A Heart For Space with Dr. Eiman Jahangir

Imagine a future in which medicine isn't so focused on treating disease, but rather on preventing it before it even begins. This vision has helped shape the extraordinary career of Dr. Laurence Sperling, a pioneer in preventive cardiology who founded one of the country's earliest dedicated heart disease prevention programs at Emory University. What began as a small operation with just three people has grown into an enduring legacy of clinical care, research, education, and training the next generation of cardiovascular specialists.

Today on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes Dr. Sperling for an inspiring conversation exploring innovation in medicine and the perseverance required to turn an ambitious vision into tangible reality. Dr. Sperling reflects on the unconventional path that led him to preventive cardiology, including the challenges of establishing a new program in an emerging field and the lessons learned through decades of mentoring physicians and advancing cardiovascular disease prevention.

As their conversation progresses, Eiman and Dr. Sperling explore how preventive medicine has evolved, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and telemedicine, and why improving access to healthcare remains essential to better health outcomes. Dr. Sperling also shares his perspective on longevity versus healthspan and the importance of genuine human connection in patient care.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:32 Meeting Dr. Laurence Sperling: A Pioneer in Preventive Cardiology
03:09 From Long Island to Emory: A Chance Visit That Changed Everything
06:58 Early Acceptance and Finding His Path in Medicine
12:04 The Birth of Preventive Cardiology: Building Something From Nothing
15:40 Starting the Program: Three People and a Dream
17:58 Staying the Course: 22 Years of Leadership Through Change
21:52 The Evolution of Cardiovascular Prevention: What's Changed and What Hasn't
24:55 Health Span Over Lifespan: The Dash Between Birth and Death
29:22 Heart Disease Begins Before Birth: The Life Course of Prevention
32:51 The Crisis in Rural America: Healthcare Deserts and Access Challenges
35:09 Telemedicine and the Future: Making House Calls in the Digital Age
36:42 The Family Heart Foundation: Power of People Over Science
41:59 The Art of Patient Care: Being Present and Old-Fashioned
49:19 The 20% Problem: Why Healthcare Systems Can't Do It Alone
54:56 What Am I Reaching For: Making a Difference Each Day

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

What do writing a novel and becoming an astronaut have in common? Both demand extraordinary dedication, years of preparation, and the willingness to pursue a dream without knowing whether it will ever become reality. For author Eliana Ramage, that journey meant spending much of her adult life writing and rewriting her debut novel, To the Moon and Back, a Reese's Book Club pick that follows a young Cherokee woman's determination to become an astronaut.

This week on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes Eliana for a fascinating conversation about the intersections of storytelling and space exploration, identity and ambition. Eliana shares the inspiration behind her novel, particularly how her Cherokee heritage influenced its characters, and the extensive research that brought her fictional astronaut's journey to life.

Together, they explore the complicated relationship between ambition and personal fulfilment, examining what happens when the pursuit of an extraordinary dream begins to overshadow the people and experiences that make life meaningful. From the importance of representation in space exploration to balancing professional aspirations with family and personal relationships, Eliana offers a thoughtful perspective on redefining success. Her story offers us a reminder that while pursuing our dreams can be transformative, there is just as much value in appreciating the journey and the people who share it with us.

Learn more about Eliana and her work at https://www.elianaramage.com

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
01:04 Meeting Eliana Ramage: Cherokee Writer and Space Storyteller
02:15 The Cherokee Experience: Identity Across Distance
04:16 Becoming a Writer: From Personal Essays to Fiction
06:44 The Iowa Writers Workshop and Learning Collaboration
08:45 Astronaut Selection and Crew Dynamics
10:59 Persisting Through Countless Drafts
12:41 The Two-Year Break: Stepping Away to Find Clarity
14:56 Reframing the Dream: From Publication to Completion
19:24 The Moon as Witness: Opening Image and Symbolism
21:35 The Artemis Missions and Crew Connection
23:28 Five Cherokee Women: Different Perspectives on Identity
24:59 Della's Story: The Indian Child Welfare Act
27:30 Writing and Parenthood: How Identity Shifts
29:30 Hannah's Journey: A Mother's Sacrifice
30:57 Processing Trauma: Every Character's Journey
31:49 Steph and Kayla: Two Sisters, Two Approaches
33:30 The Cost of Public Identity
35:48 Training Astronauts at Blue Origin
37:55 Obligation Versus Guilt: Moving Back to Nashville
43:29 The Reddit Wisdom: Build the Life You Love
47:08 Finding Your Team: The Importance of Community
48:20 Reaching for Presence: Appreciating the Moment

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Building a successful business is never easy. For Aylar Macky, resilience became a way of life as she transformed her personal health journey into a thriving nutrition company, grown from her home kitchen into an operation producing thousands of meals daily across the Middle East.

