Guillaume de Rémacle has built a life around curiosity, connection, and wild places. A polar guide, author, expedition designer, and lifelong animal lover, Guillaume has spent years working in Antarctica, teaching travelers about penguins, seabirds, krill, and the fragile ecosystems that hold the planet together. In this episode, host Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with Guillaume about his unlikely path from international business studies to polar guiding, his work at Port Lockroy in Antarctica, the children’s book he wrote to help people understand Antarctic wildlife, and his new work designing conservation-focused expeditions. From counting penguins and handling 92,000 postcards at the Antarctic “mailbox,” to building trips around chimpanzees, gorillas, Bengal tigers, red pandas, and local communities, Guillaume’s story is a reminder that curiosity can become a calling, and that connecting people to nature can change how we see the world. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Guillaume began his Antarctic journey at Port Lockroy, the famous post office and museum in Antarctica What it was like to count penguin nests, eggs, and chicks as part of a long-term wildlife survey How he became a polar ornithologist after starting with a background in international business Why krill are essential to the Antarctic ecosystem, and how krill poop helps store carbon at the bottom of the ocean How his children’s book helps travelers, families, and students better understand Antarctica Why he believes education is key to protecting the next generation of ecosystems How Arctic Tern Expeditions is building trips around animal conservation, cultural immersion, and local connection Why Guillaume designs travel experiences that go deeper than sightseeing The importance of meeting local people, sharing meals, and learning directly from the communities who live alongside wildlife How travel can reduce fear, expand empathy, and remind us that people around the world are easier to love than we think Why curiosity, positivity, and self-trust have shaped Guillaume’s life and work The story of Guillaume and Karine getting married in Antarctica — complete with a penguin passing through the wedding photo Whether you dream of Antarctica, love wildlife, care about conservation, or simply want to live with more curiosity and courage, Guillaume’s story is an invitation to look beyond fear, stay open to the world, and remember that there are more solutions than problems. Buy Gui's book: Destination Antarctica: The Frozen Continent Bursting with Life (A Graphic Novel) Inspired? Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves animals, wild places, meaningful travel, or stories about people building a life around purpose. Support Sally’s mission to raise $1 million for medical research: unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com
