This episode of the Tybee Marine Science Center Podcast (recorded at the Ship Watch Loft on Tybee Island) features award-winning marine biologist Dr. Chris Hintz, associate professor at Savannah State University.

Hintz recounts arriving at Savannah State in 2009, early NSF-funded coastal sampling along the Savannah River and Georgia coast, and his path from chemical/environmental engineering into marine science via coral aquaculture and filtration work, leading to a PhD at the University of South Carolina. He discusses receiving a Google Geo Good Impact award for documenting sea turtle hatchling misorientation linked to coastal light pollution affecting Ossabaw Island and other sites, plus efforts to estimate nest incubation temperatures using NOAA/NWS and NASA data without disturbing nests and to assess climate-related sex-ratio impacts.

He also describes collaborations on Ogeechee River microplastics and Gray’s Reef concerns, and research on oyster growth, reef restoration, and aquaculture’s environmental benefits.

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00:00 Welcome and Awards

01:19 Georgia Coast Origin Story

03:19 Engineering to Ocean Science

09:22 Sea Turtle Light Pollution

12:05 Tracking Nest Temperatures

15:01 Microplastics and Rivers

16:32 Oysters and Acidification

18:50 Aquaculture Benefits Explained

22:41 Microscopic Ocean Monsters

23:45 State of the Ocean Today

25:29 Relaxing on the Water

27:17 Closing and Support TMSC

The award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast kicks off season four from the Shipwatch Loft at North Beach with host Jessica Leigh Lebos and superstar guest Chantal Audran, Executive Director of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, to preview major updates.

Chantal highlights new exhibit clusters, including the center’s first cultural exhibit on Gullah Geechee coastal cultures featuring ethnobotany and medicinal plants, plus a maritime knot-tying exhibit incorporating a salvaged yardarm from the ship Barbara Negra.

The conversation also covers a newly arrived octopus (brought in through catch-and-release collection) and a new sea turtle hatchling, alongside upcoming releases. Chantal also shares some recent, wonderful news of her own! 

They discuss diamondback terrapin rescue, mortality research on Highway 80, egg recovery and incubation with Georgia Southern, and announce the April 25 Turtle Trot 5K fundraiser supporting Tybee’s sea turtle nesting season and education programs reaching 80,000 visitors annually.

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00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:28 Season Four Guest

01:44 New Exhibit Unveiling

02:20 Gullah Geechee Culture

03:40 Maritime Knot Station

05:52 Octopus Arrival Story

08:02 Sea Turtle Hatchlings

08:44 Chantal New Mom

11:31 Terrapin Season Prep

12:45 Terrapin Rescue Research

15:16 Eggs To Headstart

18:07 Sea Turtle Season

18:58 Turtle Trot Details

22:21 Education Pillar

24:44 Why Our Water Green

26:07 80K Visitors Impact

29:16 Closing Thanks

In the final episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Podcast for 2025, the team reflects on a remarkable year. Host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes curators Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell to dive into the highlights from the Marine Science Center, including the much-anticipated Whale Week, turtle nest discoveries, birding adventures, and engaging in necropsies.

They also discuss upcoming plans for a new sea turtle hatchling and the release of Ossie the turtle. With a fun and informative tone, this episode captures the essence of marine conservation and the incredible work being done at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:51 Meet the Guests: Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell

01:09 Recap of the Year at the Science Center

01:27 Whale Week: Protecting Georgia's Whales

04:20 Shorebird Season on Tybee Island

06:59 Turtle Season: Nesting and Hatching

08:57 Memorable Moments and Challenges

16:26 Westie the Sea Turtle: A Success Story

22:52 Fun and Unexpected Events

23:57 Weather Woes and Bingo Wins

24:17 Rattlesnake Encounters

24:38 Fish Release Adventure

26:44 Graduate School and Coast Guard Duties

27:36 Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance

31:21 Emergency Management in the Coast Guard

34:18 Master Birders Program

36:57 Necropsies and Conservation Efforts

40:44 New Residents at the Science Center

46:37 Looking Forward to 2026

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes Megan Desrosiers, the founding president and CEO of One Hundred Miles a coastal conservation organization dedicated to protecting Georgia's coastline through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Megan discusses the organization's journey from its inception in 2013 with just two employees to becoming the leading advocacy group for the Georgia coast. Key topics include the success stories of legislative and community-driven conservation efforts, such as the protection of the Okefenokee Swamp and the halt of Spaceport Camden.