I today’s episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes entrepreneur and Joule founder Aylar Macky for a conversation about building businesses against the odds, embracing your cultural identity, and finding purpose through adversity. Born in Iran and raised in Canada, Aylar reflects on how her family's immigrant experience shaped her determination and ultimately her business journey, as well as the difficult decision to leave behind what she had built to pursue new opportunities in the United States.

Eiman and Aylar dive into the lessons entrepreneurship teaches about resilience and personal growth, before discussing her mission to bring Persian-inspired health products to a wider audience. Aylar shares why meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose matter more to her than financial success alone, and her ongoing journey towards recognising her own worth beyond her achievements.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:24 Meeting Aylar Macky: From Tehran to Canada to Building Juul
01:41 The Weight Gain That Changed Everything
02:56 Starting Juul: From Home Kitchen to 15,000 Meals a Day
07:25 The Immigrant Identity: Shaped by Leaving Everything Behind
09:45 Becoming the Adult in the Room at Nine Years Old
11:52 The Decision to Return to Iran: Going Back to the Motherland
13:21 Seeing What's Missing: Vending Machines and Business Ideas
16:47 The Common Thread: Connecting People and Building Community
24:05 Learning Resilience: The Business as Therapist
29:07 Building in Iran vs. America: Solving Problems That Aren't Yours
32:00 The Backpack Decision: Leaving Everything Behind Again
32:57 The Waymo Moment: Culture Shock and Catching Up to Technology
33:59 Bringing Persian Flavors to America: Functional Foods with Heritage
34:46 Living Between Two Cultures: The Ugly Duckling with Something to Offer
38:32 The Power of Cause: What Gets You Out of Bed
40:22 Mom: The One Who Hallucinates With Me
42:02 Building Again: Stuffed Dates, Functional Beverages, and Secret Podcasts
45:49 Finding Enough: The Space She's Still Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

What happens when you've spent your life chasing a dream that still feels just out of reach? For Andrew Parris, the answer is simple: you keep going. From supporting NASA's Space Shuttle and International Space Station programmes to experiencing weightlessness aboard zero-gravity flights, Andrew has built an extraordinary career around his passion for space exploration. His ultimate dream of becoming an astronaut remains alive, and he's determined to keep pursuing it, no matter how long the journey takes.

This week on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcast engineer and co-founder of The Inspired 24, Andrew Parris, for a conversation about the wonders of space exploration and the perseverance required to achieve your greatest aspirations.

Andrew reflects on his years at NASA and the unforgettable moments that shaped his lifelong commitment to space exploration. Together, they go on to explore how The Inspired 24 grew from a chance gathering of space enthusiasts into what is now an international community helping people pursue opportunities in the space industry. Andrew shares how he navigates setbacks and stays ready for new opportunities in his own astronaut journey, as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people. His story is a reminder that even when the path to your dream takes longer than expected, the courage to keep trying can inspire others to pursue their own.

Explore more about The Inspired 24 at https://theinspired24.com/

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:29 Meeting Andrew Parris: The Broadcast Engineer with an Astronaut Dream
02:02 The Family Business: Growing Up in Television
03:29 Inside the Truck: What a Remote Television Engineer Does
04:55 Three Emmy Awards and the Return to Flight
09:36 The Path to NASA: Making Connections in Houston
11:18 Memorable Moments: Shuttle Launch and the Columbia Tragedy
15:56 Flying Zero G: The Most Welcoming Feeling You Can Experience
18:47 Journey to Russia: Behind the Iron Curtain at Baikonur
26:30 The Birth of the Inspired 24: A Dinner That Changed Everything
29:04 Building a Community: Over 300 Members Pursuing Space Dreams
30:52 Success Stories: From Inventory Specialist to SpaceX Technician
35:46 Black Friday: When Dreams Hit Pause
38:50 Never Give Up: Why We Explore and Why It Matters
48:26 The Cyan Proctor Moment: Realizing Others Share Your Dream
49:26 Looking Back at Earth: What It Will All Mean

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

For more than twenty years, Andrew Gordon helped bring some of Pixar's most beloved characters to life, contributing to films including A Bug's Life, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Behind those iconic stories is a career shaped by rejection and imposter syndrome, as well as experimentation and a determination to keep getting better.

In this episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined by filmmaker, animator, and creative leader Andrew Gordon to talk about the power of storytelling, and what is required when building a career around creativity. Andrew reflects on his initial rejection from Pixar before eventually joining the studio, and the culture that helped produce its groundbreaking films, before exploring why failure and iteration are essential parts of creating something great.

