Planting Seeds of Service: Lucinda Robb on Family Legacy, Civic Engagement, and the Beauty That Builds Community

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Do Beautiful Things podcast, host Jenny Lawson—President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful—celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of strong women: mothers, grandmothers, and the generations they inspire.

Jenny is joined by Lucinda Robb—writer, educator, and granddaughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson—for a heartfelt conversation about family, service, and civic beauty. Lucinda shares moving stories of her family’s commitment to “paying God’s rent” through acts of service, her grandmother’s visionary environmental work, and how beauty and nature can be powerful tools for building healthier, more connected communities.

Together, they explore the inspiration behind Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup, the practical roots of Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification movement, and how engaging children in community action can plant the seeds for a brighter future. From playful recycling games to neighborhood cleanups, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways for everyone to get involved—no matter where they live.

Tune in to discover how honoring those who came before us can inspire a life of service, joy, and lasting impact.

Quotes:

“She (Lady Bird Johnson) talked very often… that she was paying the rent for the space she took up on the planet. You know, she was paying God’s rent. And she really believed that. And I think it motivated her and it also gave her a lot of joy.”

- Lucinda Robb, Granddaughter of Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Legacy of Strong Women
• 05:23 Rebuilding Social Capital Together
• 08:18 Grandmother's Selfless Community Service
• 10:45 Depth Beyond Perception
• 15:00 GW Parkway's Beautiful Transformation
• 17:21 Trees Combat Violence
• 20:34 "Teaching Kids Philanthropy"
• 25:39 "Promoting Public Good: A Family Tradition"
• 28:11 "Celebrating Communities and Mother's Day"

Show Links:

• Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/
• Reducing Heart Disease with Trees: https://kab.org/reducing-heart-disease-with-trees-louisville-tree-planting-project-shows-positive-results/
• Green Heart Louisville: https://greenheartlouisville.com/
• The Greening Effect - Reducing Gun Violence and Creating Safer Neighborhoods: how-green-spaces-reduce-crime-and-enhance-community-unity
• Gun Violence Reduction Study Analysis: https://www.kibi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KIB-GreenSpace-Gun-Violence-Reduction-Study.pdf
• Join or Die (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81746809