438. The Moonwalkers, with Tom Hanks

This podcast episode explores the significance of the Apollo 11 moon landing, highlighting the historical and personal perspectives of key individuals involved. It discusses the importance of President Richard Nixon's speech in the event of a failed mission and the symbolism of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. The episode also features actor Tom Hanks, who shares his childhood memories of the space race and the role of the Cold War in driving the mission. Additionally, it delves into the complexity of astronaut dynamics and the challenges faced by individuals such as Michael Collins. The episode examines the moments leading up to the moon landing, Neil Armstrong's selection as the first man to walk on the moon, and the achievements of Jim Lovell. It concludes by discussing the legacy of the Apollo missions and the future of human space travel.