As the conversation continues, the pair discuss Andrew's decision to leave Pixar in search of new challenges, and how emerging AI tools are changing what's possible for filmmakers. Andrew also shares why technology can never replace a compelling story and why, even after decades of success, he is still pushing beyond his comfort zone in search of the next great thing he can create.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:32 Meeting Andrew Gordon: From New York to Pixar
02:04 Early Inspiration: A Cousin's Sketchbook and Computer Graphics
03:31 The Commodore Amiga and Finding His Craft
05:22 Heading West: From New Jersey to Animation School
07:18 First Break: Landing at Warner Brothers Looney Tunes
08:20 Rejection and Redemption: The Path to Pixar
10:12 Driving to the Mecca: First Day at Pixar
11:31 The Pixar Culture: Weirdos, Excellence, and John Lasseter
13:01 Imposter Syndrome and Daily Scrutiny
15:30 Animating Characters: From Gil to Mike Wazowski
17:34 The Art of Caricature: Bringing Edna Mode to Life
19:51 Why Pixar Makes Adults Cry Over Toys and Fish
25:09 The Lucky 7 Lounge: Building a Secret Casino at Pixar
27:10 Teaching and Giving Back: Breaking Down the Secrets
28:30 The Internship Program: Molding Through Play
32:40 Storytelling for Business: The Salesforce Success Story
36:31 Leaving Pixar: Twenty Years and a New Chapter
38:21 AI and Animation: The New Frontier at ITEL
41:01 Advice for Aspiring Creatives: Persistence and Fundamentals
43:11 The Space Still Worth Reaching For: Crafting Diamonds

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Mike Mongo has spent nearly two decades telling young people something he wishes someone had told him growing up: you have permission to imagine an extraordinary future.

Today on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes author and self-described “Astronaut Teacher” Mike Mongo for an energetic conversation about childhood dreams, unconventional careers, and inspiring the next generation to see themselves as part of humanity's future in space. Mike shares how watching the Moon landing transformed his childhood ambition from becoming a superhero to becoming an astronaut—and how, decades later, believing that dream had passed him by ultimately inspired him to create an entirely new role for himself.

Mike and Eiman explore why he teaches students around the world that tomorrow's jobs are in space, and what Mike has learned from helping young people imagine possibilities beyond the paths already laid out for them, before digging into the philosophy behind his new KID Astronaut Training Manual. Mike also reflects on his own continuing journey toward space, particularly the mentors and strangers who gave him permission to follow an unconventional path, and why success ultimately comes down to doing what you love, with people you love, while helping others.

Learn more about Mike and his work at https://mikemongo.com

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:37 Meeting Mike Mongo: The Astronaut Teacher
02:41 Batman and the Birth of a Dream
06:02 Becoming the Astronaut Teacher
07:32 The Power of Permission
15:39 Mike Mongo's Kid Astronaut Training Manual
20:07 Astronaut Job Camp and Saxavord Spaceport
26:36 Being 49 Percent Sure of Arrest at NASA
29:11 Blue Origin, New Shepard, and the Blue 92
32:45 Solving for Space to Solve for Earth
39:46 It's Already Too Late, So Bake a Cake
43:46 The Space We're Still Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Cinematographer Kevin Curran has captured extraordinary stories through his lens for close on three decades. But when COVID brought the world—and his career—to a sudden pause, Kevin began reconsidering what he wanted to do with the time he had left. A lifelong fascination with aerospace provided the answer: use his skills as a filmmaker to document this remarkable chapter in human spaceflight.

In this episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir sits down with Kevin for a conversation about finding purpose in capturing history, and the people pushing humanity beyond our atmosphere. Kevin shares what it was like filming historic moments for Blue Origin, SpaceX and Artemis I, including capturing the reactions of astronauts like Jeff Bezos and William Shatner just moments after their flights.

Kevin and Eiman go on to explore Kevin's documentary Beyond Blue Sky, which preserves the remarkable story of SpaceShipOne and the pioneers behind the first privately funded human spaceflight. Kevin reflects on the five-year journey of bringing the film to life and what he's learned from spending time with aerospace visionaries, as well as why pursuing your passion one step at a time can ultimately lead somewhere greater than you ever dared imagine.

