Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast A Heart For Space

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 (00:18) Welcome to A Heart for Space (01:35) Life, Family, and Building Tow Trucks for Space (02:25) Chris’s Aerospace Career and Work on New Glenn (05:10) Childhood Curiosity, Rockets, and Astronomy (11:40) Advocating for Commercial Space Before It Was Mainstream (15:50) How Inspiration4 Came Into Chris’s Life (21:00) The Moment Chris Learned He Was Going to Space (28:30) Seeing Earth Differently After Spaceflight (35:40) Saying Yes to Opportunity and Staying Open to the Unknown (41:00) Community, Connection, and Telling People What You Love (48:20) The Overview Effect and Treating Humanity as One Crew 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. (00:19) Welcome to A Heart for Space (01:54) Who Is Eiman Jahangir? (03:13) Medicine, Family Expectations, and the Search for Stability (06:05) A Day in the Life of a Cardiologist (07:39) AI, Healthcare Systems, and the Future of Medicine (09:40) Patient Stories and the Human Side of Medicine (12:06) When Space Became a Real Goal (15:48) Launch Day and the People Waiting on Earth (17:45) Liftoff, Emotion, and Finally Reaching Space (22:55) Writing A Heart for Space (25:00) What Eiman Wants Readers to Take Away 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. (00:00) Opening Hook and Welcome to the Podcast (01:16) Cardiologist, Astronaut, Father, and Author (02:03) Chasing Two Difficult Dreams (02:47) Why He Started A Heart for Space (03:54) Why the Book Matters Too (05:05) The Astronauts Featured in the Book (06:12) Reading from Chapter One: From Iran to Tennessee (09:09) Final Thoughts and Invitation to Follow the Journey Discover more about Dr. Eiman Jahangir, and preorder your own copy of A Heart for Space, now at https://aheartforspace.com/

Welcome to A Heart for Space, a podcast hosted by cardiologist, astronaut, and speaker Dr. Eiman Jahangir that explores the journeys of those who push beyond conventional limits to inspire you to pursue your own extraordinary dreams. Drawing from his own path—from immigrating to the United States as a young child to pursuing the astronaut dream for more than two decades—Dr. Jahangir leads thoughtful conversations with remarkable guests about perseverance, ambition, and the mindset required to achieve meaningful goals. Blending personal storytelling with practical insight, A Heart for Space invites you to strap in as we embark on this adventure beyond the stars, exploring what it truly takes to turn possibility into tangible reality. For more information visit 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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/