Thank you, Wordfesters! THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT! You can join the waitlist here.
We’re over the moon to announce that our final show of the s2026 eason is the dramatic, high-stakes account of the iconic Artemis II mission, starring Calgary’s John Larsen (author of Earthrise, A Canadian Astronaut’s Journey into Deep Space) and his subject, Jeremy Hansen.
The conversation will be hosted by David Gray and includes pre-submitted audience questions (use this link to submit). Pre-signed copies of Earthrise will be available for purchase on site at the Owl’s Nest Books pop-up store. Suitable for ages 12 and up. Get your tickets now as this show is sure to sell out quickly!
“What would earthrise look like to an astronaut exploring beyond our Moon? That unique vantage point, the rarest of all in human history, would soon be seen by my friend of nearly thirty years. Jeremy Hansen.” –Chris Hadfield
The Historic Artemis II Mission was celebrated around the world and broke the record for the farthest distance humans have ever travelled from Earth. Jeremy Hansen and his crew mates viewed parts of the moon never before seen by human eyes, journeyed a total of roughly 1,117,659 kilometres, took the next step in space travel—and won the hearts of everyone back home on Earth in the process.
Now, Earthrise gives readers a passenger-seat view into the daring deep-space journey and the long years of intense training, grit, and perseverance Hansen needed to prepare for lift-off and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut.
A riveting and intimate account of the iconic achievement of Artemis II, Earthrise—written by Calgary author John Larsen and based on extensive interviews he conducted with Hansen—is a testament to what can be achieved with unity, teamwork, and a bold belief in humanity’s ability to reach for the stars.
David Gray
Engrossing Conversation
Pre-Submitted Audience Questions
Pre-Signed Books for Sale
Libations Bar, with non-alcoholic options
Ages 12 and Up
75 minutes. No intermission
Jeremy Hansen, in addition to being a Canadian astronaut with the Canadian Space Agency, is a scientist and a former fighter pilot and has extensive experience in mission operations and leadership roles. He became the first Canadian to be entrusted with leading a NASA astronaut class, where he trained astronaut candidates from the United States and Canada. Raised on a farm near Ailsa Craig, ON, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Space Science (first-class honors) and a Master of Science in Physics with a research focus on wide field of view satellite tracking from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.
John Larsen is a former executive-level military public affairs officer who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during combat operations in Europe. Based in Calgary, he is a business advisor, entrepreneur, writer, and university instructor. He holds graduate degrees in Communications and in Creative Non-Fiction Writing. Earthrise is his second book.
David Gray
Engrossing Conversation
Pre-Submitted Audience Questions
Pre-Signed Books for Sale
Libations Bar, with non-alcoholic options
Ages 12 and Up
75 minutes. No intermission
David Gray is a journalist, photographer, and adventurer. For many years, he was the host of the top-rated morning radio program The Calgary Eyeopener. Over his career with CBC he filed stories from around the world and his radio and television documentary work won many national and international awards. Gray is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. His latest project is a Canada-wide traveling podcast, GraydioCanada. In his spare time, he performs with Calgary band Sweet Potato.
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