Category Life As It Happens

Beyond the Byline | Jett & Kathryn Britnell, Third Age Expeditions

Jett & Kathryn Britnell August 6, 2026August 6, 2026 Comments are off

Jett and Kathryn Britnell Interview Luxe Beat

“Together they are one of the most remarkable creative partnerships in Luxe Beat’s history, and this interview was long overdue.”

— Sherrie Wilkolaski, Publisher & Editor‑in‑Chief, Luxe Beat Magazine

Every so often, an editor captures the essence of your work with such clarity that it makes you pause. Sherrie’s introduction to our new Luxe Beat Magazine interview did exactly that… distilling our Exploration Society Fellowships, our photography, and the creative path Kathryn and I have walked together.

Sherrie articulated the arc of our professional journey with a grace and generosity that truly resonated. Thank you, Sherrie, for your support, your friendship, and for giving us a platform where our writing and photography can reach a global audience.

Grateful doesn’t quite cover it. This one meant something.

Here is a link to our interview: Here

Life As It Happens

A Century Approaches. Our Moment is Now

Jett & Kathryn Britnell May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 Comments are off

I was asked to lead the inaugural Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellows Campaign. I said yes immediately. No deliberation. Because the moment called for it.

Then they asked if I would write the letter too. I had never written anything like it before. I said yes anyway and wrote the only way I know how. From the heart.

The Society turns 100 in 2029. Centennial programming runs into 2030. And the next chapter of that story gets written right now, by the Fellows already in the room.

RCGS Fellowship has never been something you buy. It is conferred. No dues. No transactions. Just the quiet recognition of curiosity, contribution, and a genuine commitment to making Canada better known to Canadians and to the world.

That kind of trust is rare. It is earned. It is worth protecting for the people who come after us.

Life As It Happens

Jett Britnell Appointed to Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Board of Governors

Jett & Kathryn Britnell November 6, 2025November 30, 2025 Comments are off

Board of Governors

Jett Britnell RCGS — I’m eager to work alongside the distinguished members of the College of Fellows who serve on the RCGS Board of Governors.

I’m deeply honoured and genuinely thrilled to share that I was elected to the Board of Governors of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS). What made this moment even more meaningful was learning from the Chair of the Nominating Committee that the panel’s decision was unanimous.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to two dear friends and RCGS Fellows, Janis Peleshok and Jenn Thornhill Verma, whose nominations and unwavering support made this possible. I’m also profoundly thankful to Robin Brooks, another cherished friend and RCGS Fellow, who always speaks highly about me in rooms I’m not in.

RCGS Annual General Meeting

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the warm congratulations and encouragement I received from members of The Explorers Club-Canadian Chapter who were present at the RCGS Annual General Meeting. Your friendship and support mean the world. The same goes for my learned friends and colleagues at the RCGS. Ever since I was elected to the RCGS College of Fellows in 2017… I have been proud to serve and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canada… its people, places, natural and cultural heritage… both nationally and globally.

As the Honourable Lois Mitchell, President of the RCGS, often reminds us… Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance. Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. On this, I couldn’t agree more.

On November 5th, 2025, I attended my first Board meeting with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. I move forward with purpose, deep gratitude, and unwavering commitment to the Society’s ongoing mission. 🇨🇦

Exploration Life As It Happens

Global Explorers Summit (GLEX) Ottawa 2025

Jett & Kathryn Britnell September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 Comments are off

A Summit of Minds, A Lesson in Leadership

“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.”

— Vince Lombardi

RCGS Explorers Club flag - Jett Britnell — Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Explorers Club logo flag

Kathryn and I have returned home from Ottawa after attending The Explorers Club’s Global Exploration Summit (GLEX) 2025, and the afterglow of thought still lingers. As images and reflections from fellow attendees surface, one truth is clear: something extraordinary transpired. People were stirred. Friendships were forged. Minds were opened to the cosmos above and the human spirit within.

In the quiet descent that follows such a gathering, there is a collective reckoning, a gentle attempt to absorb the gravity of all that was shared. Those who were there know. Some admitted to tears, not only from awe at the immensity of space or the fragility of our planet, but from deeper themes that threaded it all together: love, empathy, humanity, and the unyielding drive to explore the unknown.

To call the summit inspiring would be an understatement. A better word is transformational. It reminded us that discovery is not only about what lies beyond the horizon, but also what lies within.

This summit was made possible through the partnership of two storied institutions. The Explorers Club, founded in 1904 to champion scientific exploration, and The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, established in 1929 as Canada’s leading voice for geography, exploration, education, and environmental stewardship, joined forces to bring GLEX to Ottawa.

