The Sitting Duck: A Town of Duck Podcast

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Kathy McCullough- Testa, the visionary behind the Duck Jazz Festival. Discover the inspiring story of how a small-town idea sparked the longest running music festival on the Outer Banks. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of bringing world-class jazz to the Outer Banks and hear firsthand accounts of memorable performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and the festival's impact on the local community and beyond.

Join us for a captivating conversation with Don Kingston, the Mayor of our little charming coastal Town of Duck, North Carolina! Learn more about Mayor Kingston including how he became involved in public service and discover the unique challenges and rewards of leading a community in the Outer Banks. 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a police officer in the Town of Duck? Listen along in this candid conversation with Chief Jeff Ackerman. We’ve collected your most burning questions about law enforcement, from the day-to-day challenges to the bigger issues facing our community. Learn about the specifics of policing a travel destination, including golf carts, low-speed vehicles, and the two most bizarre calls he's ever received. 

It's nesting season for sea turtles on the Outer Banks, meaning dedicated volunteers of the Network of Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) are on the frontlines working diligently to protect new nests. In this episode, Town of Duck citizen Miriam Rollin, who also serves as the Social Media Chair for N.E.S.T., tells us all about Outer Banks sea turtles, what the organization does to care for and protect sea turtles, as well as what you can do to contribute to the effort. From the moment N.E.S.T. discovers a hidden nest to the triumphant release of a rehabilitated turtle back into the wild, N.E.S.T. is there to help conserve and protect this endangered species. 

Visiting Duck this summer and wanting to add some fun to your itenerary? This episode is for you! Community Engagement Coordinator Betsy Trimble joins us to talk about all things summer events. There's something for everyone from fitness to magic, concerts, juggling, and everything in between. Learn about not only what events are offered but also learn about the planning process and how these FREE events are made possible. 

Construction of the Living Shoreline and Resiliency Project might have begun in the fall of 2023, but project planning began many years ago. Senior Planner Sandy Cross breaks down the overall project and explains the different elements used to protect our shoreline and infrastructure. 

If you've ever wanted to ask the Town Manager "what do you do?", this episode has the answer. 

Get to know Town Manager Drew Havens as he talks about his role in the Town with a focus on the year-round, year-long task that he oversees and what it means for the Town.