Logo

    How To Be Successful in a World That Wasn’t Built for You (ft. Astronaut Cady Coleman)

    en-usAugust 14, 2024
    What inspired Katie Coleman to become an astronaut?
    How did Katie adapt to being told about spacesuit sizes?
    What challenges did Katie face in her career pursuit?
    Why are tenacity and adaptability important for achieving goals?
    How does Katie's story highlight the need for inclusion?

    Podcast Summary

    • Tenacity and adaptabilityTenacity and adaptability are crucial for achieving dreams that seem out of reach. Inspired by Sally Ride, Katie Coleman persisted in her dream of becoming an astronaut despite not meeting the typical requirements. She adapted by finding creative solutions and staying focused on her mission.

      Tenacity and adaptability are key to achieving dreams that seem out of reach. Katie Coleman's story of becoming an astronaut despite not fitting the typical mold illustrates this. She was inspired by Sally Ride at a young age and pursued her dream of becoming an astronaut through education and a career in the Air Force. However, she faced obstacles due to not having the required four years of active duty service. Instead of giving up, she persisted by finding creative solutions and adapting to the circumstances. Her story highlights the importance of staying focused on the mission, having role models and support systems, and being flexible in the face of adversity. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of the organization and finding a balance between asking questions and serving at their pleasure. Overall, Katie's journey shows that with determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

    • Space Suit SizesBiases and limitations exist even in advanced scientific organizations, and adaptability and resilience are crucial for overcoming challenges, such as fitting into the wrong-sized space suit.

      Even in advanced scientific organizations like NASA, biases and limitations can exist. Katie's experience of being told she wouldn't fit into a small or extra-large spacesuit and having to adapt to a medium suit highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience. Despite the challenges, Katie focused on her strengths and worked hard to qualify for space missions. However, she also recognized that this issue was not unique to NASA and could happen in various fields. By sharing her story, Katie aims to raise awareness and encourage inclusion and understanding. It's essential to recognize and challenge biases, communicate effectively, and work together to create a more inclusive environment.

    • Katie Coleman's attitudeKatie Coleman's optimistic attitude, bias towards action, and willingness to help others have contributed to her success in life and career, as well as her ability to adapt to challenging environments like living on the space station.

      Katie Coleman's approach to life is characterized by optimism, a bias towards action, and a willingness to help others. She believes in showing up and contributing, even when not explicitly invited. This attitude has helped her succeed in her career and form valuable connections. However, she acknowledges the importance of balancing big and small missions and making time for personal needs. Living on the space station was a magical experience for Katie, filled with weightlessness and a new perspective on life. Despite the challenges, she found a way to adapt and thrive in this unique environment.

    • Space food and sleepAstronauts face unique challenges with food options and sleeping arrangements in space, including freeze-dried meals and heating devices, comfortable sleeping without gravity but challenges leaving the cabin, and innovative solutions like Mando for odor control.

      Space travel involves unique challenges, such as limited food options and sleeping arrangements. For instance, astronauts on the space station have had to deal with freeze-dried and meal-ready-to-eat food, as well as heating up their meals using a briefcase-like device. Sleeping, on the other hand, can be more comfortable due to the lack of gravity, but leaving the cabin comes with its own challenges, like a magnetic lock and the need to go through a hatch. Despite these challenges, there are also unique experiences, like witnessing multiple sunrises and sunsets each day and being able to see the space station crossing the sky from Earth. Another interesting discovery is Mando, a product that uses advanced technology to stop odor at the source instead of just masking it. This can be especially useful for astronauts in space, where personal hygiene can be a challenge. Overall, the space travel experience comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards.

    • Shared experiences in spaceAstronauts in space find joy and connection through shared activities like watching TV shows, playing instruments, and pursuing personal projects.

      Even in challenging and unique environments like being in space, people find ways to connect and find enjoyment through shared experiences like watching TV shows, playing instruments, and pursuing personal projects. Astronauts on the space station, despite their demanding jobs and language barriers, managed to find common ground and create a sense of community. They watched TV shows, listened to news, and even learned to play musical instruments together. These activities not only provided entertainment but also helped to alleviate boredom and foster a sense of connection among the diverse crew members. The astronaut's experience highlights the importance of finding joy in simple things and the power of shared experiences in bringing people together, no matter where they are in the world.

    • Collaboration in SpaceEffective collaboration in high-pressure environments requires flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness to overcome cultural and interdisciplinary differences. Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives leads to successful collaborations and unique outcomes.