Richard Wiese and John Gieger Jett Britnell — Richard Wiese and John Geiger

Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club, captured the spirit of the occasion: “GLEX is the Davos of exploration and we wanted to host it in Canada this year. Canada has played such a vital role in the history of exploration, and we collectively felt that our Canadian brothers and sisters were not getting the proper recognition or love they deserve from their neighbors to the south.”

John Geiger, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, echoed the urgency: “With a dearth of enlightened leadership globally, it is more important than ever to build cross-border alliances with organizations dedicated to scientific inquiry and the health of the planet… We are honoured at this critical moment that they would opt to host their most important summit in Canada.”

Members of Explorers Club Canadian Chapter — Members of the Explorers Club’s Canadian Chapter who attended GLEX.

By choosing Ottawa as the stage for GLEX 2025, these two leaders did more than organize an event. They modelled the kind of leadership the world is hungry for: bold, inclusive, and grounded in shared purpose. When the leaders of two respected exploration societies come together and lead with purpose, they demonstrate that exploration is not just about discovery; it is also about fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It is about shaping a better future for humanity and reminds us that we are all connected and move forward best when we move forward together.

Jett Britnell, FI’16

Canadian Chapter Chair

The Explorers Club Canadian Chapter

Life As It Happens

A Life In The Depths: Moonlighting As A Diving Photojournalist Keynote Presentation

Jett & Kathryn Britnell April 16, 2025 Comments are off

IIBC Promo 2 for Hett Britnell Keynote Presentation

Jett Britnell Keynote A Life in the Depths Moonlighting as a Diving Photojournalist — Jett Britnell Keynote “A Life in the Depths Moonlighting as a Diving Photojournalist.”

I feel deeply honoured to have presented the Lunch Keynote at the Insurance Institute of British Columbia’s Symposium 2025 earlier today. Sharing my photojournalism experience and insights with such an engaged and enthusiastic audience was an absolute pleasure. The positive reception of the keynote from so many truly touched me.

A special thanks to Danielle Bolduc and Winnie Hon for placing your trust in me for this important IIBC annual event. I’m also immensely grateful to the IIBC’s Seminars Committee members for their warm welcome and outstanding coordination that made this experience seamless.

Thank you note from the IIBC Seminars Committee

Lastly, my sincere gratitude goes to the insurance industry professionals whose energizing and uplifting feedback made this experience all the more rewarding. Your kind words fuel the drive to continue my long obedience in the same direction—thank you all!

Life As It Happens

Women Leaders in Insurance in Canada | Elite Women

Jett & Kathryn Britnell March 16, 2025April 16, 2025 Comments are off

“Kindness and leadership go hand in hand. Leading with kindness creates a ripple that inspires and uplifts everyone it touches.”

– Unknown

Women Leaders in Insurance
in Canada | Elite Women

Congratulations to my incredibly talented wife on receiving this well-deserved industry honour! Her strong visionary leadership, strategic innovation, critical thinking skills, resilient nature, and dynamic work ethic are undeniable. She is truly inspiring. Her kindness, empathy, and relentless drive motivate everyone around her, including me, to strive for greatness. I am so proud of her and eternally grateful that among all the noble knights in the kingdom, she chose me to be her husband. ❤️

Life As It Happens

Jett Britnell Named IAATO Antarctic Ambassador

Jett & Kathryn Britnell July 6, 2023July 6, 2023 Comments are off

IAATO Antarctic Ambassador

I’m pleased to share that I have been named an Antarctic Ambassador by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators – IAATO.

IAATO is an international organization comprised of more than 100 respected companies and organizations from across the world. Their mission is to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector tourism to the Antarctic.

IAATO’s Antarctic Ambassadors is a global community of people who love and respect the region, educate others by sharing their Antarctic experiences, advocate for Antarctica when opportunities arise and protect Antarctica by making positive changes at home.

An Antarctic Ambassador is someone who…

Loves and respects the region,
Educates others by sharing their Antarctic experiences,
Advocates for Antarctica when opportunities arise, and
Protects the region by making positive changes at home.

There are approximately 500 IAATO Ambassadors worldwide.

Life As It Happens

“Thank you… for your storytelling and all that you two do for the oceans.”

Jett & Kathryn Britnell May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 Comments are off

“Thank you… for your storytelling and all that you two do for the oceans.”

— Jennifer Hayes & David Doubilet,

National Geographic Underwater Photography Legends

& Storytellers

It’s taken me awhile since last night to soak it all in. Kathryn and I went to Vancouver’s Orpheum to see “National Geographic Live: David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes: Coral Kingdoms and Empires of Ice.” If you have not seen David and Jennifer’s presentation, I encourage you to go see it wherever you can as it is an absolute crowd pleaser.

