<p>In this high-flying, mission-focused episode, <strong>Col. Terry Virts</strong>, former NASA astronaut, U.S. Air Force colonel, and International Space Station commander, joins <strong>Greg Hanna</strong> and <strong>Neil Haley</strong> to talk about his bold new mission—running for the U.S. Senate in Texas.</p><p>From flying F-16 combat missions to commanding astronauts in orbit, Terry now sets his sights on restoring common-sense leadership in Washington. He shares his political vision, personal values, and why he&#39;s the right candidate to unify Texas across party lines.</p><p>Terry breaks down key campaign issues—from healthcare reform and affordable living to public education and Texas innovation. You&#39;ll also hear his views on bipartisanship, centrist values, and the growing need for a better way forward in American politics.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Why Run Now?</strong><br>Terry shares what inspired him to run: a love for his country, frustration with gridlock, and a mission-first mindset. He’s not a career politician—he’s a leader who gets things done.</p></li><li><p><strong>From Fighter Jets to Campaign Trails</strong><br>The story of how witnessing authoritarianism abroad as a young student in Finland shaped his early support for Reagan—and how that evolved into his current run as a Texas Democrat.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Texas Voter Reality</strong><br>“Texas isn’t as Republican as people think—it’s just non-voting.” Terry discusses the massive untapped voter base and how he’s reaching across ideological divides to activate it.</p></li><li><p><strong>Healthcare as an Economic Issue</strong><br>Terry outlines a pragmatic, cost-focused approach to reform:</p><ul><li><p>Expand supply of doctors and medical residencies</p></li><li><p>Offer free preventive care (mammograms, vaccines, screenings)</p></li><li><p>Target cost inefficiencies without bankrupting the nation</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Education, Vouchers, and Federal Support</strong><br>As a product of public schools, Terry defends education funding, opposes state voucher systems, and supports federal aid for underfunded districts and special needs programs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Immigration, Tech &amp; Innovation</strong><br>As a former astronaut and global traveler, Terry promotes smart immigration policy to attract STEM talent and strengthen Texas’ role in energy, aerospace, and AI.</p></li><li><p><strong>Bipartisanship by Example</strong><br>Terry shares stories of commanding Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS—while Russia was invading Ukraine. His core principle: “Work with people—even your enemies—for a greater goal.”</p></li><li><p><strong>Running as a Centrist Democrat</strong><br>Terry openly critiques traditional party politics and DC consultants:</p><ul><li><p>He speaks plainly about Donald Trump’s influence on democracy</p></li><li><p>He refuses to run a poll-driven campaign of vague messaging</p></li><li><p>He embraces podcasting, town halls, and even appearing on Newsmax and Fox News to reach voters directly</p></li></ul></li></ul><p>“Time is batting a thousand. Do what you need to do—because you never know how long you’ve got.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“I’m not running as a partisan—I’m running to represent all Texans: red, blue, and everything in between.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“As an astronaut, I had to work with Russians while they were invading Ukraine. If I can do that in orbit, I can work across the aisle in Washington.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“If we can catch health issues early with free preventative care, we save lives—and money. That’s smart policy.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“I’m the only Democrat in this race who talks about Trump—because I’m not afraid of the truth.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><ul><li><p><strong>How to Astronaut</strong> – An insider&#39;s guide to life in space</p></li><li><p><strong>View from Above</strong> – A National Geographic photography journey from orbit</p></li><li><p><strong>The Astronaut’s Guide (For Kids)</strong> – A fun, educational STEM read</p></li><li><p><em>(Plus a future baby board book—“Some Dogs”—on hold during the campaign)</em></p></li></ul><p>📍 <strong>Website:</strong> <a href="https://www.terryvirts.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">www.terryvirts.com</a><br>📍 <strong>Donate or Volunteer:</strong> Get involved in the grassroots movement<br>📍 <strong>Social Media:</strong> @AstroTerry on X, Instagram, Facebook, and more<br>📍 <strong>Attend a Town Hall:</strong> Check the campaign site for upcoming events</p><p>“Leave everything better than you found it—your relationships, your work, and the world around you.”</p><p>🗳️ Key Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:📚 Terry’s Books:📌 How to Support:🧭 Final Life Lesson from Terry:</p>

