Swimming Our Talk: Blue Mind, Ocean Heart

Illuminating the magical underwater world, Jacques Cousteau’s 1960s films and TV show caused a sea change by moving the hearts and minds of tens of millions. This week on Bioneers, marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, ocean advocates Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau, and the Truckee High School Envirolution Club are among the rising tides of passionate innovators making remarkable advances to understand and restore the waters of the world. Their inspiring stories give good reason for hope, including the scientific fact that we have a “blue mind” born in and of the ocean to guide us.

About the speakers:

Dr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, activist, community organizer, author and dad. He works to inspire a deeper connection with nature, sometimes simply by walking and talking, other times through writing or images. Science and knowledge can also stoke our fires. But he knows that what really moves people is feeling part of and touching something bigger than ourselves.

J. is a Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences and founder/co-director of Ocean Revolution, an international network of young ocean advocates and LiVEBLUE. He earned his MEM in Environmental Policy and Economics from Duke University’s Nicholas School and his PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of Arizona.

He advises a motivated group of international graduate students and serves as an advisor to numerous non-profit boards and committees as part of his commitment to building a stronger, more progressive and connected environmental community.

Alexandra and Philippe Cousteau, Jr. are the children of Philippe Cousteau, Jean-Michel’s younger brother. Both Alexandra and Philippe have distinguished themselves with their commitment to working on ocean issues and protection.

Both Alexandra and Philippe Jr, are dedicated to furthering the work of their father and grandfather and have earned the respect of us all for their contributions and those of their organizations at www.alexandracousteau.org and www.philippecousteau.com. They share memories of their grandfather and their commitments to his work in a tribute that we recently filmed.

Truckee High School Envirolution Club students raise awareness through “Trashion” shows, assemblies and classroom mentoring; calling audience members to action on environmental issues in their community.


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