Homer Hickam Interview on The Perk It Up Show

Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys, joined the Perkin’ Up Morning Show to discuss his remarkable life and career. Known for his memoir, which inspired the film October Sky, Hickam shared memories of growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia, where his passion for rocketry was sparked by the launch of Sputnik in 1957. Alongside his friends, he built rockets, eventually winning a gold medal at the National Science Fair.
Beyond his childhood, Hickam’s career spanned military service in Vietnam, work with NASA, and writing books about science fiction and history, including his bestselling Torpedo Junction. He also reflected on the current state of the U.S. space program, praising commercial ventures like SpaceX and Blue Origin, while expressing concerns about the direction of NASA’s Artemis program.
Hickam also discussed his wife’s new children’s book, The Tail of Little Bit, which addresses bullying and acceptance, and invited listeners to explore his wide range of books on his website. As a writer, astronaut trainer, and scuba instructor, Hickam’s story continues to inspire, much like the movie October Sky, which remains a beloved classic for educators and audiences worldwide. Check out his most recent interview with The Perk It Up Show linked below.