Our Hamptons

Esperanza and Irwin explore the intertwined histories of Speonk and Remsenburg—two neighboring hamlets whose stories reveal a deeper, often overlooked side of the East End. From Speonk’s roots as a railroad hub and working-class community to Remsenburg’s evolution into a quiet waterfront enclave, we trace how geography, class, and development shaped their distinct identities.Along the way, we uncover how these communities grew in tandem, influencing one another through shared infrastructure, shifting demographics, and a common connection to the land and waterways. It’s a nuanced look at how two places, often considered separately, are in many ways inseparable—linked by history, culture, and change.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome Jeremy Dennis for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about art, identity, and reclaiming space. A Shinnecock Indian Nation artist and the founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Dennis shares how his work challenges long-held narratives about the Hamptons while centering Indigenous presence, history, and creativity.In this episode, we explore Dennis’s photography practice, his journey building Ma’s House into a vital cultural hub, and the importance of creating platforms for underrepresented artists. He reflects on storytelling through visual art, the intersections of community and land, and what it means to reshape the cultural landscape of a place so often defined by exclusivity.This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about visibility, belonging, and the power of art to honor the past while building a more inclusive future.

Esperanza and Irwin look back on the summer of 2003. That year, Georgica Pond stunned locals when it seemed to “disappear” almost overnight. After a sudden breach of the ocean barrier, the pond rapidly drained into the Atlantic, exposing vast stretches of muddy bottom that hadn’t been seen in decades. While officials pointed to water management and environmental concerns, the speed and timing of the breach sparked lingering mystery—some residents suspected it may have been quietly carried out, or at least hastened, by locals eager to protect their waterfront properties from rising waters. In this episode, we dig into the competing narratives, the whispers of behind-the-scenes intervention, and what this strange moment revealed about the delicate—and sometimes contentious—relationship between the Hamptons’ waterways, its residents, and the sea.

Esperanza and Irwin never heard of Great Gull Island before stumbling on a 2025 NY Times article about it. Located within 2.5 miles of Plum Island within the Town of Southold, the island's early history is as Fort Michie, a military outpost, dating back to 1886. But our focus is more on its role as a massive wildlife sanctuary, home to the Western Hemisphere’s largest Tern colony. It's also the story of Helen Hays, who for 50 years, made Great Gull Island her life's work. Listening is Believing.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome Mia Certic, the Executive Director of the Montauk Historical Society. Carl Fisher's influence in Montauk's history goes beyond his physical legacy of the Montauk Manor, the Carl Fisher House, Star Island, but also his vision. Fisher saw Montauk as the Miami Beach of the north, a blank palette that Fisher could take as far as his imagination and money would go. Mia Certic tells us in detail the successes, the , and everything in between.

Esperanza and Irwin have discussed horticulture on the east end before. Tree collecting, while related, is a bit different. In the early 70's Alfonso A. Ossorio, the artist and sugar magnate, began amassing thousands of rare specimens of evergreens on his 60-acre estate, the Creeks. Horticulturists and tourists have come from all over the world to visit his arboretum. Ben Heller, the real-estate investor and art collector and dealer, also collected rare and beautiful trees, and Warner Leroy filled 60 acres in Amagansett. More obsession than hobby perhaps, but a fascinating peek into a world not often discussed.

Our 100th podcast! Esperanza and Irwin welcome Glenn Purcell and Charles Keller. Glenn and Charles have done extensive research on the Dominys, an early American family of clock and furniture makers from East Hampton. Their partnerships over the past twenty years they've devoted to the subject include Charles Hummel, the Thomas Moran Trust, Preservation Long Island and the East Hampton Historical Society. With backgrounds in design and a commitment to historic preservation, they share this essential East Hampton, and American , with us.

Esperanza and Irwin delve deep into one of the most unknown of East End stories. The Lindisfarne Association (1972 -2012) was a nonprofit foundation and diverse group of intellectuals organized by cultural historian William Irwin Thompson for the "study and realization of a new planetary culture". With a cast of characters from the worlds of art, science, religion, poetry and medicine (including Dr. Jonas Salk), the collective brainpower was through the proverbial roof. And all of it on a campground at Fish Cove in North Sea, Southampton. Listening is Believing.

Esperanza and Irwin welcome Season 8 and 2026 with Steve Long, the East Hampton Historical Society's Executive Director, and Hugh King, East Hampton Village and Town Historian. With our celebration of America's 250th birthday, Steve and Hugh take a look back at American history through a local lens. We'll also hear all the Society's plans for celebration throughout the year.

Esperanza and Irwin have had Robin's Island on their radar for quite a while. But it took a request from Colin, one of our listeners, to make it happen. (Thanks Colin!). Located in the Town of Southold, between Little and Great Peconic Bays, the island can only be reached by private vessel. The history is fascinating, and there have been numerous owners over the years. We'll transport you back to a 1636 deed, and take it to present day, where it is owned and stewarded by Louis Moore Bacon. A fascinating, off radar story, and a meaty one at that.