Advertise on podcast: Long Island In Conversation

With the growing prevalence of cameras in public spaces and what some refer to as a "surveillance state," many citizens are concerned with the widespread use of license plate readers and related video technologies in police departments. James Kiernan is Chief of Police for the Town of Southampton police department. He joins the panel to discuss the practical and local applications of video surveillance and how he views law enforcement's moral precedent to use technology available to them for the sake of public safety. The topic was prompted by a recent article from the East End Beacon about the seemingly sudden rise in solar-powered traffic cameras across the East End. Live on WLIW-FM Saturday at 10am, and on demand right here where you get podcasts.

The Montaukett have been denied state recognition as a formal nation 7 times. In her recent veto memo, Gov. Hochul cites a case from 1910 in which the Montaukett were denied recognition as a formal nation. What is the reasoning behind her decision? Plus, what will the local impact be following the murder of Renee Nicole Good? The panel discusses these pressing issues plus horseshoe crab protection, Riverhead's news Town Supervisor, and a positive story about Peconic Community School. Live on WLIW-FM Saturday at 10am, and on demand right here where you get podcasts.

In this conversation, Howard Marks, co-chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, discusses the current state of the U.S. economy and the implications for Long Island businesses. He shares insights on distressed debt, market bubbles, and the importance of philanthropy in the East End community. He also explains the difference between the current state of cautious optimism versus the big bubbles seen in the late 60's and late 90's. Read "The Memo" here.

Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen joined Diane Masciale to talk about serving her first term in Congress and representing Long Island's 4th Congressional District. Prior to her role in Congress, Gillen worked as a lawyer and in Nassau County politics. WLIW-FM has also invited the other congressional leaders of Nassau and Suffolk County to join us for conversations and we hope to bring these to our listeners soon. This interview was recorded February 7, 2025, and has been edited lightly for clarity.

Join us for a conversation about Gillen's new position representing Long Island's 4th Congressional District and her focus on Long Island. The episode comes out Thursday, February 13th at 7pm. Tune in and listen live or listen on your schedule by following WLIW-FM on your favorite podcast platform.         How to listen: The WLIW-FM app (download for iOS | download from Google Play)Live-streaming at wliw.org/radio/Live-streaming on the NPR App, TuneIn, and other radio streaming appsLive-streaming on smart speakers by asking for WLIW-FM88.3 FM in Eastern Long Island and Southern Connecticut88.7 FM on the East End96.9 FM in Central and Western Suffolk County

Documentary Filmmaker Catherine Gund and Executive Producer and Artist Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter recently joined WLIW-FM General Manager Diane Masciale to talk about their new film, "Paint Me A Road Out of Here." The film features artists Faith Ringgold and Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter to uncover the whitewashed history of Ringgold's master, "For the Women's House," following its 50-year journey from Rikers Island to the Brooklyn Museum in a poignant, funny, and true parable of a world without mass incarceration. They reflect on Faith Ringgold's legacy, the impact of art on those impacted by carceral systems, and more. Watch the video podcast here. Learn more about this important work at paintmearoadfilm.com.

Sasha Rudes and Justin Feinberg both grew up close to ocean beaches, with yearly family trips to Fire Island and Cape Cod giving them a deep-seated affinity for coastal living. It’s no surprise that they immediately felt at home the first time they came to Montauk. Now they officially call “The End” home, and their boutique and clothing brand Road To Nowhere is a dynamic testament to their love of the East End. The shop focuses on eco-friendly, sustainable clothing with elevated design details that are meant to be worn every day. Sasha and Justin recently stopped by the studio in Southampton to talk about their journey, what inspires their designs, and much more. Find out more about Road To Nowhere on their website, or connect with them on Instagram at @RoadToNowhere_Clothing.

As part of Public Radio Music Day, Alison Fensterstock and Ann Powers speak with Gianna Volpe about their new book "How Women Made Music: A Revolutionary History from NPR Music". Drawn from NPR Music’s acclaimed, groundbreaking series Turning the Tables, the definitive book on the vital role of Women in Music—from Beyoncé to Odetta, Taylor Swift to Joan Baez, Joan Jett to Dolly Parton—featuring archival interviews, essays, photographs, and illustrations. They talk about the special moments they experienced while putting the book together, how important it is to tell these stories, and more. Learn more about the book here.

There are a number of organizations working together to address the problem of hunger and food insecurity on Long Island. First, hear from Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital’s Linda Sweeney and Rob Galinski join Stephanie McEvily of Food Rescue US – North Fork. They discuss a collaboration between the hospital and food rescue organization to reduce food waste with local volunteers directing food donations to local pantries and groups like CAST. Then, Dr. Jessica Rosati, Vice President of Long Island Cares speaks with Gianna Volpe on WLIW-FM to talk about the grand opening of their newest pantry on Hunger Action Day and some of the unique services LIC provides to veterans and their families.