Learn more about Beyond Blue Sky at https://beyond-blue-sky.com/

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:51 Meeting Kevin Curran: From Electrical Engineering to Cinematography
03:05 The Creative Spark: Taking Things Apart and Putting Them Together
04:42 Finding Purpose in Space: The 2020 Turning Point
05:36 Capturing History: Blue Origin and the Closest Camera
09:24 The Story of Spaceship One: First Private Astronauts
09:46 The $28 Million Miracle: Building a Private Space Program
18:25 Five Years to Tell the Story: The Making of Beyond Blue Sky
20:23 Sitting Across from Legends: Burt Rutan and Brian Binnie
23:17 The Sidewinder Solution: Engineering Under Pressure
25:16 Mike Melville at 64: The First Private Astronaut
27:13 Age Is Just a Number: Human Capacity and Courage
28:07 Brian Binnie's UAP Encounter: A Courageous Disclosure
32:08 The Stigma and the Truth: UAPs in 2020
36:37 What We Lose Without These Stories
38:13 The Power of Parenting: Early Sparks That Drive Greatness
41:14 Advice for Dreamers: Identify Your Passion and Protect It
42:40 NS-16: The Most Meaningful Moment
47:01 Behind the Lens: Capturing Emotional Reactions
48:29 The Overview Effect: Processing the Experience
54:32 The Space Still Worth Reaching For
56:07 Beyond Blue Sky: Where to Watch

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

For years, Shantanu Rai built his life around medicine, caring for patients in underserved communities while witnessing firsthand the challenges facing both doctors and patients within the American healthcare system. But beyond the exam room, another ambition was taking shape: telling the stories that medicine alone couldn't fully capture.

In today's conversation, Dr. Eiman Jahangir sits down with physician and author Shantanu Rai to discuss the intersections of medicine and storytelling, exploring the courage to step outside the lane that's been defined for you. Shantanu shares how his experiences as a physician inspired his debut medical thriller, A Dangerous Diagnosis, why he chose fiction to pull back the curtain on modern healthcare, and the five-year journey of learning an entirely new craft while continuing his career in medicine.

Together, they explore physician burnout, the need for meaningful change within healthcare, and the power of storytelling to build understanding and empathy. Shantanu also reflects on reconnecting with your purpose and navigating rejection, sharing why pursuing something outside your established path can sometimes give you the energy to discover just how much more you're capable of.

Learn more about Shantanu Rai and his work at https://shantanurai.com/

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:34 Meeting a Doctor-Turned-Author: Writing Under a Pen Name
01:36 The Book's Mission: Pulling Back the Exam Room Curtain
02:28 Why Write Under a Pen Name: Protection and Freedom
07:04 The Dilemma Every Doctor Faces: Stay, Leave, or Fight
07:38 The Third Way: A Great Doctor Fights for All Patients
15:17 The Pit and Storytelling: Showing vs. Telling in Medicine
16:40 From Inspiration to Outline: The Journey Begins
22:28 The Fundamental Problem: Healthcare Economics and Access
28:12 The Unexpected Film Deal: Leaked to Movie Studios
32:18 The Writing Process: 4 AM and a French Press
40:13 Doctors as Natural Storytellers: Reclaiming Our Humanity
43:30 Stepping Outside Your Lane: Energy Management Over Time Management
49:01 The Space Still Worth Reaching For: Finding Stillness

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Born in Nigeria and raised in Connecticut from the age of six, Blessing Offor's journey has been shaped by change and an unwavering love of music. After losing much of his vision as a child, years spent sitting still while recovering from eye surgeries gave him something unexpected: time at the piano. What began as one of the few things he could fully do eventually became the pursuit that would define his life.

In this episode of A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined by two-time GRAMMY® nominee and award-winning singer-songwriter Blessing Offor for a conversation about resilience, creativity, and what it takes to keep pursuing a dream when there is no clear path forward. Blessing reflects on leaving behind the expectations of a traditional career, moving to Nashville and New York in pursuit of music, navigating years of struggle before his breakthrough on The Voice, and the decade-long journey that ultimately led to a record deal and songs like "Brighter Days" and "The Goodness."

Together, they explore the complicated reality of achieving success while simultaneously experiencing profound personal loss. Blessing shares how songwriting helped him process the grief of losing his mother, sister, best friend and partner while creating his deeply personal album Real. He goes on to explore how some of life's hardest seasons can also become its most formative, as well as the importance of maintaining community even as success grows.

