Polar exploration was the Victorian equivalent of the space race. Major powers vied to outdo each other, funding expeditions to the most inhospitable parts of the world as demonstrations of their supremacy over nature and each other. Today, the resulting tales of triumph and tragedy hold valuable lessons about what to do—and what not to do—as human explorers plan missions to Mars.

Danielle Wood is one of several guests that share insights into ways that humans can avoid colonial behavior in future human spaceflight.

Podcast production by Bart Warshaw and Kate Holland.