In this episode, we sit down with Minerva Perez, Executive Director of OLA of Eastern Long Island, an organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and cultural engagement for the region’s Latino and immigrant communities. Before stepping into the world of advocacy, Minerva built a career in the arts, a path that gave her unique tools for storytelling, bridge-building, and community connection. Since taking the helm at OLA, she has expanded its mission to address pressing issues such as language access, youth empowerment, cultural representation, and building trust between immigrant communities and local institutions. Along the way, she’s fought hard battles, celebrated meaningful wins, and championed programs that give young people a voice in shaping their own futures. Today, we’ll talk about her personal journey, the evolution of OLA, and her vision for the East End’s future.

In this episode, we’re celebrating the heart and history of Riverhead’s Polish Town with the people who help keep its traditions alive, members of the Polish Town Civic Association. Born out of the very first Polish Town Fair back in 1975, the Association has spent the past five decades preserving and promoting Polish heritage through community events, cultural programs, and, of course, the beloved annual festival that draws visitors from near and far.

We’ll talk about the roots of Polish Town, how the neighborhood has changed over the years, and what it takes to organize one of Long Island’s most enduring cultural celebrations. Along the way, you’ll hear personal stories, favorite memories, and a vision for the next 50 years of this proud and close-knit community.

https://polishtowncivicassociation.org/

Today we’re joined by Paolo Bartolani, founder and artistic director of the Rites of Spring Music Festival, a one-of-a-kind series that brings classical and contemporary music into conversation with the landscapes and history of the North Fork.

Born in Italy and trained in Rome and Paris, Paolo brings a global perspective to this deeply local festival. We talk about the inspiration behind Rites of Spring, how he pairs music with place, and why making art accessible and site-specific matters now more than ever.

https://www.ritesmusic.org/

In this episode, I talk with Michael Zweig, SUNY Stony Brook professor emeritus and longtime labor scholar and activist. We trace his early life, from his family’s flight from Nazi Europe to his upbringing in Detroit and his move to Long Island.

Zweig shares what first sparked his passion for labor and social justice, explains how class still shapes American life, and explores the rise of inequality, corporate power, and authoritarianism. He also reflects on his work with international labor movements and offers powerful advice on how scholars and activists can stay truly connected to the communities they serve, not just study them from afar.

This is part one of our conversation. In the next episode, we focus on Michael’s work in Southold and efforts to protect Long Island’s North Fork.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Charlie Manwaring lifelong local, commercial fisherman, and the owner of the Southold Fish Market. Known for his hard work, community spirit, and deep ties to the waters of the North Fork, Charlie shares the story of how he went from working on the docks to running one of the most iconic seafood spots on Long Island. Charlie’s story is rooted in the waters and working culture of the North Fork, where he’s built a reputation not just for top-quality seafood, but for his dedication to the local fishing community.

We talk about his upbringing in Greenport, the legacy of his family, and how he came to take over the Fish Market. Charlie reflects on the changes in the seafood business, his connection to baymen, and what drives his tireless work ethic managing two businesses and staying actively involved in community causes.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Peter Treiber Jr. co-founder of Treiber Farms in Peconic. Known for its chemical-free, hand-tended approach, the farm has become a North Fork standout a place where sustainable agriculture meets community connection and a hub for creativity.

Peter shares how the farm began, what it’s like working with his dad, and how they’ve blended tradition with innovation. We talk about markets, restaurants, produce, and what it means to grow with intention.

In this special “Year in Review” episode, I sit down with Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski to reflect on his first year in office. From the hotel development moratorium, public safety,  affordable housing efforts to beach erosion and zoning reform, we cover the major decisions and challenges that shaped 2024. Supervisor Krupski shares insights on balancing growth with preservation, improving infrastructure, protecting the environment, and navigating Southold’s evolving identity from a rural farming town to a retirement destination under mounting development pressure. We also discuss the budget, the role of Community Preservation Fund dollars, and his hopes for the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Tijuana Fulford, Founder and Executive Director of The Butterfly Effect Project. Growing up in Riverhead, Tijuana was shaped by the people and experiences that instilled in her a deep commitment to community. That passion led her to create The Butterfly Effect Project, a youth empowerment organization that began with just a small group of girls and has since grown into a thriving network across Suffolk County.

Tijuana walks us through BEP’s evolution from its grassroots beginnings to the recent opening of its own facility in Jamesport. Along the way, she shares the values at the heart of her work, the challenges she’s faced including funding cuts and racist attacks and the resilience that keeps her going.

We also discuss one of her new books in a series called, My Fabricated Truth, and how her personal story intersects with the mission of BEP. As well as future plans for BEP on the North Fork.

This is a conversation about hope, healing, and the transformative power of showing up for the next generation.

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony and Lisa Sannino of Sannino Vineyard to hear the story behind their journey to the North Fork and the creation of their family-run winery and inn. From their early impressions of the East End to planting vines, opening a bed and breakfast, and raising four children on the vineyard, the Sanninos reflect on how their Italian heritage, love of wine, and passion for hospitality have shaped their path.

We talk about Anthony’s shift from construction and architecture to designing a sustainable tasting room, Lisa’s dream of hosting guests, and how they’ve made education and connection a key part of their mission. It’s a conversation about taking chances, working side by side, and building a meaningful life through wine, community, and family.

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Byrne, a dedicated psychologist whose journey spans the Bronx, Queens, Westchester, and now Greenport. Tom reflects on his family background, early education, and the communities that shaped his perspective. Alongside his long career in psychology including impactful work with SW BOCES Tom also shares his deep passion for theatre and the arts, which has been a meaningful thread throughout his life. We talk about how the field of psychology has changed over the years, what brought him to the North Fork, and how he’s become involved in the local Greenport community, both professionally and creatively.