From returning to Nigeria after more than two decades away to collaborating with Dolly Parton and finding a global audience for his music, Blessing's story is an incredible reminder that pursuing an extraordinary life doesn't mean avoiding hardship, but learning to keep moving forward through it.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:27 Meeting Blessing Offor: From Nigeria to Connecticut
02:50 Growing Up with Vision Challenges
10:15 Falling in Love with Music
15:00 The Decision to Pursue Music
16:25 Moving to Nashville and New York
17:13 The Voice and Breaking Through
21:55 The Ten-Year Journey to a Record Deal
28:24 Writing Brighter Days During the Pandemic
32:55 Going Home: Returning to Nigeria After 25 Years
36:28 Holding the Tension: Success and Loss
42:23 The Power of Community Over Success
43:53 Music as a Way to Process Grief
45:20 Collaborating with Dolly Parton
48:40 Making Music for Everyone
51:02 The Space Still Worth Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

A cheap, pharmacy telescope changed the course of John Read's life. After years spent building a successful career in corporate finance, John pointed that telescope toward what he thought was a yellow star—and saw Saturn. The experience reignited a fascination with the night sky and eventually gave him the courage to leave behind a stable career, return to university, and build an entirely new life around astronomy.

In this episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined by bestselling astronomy author and Learn to Stargaze host John A. Read for a fascinating conversation about curiosity, career reinvention, and the power of recognizing when you're on the wrong path. John shares how his early love of aviation gave way to a conventional career in finance, how volunteering with an astronomy club inspired his bestselling 50 Things to See with a Telescope series, and why he ultimately took the leap to pursue astrophysics and astronomy education full-time.

Together, John and Eiman explore the importance of finding your people and of making astronomy accessible to beginners, before going on to discuss the consistency required to turn an idea into a successful book, career, or creative pursuit. They also examine our increasingly complicated relationship with technology and why putting down our screens may help us rediscover the sense of awe that's been waiting above us all along.

Discover more about John and his work at http://www.learntostargaze.com

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:34 Meeting John Read: Author and Stargazing Host
10:58 From Air Cadets to Aviation: Finding His People
16:01 The Corporate Path: Finance Career and Growing Restlessness
20:40 The $14 Telescope That Changed Everything
22:53 Writing the First Book: 50 Things to See with a Small Telescope
24:26 The Leap of Faith: Quitting Corporate to Pursue Astronomy
29:07 Building a Book Empire: Translations, Kids Books, and Finding the Formula
31:26 Learn to Stargaze: Creating a YouTube Channel and Brand
44:39 Technology, Stargazing, and the Lost Art of Authentic Experience
48:22 Johns Hopkins and the All-Star Classroom
54:46 Following Your Competence: The Space Still Worth Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

For nearly four decades, Frank White has helped give a name to one of the most profound experiences in human spaceflight. His groundbreaking book, The Overview Effect, transformed countless astronauts' descriptions of seeing Earth from space into a concept that continues to shape how we think about exploration, humanity, and our place in the universe.

Today on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined by author, space philosopher, and Overview Effect pioneer Frank White for a fascinating discussion about the childhood curiosity that sparked a lifelong passion for space, the unexpected path that led him to become one of the world's leading voices on the philosophy of space exploration, and why he believes humanity is approaching a pivotal moment in its evolution.

Together, they explore how the Overview Effect has influenced astronauts for generations, the rise of commercial spaceflight, and the promise of permanent lunar settlements, before examining why developing a broader perspective may be one of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—of our time. Frank also reflects on the mentors who shaped his remarkable journey and his campaign to finally travel to space after a lifetime spent studying those who have, sharing why declaring your ambitions, embracing rejection, and taking action are essential to pursuing the dreams that matter most to you.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
02:28 From Childhood Wonder to Life Purpose
05:01 The Space Race and Building Rockets in the Front Yard
08:20 Apollo's Impact and Milestone Moments in Space History
13:30 Political Philosophy and the Power of Paradigm Shifts
16:40 Overview Thinking vs Surface Thinking
18:54 Nationalism, Governance, and the Need for a New Social Contract
21:42 The Birth of the Overview Effect Theory
24:23 Why Do We Explore Space? The Cosmo Hypothesis
30:07 The Consistency of the Overview Effect Across All Astronauts
35:29 Send Frank to Space: Declaring Your Dreams
39:14 The Power of Putting Yourself Out There
42:48 Rejection, Persistence, and Plan B
46:42 The People Who Shaped a Life: From Parents to Gerard O'Neill
52:23 We Are All Crew Members of Spaceship Earth

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

As a child watching the Apollo 11 Moon landing from his home in New York, Ron Garan knew he wanted to become an astronaut. That dream eventually led him from flying F-16 combat missions during the Gulf War to spending 178 days in space aboard both the Space Shuttle and Soyuz spacecraft. But it wasn't reaching orbit that changed him most, it was looking back and seeing Earth as one interconnected, fragile home.

In this episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir welcomes retired NASA astronaut, fighter pilot, author, and social entrepreneur Ron Garan for a conversation about the transformative power of perspective. Ron reflects on the journey that reignited his childhood dream of spaceflight, the unique experience of launching aboard both American and Russian spacecraft, and the profound shift in thinking that inspired his concept of The Orbital Perspective—the belief that humanity's greatest challenges can only be solved by learning to work together on a planetary scale.

