labels that no longer fit and embrace a new chapter. We can reframe our story or even add to it that modern women's narrative.

Speaker 1: 8:22

And the third the value of presence. Even 10 minutes in space can reframe a lifetime on earth. This mission reminded us that symbolic acts can shake something awake in the collective imagination and that matters. We can often associate our value with doing. You know, having the best idea, making the best decision, being the best at this or that, but so often the most transformative moments are from simply showing up. Fully, authentically and visibly. Doing so can signal possibilities, build trust, create a safe space and even reflect a form of advocacy. You don't need a title a trust, create a safe space and even reflect a form of advocacy. You don't need a title, a mic or a spotlight, even a podcast. You can simply be there in the room in the moment. Oh, the value of presence. So here's what you can take from just this simple 10-minute space journey.

Speaker 1: 9:19

First off, say yes to the unfamiliar. You don't need to be ready, you need to be willing. If Gail had waited for the perfect time, she'd still be earthbound. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead you to transformative experiences. So embrace those new challenges by simply saying yes Now. I've shared before how, on my and my sister's girls trips, we always say yes to what the other wants to do. This has gotten by simply saying yes Now. I've shared before how, on my and my sister's girls trips, we always say yes to what the other wants to do. This has gotten both of us out of our comfort zones and resulted in some really cool experiences. You don't need to be ready, you need to be willing. Say yes to the unfamiliar.

Speaker 1: 9:55

Second, rethink your timeline. Who told you? Adventure has a deadline, passion doesn't expire, my friend, and purpose doesn't age out. So dream wildly at any stage. It's never too late to do something for the first time. You know, my brother retired from his 25 plus year career just barely two years ago, and he was a young age of 47. So some people thought he was crazy, saying that people aren't supposed to retire until they're about 65, and here he was, doing so way too young. Well, he went ahead and rethought his own timeline and pursued a dream of his to travel the entire USA by RV, and he did it. The memories he made, the places he ventured, save my RV, and he did it. The memories he made, the places he ventured, the rest he experienced all because he rethought his timeline. So don't let anyone else tell you what your timeline has to look like. Rethink your timeline.

Speaker 1: 10:51

And third, share your story. Representation is a ripple. If you've done something bold, share it. You never know who you've given permission to in doing so, your journey can inspire others to reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively. In this case, sharing your story can open minds, and not only for the younger generations, but for those watching us, be it our co-workers, our family, our neighbors, you name it.

Speaker 1: 11:16

When I followed through on not only keeping my word to my mother in writing my book Facelift Embracing Hope Through your Heartaches, but then even, by the grace of God, getting it published in 2023, it was scary. But in sharing my story, I have heard from a number of people how sharing my story helped encourage them, inspire them, even equip them to step up and live their own life full of purpose. My own brother-in-law took action as a result of my book being published and followed God's, prompting him in a new season of his life through a job change. My friend, step up and share your story. Overall, these six women embracing a 10 minute and 21 second flight can challenge us to expand our own mindset of what's possible for women, for older generations, for the single woman or man, for anyone who thinks their chance to leap has passed.

Speaker 1: 12:08

Whether you're launching into a new career or venture, leaving behind old narratives, advocating for change, dreaming big or simply taking a risk on yourself for the first time, you don't need 10 years. You need 10 seconds of courage. Or, as my friend and fellow author, garrett Graveson so perfectly titled his book, 10 seconds of insane courage. Shameless plug for you there, garrett. Now, with that said, I fully believe, as Warren Wiersbe has always said, the best way to be in the center of God's will tomorrow is to be in the center of God's will today. Of course, more on that in Purpose on your Path, season 2, episode 13,.

Speaker 1: 12:46

Here on Holly's Highlights. Until next time, my friend. I hope this has provided you some food for thought and although your next launch might not be to space, it might be. Your next big, bold launch might not be to space, it might be your next big, bold, beautiful chapter. So take that leap, trust that moment and remember the altitude doesn't matter as much as the intention. Whether you're rising 62 miles above the earth or just one step above your old self, you're still ascending. So keep going, keep growing and, as always, I'll be right here cheering you on. Keep growing and as always, I it a great day for a great day.