Interviews
Our podcasts and interviews bring conversations about space, science, and exploration directly to listeners. Through interviews, discussions, and storytelling, each episode highlights the voices of researchers, explorers, and thought leaders while connecting complex ideas to everyday experiences. These recordings aim to make discovery accessible, foster dialogue, and extend the reach of space exploration beyond traditional boundaries.
"Stuck On Mars"
NASA is seeking volunteers to spend one year in a Mars simulator on Earth to study how crews might live and work on the Red Planet. Sharife Gacel, Founder of The Space Therapist and NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador, previously participated in an analog astronaut mission focused on crew psychology. Her research examined the effects of isolation, food, exercise, and job satisfaction on mental well-being, as well as the potential to measure the overview effect in a simulated environment. Results indicated that participants experienced challenges but reported increased resilience by the conclusion of the mission.
In an episode of Aspiring Martians, Sharife Gacel—licensed therapist, analog astronaut, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and founder of The Space Therapist and the Blue Marble Project- discusses the intersection of psychology, art, and space exploration. The conversation explores the emotional challenges of space travel, representation in the space community, and how experiences such as telescope viewing can influence perspective and purpose. Gacel also reflects on her background in outreach and analog missions, highlighting the role of awe and resilience in preparing for future space exploration.
Analog astronauts participate in missions that simulate life on another planet, testing how humans respond to isolation, limited resources, and close-quarters teamwork. At HI-SEAS (Hawai‘i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation), crews live inside a dome on the slopes of Mauna Loa under Mars-like conditions. During one mission, participants spent weeks in full simulation—conducting research, managing supplies, and even suiting up for “extravehicular activities” across the volcanic terrain. These experiences offer valuable insight into the psychological and practical challenges of preparing for long-duration missions to Mars.