      Effective collaboration, especially in high-pressure environments like space exploration, requires flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness. The astronaut in this story encountered cultural and interdisciplinary differences while working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. To overcome these challenges, she had to learn to communicate effectively and find common ground with her team members. The result was a successful collaboration that produced a unique space duet, showcasing the power of unity and teamwork despite differences. The experience underscores the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives while striving for a common goal.

    • Team Dynamics, Space PartnershipEffective communication and understanding team members' unique contributions are crucial for success, even in challenging environments. Non-judgmental feedback and partnership can lead to growth and improved performance.

      Effective communication and understanding the unique contributions of team members are crucial for success, even in challenging environments. Katie's experience on the International Space Station with astronaut Scott Kelly demonstrated this. Despite their differences, they formed a valuable partnership, with Scott providing non-judgmental feedback that helped Katie improve. The importance of team dynamics was further emphasized when Katie felt reluctant to return to Earth and resume her regular life, as she had grown proficient in the unique demands of microgravity. The episode also highlights Shopify as a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, enabling them to sell products from anywhere and scale their businesses. The return to Earth brought a sense of readjustment and practical tasks, but the memories and lessons from the experience remained.

    • Readjusting to life after a long absenceClear mission or goal can help ease the transition back into life after a long absence, while families and individuals must prepare for changes and be open to readjusting to a new normal.

      Readjusting to life after a long absence, whether it's a space mission or an extended stay abroad, can be challenging. The person returning home may feel out of place due to the changes that have occurred in their absence. Family and routines have evolved, and the returning individual may struggle to fit back in. This experience can be particularly difficult for those who are mission-oriented and find their purpose in their work. However, having a clear mission or goal upon returning can help ease the transition and provide a sense of purpose. It's important for families to prepare for the returning individual's readjustment and for the individual to be open to the changes that have occurred. Additionally, reverse culture shock may not be as pronounced as expected, but the feeling of being from a different world can be a significant challenge.

    • Space travel bondsSpace travel creates strong bonds among individuals despite differences, but excessive communication and feelings of alienation can be challenges to overcome, requiring understanding and overcoming biases and stereotypes. Space exploration progress may not be as far along as hoped, but essential learning experiences and advancements are being made, and commercial involvement inspires innovation.

      The shared sense of mission and purpose in a unique and challenging environment, like space travel, can create strong bonds among individuals who might not otherwise connect. Astronauts, despite cultural, personality, and language differences, form a tight-knit community. However, the overwhelming quantity of communication and the feeling of not being seen in one's role can lead to feelings of alienation. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding and overcoming biases and stereotypes. Regarding the progress of space exploration, the author expresses that while they may not be as far along as hoped, the learning experiences and advancements made along the way are essential. The involvement of commercial companies in space exploration adds a new dimension and inspires innovation.

    • Subscribing to the podcastSubscribing to the podcast ensures you never miss an episode and supports the show's growth, it's a free and easy way to show appreciation for the content.

      Importance of subscribing to the podcast to stay updated with new episodes and support the show. Mark Manson, the host, expresses his gratitude for the listeners' time and asks for their support by subscribing. He acknowledges the abundance of podcasts available, but emphasizes the significance of this particular show and the value it brings to its audience. Subscribing is a simple yet impactful way to ensure that you never miss an episode and contribute to the show's growth. It's a free and easy way to show your support and appreciation for the content being produced.

    Recent Episodes from The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Podcast

    Self-Help Junkies, Stupid Experts, and the Worst Life Advice I've Ever Heard

    Self-Help Junkies, Stupid Experts, and the Worst Life Advice I've Ever Heard

    Are you addicted to self-improvement? Are experts really any better than the rest of us at knowing how to make positive changes in our lives? What are some common pieces of life advice that just don't seem to work?

    Drew and I tackle all of these questions today in our brand new, updated format for the pod. Find out why self-help can turn into pseudo-religion (and why we should bring back exorcisms), whether or not a huge mega-study by a bunch of fancy experts can tell us anything about behavioral change, and some common self-improvement tropes that just don't do it for us.

    Here's the study we discuss: Megastudies improve the impact of applied behavioural science

    Let us know what you think of the new show format in the comments below.

    Use code MARK to get 15% off your order of health tech gear at https://BonCharge.com

    Get one month of Shopify for just $1 at https://shopify.com/idgaf

    Get 10% off health services at https://marekhealth.com/idgaf

    And sign up for Your Next Breakthrough, my weekly newsletter that will help you be a slightly less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    Got a question for us? Leave it in the comments below or send it to podcast@markmanson.net

    Theme song is "Icarus Lives" by Periphery.

