Leila Zucker, USA

In the debut episode of Aspiring Martians, host Joe Sweeney sits down with aspiring Martian pioneer Dr. Leila Zucker, an emergency medicine physician, Mars One finalist, and lifelong advocate for humanity's future on Mars. Leila shares how her intense career on the front lines of medicine has shaped her resilience and adaptability—qualities she believes are vital for life on the Red Planet.

From dreaming of being both an astronaut and a doctor as a child to preparing for the psychological and physical demands of a Martian colony, Leila’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She reflects on the challenges she’s overcome, the drive to push boundaries, and how her dual passions for space and medicine have fueled her pursuit of a life on Mars.

Join us for this captivating conversation about grit, ambition, and what it truly takes to turn the dream of interplanetary living into reality. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or simply curious about the bold minds behind Mars exploration, this episode is sure to ignite your imagination.