Space Education Episodes

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 a...

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, a...

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, entre...

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...

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 refle...

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 a...