After spending 100 days in space, astronaut Nicole Stott has brought back some terrific thoughts—so many, in fact, that we couldn’t fit them all into one episode.

In this continued interview, we have the privilege of diving deep into the insights Stott gained from her time off-planet—many of which are also shared in her inspiring book, Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet—and Our Mission to Protect It. 

Throughout our conversation, we explore how Stott’s experiences aboard the International Space Station (ISS) not only impacted her own life, but also offered profound lessons for her to bring home to all of us here on Earth. From the benefits of our hobbies to the importance of behaving like crewmates, Nicole’s wisdom is both practical and inspiring.

We Are All Crewmates on ‘Spaceship Earth’

One of the most resonant parts of our conversation centers around the idea of bringing our best selves to every interaction, just as astronauts must do when working together on the ISS. 

In the vastness of space, teamwork is not just a priority, but a necessity. Astronauts rely on each other for survival, support, and success; each crewmember has a role to play, and the success of the mission depends on everyone working together. They have virtually no choice but to foster a spirit of camaraderie and trust.

Nicole suggests that approaching our own relationships here on Earth with that same sense of unity and responsibility can have a huge impact on our day-to-day interactions with family, friends, and coworkers. When we bring purpose, curiosity, and a willingness to find our place in the whole, we create meaningful connections and stronger, more supportive communities.

She also emphasizes celebrating the diverse talents that each person brings to the table, whether in the family, the workplace, or broader communities. By honoring those differences, we can solve problems more effectively and create stronger, more harmonious relationships.

What if we celebrated our unique points of view and talents, instead of complaining about our differences? On the ISS, differences in the strengths and weaknesses of the crewmates is central for their success. This is just a microcosm that shows a much larger truth about our planet: Our differences are not a bug in humanity, but a feature—and by having each other’s backs and working toward shared goals, we can share our strengths to cover others’ weaknesses, elevating both our personal and professional lives.

It is important to remember that we ARE all living on ‘Spaceship Earth,’ a blue ball hurtling around the sun every minute of every day. What if we started behaving like the crewmates we truly are?

We Are Made of Stardust, But We Are Also One with the Earth

Carl Sagan’s famous reminder that “we are all made of star stuff” comes to mind when Nicole speaks of the value of each unique person—and it returns when she talks about gazing at the sky from space, reinforcing the idea that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

The sky, she believes, asks us to remember our shared origins and the interconnectedness of all life. Frank White (another Goodness Exchange guest) came up with a name for this concept; the ‘Overview Effect’ describes the cognitive shift that many astronauts experience when they see Earth from space. The thin blue line of our atmosphere, the perfect distance from the sun that allows life to thrive—these are delicate balances that inspire awe and a deep sense of responsibility.

Nicole Stott emphasizes the importance of embracing that awe and allowing it to humble us, whether in space or on Earth. This sense of oneness with our planet can guide us to become more mindful, compassionate, and aware of the beauty that surrounds us.

Of course, you can experience that oneness without going into space and seeing the distant view of Earth from space; we also discuss the practice of “earthing,” where individuals walk barefoot on the ground in order to feel more connected to the planet. While astronauts may feel a deep connection to Earth from afar, earthing offers each of us a tangible way for us to reconnect with the natural world on a daily basis. 

Both perspectives—seeing the world from above and grounding ourselves on its surface—can help us feel more connected to the world as a whole. Viewing Earth from space can make an astronaut feel incredibly small, and walking barefoot on the Earth can make us feel as though we are part of something much larger than ourselves—but both instill a deep sense of significance, and help to remind us of our role in the larger universe. 

Astronauts Find Other Ways To Reconnect, and So Can We

That connection to the Earth, though, is sometihng Nicole was missing during her time on the ISS. There is no greater homesickness than being away from your own planet, and being able to find a way to reconnect is important for your psychological health.

Luckily for astronauts, walking barefoot on the Earth isn’t the only way we can help ourselves feel more connected to it. Since the beginning of time, art of all kinds has helped to connect humans, not only to each other, but to the world around them, and when Nicole speaks about the coping skills she developed during her time in space, it is abundantly clear that utilizing her creativity was one of the most powerful.

During her time aboard the ISS, Nicole became the first astronaut to paint with watercolors in space, a testament to the importance of personal hobbies for mental well-being. She shared how astronauts are encouraged to bring a personal hobby to the space station, which helps them stay grounded and connected to their humanity, despite being so far from Earth.

For Nicole, painting became a way to process the awe and wonder of seeing our planet from above; it allowed her to express her emotions and reflect on the beauty of our planet. She encourages all of us to nurture our creative outlets, no matter how busy life gets, as they offer a valuable source of balance and insight.

Enjoy all the balance and insight Nicole has to offer in this special follow-up episode—and try to muse on what it is that connects you to our shared home.

• Nicole’s Website
• Book: Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet―And Our Mission to Protect It by Nicole Stott
• Podcast: Nicole Stott’s CoG Episode #181 (Part 1)
• Podcast: Frank White’s CoG Episode #191
• Podcast: Jill Tarter’s CoG Episode #128

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 03:11 – The Overview Effect
• 05:47 – Daily Life on the Space Shuttle
• 07:39 – Crew Collaboration and Problem Solving
• 12:38 – Preparing for Mars: The Next Frontier
• 15:21 – Human 2.0 and Emotional Evolution
• 22:50 – Break
• 25:06 – Art in Space: Painting with Watercolors
• 30:36 – Cosmic Reflections: Returning Home
• 32:55 – Earthing and Grounding on Planet Earth
• 41:55 – Hope for the Future: Intelligent Life and Environmental Stewardship
• 53:35 – Closing