Ron and Eiman also explore the lessons of military service and leadership, the future of lunar exploration and commercial spaceflight, the importance of science-based decision-making, as well as Ron's work bringing clean water and renewable energy to underserved communities through social enterprise. From orbit to Earth, this conversation is a compelling reminder that changing the way we see the world may be the first step toward changing the world itself.

Purchase your own copy of Ron’s newest book, Floating in Darkness, at https://go.aheartforspace.com/floatingindarkness

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
02:34 The Dream Reawakens: From Business to Engineering
06:27 Flying F-16s in the Gulf War
11:55 Comparing the Shuttle and Soyuz: Two Paths to Orbit
16:09 Launching with Former Enemies: A Symbol of Cooperation
18:07 The Orbital Perspective: Seeing Earth as One Planet
20:49 Technology: Connecting and Dividing Us
22:52 Astronauts for America: Defending the Constitution
29:14 Bringing Clean Water to the World
33:24 Writing to Inspire: Three Books and a Sci-Fi Novel
40:59 The Future of Space: Moon Bases and Lunar Economy
46:42 The Space Still Worth Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

What does it take to pursue an impossible dream?

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir reflects on the lessons that have shaped his own journey—from medicine and spaceflight to leadership, resilience, and innovation. Through personal stories and practical insights, he explores why setbacks and uncertainty are often the foundation of success, and why the courage to take the next step can change the course of your life.

Whether you're a student, healthcare professional, leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone pursuing an ambitious goal, this short message offers encouragement to embrace challenges, stay curious, and recognize the strength being built throughout your journey.

Book Dr. Jahangir for your next conference, keynote, leadership event, school guest speaker session, or educational program at https://www.eimanjahangir.com/speaking/

At age eight, Scott watched Apollo 9 launch from the surf off Cocoa Beach—and his course was set. Decades later, he would become the only person to have both flown in space and summited Mount Everest.

In this episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir sits down with Scott Parazynski—physician, retired NASA astronaut, and CEO of OnwardAir—for a conversation that spans five space missions, seven spacewalks, and two of the most demanding summits a human being can attempt. Scott opens up about the phone call that changed everything: being asked to fly alongside an American legend, and what it meant to become that person's crewmate, physician, and eventual friend. He goes on to share the story behind a dangerous repair mission, and what it felt like to be farther from the safety of the airlock than any astronaut before him, working on a live solar panel that could have ended everything.

As the conversation continues, Scott also gets candid about the moment his dream was ripped away, pulled from a mission just months before launch, and how that setback led to a $45 million fix, a second chance, and a piece of the moon that ended up on the summit of Everest. That same rock led to something Scott never saw coming: meeting the woman who'd become his wife.

Scott and Eiman go on to talk about the razor's edge between ambition and risk, why he chose emergency medicine as the ultimate training ground for space, the astronaut he quietly helped launch into his own career, and what still keeps him up at night solving problems, decades into a career most people would call complete.

Order your own copy of Scott’s book, The Sky Below, at https://go.aheartforspace.com/theskybelow

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:30 Meeting Scott Parazynski: Physician, Astronaut, and Explorer
02:34 Growing Up Abroad: From Tehran to Athens
06:54 A Childhood Shaped by Apollo: Watching the Launch at Age Eight
08:29 Taking Risks and Saying Yes: From Luge to Medical School
12:31 Choosing Between Two Callings: Medicine and Spaceflight
14:51 Mentoring Johnny Kim: Recognizing a Future Astronaut
19:11 Flying with a Legend: John Glenn's Return to Space
21:24 Too Tall for Soyuz: A Setback That Led to New Opportunities
24:53 The Most Dangerous Spacewalk: Repairing a Live Solar Array
29:13 Everest: The Dream, the Injury, and the Summit
32:21 How a Moon Rock Led to Love: Meeting His Wife
34:11 Comparing Extremes: Space vs. Everest
36:19 Into the Volcano: Descending into Masaya's Lava Lake
40:47 The Challenger Legacy: Honoring Loss Through Education
44:17 Staying Curious and Taking the First Step
47:14 Life Lessons from Jenna: The Power of Positivity
49:10 The Space Still Worth Reaching For: Innovation and Problem Solving

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

In today's episode, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined once more by his sister-in-law and TaskRabbit founder Leah Solivan to discuss the leap of faith that led to the platform's inception, and the unconventional path one must walk to risk being successful.

