Welcome to a new season of the award-winning Hill Country Authors Podcast, sponsored by Stoney Creek Publishing. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with authors who live in and write up the Texas Hill Country. In this episode, Tom visits with Barbara Radnofsky and her co-author husband, Ed Supkis, on their book, The Barber, The Astronaut, and The Golf Ball: An Exploration of Untold NASA Stories.
Barbara, a former lawyer and mediator turned author, and Ed, a cardiovascular anesthesiologist turned aviation medicine expert, share their journey from documentary filmmakers to authors. The book delves into the intriguing relationships between Carlos Villagomez, a barber with a Navy history, and the iconic astronaut Alan Shepard, focusing on the mysterious golf ball hit on the moon. Ed and Barbara grew up as ‘NASA Brats’ as their fathers worked in the space program. They provide an insider’s perspective on NASA’s behind-the-scenes heroes, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that fueled the space program. The episode closes with reflections on the importance of preserving legacies and storytelling for future generations and how listeners can access their books and documentaries.
Key highlights:
- Carlos Villagomez: The Barber
- Carlos’s Relationship with Alan Shepard
- Alan Shepard: The Astronaut and the Man
- NASA’s Support System
- Growing Up as NASA Brats
- The Importance of Preserving Legacies
Resources:
Barbara Radnofsky on LinkedIn
The Barber, the Astronaut and the Golf Ball on Amazon.com
The Barber, the Astronaut and the Golf Ball on Bibliotica.com
Tom Fox
