The Parking Lot Conversation

What happens when two VLA workers get interviewed without warning in the parking lot of the VLA? Let's find out.

This was in the parking lot of the U.S. National Science Foundation Very Large Array without notice. After the hubbub of the open house had faded for the day, but right as people were starting to arrive for the Star Party and set up their telescopes, one of the workers telling people where to park yelled out, "hey, podcast guy! Can I be on your podcast?" After figuring out that he was only half joking, I surprised him by saying "yes."

It was recorded on my mobile phone. There was a lot of wind. It messed with the microphones on my phone and there are times when the conversation is hard to hear. I suggest headphones.

Warning: this was a pretty raw conversation. I debated editing out some of the edgier parts, but decided that not to. The conversation we had was the one you'll hear, including the swearing.

This is 27 minutes of real, raw conversation recorded in the parking lot of the VLA with Lorenzo Pina and Richard Harding. Two of the blue-collar workers who make it all happen.