Leah reflects on her decision to leave the stability of a successful career at IBM to pursue an idea she couldn't ignore. She shares the uncertainty of taking that leap, and how her mentors gave her the confidence and conviction she needed to transform TaskRabbit from a simple concept into one of the pioneering companies of the sharing economy. Eiman and Leah then explore the realities of building a business from the ground up, from investing her own savings and navigating imposter syndrome to pitching investors, overcoming rejection, and learning to trust her instincts.

Looking beyond TaskRabbit, Leah shares how her passion has evolved into empowering the next generation of founders to take leaps of their own, offering a compelling reminder that pursuing ambitious goals isn't about having the perfect credentials—it's about developing the conviction to take the first step and believing in your ability to create something that has never existed before.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
02:07 The Leap from IBM: Leaving Stability Behind
06:27 Finding a Mentor: Meeting the CEO of Zipcar
09:11 Betting on Yourself: Funding TaskRabbit with a Pension
15:06 Being a Secret Agent: Navigating Identity as a Latina Founder
20:15 The Fundraising Gauntlet: 50 Pitches for One Yes
26:15 Building the Muscle of Conviction
28:35 From Dog Food to Soul Food: The Moment TaskRabbit Became Real
34:29 Advice for First-Generation Founders
36:21 The Space Still Worth Reaching For

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

This week on A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir embarks on an exploration of the power of curiosity, perseverance, and lifelong learning with explorer and former Explorers Club president Richard Wiese.

Richard shares how a childhood filled with outdoor adventure and scientific curiosity helped shape a life dedicated to discovery. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at age eleven to producing award-winning television and leading one of the world's most renowned exploration organizations, he reflects on the unexpected turns, setbacks, and opportunities that defined his journey.

Their conversation traverses the roles that confidence and resilience play in pursuing unconventional paths, the importance of becoming the author of your own story, and how some of life's greatest lessons come not from standing on the summit, but from learning how to recover when things don't go according to plan.

Richard also offers a fascinating look inside The Explorers Club, sharing why he believes the future of exploration lies not only in discovering new places, but in discovering new perspectives by elevating diverse voices and fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:32 Meeting Richard Wiese: Explorer and Television Host
02:22 Origin Story: From Immigrant Family to World Traveler
04:44 The Unexpected Turn: From Science Major to Model
06:16 Breaking Into Television and Finding His Voice
07:28 The Explorers Club and Meeting Childhood Heroes
08:02 Weekends with Yankee and Discovering Wonder Close to Home
09:36 The Power of Perseverance and Pulling Yourself Out
13:05 Confidence, Jealousy, and Being Your Own Advocate
15:40 The People Along the Way: Social Consciousness and Africa
17:55 Staying Relevant: Passion and Collaboration
19:51 The Magic of Tide Pooling and New England Wonders
22:03 What Is the Explorers Club and Why It Matters
23:29 The Future of Exploration: Diversity of Thought
26:56 Universal Languages: Food, Music, Art, and Nature
28:14 Facing Doubt and Reinventing Yourself
30:05 The Fury of Nature and Apprenticeship of Skills
32:18 Meeting People Where They Are
36:05 Space, the Overview Effect, and Going Back
38:18 The People Who Shaped Him: Family and Grandfather
39:49 The Space Still Reaching For: Family and Unexplored Places
41:25 Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined today by motivational speaker, author, and Guinness World Record holder Jon Pritikin to discuss the power of perseverance, self-worth, and the courage needed to move beyond the limitations others may place on us.
Jon shares how growing up with speech and learning challenges led many people to underestimate his potential, including a teacher who told him he would never read, write, speak well, or graduate. Rather than allowing those words to define his future, Jon reflects on the people who helped him recognize his value, building up his confidence and empowering him to pursue a life of purpose.

Their conversation explores the relationships and experiences that shaped Jon’s journey, from the teachers, friends, and family members who encouraged him along the way to the school assembly that inspired him to become a speaker. Jon also shares how feats of strength, including the Guinness World Record he set for rolling frying pans with his bare hands, became a unique platform for encouraging others to believe in themselves and their potential.

To learn more about Jon visit: https://jonpritikin.org/

00:00 Introduction and Opening Story
01:10 Growing Up with Learning Disabilities
03:37 A Teacher's Crushing Words
07:32 The People Who Changed Everything
14:27 Discovering Strength Training and Motivation
18:01 Building a Speaking Career
23:24 Powerful Moments on Stage
26:57 Guinness World Record Achievement
33:58 Battling Fear and Online Negativity
35:26 Perseverance and Perspective
45:29 The Calling to Reach North Korea
47:46 Closing Message of Hope

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

In this episode of A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir sits down with Inspiration4 astronaut Chris Sembroski to discuss the life-changing experience of seeing Earth from space, the unexpected journey that led him there, and the deeper perspective he returned home with.

