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Kevin Mallinson joined the Key West Fire Department in the early 1980’s, unaware he would be the first openly gay firefighter in the country.  From his first day until his last, Kevin was physically and mentally assaulted, including attempts that could easily have ended in his death. Never backing down from who he was, he learned to disarm his attackers with intelligence, humor, and a ironclad commitment to non-violence.  The survival lessons he learned as a firefighter would lead him into nursing, earning a MSN and PhD. from John Hopkins. Part 1 focuses on his time as a firefighter. It’s an incredible story of personal bravery and toughness, coupled with a compassion for others that extended to even for those who attacked him. No matter what he does, Kevin never fails to understand the perspective of others.

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Richard a.k.a. Dick Bryan seems to always have been a key part of Lewes.  His life has mirrored the transition of the area, from agriculture to an economy based upon personal services and real estate.  He was raised on a farm and later in town and, except for college, he’s never really left. He was here when the first traffic light arrived, when things began to change from farms  to housing developments, and when you could no longer let your dog wander the town unsupervised. Talking with Dick is like taking a walk through the town’s history, as he explains what used to be where, how century old buildings have survived, and why he has a hitching post for horses that used to be on 2nd Street next to a one ton ship’s ballast stone in front of his office building.  And then there’s the auctioneering. You can have your stocks and bonds. Find out why license plates could be a better investment.

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If Lewes has a look, it’s due in large part to Lewes in Bloom, the 450 member non-profit that plants, maintains, and waters 18 public gardens and 9 floral installations around town. Co-chair Ed Zygmonski explains the organizational structure they use to handle every annual challenge, whether is planting 31,000 tulips bulbs and another 5,000 spring bulbs, replacing them with annuals, or watering all the plants and flowers multiple times a week. Their army of volunteers has transformed Lewes into an internationally, award-winning site of beauty. No one in the organization is paid and they buy, plant, and preserve every flower and plant they use. Lewes in Bloom is a triumphant story of the power of volunteerism and the even more powerful magic of flowers.

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Part 2 finally provides answers to whether UAPs - unidentified anomalous phenomena (we used to call them UFOs) - are real and why governments around the world are so unwilling to reveal all they know. Jim Semivan, a decorated former CIA officer founded the company, To The Stars, with Tom Delong and others, to help explain the truth about what’s happening all and the challenges for governments and the public alike in processing what is actually known. A candid, informed, and challenging interview at the very heart of this issue.

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Part 1 is not a CIA tell-all or a rehashing of what happened, when and where. Jim's too much of a pro for that. He worked for 25 years at the Central Intelligence Agency’s National Clandestine Service. At the time of his retirement he was a member of the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service. Jim describes the rigorous training he was provided, the skills of observation and insight he developed, and the challenges a field officer must navigate to survive.  He shows how all of these would play such an important role in the next of chapter of his life, helping research, educate and explain Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon - what we used to call UFO’s.  And in doing so, he provides an answer to that most mysterious of all questions - are we humans really alone?

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Dr. Kathy Henn was a professor at Keane University where she taught courses in philosophy, religion, medical ethics, and global and American History. That alone should be an indication of the breadth of her intellectual curiosity. Since moving to Lewes, she has been a frequent lecturer at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, as well as at Historic Lewes, the recently renamed Lewes Historical Society. Hers is a candid, funny story of courage, determination and not surprisingly triumph, no matter what life tried to throw in her way. 

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William “Bill” is a legendary Cape Region icon, educator and mentor. Whether it’s being a record setting coach, educator, dean of students, trustee of local organizations, or mentor, he is the embodiment of Jackie Robinson’s adage - “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” And not surprisingly every story Bill tells, every example he provides, always involves others, normally by name. As he likes to say “I’m a “we”guy”, a philosophy which has resulted not just in success but importance.

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Chris takes us behind the scenes to explain what it takes to make the Cape Gazette not only a respected cornerstone of the Lewes Community but one of the few local newspapers in the United States whose subscription base is growing. He explains the importance of understanding who your readership is, what they want, and the power of the news philosophy - “When it doubt, leave it out.” That’s not a motto normally associated with the media business today, but Chris reveals why the Gazette’s approach, coupled with their respect for their readers, is not just working but thriving. 

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A final episode for the year with a live audience at Kindle Restaurant with guests from our second season including Lee Ann Wilkinson, Ed Shockley, Richard Martin, Dr. Krista Griffin, Hai Do, Katie Ackerman, Dr, Chris Degnon, Brian and Megan Kellman, and Josh Barr. We talk about their episodes, reactions to being a guest, favorite Lewes holidays, and casting We in lewes the Movie. It’s funny, intimate, and another chance to hear from some amazing people. Thanks to all who attended and will listen.  

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.Having grown up in Lewes, Josh shares what led to his opening the first and still only clothing store in Lewes catering to men and the route he took to build a successful business whose worth is far more than just its financial success. It’s a story about the value of family, a supportive community, and creating your own brand. And, perhaps most of all, it’s a story about designing a business that supports your life instead of reshaping your life to support your business.