Jacques Cousteau

About this episode

This episode explores the life and legacy of Jacques Cousteau, the pioneering ocean explorer and filmmaker.

Co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung, Captain Jacques Cousteau opened the ocean to the public like no one before. An explorer, filmmaker and environmentalist, he led groundbreaking underwater expeditions, and pioneered techniques for filming beneath the waves. Through his documentaries and television series, he brought the mysteries of the sea into millions of homes, becoming known the world over for his trademark red knitted hat and his beloved ship, the Calypso. But why did the ocean mean so much to him? How did a French naval officer come to invent a device that would change humanity’s relationship with the sea? And what were the tragedies and controversies that marked the life of this charismatic adventurer? This is a Short History Of Jacques Cousteau. A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Doug Allan, an underwater cameraman for series such as Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet. Doug sadly passed in April 2026, and we dedicate this episode to his memory. Written by Nicola Raynor | Produced by Kate Simants | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by Oliver Sanders |…

People in this episode

Host: John Hopkins

Topics covered

• Jacques Cousteau
• ocean exploration
• environmentalism
• underwater filmmaking
• marine documentaries

Keywords

• Jacques Cousteau
• Aqua-Lung
• ocean
• exploration
• documentaries
• Calypso
• environmentalist

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Noiser

Books & works: Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet

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