Today I’m joined by Darren St. George, Executive Director of the Southold Historical Museum. Darren grew up in a family deeply involved in theater, education, and history, an environment where storytelling was part of everyday life. That early exposure to performance and the power of narrative has carried through a remarkable career that bridges art and scholarship.

With studies in psychology and communications at Fordham and the London School of Economics, Darren has developed a distinctive approach to history, one that values empathy, context, and connection. His original works, such as Running Scared, Running Free and The Spy Next Door, and his acclaimed involvement with the Jupiter Hammon Project, reveal a passion for bringing complex and often challenging histories to life in ways that engage both heart and mind.

Now leading one of the East End’s oldest cultural institutions, Darren is guiding the Southold Historical Museum into a new chapter, one rooted in collaboration, community engagement, and storytelling that connects the past to the present.

We spoke about his upbringing in a family of educators and performers, the intersection of history and psychology, the importance of “living history,” and his vision for the museum as a vital part of the North Fork’s cultural landscape.

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Leah Tillman-Sullivan, candidate for Southold Town Assessor. Leah grew up here in Southold, attended local schools, and has spent much of her career in public and community service, from working in Congress and the Chamber of Commerce to helping run a small local business, the Village Cheese Shop.

In our conversation, Leah talks about her upbringing in Southold, the experiences that led her toward public service, and what she’s learned from balancing fairness and community expectations in both business and government. We also discuss her motivation for running for Town Assessor, her ideas for improving transparency and communication, and her hopes for Southold’s future.

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by two people who’ve devoted their lives to protecting the land that sustains us. John v.H. Halsey is the President and Founder of the Peconic Land Trust, an organization that for more than four decades has led the effort to preserve Long Island’s farmland, natural spaces, and water quality. Since 1983, John has helped safeguard tens of thousands of acres, ensuring that the East End remains not only beautiful, but productive and alive.

Joining him is Dan Heston, Director of Agricultural Programs at the Trust. A lifelong farmer and mentor, Dan oversees Farms for the Future, a groundbreaking initiative that helps new and established growers access affordable land, resources, and training. Together, John and Dan are shaping the next generation of sustainable farming on Long Island, balancing preservation, innovation, and community.

In this conversation, we talk about what first inspired John to create the Peconic Land Trust, the urgent challenges facing local agriculture, and the creative ways the Trust is helping farmers stay on the land. We’ll also hear about the Growing Farmers documentary, the Case House project, and what gives both men hope for the future of farming on the East End.

Today I’m joined by Ted Webb, whose life and family history are woven into the fabric of Greenport and the greater North Fork. With roots that stretch back generations, Ted grew up surrounded by stories of this land and its people, tales of farming, fishing, and community that shaped his enduring sense of home. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the tense days of the Bay of Pigs, he went on to work in a wide range of fields, from speech pathology to serving as Vice President of the American Heart Association. He would eventually return to Orient later in life, where his lifelong dedication to service and preservation took on new meaning.

Over the years, Ted has become a steward of local history, narrating lighthouse cruises, lecturing on maritime landmarks, volunteering throughout the community, and serving on countless boards and committees devoted to the life of the North Fork. In our conversation, we talk about ancestry and belonging, the changes he’s witnessed over time, and what it means to preserve not just buildings and shorelines, but the spirit of a place.

Today I’m joined by Gianna Volpe, an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and storyteller whose voice has become a vital part of the East End. From her early curiosity about the world to studying photojournalism at the University of Missouri, Gianna has built a career grounded in empathy, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Through her reporting, photography, and her beloved radio show Heart of the East End, she’s spent years celebrating the people, stories, and culture that make this community so special.

In our conversation, Gianna opens up about the experiences that shaped her, her family roots, the ups and downs she’s faced along the way, and the perseverance that’s kept her moving forward. We also talk about what drew her to visual storytelling, the challenges and rewards of journalism today, and how she continues to find meaning and hope while navigating an increasingly complex political environment. Above all, Gianna reminds us why local stories, and the human connections behind them, matter now more than ever.

Today we’re joined by Nicholas Planamento, a Southold resident and community member who has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission, and several other local committees. His experience in real estate has given him a close view of Southold’s housing needs and the changes shaping the North Fork. Over the years, he’s worked on a range of local issues, from planning and preservation to supporting balanced growth across the town.

As a candidate for Southold Town Council, Nicholas is focused on housing, water quality, preservation, and thoughtful development. In our conversation, we talk about his background, his involvement in local boards, and his ideas for addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead for the town.

Today we’re joined by Alexa Suess, a lifelong North Fork resident and small business owner. Alexa is the founder of Common Ground Fine Jewelry in Greenport, where she combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design inspired by the natural beauty of the East End.

With a background in graphic design from the School of Visual Arts, she’s built a career that bridges creativity and community, serving with the Greenport BID, Women Entrepreneurs in Business, and the North Fork Chamber of Commerce. She also founded the Common Ground Design & Entrepreneurial Scholarship to support local students.

Now, as a candidate for Southold Town Council, Alexa hopes to bring her passion for small business, affordable housing, and sustainable growth to local government. In our conversation, we talk about her family’s deep roots on the North Fork, the role of design and nature in her work, and what inspired her to step into public service.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Greg Doroski, a lifelong resident of Mattituck and a candidate for Suffolk County Legislature in District 1. Greg grew up on the North Fork, steeped in the traditions of our community, and has carried that connection into a life of local service. Before entering politics he built a career in brewing, learning lessons about leadership, perseverance, and community along the way. He has worn many hats as a business owner, former deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, and Southold Town Councilman and each role has shaped his approach to public service. In this conversation we explore his roots, his path into politics, and his vision for the North Fork, from housing and water quality to farmland preservation and long-term growth.

Today on the podcast, I’m speaking with Dana Forlenza, a candidate for Southold Town Tax Assessor.

Dana grew up in Southold after her parents moved to the North Fork, and she’s a Mattituck High School graduate. She began her career in banking and later transitioned to insurance, gaining experience in property valuation and client service, skills closely connected to the responsibilities of the assessor’s office.

In our conversation, Dana talks about her background, career path, and what led her to seek public office. We discuss the role of the assessor’s office, some of the challenges it faces, and her thoughts on fairness, communication, and transparency in local government. She also shares her hopes for the future of Southold, and how the assessor’s office can play a part in supporting that vision.

Today I’m joined by Stacey Krumenacker, a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, Pilates and yoga instructor. Stacey has dedicated her career to helping others cultivate balance, strength, and mindfulness through movement and holistic wellness practices.

In our conversation, Stacey shares her journey from her early inspirations in health and fitness, to her arrival on the North Fork and how the community here has shaped her work. We talk about how she’s built such a diverse skill set across coaching, Pilates, and yoga, and what drew her specifically to practices like Pilates, barre, and ecstatic dance.

Stacey also co-hosts Ecstatic Dance East End, a vibrant local event that combines movement, music, and mindfulness in a welcoming, nonjudgmental space. She discusses how community connection and creative expression play a vital role in overall well-being, what a typical class or coaching session with her looks like, and the kinds of transformations she often sees in her clients.

Finally, we talk about what keeps Stacey motivated in her own wellness journey, and her hopes for the growing health and wellness community here on the North Fork.