Mohammed Sallam’s path to becoming one of the 100 finalists in the Mars One program started in Cairo in the 1980s, with a love of sci-fi films and the quiet wonder of staring at the night sky. Decades later, a news article calling for Mars settlers in the wake of the Arab Spring set him on a course that would change his life.

In this episode, Mido shares what it’s like to grow up in Egypt dreaming of the stars, how a period of upheaval led him to buy his first telescope, and the ways he now inspires students through his Saturn V Space Club and other educational projects. We talk Arab diversity in space, the realities of preparing for a one-way trip, and his hopes for humanity’s future on Mars. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about late night Mars study sessions, preparing for his pilot license, losing and finding purpose, and why he’s ready to plant an Egyptian badge—if not an actual flag—on the Red Planet.

A huge thank you to Mohammed Sallam for joining me today and sharing his vision and story, to Nick Thorburn for our stellar theme music, to Ceci Giglio for the beautiful graphics, to RDan, Leila, Inka, and Carl for admining the FB group, and to my family for always supporting this mission—even if it means eating dinner on Mars time.