In this episode, we sit down with Jane Lear, a talented food writer and editor. Jane shares her journey from childhood to her early passion for journalism and writing, and how that led her to college and eventually to New York City to pursue a career in publishing.

She reflects on her experiences meeting culinary legends like Julia Child and her time at Gourmet Magazine, along with her freelance work for other prestigious publications. We also dive into her role as Editor at Feed Me, Newsday's magazine for Long Island food lovers, and lastly, we discuss her hopes for the future of the North Fork.

Today, we sit down with Tara Smith, reporter for Newsday, as she shares her rich ancestry and memories of growing up on the North Fork. Tara takes us through her school years, the pivotal decision to pursue journalism, and her journey back to Long Island after college. From her early career at The Long Island Advance and The Suffolk Times to becoming a reporter at Newsday, Tara reflects on the stories she's most proud of and the evolving challenges facing today's news media. We also dive into her hopes for the future of the North Fork.

On today's episode, we sit down with Nicolas Amara, bookseller and founder of Forked Road Press. Nicolas takes us through his journey, from growing up in Southold and exploring his rich ancestry, to his formative years in school where his love for music and literature first emerged. We discuss his time in college in New York City, where he immersed himself in the publishing world and took on various roles. Nicolas also shares the story of how Forked Road Press came to be and his experiences selling books in NYC. Finally, we delve into why he chose to return to the North Fork and what he envisions for the future of the community he calls home.

In this episode, we sit down with Gene Casey—musician, singer, and songwriter—to explore his fascinating journey through life and music. Gene takes us back to his ancestry and childhood on Long Island, where his early love for music began. We delve into his formative years playing in bands outside of high school and in the heart of New York City, leading to his decision to make music a professional career.

Gene shares the story of moving out to the East End of Long Island and founding the beloved band, the Lone Sharks. He reflects on performances that were especially meaningful to him and offers insight into how the music industry has evolved over the years. We also hear about his move from Sag Harbor to Greenport, a place he now calls home. Gene opens up about his philosophy of music, what it represents in his life, and his hopes for the future of the North Fork and its community.

On today’s episode, we sit down with Lucinda Hemmick, President of the Southold Indian Museum. Lucinda shares her journey from an early fascination with science and archaeology to her college years, and her eventual path to becoming an educator in chemistry and science research. She also talks about what attracted her to the North Fork and the unique charm of the area. Lucinda reflects on how she became involved with the Southold Indian Museum, eventually taking on the role of President. She delves into the museum’s rich history, its extensive collection, and its educational programs, along with the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for its future.

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Gustavson, former owner of Times Review Media Group, for a deep dive into his fascinating journey. From his roots in New Jersey and an early passion for journalism to his college years at the University of Pennsylvania, Troy shares how his career took shape. He reflects on his time in politics, his eventual return to journalism, and the pivotal moment in 1977 when he purchased The Suffolk Times. Join us as Troy recounts the challenges of running a local newspaper, the growth from its Greenport origins to a new headquarters in Mattituck, and some of the most memorable stories of his career. He also shares his perspective on the evolving world of journalism and his hopes for the future of both the paper and the North Fork.

In this episode, we sit down with Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. to delve into his rich ancestry and childhood experiences growing up in the Bronx. We explore the influences that shaped his life, his family's history in law enforcement, and his journey through education that led him to a career at Rikers Island within the corrections department. Sheriff Toulon opens up about the personal challenges he has faced, including health battles, and how he has persevered through adversity. We also discuss his decision to run for Suffolk County Sheriff, his victory in 2017, and the significant issues he has tackled since taking office, from gang activity and opioid use to bail reform and the welfare of incarcerated individuals. The conversation further addresses the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the social unrest of 2020, and how society and law enforcement can work together moving forward. Finally, Sheriff Toulon shares his ongoing initiatives within the department and his vision for enhancing the safety of Suffolk County.

Today, we sit down with Leslie Merinoff, the visionary Founder and Distiller behind Matchbook Distilling Co. in Greenport. We explore her deep-rooted connection to the liquor business, tracing back to her ancestor Hiram Walker, the founder of Canadian Club Whiskey, and her family's storied history during Prohibition. Leslie shares insights from her upbringing in New Jersey, her school years, and her early fascination with the spirits industry. She reflects on her enduring bond with the East End of Long Island and her journey through the liquor industry post-college, which ultimately led her to establish her own distillery in Greenport.

In our conversation, Leslie reveals the inspirations that shaped her distillery, the influence of the North Fork’s farmlands on her operations, and the innovative processes that make Matchbook Distilling Co. unique. We delve into some of her exciting collaborations and the distinctive tasting room experience. Finally, Leslie shares what she loves about living and working on the North Fork and her hopes for the future of this special region.