Chris shares how a childhood fascination with rockets and astronomy eventually led him through the U.S. Air Force, aerospace engineering, Blue Origin, and ultimately into orbit aboard Inspiration4—the first all-civilian mission to space. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of curiosity, community, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.

Their discussion explores the remarkable story behind Chris’s journey to space, and how a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital unexpectedly became the catalyst for a phone call that would change his life forever. Chris also opens up about the deeper impact of spaceflight and the profound sense of connection that came from viewing Earth from orbit. From the Overview Effect to the responsibility of caring for one another on our shared planet, he shares how the experience reshaped his understanding of humanity.

To learn more about Chris visit https://www.chrissembroski.com

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
00:30 Meeting Chris Sembroski: Dad, Engineer, and Space Traveler
02:44 From Air Force Missiles to Aerospace: Building a Career
05:25 Growing Up with Space: High School, Telescopes, and Chuck Brady
11:33 Lobbying for Commercial Space Before It Was Cool
16:44 The Super Bowl Commercial That Changed Everything
18:11 The Call: Winning the Generosity Seat Through Friendship
22:04 Six Months to Launch: Training and Climbing Mount Rainier
23:54 The Crew Comes Together: Announcing Inspiration4
25:59 Generosity Redefined: From Concept to Calling
27:52 Seeing Earth from Orbit: Connection and the Desire to Travel
29:26 Surprises in Space: Slow Motion Speech and Floating Legs
37:15 Perseverance, ADHD, and Learning from Your Kids
39:10 Dream Makers vs Dream Breakers: Staying Connected to Your Passion
43:49 Polaris Dawn, Jared as NASA Administrator, and the Future
45:11 Space Camp's Renaissance: A New Training Center Opens
47:51 The Space Still Worth Reaching For: Connection as Crew
49:46 Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://AHeartForSpace.com

In today's episode of A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir is joined by his sister-in-law Leah Solivan as they engage in a deeply personal conversation about the experiences, relationships, and ambitions that have shaped Eiman's extraordinary journey.

Moving beyond headlines and accomplishments, Eiman reflects on his upbringing as the child of immigrants and the early influences that drew him toward medicine, as well as his lifelong fascination with space that continued to pull at him even while building a demanding career in cardiology.

The conversation explores the realities of life as a physician—from the emotional weight of patient care and the growing pressures contributing to burnout, to the deeply human moments that continue to make the work meaningful.

Leah and Eiman then dive into the perseverance required to pursue a dream with no guaranteed path forward. After more than twenty years of trying to reach space, Eiman reflects on the emotional experience of finally launching aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard with his family watching nearby—a moment that represented not only the significance of the achievement, but the years of persistence, uncertainty, and unwavering belief that made it possible.

00:00 Welcome to A Heart for Space
01:53 Who Is Eiman Jahangir? The Person Behind the Titles
03:15 The Path to Medicine: From Anthropology Dreams to Cardiology
06:12 Life as a Cardiologist: Patient Stories and Healthcare Realities
12:15 When Space Became More Than a Dream
13:19 Family, Fear, and the Decision to Pursue the Impossible
17:41 Launch Day: Strapping Into a Rocket
20:13 Weightlessness and Wonder: Four Minutes in Space
23:09 Writing the Book: Making the Story Useful
27:45 The Outsider's Edge and What's Possible
30:09 Lessons from Space: Humanity, Patience, and What's Next
32:54 Legacy and Staying Challenged

Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://AHeartForSpace.com

In this debut episode of A Heart for Space, Dr. Eiman Jahangir introduces the story behind his book and subsequent podcast—and the journey that led him here.

A cardiologist by profession and the 704th individual to travel to space, Dr. Jahangir has spent his life navigating two very different paths: one defined by structure, the other by uncertainty. In this opening conversation, he reflects on what it meant to pursue a lifelong dream without a clear roadmap, and the resilience required to keep moving forward in the face of setbacks, near-misses, and self-doubt.

Dr. Jahangir also shares the pivotal moments that shaped the trajectory of his life—from his family’s immigration journey during the Iran-Iraq War to the experiences that followed his spaceflight, where conversations with audiences around the world revealed a common thread: many people are quietly pursuing ambitious goals of their own. This realization became the foundation for A Heart for Space, and the resulting exploration of the stories and mindsets of those who have pushed beyond conventional limits.

This episode is both an introduction and an invitation into a series of conversations about perseverance and courage, revealing what it truly takes to pursue something extraordinary.
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Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at http://heartforspace.com/