Phil Andrews is President of the Long Island African-American Chamber of Commerce and two-term past President of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York. He is also a board member of the Long Island Association, the Interfaith Nutrition Network, and The WNET Group’s Community Advisory Board, and sits on the President’s Council of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island. He recently sat down with WLIW-FM General Manager Diane Masciale to discuss the many hats he wears and the various advocacy efforts he is part of.

As part of International Women’s Day, OLA of Eastern Long Island and WLIW-FM present a two-part series of In Conversation. OLA Exeuctive Director Minerva Perez spoke with three remarkable young women to explore what personal power means to them. Camila, a ten-year-old, Alison, who is 14, and Bella, 16, shared their perspectives and experiences with power before participating in OLA’s Find Your Power/Build Your Power martial arts workshops. The unique classes were developed in collaboration with Sensei Michelle Del Giorno at Epic Martial Arts in Sag Harbor. This follow-up conversation explores how the girls learned to merge their interpersonal power with their new-found physical power.

As part of International Women’s Day, OLA of Eastern Long Island and WLIW-FM present a two-part series of In Conversation. OLA Exeuctive Director Minerva Perez spoke with three remarkable young women to explore what personal power means to them. Camila, a ten-year-old, Alison, who is 14, and Bella, 16, shared their perspectives and experiences with power before participating in OLA’s Find Your Power/Build Your Power martial arts workshops. The unique classes were developed in collaboration with Sensei Michelle Del Giorno at Epic Martial Arts in Sag Harbor. This first conversation offers surprising insight into how much power these girls already possessed before taking part in the workshops. Part 2 follows up with them after the series to discover how they learned to merge their interpersonal power with their new-found physical power.

OLA of Eastern Long Island and WLIW-FM present a special three-part series of In Conversation to raise awareness about addiction and mental health in teens and young adults. OLA Executive Director Minerva Perez spoke with East End teens, parents, and a local mental health care provider to explore the topic from a range of perspectives and help families find prevention and treatment resources right here in our community. Part 3 concludes with East Hampton psychotherapist Bryony Freij. She shares insights and guidance on dealing with mental health, addiction, and Covid isolation. Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional crisis, dial 988 to reach the New York State Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know needs addiction or substance support, call the New York State Hope line at 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). More resources are available from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports at oasas.ny.gov. For youth ages 12 to 24 on the East End of Long Island, OLA’s helpline can texted in Spanish or English seven days a week from 9am to 11pm for substance abuse and mental health support by calling or texting 631-810-9010.   A Spanish-language transcription of this show is available by clicking here. Una transcripción de este programa al español está disponible haciendo clic aquí. Funding for this program is provided by the New York State Education Department, WLIW-FM, and OLA.

OLA of Eastern Long Island and WLIW-FM present a special three-part series of In Conversation to raise awareness about addiction and mental health in teens and young adults. OLA Executive Director Minerva Perez spoke with East End teens, parents, and a local mental health care provider to explore the topic from a range of perspectives and help families find prevention and treatment resources right here in our community. Part 2 continues with East End parents Elena Krotman and Triste. In separate conversations, they open up about their experiences raising teenagers, and how they strive to help their adolescent children become adults with healthy coping skills. Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional crisis, dial 988 to reach the New York State Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know needs addiction or substance support, call the New York State Hope line at 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). More resources are available from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports at oasas.ny.gov. For youth ages 12 to 24 on the East End of Long Island, OLA’s helpline can texted in Spanish or English seven days a week from 9am to 11pm for substance abuse and mental health support by calling or texting 631-810-9010.   A Spanish-language transcription of this show is available by clicking here. Una transcripción de este programa al español está disponible haciendo clic aquí. Funding for this program is provided by the New York State Education Department, WLIW-FM, and OLA.

OLA of Eastern Long Island and WLIW-FM present a special three-part series of In Conversation to raise awareness about addiction and mental health in teens and young adults. OLA Executive Director Minerva Perez spoke with East End teens, parents, and a local mental health care provider to explore the topic from a range of perspectives and help families find prevention and treatment resources right here in our community. Part 1 starts the series with East Hampton High School students Delani Beavers and Karen Huachisaca sharing their unique and important perspectives. Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional crisis, dial 988 to reach the New York State Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know needs addiction or substance support, call the New York State Hope line at 877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369). More resources are available from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports at oasas.ny.gov. For youth ages 12 to 24 on the East End of Long Island, OLA’s helpline can texted in Spanish or English seven days a week from 9am to 11pm for substance abuse and mental health support by calling or texting 631-810-9010.   A Spanish-language transcription of this show is available by clicking here. Una transcripción de este programa al español está disponible haciendo clic aquí. Funding for this program is provided by the New York State Education Department, WLIW-FM, and OLA.