    Resistance, Self-Sabotage, and What It Really Takes to Accomplish Dreams (ft. Steven Pressfield)

    Resistance, Self-Sabotage, and What It Really Takes to Accomplish Dreams (ft. Steven Pressfield)

    Steven Pressfield was 52 years old when he published his first hit novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance. Prior to that, he wrote tirelessly for decades in obscurity, supporting himself with odd jobs along the way.


    After writing several more novels and movie scripts, he distilled all of his wisdom into The War of Art, his now-famous treatise on the grinding process of creativity.


    Now in his 80s, Steven looks back on his work and life with a clear-eyed view of what it truly means to make it as a creative professional. In this episode, he explains why he persisted writing for decades with little to show for it, how he compensated for his own lack of talent, why creating great art is actually a grueling war fought within the artist’s own mind, and much, much more.


    Enjoy.


    Steven’s new book, The Daily Pressfield


    All of Steven Pressfield's Books


    Get up to 43% off your order of MUD/WTR at mudwtr.com/idgaf


    Use code IDGAF to get 10% Marek Health services at marekhealth.com/idgaf


    Get 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/idgaf


    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: markmanson.net/breakthrough

    5 Ways to Be Self-Disciplined Without Making Yourself Miserable

    5 Ways to Be Self-Disciplined Without Making Yourself Miserable

    We often think self-discipline requires massive action and a lot of pain and sacrifice—but the reality is a lot more boring. Today, we tackle some common misconceptions about self-discipline, arguing that real change comes from setting up your environment for success, not grinding through endless struggle.


    We explore the hidden dangers of romanticizing pain and why true self-discipline is more about boring consistency than epic feats of endurance. Hopefully, this episode challenges you to rethink how you approach your goals and habits. If you're ready to stop punishing yourself and start seeing real, lasting change, you won’t want to miss this.


    Use code IDGAF to Get 20% off your one-time purchase of supplements at https://livemomentous.com


    Get your first bag of Trade coffee for free when you sign up for a subscription at https://tradecoffee.com/idgaf


    Use code IDGAF to get 15% off your first purchase of skincare products at https://OneSkin.co


    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help you be a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    Bonus Q&A: Facing Regrets, Hustle Culture, Living with ADHD, and More

    Bonus Q&A: Facing Regrets, Hustle Culture, Living with ADHD, and More

    It’s bonus episode time! Today, I’m doing a Q&A with questions you’ve all submitted. We dive into how I’ve changed my mind, bad habits, regrets, dead dreams, advice to young people, meditation, and a whole lot more.

    Submit your questions for future podcasts in the comments or email them to podcast@markmanson.net.

    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help you be a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    How To Be Successful in a World That Wasn’t Built for You (ft. Astronaut Cady Coleman)

    How To Be Successful in a World That Wasn’t Built for You (ft. Astronaut Cady Coleman)

    How do you find your way in a world where even when you do everything right, the odds keep getting stacked against you? My guest today, Cady Coleman, shares how she navigated the male-dominated fields of science, the Air Force, and NASA, breaking down barriers with tenacity and grace.


    From her time on the International Space Station to the release of her first book, Sharing Space, Cady’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of mission, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in one’s potential, even when the world around you says otherwise.


    Check it out.


    Control body odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code IDGAF at shopmando.com! #mandopod


    Start selling online and get your first month of Shopify for just $1 at shopify.com/idgaf


    Cady’s Book, Sharing Space: https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Space-Astronauts-Mission-Wonder/dp/0593494016


    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will make you a slightly less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    6 Ways to Stop Giving a F*ck

    6 Ways to Stop Giving a F*ck

    We all wish we gave fewer f*cks in our lives, but wanting to and doing it are two different things. If you've read my book, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, then you know that not giving a f*ck doesn't mean you don't care about anything—it means deliberately choosing what you give a f*ck about and ignore the rest.

    In this episode, we dive into the realities of not giving f*ck, the good and the bad. We talk about why there will never be a time when you're completely free from judgement by others. Why being "normal"—whatever that means—is not something to aspire to, nor is wanting to be liked by everyone. How criticism is a part of life you can't escape—but not all criticism is created equal. And a whole lot more.

    Check it out.