Celebrity Interviews LIVE From The Grotto With Greg Hanna

Celebrity Interviews Live From The Grotto

Col. Terry Virts: From Space to the Senate—A Mission for Texas

NOV 3, 202522 MIN
Celebrity Interviews LIVE From The Grotto With Greg Hanna

Col. Terry Virts: From Space to the Senate—A Mission for Texas

NOV 3, 202522 MIN

Description

<p>In this high-flying, mission-focused episode, <strong>Col. Terry Virts</strong>, former NASA astronaut, U.S. Air Force colonel, and International Space Station commander, joins <strong>Greg Hanna</strong> and <strong>Neil Haley</strong> to talk about his bold new mission—running for the U.S. Senate in Texas.</p><p>From flying F-16 combat missions to commanding astronauts in orbit, Terry now sets his sights on restoring common-sense leadership in Washington. He shares his political vision, personal values, and why he&#39;s the right candidate to unify Texas across party lines.</p><p>Terry breaks down key campaign issues—from healthcare reform and affordable living to public education and Texas innovation. You&#39;ll also hear his views on bipartisanship, centrist values, and the growing need for a better way forward in American politics.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Why Run Now?</strong><br>Terry shares what inspired him to run: a love for his country, frustration with gridlock, and a mission-first mindset. He’s not a career politician—he’s a leader who gets things done.</p></li><li><p><strong>From Fighter Jets to Campaign Trails</strong><br>The story of how witnessing authoritarianism abroad as a young student in Finland shaped his early support for Reagan—and how that evolved into his current run as a Texas Democrat.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Texas Voter Reality</strong><br>“Texas isn’t as Republican as people think—it’s just non-voting.” Terry discusses the massive untapped voter base and how he’s reaching across ideological divides to activate it.</p></li><li><p><strong>Healthcare as an Economic Issue</strong><br>Terry outlines a pragmatic, cost-focused approach to reform:</p><ul><li><p>Expand supply of doctors and medical residencies</p></li><li><p>Offer free preventive care (mammograms, vaccines, screenings)</p></li><li><p>Target cost inefficiencies without bankrupting the nation</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Education, Vouchers, and Federal Support</strong><br>As a product of public schools, Terry defends education funding, opposes state voucher systems, and supports federal aid for underfunded districts and special needs programs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Immigration, Tech &amp; Innovation</strong><br>As a former astronaut and global traveler, Terry promotes smart immigration policy to attract STEM talent and strengthen Texas’ role in energy, aerospace, and AI.</p></li><li><p><strong>Bipartisanship by Example</strong><br>Terry shares stories of commanding Russian cosmonauts aboard the ISS—while Russia was invading Ukraine. His core principle: “Work with people—even your enemies—for a greater goal.”</p></li><li><p><strong>Running as a Centrist Democrat</strong><br>Terry openly critiques traditional party politics and DC consultants:</p><ul><li><p>He speaks plainly about Donald Trump’s influence on democracy</p></li><li><p>He refuses to run a poll-driven campaign of vague messaging</p></li><li><p>He embraces podcasting, town halls, and even appearing on Newsmax and Fox News to reach voters directly</p></li></ul></li></ul><p>“Time is batting a thousand. Do what you need to do—because you never know how long you’ve got.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“I’m not running as a partisan—I’m running to represent all Texans: red, blue, and everything in between.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“As an astronaut, I had to work with Russians while they were invading Ukraine. If I can do that in orbit, I can work across the aisle in Washington.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“If we can catch health issues early with free preventative care, we save lives—and money. That’s smart policy.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><p>“I’m the only Democrat in this race who talks about Trump—because I’m not afraid of the truth.”<br>— <em>Col. Terry Virts</em></p><ul><li><p><strong>How to Astronaut</strong> – An insider&#39;s guide to life in space</p></li><li><p><strong>View from Above</strong> – A National Geographic photography journey from orbit</p></li><li><p><strong>The Astronaut’s Guide (For Kids)</strong> – A fun, educational STEM read</p></li><li><p><em>(Plus a future baby board book—“Some Dogs”—on hold during the campaign)</em></p></li></ul><p>📍 <strong>Website:</strong> <a href="https://www.terryvirts.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">www.terryvirts.com</a><br>📍 <strong>Donate or Volunteer:</strong> Get involved in the grassroots movement<br>📍 <strong>Social Media:</strong> @AstroTerry on X, Instagram, Facebook, and more<br>📍 <strong>Attend a Town Hall:</strong> Check the campaign site for upcoming events</p><p>“Leave everything better than you found it—your relationships, your work, and the world around you.”</p><p>🗳️ Key Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:📚 Terry’s Books:📌 How to Support:🧭 Final Life Lesson from Terry:</p>