Our Hamptons

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.

Esperanza and Irwin have discussed Freetown, East Hampton previously. It has been a stand alone episode, and has come up often organically. This episode presents Freetown through the eyes of Freetown resident Kevin Scott. Kevin cares deeply about Freetown's past, and is outspoken in his concern for its future. At its core, Freetown is an American story, and as often is the case, it's abundantly clear so many aspects of American History come through when viewed through the lens of East Hampton itself.

Esperanza and Irwin return to their sweet spot: the 1970's. 50 years ago, in the Spring of 1975, the Rolling Stones were arguably the biggest rock band in the world; some would say they still are. But facing a variety of tax problems in the UK, the Stones recorded throughout Europe, in addition to LA. But there was a special lure to Montauk in 1975, where the locals gave them their space. The heart of this podcast is the Stones, but the star is Montauk, including the Shagwong, Eothen, Deep Hollow Ranch, and yes, the Memory Motel.

Esperanza and Irwin are joined by journalist, community organizer and Springs resident Biddle Duke. We learned a bit of Biddle's early life growing up as the son of a diplomat, living abroad, but always returning to Wyndecote, the family's summer home in Southampton. Wyndecote was also where Biddle's uncle, Tony Duke began developing the camp by loading a bunch of NYC kids he met on the streets to pitch tents on Wyndecote's lawn. From those modest roots, Boys Harbor was born. An enthralling story, told by a great storyteller. Listening is Believing.