Homer Hickam on Rocket Boys, October Sky, NASA, and the Stories Behind a Remarkable Life

from Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast — by SpeakerMatch · host Burke Allen

In this special live episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with New York Times No. 1 bestselling author Homer Hickam during the Sunday with Friends Author Series at the Washington County Public Library in Abingdon, Virginia.Best known for Rocket Boys, the memoir that inspired the acclaimed film October Sky, Homer shares the fascinating stories behind his journey from growing up in the coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, to becoming a NASA engineer, bestselling author, and celebrated storyteller.Homer discusses how a third-grade teacher first inspired him to become a writer, the unexpected path that led to the creation of Rocket Boys, his experiences working with NASA and Russian space officials, the origins of Virginia Tech's famous Skipper cannon, and memorable stories from his time in Vietnam. Along the way, he reflects on family, faith, perseverance, and the power of storytelling to preserve history and connect generations.This entertaining and heartfelt conversation offers a rare look into the life and career of one of America's most beloved authors.

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This episode is 31 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 17, 2026.

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