Megan sheds light on the challenges and strategies of grassroots mobilization and highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. She also touches on environmental justice issues and the impact of local communities on conservation activities. Megan concludes by encouraging listeners to engage in local government and conservation efforts, emphasizing the power of voting and community participation.

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Tybee Island Marine Science Center

00:29 Introducing Megan Desrosiers and One Hundred Miles

01:24 Founding and Growth of One Hundred Miles

04:09 Advocacy and Legislative Successes

13:53 The Fight Against Spaceport Camden

22:25 Environmental Justice and Community Involvement

28:11 Personal Background and Passion for Conservation

31:43 Recreation and Conservation on the Georgia Coast

33:18 Get Involved: How You Can Help

In this episode of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos is joined by marine campaigner Greg Reilly from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). They discuss the various efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right whale, focusing on the implementation of AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceivers along the coast to alert vessels to slow down in whale habitats.

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They dive into the challenges of vessel strikes, the successes of the Station Keeper program, the importance of education and awareness, and the innovative technology used for whale conservation. The episode also touches on Greg's background in the Coast Guard and the broader conservation work of IFAW globally.

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IFAW and the North Atlantic Right Whale

MEET Greg Reilly

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In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, Sister Patt Gunn shares the rich cultural heritage and spirit stories of the Gullah Geechee people. Recorded on a blustery October day, Sister Patt recounts her experiences, including a remarkable whale-watching expedition that highlighted the connection between Gullah Geechee history and the endangered right whales.

She also shares poignant family stories and spirit encounters, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural legacy. This episode encourages listeners to cherish and tell their own stories, ensuring they contribute to the ongoing narrative of their communities.

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:16 Sister Pat Gunn's Contributions

00:59 Understanding Gullah Language

02:28 The Whale Experience

08:25 Spirit Stories and Family Traditions

16:30 Burial Traditions and Taboos

18:59 Spiritual Encounters in Savannah

21:33 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos sits down with Sister Patt Gunn for part one of a two-part conversation. Sister Patt is a celebrated Gullah Geechee storyteller and tour guide.

Sister Patt shares the historical significance of the Gullah Geechee people, their unwavering connection to their land and water, and the ongoing fight to preserve their culture. The conversation delves into her work with Underground Tours in Savannah, teaching American history from a Gullah Geechee perspective, and recounts the powerful community effort to rename Savannah’s Calhoun Square to Taylor Square in honor of Susie King Taylor.

The episode highlights the importance of storytelling, community solidarity, and the healing power of water in Gullah Geechee culture.

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FIND A PERFECT SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:49 Gullah Geechee Heritage and Legal Victory

03:44 Understanding Gullah Geechee Culture

06:23 Underground Tours and Historical Advocacy

09:41 Honoring Susie King Taylor

16:04 The Importance of Water in Gullah Geechee Life

20:47 Juneteenth Celebrations and Community Healing

23:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Stories

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcome Shannon Browning Mullis, Executive Director of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.

They discuss the fascinating life of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and her impact on young women. Shannon shares insights into Juliette's unique character and her contributions during a time of social change. The discussion highlights the ongoing programs at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, particularly focusing on the Progressive Era and its connection to modern movements for inclusivity and empowerment.

The episode wraps up with details on upcoming events, including a special Monsters and Manuscripts lecture series. This podcast is a celebration of history, community, and the enduring legacy of the Girl Scouts.

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FIND A SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast

00:48 Introducing Juliette Gordon Low

01:12 Juliette Gordon Low's Early Life and Marriage

01:39 Founding of the Girl Scouts

04:29 Juliette Gordon Low's Legacy and Impact

04:55 The Birthplace Museum Experience

06:15 Girl Scout Programs and Badges

10:58 Historical Mariners and Wing Scout Programs

14:07 Inclusivity and Evolution of Girl Scouts

14:59 Shannon Browning Mullis' Work in Savannah

22:19 Upcoming Events and Programs

24:16 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Hey there, ocean explorers! Welcome to another episode from the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast. Today, we have a super special guest—Jacilyn Ledford! She’s not just a tour guide, but also a yoga teacher, sound healer, and all-around Tybee Island expert.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this fun episode:

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📚 Chapter Markers:

Thanks for listening and remember—every day is a great day to explore and learn something new!

Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

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