Our guest on this episode of Sharing the Mic with David Phillips is Dr. Gregg Kimbell, Director of Public Service and Outreach for the Library of Virginia. Gregg grew up with a deep love of traditional music and an ear for old stories about family and community. His long interest in music inspired him to learn guitar, banjo, fiddle, and accordion. After a stint in the Army, he became a public historian and created a long list of exhibitions, publications, and programs for museums and libraries. Gregg works closely with the staff of the Barrier Islands Center to create the programming and workshops for the annual Art and Music on the Farm. This year, it will be on May 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

David’s guest is Dr. Bryan Watts, a conservation biologist and professor at William and Mary, where he serves as the Director of the Center for Conservation Biology. He holds a BS in biology from Virginia Tech, an MA in biology from William and Mary, and a PhD in ecology from the University of Georgia. Since founding the Center in 1992, he has led over 1000 avian research projects focusing on ecological principles and habitat conservation in the Mid-Atlantic region. His recent work includes studying Chesapeake Bay osprey nesting success and advocating for balanced ecosystem management.

Jim Duffy began his storytelling journey as a cub reporter for a small newspaper near Chicago and eventually made his way to Baltimore. He transitioned into magazine writing and editing, contributing to publications like Baltimore Magazine, Chesapeake Bay Magazine, and City Paper, before embarking on a freelance writing career centered on the arts, urban development, and healthcare. Currently, Jim focuses on capturing the culture and character of the Delmarva Peninsula. He founded “Secrets of the Eastern Shore,” a platform that highlights the region through storytelling, photography, and local products. His monthly newsletter, “Month of Fundays,” boasts over 13,000 subscribers, while his “Secrets of the Eastern Shore” Facebook page has garnered more than 60,000 followers.