    Get 10% off your first month of therapy at Better Help: https://betterhelp.com/idgaf

    Use the promo code IDGAF to get 20% off your first order of supplements at Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/

    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough, to be a slightly less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    It's Never Too Late to Turn Your Life Around (ft. Brandon Novak)

    It's Never Too Late to Turn Your Life Around (ft. Brandon Novak)

    Brandon Novak showed all the signs of becoming a highly successful, rebellious young man. He was a professional skateboarder in his early teens, rubbing elbows with the likes of Bucky Lasek and Tony Hawk. In his late teens and twenties, he was a regular on world-famous TV shows like Viva La Bam and Jackass.

    But drugs and alcohol were always lurking in the shadows for Novak, and he soon fell head-first into the dark trap of his addictions. He endured bouts of homelessness, committed every petty crime you could imagine, and even resorted to sex work to feed his addictions.

    The stats would suggest Brandon Novak shouldn’t be sober right now. He probably shouldn’t even be alive. But not only is he alive with 9 years of sobriety under his belt, he’s found a deep and meaningful purpose in his life, running his own rehab centers and taking care of his elderly mother.

    This is the hilarious and heartening story of how Brandon Novak turned it all around. And trust me, if he can do it, so can anyone else.

    Use promo code IDGAF to get 20% your Cuts clothing order at https://cutsclothing.com

    Use promo code IDGAF to get 15% off your order at OneSkin at https://oneskin.co

    Get 10% off your supplements order at Market Health at https://marekhealth.com/idgaf

    Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough, to be a slightly less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    The Backwards Law: How to Get More by Doing Less

    The Backwards Law: How to Get More by Doing Less

    There are certain areas in life where trying harder only makes things worse. Trying to prove how likable and confident you are only makes you feel more unlikable and less confident. Trying to make someone love you only makes you feel more unlovable.

    The solution to this conundrum is what’s known as “The Backwards Law”.

    Simply put, The Backwards law states that desiring a positive experience is itself a negative experience, while accepting a negative experience is a positive experience.

    In this episode, Drew and I talk about five areas of life where doing less can actually reap massive benefits.

    Enjoy.

    Get your first month of Shopify for only $1 at https://shopify.com/idgaf

    Use the code IDGAF to get 20% off your one-time purchase of supplements at https://LiveMomentous.com

    Sign up for Your Next Breakthrough, a weekly newsletter that will make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

    Are Smartphones Really Ruining Our Lives… Or Is It Something Else? (ft. Jonathan Haidt)

    Are Smartphones Really Ruining Our Lives… Or Is It Something Else? (ft. Jonathan Haidt)

    Is everything going to hell in a handcart because of smartphones and social media? In this episode, I sit down with NYU professor and bestselling author Jonathan Haidt to tackle this burning question.

    Dr. Haidt makes a compelling case that our addiction to these devices is wreaking havoc on society, from mental health crises to political turmoil. But is it really all the smartphone’s fault? I'm not so sure it's quite that simple, so I wanted to dive deeper into the nuances.

    We get into the nitty-gritty and I challenge some of Haidt’s claims, exploring questions like, why do these issues seem to hit the English-speaking world the hardest? Is this another moral panic, or is this time really different? We also discuss the differences in how smartphones affect various demographics and cultures, and why understanding these distinctions is crucial. Plus, we explore Jonathan’s practical and highly sensible recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers.

    Whether you’re a skeptic or a die-hard believer, this episode will make you rethink your relationship with the technology in our pockets.

    Let's do this.

    Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR by going to ⁠mudwtr.com/IDGAF⁠! #mudwtrpod

    Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/IDGAF

    How I Lost 60 Pounds and Started Giving A F*ck About My Health

    How I Lost 60 Pounds and Started Giving A F*ck About My Health

    Over the past 5 years, I’ve completely changed my relationship to my health. Prior to that, I was overweight, pre-diabetic, and having chest pains in my mid-30s. I thought maybe eating a salad once a week and going for a run every now then would take care of it. I was wrong.

    Since then, I’ve lost 60 pounds (~30kg). I now enjoy exercising regularly and I eat healthy and nutritious foods. My daily life is much more physically active and I get way better sleep. I’m happy with my health now—but it took a long time to get here.

    I’m not going to share a bunch of workout routines or complicated diets. What worked for me might not work for you. But I can share what I went through to get here in the hopes that you, too, might change how you think about your health and take it more seriously. Because at the end of the day, your health is definitely something you should give a f*ck about.

    Use the code IDGAF to get 20% off your first one-time purchase of supplements at livemomentous.com