Anousheh Ansari on Exploring Space, Cultivating Curiosity, and Igniting Imagination

The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi

🚀 Visionaries, Space Dreamers, and Changemakers—This Episode Is for You.

This week on The Optimist Project, I had the privilege of sitting down with Anousheh Ansari—engineer, explorer, entrepreneur, and the first female private space traveler.

From gazing at the stars as a curious child in Iran to launching into orbit and later into impact-driven innovation through XPRIZE, Anousheh’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and profound optimism.

In our conversation, we dive into what it means to aim higher than seems reasonable, how to reframe setbacks as rocket fuel, and why inclusive storytelling is critical to shaping the future. Anousheh reflects on building bridges across disciplines, cultures, and generations—and how we all play a role in pushing humanity forward.

✨ She shares wisdom on staying grounded while reaching for the stars, the healing power of nature, and why joy and service are revolutionary tools for change.

What’s the biggest dream you’ve ever dared to name? What keeps you reaching for more?

📩 We’d love to hear from you—send us a voice note or tag us with your reflections.

📲 @optimistprojectpod // The Optimist Project Podcast

✨ Executive Producer: @yarashahidi // Yara Shahidi

✨ Executive Producer: @chocolatemommyluv // Keri Salter-Shahidi

🎙 Guest: @anousheh_x// Anousheh Ansari

📞 Voicemail: [phone]

🎧 Tune in and blast off with us—because optimism, like space, has no limits.