"My Legacy" Podcast Returns to Turn Dr. King's Vision into Action

NEW YORK, NY – January 19, 2026 – In a world saturated with fleeting headlines and divisive rhetoric, the award-winning podcast "My Legacy" is returning to ask a more profound question: What does it mean to live a life of purpose? iHeartMedia, the Martin Luther King III Foundation, and Legacy+ have announced a powerful new season of the acclaimed series, launching today on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hosted by a formidable quartet—Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger—the podcast aims to transform the concept of legacy from a historical artifact into a daily, actionable practice.

The new season debuts with a special episode reflecting on Dr. King's enduring influence, featuring intimate conversations with cultural heavyweights including John Legend, Larry Wilmore, Laura Coates, Jemele Hill, and Martin Sheen. Continuing its unique format, each guest will be joined by a trusted confidante, offering listeners an unprecedented look at the personal journeys behind public personas. This approach is designed to move beyond soundbites and foster the kind of thoughtful dialogue often missing from public discourse.

Beyond the Soundbite: Redefining Legacy in a Divided World

At a time of deep social tension, "My Legacy" offers a space for quiet reflection. The series intentionally steps away from the frantic pace of the 24-hour news cycle to explore the inner and outer work required to lead a meaningful life. The hosts see this as an essential intervention in a media landscape that often rewards outrage over introspection.

"In a world that rewards speed and outrage, My Legacy makes room for something rarer: reflection, asking better questions about who we are becoming and the responsibility that comes with influence, leadership, and love," said co-host Marc Kielburger. His brother and fellow host, Craig Kielburger, added that the show focuses on the unseen efforts that build character, noting, "Legacy is built through the quiet, daily choices no one is watching."

This philosophy is deeply shared by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, who bring a unique and deeply personal perspective to the conversation. They are not merely preserving a historical name; they are actively evolving its meaning for a new generation. "Legacy is not static," stated Martin Luther King III. "It demands participation. It requires us to show up with courage, humility, and a willingness to serve something larger than ourselves."

Arndrea Waters King powerfully reframes legacy as an ongoing commitment rather than a finished product. "Legacy is not something we preserve. It's something we practice," she explained. "This season is about the everyday choices that shape who we become and how we show up for one another—especially when the work is uncomfortable or unseen." This approach has resonated, building on a successful first season that featured in-depth conversations with figures like Gloria Steinem, Tiffany Haddish, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Brittney Griner.

From Memory to Motion: The 'Realize the Dream' Initiative

The podcast is more than just a series of inspiring conversations; it serves as a primary engine for the 'Realize the Dream' initiative. This ambitious movement, co-chaired by the Kings, aims to galvanize communities across the United States to perform 100 million hours of service by January 15, 2029—what would have been Dr. King's 100th birthday. The podcast acts as a weekly call to action, translating the abstract idea of 'doing good' into a tangible, nationwide campaign for civic engagement.

By featuring guests who embody service and moral courage, "My Legacy" provides a narrative framework for the initiative. It connects the dots between individual purpose and collective impact, encouraging listeners to log their volunteer hours at RealizeTheDream.org. This transforms passive listening into active participation, directly fulfilling the hosts' vision of legacy as a participatory act. The initiative is not just about large-scale projects; it champions everyday acts of compassion and goodwill, reinforcing the idea that everyone has a role to play in building a more just society.

The Power of the Platform: iHeartMedia's Strategic Social Impact

The podcast's reach and influence are significantly amplified by iHeartMedia, America's leading audio company. The media giant's involvement is not merely a distribution deal but a strategic partnership rooted in social impact. In 2025, iHeartMedia awarded a $5 million Spotlight Media Grant to the 'Realize the Dream' initiative, a commitment it is renewing in 2026 with expanded messaging to engage even more listeners nationwide.

This partnership exemplifies a growing trend in corporate America where major companies integrate social responsibility directly into their content strategy. For iHeartMedia, which holds the largest audience of any media outlet in the U.S. and is the nation's top podcast publisher, supporting "My Legacy" is a dual-win. It enhances the company's brand as a socially conscious leader and attracts a highly engaged, purpose-driven audience that is appealing to advertisers. By backing a project with the moral authority of the King family and the Kielburgers, iHeartMedia strategically positions itself at the center of a vital cultural conversation, demonstrating that mass reach can be powerfully paired with social good.

A Legacy of Leadership: The Voices Behind the Mic

The credibility of "My Legacy" is anchored in its hosts, each a leader in their own right. Martin Luther King III has dedicated his life to advancing the principles of nonviolence and social justice championed by his parents, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. His work has spanned continents, from advising heads of state to leading the Southern Christian Leadership Conference his father co-founded.

Arndrea Waters King, President of the Drum Major Institute, has been a lifelong advocate for racial equality and has been instrumental in organizing national efforts against hate violence. Marc and Craig Kielburger are renowned social entrepreneurs who co-founded Legacy+ and have spent three decades building global movements that have inspired millions to engage in service. Their collective experience in human rights, social justice, and movement-building provides a rich foundation for the podcast's explorations of leadership and integrity.

The upcoming season promises to continue this high-caliber dialogue with a new slate of influential guests, including public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson, actress Natalie Portman, actress Jurnee Smollett, physician and author Dr. Gabor Maté, and comedian Zarna Garg. New episodes will be available on Tuesdays, distributed by iHeartPodcasts on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms, inviting listeners everywhere to reflect on the legacy they are building with their own lives.