Somehow, I had missed seeing any advertisements for their show… and it was only late last Friday evening that Kathryn noticed it on her cellphone. She ordered tickets from the car… Row 2, Centre! I reached out the next day to Jennifer to say if they had any available time during their whistle stop to Vancouver… we could perhaps go for dinner or grab a drink somewhere. It was a longshot as these road shows are often heavily scripted by the show organizers. As suspected, it was not possible this trip. But Jennifer said to me…” We can catch up at the show if you make it. David has a book he signed for you, and it has lived in his equipment room… that man.”

We met up soon after their presentation in the lobby just before they were about to sit down for book signings for a long line of people. Jennifer had our book in a bag under her arm and handed to me. I gave her a hug and said how much I we enjoyed their presentation. She replied… “Thank you… for your storytelling and all that you two do for the oceans.” I totally wasn’t expecting that. We moved on upstairs where David was already signing books. We jumped the que to say a quick hello to David and grab a photo op together.

Thank you, Jennifer, and David, for the gift of your beautifully photographed book “Two Worlds- Above & Below the Sea” inscribed by the author with kind words of support and encouragement. Thank you… for your storytelling and all that you two do … and continue to do… for the oceans. We’ll see you next visit… or possibly in some far-flung corner of this world.

Life As It Happens

Our Shark Photo Used As Artist Reference

Jett & Kathryn Britnell May 13, 2023May 13, 2023 Comments are off

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.”

— Henry Ward Beecher

Our Shark Photo Used as Artist Reference

A long, long, long time ago I embraced photography as my primary form of creative expression. Mainly because I felt I did not possess the talent to be a painter. Anyway, I awoke this morning to a lovely message from an Art Teacher in Monroe, Louisiana. In a roundabout way it seems that one way or another… I’m determined to channel my inner Van Gogh through my photography.

“Good morning, Jett!

I wanted to say thank you for giving my student permission to use your photo as a reference! I am pleased to say that not only did she complete her beautiful drawing, but she won first place in the soft pastel category of our district’s Talented Art show! She has given me permission to share her photograph and information. This was her first time using soft pastel!”

Name: Sara Young

School: Ouachita Parish High School – Monroe, LA

Grade: 9th

Sara LOVES creating artwork inspired by sea life. Thank you again so much!”

— Leslee Gallant, Art Teacher

Life As It Happens

Explorers Club Annual Dinner 2023 in NYC

Jett & Kathryn Britnell April 28, 2023May 15, 2023 Comments are off

ECAD Week in NYC

The world’s largest gathering of pioneers of exploration in space, in the oceans and on land came together in New York City on April 22, 2023, for the Explorers Club Annual Dinner (ECAD) at The Glasshouse to celebrate the advancement of field research, scientific exploration and resource conservation. The Dinner is the highlight of a week that included special events featuring many of the world’s most famous and distinguished explorers. ECAD is the longest-running charity gala in New York City. Since 1896, it has raised funds to support yearly operations – from putting explorers in the field to the Club’s yearly slate of 100+ public programs to the maintenance of its HQ building and historic archives to fieldwork, scientific research, and student grants, to name a few beneficiaries. Currently, there are just 3,827 Explorers Club members worldwide.

Ice Tower for Explorers Club signature cocktail.

The Canadian Chapter

We had a blast in NYC attending ECAD events and the Annual Dinner. ECAD is the longest-running charity gala in New York City and since 1896, it has raised funds to support yearly operations – from putting explorers in the field to the Club’s yearly slate of 100+ public programs to the maintenance of its HQ building and historic archives to fieldwork, scientific research, and student grants, to name a few beneficiaries. Currently, there are 3,827 members worldwide.

Most of our Canadian Chapter members were able to get together for drinks or dinner during ECAD week. All I will say it was gratifying to see that the Canadian Chapter had commandeered three tables this year at ECAD. I was also told by more than one person that the Canadian Chapter is viewed as being the “gold standard” of chapters. It takes a village and accolades such as this are a direct reflection of the combined efforts of our chapter’s Executive Team and volunteers.

Here’s to Never ending Conversations

I was also the beneficiary of some exceedingly kind words from a remarkably talented individual. Jaclyn Whittal has been forecasting and reporting on the most extreme weather across North America for 13 years. She has stood in front of the world’s largest ever recorded tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma, has been in the centre of 9 hurricanes, and reported on countless blizzards, wildfires, and floods across the U.S. and Canada. She’s worked as a meteorologist, journalist, host, and field producer on the hit storm chasing series STORM HUNTERS for The Weather Network… and is also a Fellow in the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a newly elected Fellow in The Explorers Club. With all affection I call her the “storm-chasing babe.” And she has become a trusted friend to both Kathryn and me.

(Play Nice In The Sandbox, Kids. Ask, Don't Steal)