Leading Through Crisis in the Wild

October 7, 2025

‍Dear Listeners,

Welcome to the My Legacy Podcast & Syndicated Radio Show, where we explore timeless lessons, meaningful connections, and the power of creating a living legacy. Hosted by Arndrea Waters King and Martin Luther King III, alongside Marc Kielburger and Craig Kielburger, our show brings you transformative conversations with individuals who are not just shaping the present but are paving the way for future generations.

This week, we’re honored to welcome Celine Cousteau, documentary filmmaker, environmental activist, and granddaughter of the legendary Jacques Cousteau, along with her dear friend and values-driven marketer, Ian Hackett. Together, they share a powerful conversation about legacy, courage, family, and the strength it takes to "go into the storm" when life demands it.

Episode Summary:

In this moving and deeply human episode, Celine Cousteau reflects on what it means to carry a legacy while forging your own path. She shares memories of her iconic grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, the often-overlooked power of her grandmother’s courage, and the moments that shaped her unique commitment to environmental justice and indigenous rights.

Celine’s friend Ian Hackett joins to honor their friendship, sharing memories of Celine’s kindness, openness, and bravery, qualities that have shaped his life as well. Their stories remind us that true legacy isn’t built alone. It’s woven through generations, anchored in values, and made real through action.

Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or navigating a personal storm, this episode invites you to embrace your legacy with courage, purpose, and community.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Legacy as a Living Practice – Why Celine believes legacy is something we build through daily choices, not titles or fame.
Go Into the Storm – A powerful metaphor from her grandmother’s life about resilience, courage, and facing adversity head-on.
Connection to Nature & Self – How disconnection from nature impacts our mental and emotional health and how we can reclaim that bond.
The Power of Indigenous Wisdom – Lessons from the Amazon and Celine’s film "Tribes on the Edge" on respect, trust, and advocacy.
Friendship as Leadership – How Celine and Ian’s bond reflects the kind of empathy, listening, and support we all need.
Creating Change from Within – The story behind how one life-or-death moment in the Amazon changed Celine’s understanding of leadership forever.

Deep Dive: The Science of Nature, Connection & Courage

Celine Cousteau shared something profound during this episode: our disconnect from nature is often a mirror for our disconnect from ourselves. This isn’t just poetic. It’s scientific.

Spending time in nature regulates the nervous system. Studies have found that exposure to green spaces can significantly reduce cortisol levels, ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even boost cognitive function. Something as simple as a plant on your desk can improve focus and emotional regulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125471/

Celine’s belief that “we are part of nature” is aligned with the Biophilia Hypothesis, a concept introduced by biologist E.O. Wilson. It suggests that humans have an innate, biological need to connect with the natural world. Ignoring this need through urban isolation, screen time, or environmental detachment leads to measurable psychological stress. But when we return to nature, we return to ourselves. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20943582/

Her leadership during a crisis in the Amazon also demonstrates a concept supported by neuroscience: adaptive leadership under pressure. When Celine was faced with a medical emergency in the jungle, her ability to slow her breath, regulate her tone, and calmly direct her team mirrored best practices in high-stakes decision-making. Research shows that deep breathing and vocal modulation help regulate the limbic system, allowing leaders to make rational decisions in chaotic situations. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01393/full

And finally, the friendship between Celine and Ian illustrates the profound impact of human connection. Authentic friendship and vulnerability stimulate oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” which promotes trust, empathy, and emotional security. Their openness and mutual support are not just heartwarming. They’re chemically and emotionally healing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5649171/

Ultimately, this episode reminds us that courage is found in community, nature is medicine, and legacy is a daily act of presence and purpose.

Keep the Conversation Going

Listening is just the beginning. The insights shared in this episode invite us to reflect, connect, and take action. Use these prompts to spark meaningful conversations, whether you're journaling, chatting with loved ones, or engaging with your community.

Weekly Journal Prompts

When have you had to "go into the storm" in your own life? What helped you get through it?
What parts of nature bring you a sense of calm or connection?
What legacy are you building through your daily actions, not just your dreams?

Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion

What does it mean to carry a legacy without being defined by it?
How do you respond under pressure? What habits help you stay grounded in difficult moments?
In what ways can friendship model the kind of leadership we want to see in the world?

Family Conversation Starters

What are some stories from our family history that you want future generations to remember?
How do we face challenges together and what can we learn from nature about resilience?
What values do we want to live by as a family, even when things are hard?

Further Listening & Resources:

Tribes on the Edge – Celine Cousteau’s acclaimed documentary film. https://www.tribesontheedge.com/
What Is My Legacy? – Featuring stories from the King family, Jay Shetty, Julia Roberts, and others on living with purpose. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW8GQ9N3

Next Week: In the next episode, we continue our exploration of legacy, leadership, and impact. We’ll hear from another extraordinary guest who is reshaping the way we think about storytelling, social justice, and personal transformation.

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and the My Legacy Podcast & Syndicated Radio Show on the iHeart app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Let’s keep building our legacies together.

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