Today I’m joined by Judy McCleery, photographer, writer, longtime community leader, and a lifelong North Forker whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of the East End.

Judy takes us back to her family’s arrival on the North Fork and her upbringing in Mattituck, sharing vivid memories of growing up here and how that sense of place shaped who she would become. From her years at Mattituck High School to early work in public service, we trace a path that reflects both curiosity and commitment to community.

Over the course of her career, Judy has worn many hats, recycling coordinator for the Town of Southampton, legislative aide in the early 1990s, bank employee in Greenport, a radio professional, and later a reporter and photographer, each chapter offering a different window into life on the North Fork and the people who make it run.

We also talk about her involvement in local politics, the East End Women’s Network, and her ongoing dedication to civic life, culminating in her current role as president of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the conversation, Judy reflects on why this place matters so deeply to her, and what she hopes the future holds for the North Fork and its community.

Today I’m joined by Gerald O’Hara, author of Breaking the Mauser Rifle. What began with a week spent with his grandparents in Ireland in 1985 grew into a thirty-year journey to record and preserve a family history shaped by the Irish War of Independence and the divisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Drawing on family memory, inherited stories, and recorded voices, Gerald traces not only his own family’s past, but a pivotal moment in Ireland’s story, one shaped by two grandfathers who stood on opposite sides of history.

In our conversation, we talk about turning oral memory into written history, blending family stories with archival research, the meaning behind the book’s title, and what it meant to bring the book home to Charlestown and share it with readers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Today I’m joined by Shawn Petretti, Superintendent of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District. Shawn’s journey in education has taken him through nearly every level of school life, from teacher and dean to principal and now superintendent, giving him a leadership perspective shaped by years in classrooms and close connection with students and families.

We begin by talking about where Shawn grew up and what first drew him to education, then trace his path through the district and the experiences that continue to guide how he leads today. We also discuss what attracted him to Mattituck-Cutchogue, his early impressions of the district, and how its deep ties to local history, agriculture, and community influence the schools.

Along the way, Shawn shares stories that reflect the spirit of the district, including meaningful community partnerships and new initiatives. We wrap up by looking ahead, at the priorities, challenges, and moments that give him hope for the future of Mattituck-Cutchogue schools and the students they serve.

Today I’m joined by Faith Welch, a senior at Greenport High School, Student Council President, and youth historian whose work has earned national recognition, including the Princeton Prize in Race Relations.

Throughout high school, Faith has founded clubs, written articles, and conducted award-winning research exploring identity, local history, and what it means to grow up in Greenport. Her leadership and curiosity have made her a respected voice among her peers.

In our conversation, Faith reflects on her family’s roots in Greenport, the moments that shaped her childhood, and the early experiences that opened her eyes to questions of race, fairness, and community identity. She shares what has meant the most during her senior year, how her classmates view Greenport, and where she imagines herself a decade from now.

Today I’m joined by Richard Gluckman, architect, designer, and one of the most influential figures in the world of exhibition and museum architecture. For more than four decades, Richard has shaped the way we experience art, creating spaces where the building itself quietly elevates the work it holds. From Dia to the Warhol Museum to landmark galleries across the globe, his projects reflect a deep respect for materials, light, and place.

In our conversation, Richard talks about the roots of that sensibility, from his upbringing and early pull toward architecture, to formative years at Syracuse University and the founding of what became Gluckman Tang Architects. We explore how he developed his reputation as an “artists’ architect,” what it means to collaborate creatively with artists and curators, and how he’s balanced a global practice with an enduring commitment to place.

That commitment is especially evident here on the North Fork, where Richard has lived for more than forty years. He shares what first brought him out east, how he approached designing his own home, and how the landscape, community, and even the changing seasons have shaped his relationship to the region. We also talk about his involvement with local institutions like the Oysterponds Historical Society, the impact of climate change on the area, and what thoughtful architecture can contribute to a rural coastal community.

Finally, Richard reflects on the projects that continue to resonate with him, and offers his hopes for the future of the North Fork as it grows and changes.

Today I’m joined by Anthony Mauro, Superintendent of the Southold Union Free School District. Before stepping into this role, Anthony spent more than two decades in education—as a teacher, assistant principal, and district leader—experiences that shaped his leadership style and his belief in the power of strong school communities.

Raised with a deep appreciation for learning and service, Anthony discovered early on that education was where he could make the greatest impact. His sixteen years in the Sachem Central School District were especially formative, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and possibilities within public education.

In our conversation, we talk about what drew him to Southold and what he’s learned from listening to students, families, and staff since becoming superintendent. We also discuss his philosophy on building supportive, high-performing schools; the importance of staying connected to classrooms; and the role Southold’s strong sense of community plays in shaping the district’s identity.

Looking ahead, Anthony shares the priorities he’s focused on, the challenges he sees on the horizon, and the moments that give him hope for the future of Southold’s students.

Today I’m joined by Reverend Charles Coverdale, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Riverhead and a central voice in faith, civic leadership, and community building on the East End for more than four decades. Reverend Coverdale is preparing to retire at the end of December, marking the close of an extraordinary chapter of service.

Prior to moving into my questions, Pastor Coverdale opened with a powerful, deeply personal introduction that traced the experiences that shaped him, from his family’s roots and early childhood to the moments that formed his worldview, his faith, and ultimately his calling.

In our conversation, we talk about his upbringing, his years as an educator, his time at Harvard Business School, and what first brought him to the First Baptist Church back in 1982. We also explore his work beyond the pulpit, founding community organizations, serving as a chaplain with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and becoming a consistent advocate for human rights, civil rights, and interfaith cooperation.

We also discuss a dream nearly four decades in the making: the long-planned community center and affordable-housing project. Under Pastor Coverdale’s leadership, the Family Community Life Center vision has finally moved toward reality, with approved plans for a community hub that includes a 10,000-square-foot center, affordable housing, and recreational space.

Across more than forty years in Riverhead, Pastor Coverdale has played many roles: pastor, teacher, organizer, bridge-builder. In this episode, he reflects on that journey, the moments that shaped him, the community he helped nurture, and his hopes for the future of his congregation and the wider East End.

Today I’m joined by Amie Sponza, actor, producer, filmmaker, and longtime force in the North Fork arts community. Raised right here in Greenport, Amie grew up in a village whose rhythms, characters, and creative mentors helped spark her early love of storytelling. Among those early influences was Peggy Murphy, whose presence and guidance played a meaningful role in shaping Amie’s early connection to theater and the arts.

That spark eventually led Amie to the stage and later to the screen, where she’s built a career balancing performance, producing, and creative collaboration. She is also a co-founder of Northeast Stage, the company behind Greenport’s beloved Shakespeare in the Park, a tradition that’s become a cornerstone of summers on the North Fork.

Amie’s work spans short films, theater productions, and, more recently, life coaching, where she draws on her background in performance to help people navigate change with clarity and intention.

In our conversation, we talk about her childhood in Greenport, the early experiences and mentors who shaped her artistic path, and how Northeast Stage first came to life. We get into the creative balance between acting and producing, the evolution of the local arts scene, and the proud moments that have defined her journey. We also explore how she brings the tools of theater into her coaching work, and what she hopes to see for the North Fork’s future as both an artist and a community member.