“Fear is a short-term motivator,” says journalist/advocate/adventurer Ashlan Cousteau.

“The long-term motivator is hope.”

She’s talking about the ways humanity can save the ocean–and the role of a unique special event, Hidden Worlds, in galvanizing that hope into action.

Ashlan and her husband, ocean explorer/filmmaker Philippe Cousteau, are Chief Impact Officers of Hidden Worlds. This is the only immersive entertainment project accredited as a United Nations Ocean Decade Activity.

It’s also all about storytelling.

Hidden Worlds uses a combination of art, technology and conservation to take visitors on an excursion through the ocean. Attendees have their choice of a dining experience (with a menu planned so you can “eat for the ocean!”), a family-friendly daytime journey or an evening, adults-only immersive oceanic lounge.

But all three experiences are geared towards inspiring audience members while showing them the issues facing our ocean. On Hidden Worlds’ website, guests have described the experience as “incredible” and “magical”.

And education doesn’t preclude having fun.

That same philosophy is evident in Ashlan’s other projects.

Oceanography plus fun

Her book, Oceans for Dummies, is, technically, a science book about ocean ecosystems.

It’s also a fun, lighthearted yet impactful, read, that may have readers laughing out loud in some places as they learn more about the ocean and its denizens.

Ashlan and Philippe (who is the grandson of oceanographer/filmmaker/inventor Jacques Cousteau) have numerous other projects in the works. Perhaps most exciting, though, is the fact that Hidden Worlds, after sold-out experiences during their touring show, is looking at opening a permanent venue in 2024!

Ashlan talked about her journey as a journalist and advocate, explained what attendees will experience when they visit Hidden Worlds and offered a closer look at the reasons why, though our ocean and planet are facing serious issues, we can realistically work together towards a better future world.

On this edition of Over Coffee®we cover:

• How Ashlan first discovered her passion for storytelling;

• Her journey, from living sustainably to becoming an advocate for ocean and environment restoration;

• How she became involved in the Hidden Worlds project;

• What attendees can expect during the Hidden Worlds dining experience;

• An experience Ashlan likes to share, which illustrates the ways ocean environments can be restored;

• Our best course of action against climate change;

• How Ashlan came to write her book, Oceans for Dummies,

• Ashlan’s best challenge, as a storyteller in XR;

• A closer look at Hidden Worlds’ daytime experience;

• Some exciting news about Hidden Worlds’ future venues;

• Some of the ways Ashlan sees VR acquainting the general public with ocean ecosystems;

• A closer look at Antarctica 2020, the largest act of ocean conservation in human history;

• A fact most people don’t know, about one aspect of the fishing industry.