Abra Morawiec, is the enterprising, enlightened owner of Feisty Acres in Southold, Long Island. Young farmer Abra takes me on a tour through her farm where they raise game birds and special poultry. (Broadcast on WPKN radio October 2, 2019 and produced by Tony Ernst)
Lillian Ball is a remarkable ecological artist, activist and Southold resident. She talks about the philosophy and practice of Waterwash, her ongoing contribution to protecting our waters and creating habitat through wetlands restoration, stormwater remediation and extensive use of our region’s native plants. Lillian traces the evolution of this current work from her childhood and beginnings as an artist to incorporating interdisciplinary and community outreach strategies for her work’s foundations. (Rebroadcast on WPKN on July 3, 2019. Produced by Tony Ernst.)
Bhante Nanda, head monk at the Long Island Buddhist Meditation Centre in Riverhead, which in a short time has become an important spiritual center for the neighboring Sri Lankan community and also for many other people interested in Buddhist teachings. Bhante talks about establishing this Centre on the North Fork, the teaching of meditation and the effect on the people of Sri Lanka of the multiple devastating attacks on Christians on Easter Sunday, shortly after the attacks in New Zealand. (Broadcast on WPKN, June 3, 2019. Produced by Tony Ernst.)
Michael Zweig visits North Fork Works again, this time to mark May 1, International Workers Day, to talk about the history of the movement and where worker rights stand today, with specific reference to the agricultural workers on the East End of Long Island. The struggle for worker rights began with a militant demonstration in Chicago’s Haymarket area, in 1886, organized around the chanted demand: eight hours for work/eight hours for sleep/eight hours for what you will. (Broadcast on WPKN, May 1, 2019. Produced by Tony Ernst.)
Bob Jester returns to North Fork Works seven years after our first conversation. Three years ago, Bob was in a terrible accident and this time he talks about his altered life, what he has learned about unremitting pain and how virtual reality has helped. (Broadcast on WPKN April 3, 2019 and produced by Tony Ernst.)
Glynis Berry, architect, planner and water activist talks about water conservation, describes the existential threats to Long Island’s aquifer and explains why Southold’s water consumption is not sustainable. (First broadcast on WPKN radio on Sept.5, 2018 and produced by Tony Ernst.)
Michael Zweig, recently retired Stony Brook professor of economics, author, veteran activist in the labor and union movement and many other causes including Labor Against War and Poor People’s Campaign. Michael lives in Peconic, on the North Fork. (First broadcast on WPKN on July 4, 2018 and produced by Tony Ernst.)
Poppy Johnson, assistant library director at Greenport’s 100-year old Roger Memorial Library, talks about how she and the library became what they are and what role the library plays in the community. (First broadcast on WPKN on April 4, 2018 and produced by Tony Ernst.)
Laura Klahre, scientist, bee farmer, owner of Blossom Meadow Farm and Southold resident, talks about pollination, native bees and their existential importance. (Re-broadcast on WPKN March 2, 2016. Produced by Tony Ernst.)
Steph Gaylor of Invincible Summer Farms and Long Island Regional Seed Consortium speaks frankly about what she has learned about farming and food and seed production since our first interview in 2012,. Steph’s analysis goes well beyond her own experience to what she has learned from historical and global research and what she understands about the development of policies and best practices. (Broadcast on WPKN January 3, 2018 and produced by Tony Ernst)