Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast

This episode of the Tybee Marine Science Center Podcast (recorded at the Ship Watch Loft on Tybee Island) features award-winning marine biologist Dr. Chris Hintz, associate professor at Savannah State University.
 
Hintz recounts arriving at Savannah State in 2009, early NSF-funded coastal sampling along the Savannah River and Georgia coast, and his path from chemical/environmental engineering into marine science via coral aquaculture and filtration work, leading to a PhD at the University of South Carolina. He discusses receiving a Google Geo Good Impact award for documenting sea turtle hatchling misorientation linked to coastal light pollution affecting Ossabaw Island and other sites, plus efforts to estimate nest incubation temperatures using NOAA/NWS and NASA data without disturbing nests and to assess climate-related sex-ratio impacts.
 
He also describes collaborations on Ogeechee River microplastics and Gray’s Reef concerns, and research on oyster growth, reef restoration, and aquaculture’s environmental benefits.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
Where's Westie UPDATES
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
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Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome and Awards
01:19 Georgia Coast Origin Story
03:19 Engineering to Ocean Science
09:22 Sea Turtle Light Pollution
12:05 Tracking Nest Temperatures
15:01 Microplastics and Rivers
16:32 Oysters and Acidification
18:50 Aquaculture Benefits Explained
22:41 Microscopic Ocean Monsters
23:45 State of the Ocean Today
25:29 Relaxing on the Water
27:17 Closing and Support TMSC
 

The award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast kicks off season four from the Shipwatch Loft at North Beach with host Jessica Leigh Lebos and superstar guest Chantal Audran, Executive Director of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, to preview major updates.
 
Chantal highlights new exhibit clusters, including the center’s first cultural exhibit on Gullah Geechee coastal cultures featuring ethnobotany and medicinal plants, plus a maritime knot-tying exhibit incorporating a salvaged yardarm from the ship Barbara Negra.
 
The conversation also covers a newly arrived octopus (brought in through catch-and-release collection) and a new sea turtle hatchling, alongside upcoming releases. Chantal also shares some recent, wonderful news of her own! 
 
They discuss diamondback terrapin rescue, mortality research on Highway 80, egg recovery and incubation with Georgia Southern, and announce the April 25 Turtle Trot 5K fundraiser supporting Tybee’s sea turtle nesting season and education programs reaching 80,000 visitors annually.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
Where's Westie UPDATES
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:28 Season Four Guest
01:44 New Exhibit Unveiling
02:20 Gullah Geechee Culture
03:40 Maritime Knot Station
05:52 Octopus Arrival Story
08:02 Sea Turtle Hatchlings
08:44 Chantal New Mom
11:31 Terrapin Season Prep
12:45 Terrapin Rescue Research
15:16 Eggs To Headstart
18:07 Sea Turtle Season
18:58 Turtle Trot Details
22:21 Education Pillar
24:44 Why Our Water Green
26:07 80K Visitors Impact
29:16 Closing Thanks
 

In the final episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Podcast for 2025, the team reflects on a remarkable year. Host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes curators Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell to dive into the highlights from the Marine Science Center, including the much-anticipated Whale Week, turtle nest discoveries, birding adventures, and engaging in necropsies.
 
They also discuss upcoming plans for a new sea turtle hatchling and the release of Ossie the turtle. With a fun and informative tone, this episode captures the essence of marine conservation and the incredible work being done at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
Where's Westie UPDATES
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:51 Meet the Guests: Sarah Alley and Rachel Cantrell
01:09 Recap of the Year at the Science Center
01:27 Whale Week: Protecting Georgia's Whales
04:20 Shorebird Season on Tybee Island
06:59 Turtle Season: Nesting and Hatching
08:57 Memorable Moments and Challenges
16:26 Westie the Sea Turtle: A Success Story
22:52 Fun and Unexpected Events
23:57 Weather Woes and Bingo Wins
24:17 Rattlesnake Encounters
24:38 Fish Release Adventure
26:44 Graduate School and Coast Guard Duties
27:36 Sea Turtle Lighting Ordinance
31:21 Emergency Management in the Coast Guard
34:18 Master Birders Program
36:57 Necropsies and Conservation Efforts
40:44 New Residents at the Science Center
46:37 Looking Forward to 2026
 

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes Megan Desrosiers, the founding president and CEO of One Hundred Miles a coastal conservation organization dedicated to protecting Georgia's coastline through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
 
Megan discusses the organization's journey from its inception in 2013 with just two employees to becoming the leading advocacy group for the Georgia coast. Key topics include the success stories of legislative and community-driven conservation efforts, such as the protection of the Okefenokee Swamp and the halt of Spaceport Camden.
 
Megan sheds light on the challenges and strategies of grassroots mobilization and highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental protection. She also touches on environmental justice issues and the impact of local communities on conservation activities. Megan concludes by encouraging listeners to engage in local government and conservation efforts, emphasizing the power of voting and community participation.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Get Involved with One Hundred Miles
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Tybee Island Marine Science Center
00:29 Introducing Megan Desrosiers and One Hundred Miles
01:24 Founding and Growth of One Hundred Miles
04:09 Advocacy and Legislative Successes
13:53 The Fight Against Spaceport Camden
22:25 Environmental Justice and Community Involvement
28:11 Personal Background and Passion for Conservation
31:43 Recreation and Conservation on the Georgia Coast
33:18 Get Involved: How You Can Help

In this episode of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos is joined by marine campaigner Greg Reilly from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). They discuss the various efforts to protect the endangered North Atlantic Right whale, focusing on the implementation of AIS (Automatic Identification System) transceivers along the coast to alert vessels to slow down in whale habitats.
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They dive into the challenges of vessel strikes, the successes of the Station Keeper program, the importance of education and awareness, and the innovative technology used for whale conservation. The episode also touches on Greg's background in the Coast Guard and the broader conservation work of IFAW globally.
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
IFAW and the North Atlantic Right Whale
MEET Greg Reilly
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, Sister Patt Gunn shares the rich cultural heritage and spirit stories of the Gullah Geechee people. Recorded on a blustery October day, Sister Patt recounts her experiences, including a remarkable whale-watching expedition that highlighted the connection between Gullah Geechee history and the endangered right whales.
 
She also shares poignant family stories and spirit encounters, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural legacy. This episode encourages listeners to cherish and tell their own stories, ensuring they contribute to the ongoing narrative of their communities.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Learn more about Underground Tours of Savannah
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Sister Pat Gunn's Contributions
00:59 Understanding Gullah Language
02:28 The Whale Experience
08:25 Spirit Stories and Family Traditions
16:30 Burial Traditions and Taboos
18:59 Spiritual Encounters in Savannah
21:33 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos sits down with Sister Patt Gunn for part one of a two-part conversation. Sister Patt is a celebrated Gullah Geechee storyteller and tour guide.
 
Sister Patt shares the historical significance of the Gullah Geechee people, their unwavering connection to their land and water, and the ongoing fight to preserve their culture. The conversation delves into her work with Underground Tours in Savannah, teaching American history from a Gullah Geechee perspective, and recounts the powerful community effort to rename Savannah’s Calhoun Square to Taylor Square in honor of Susie King Taylor.
 
The episode highlights the importance of storytelling, community solidarity, and the healing power of water in Gullah Geechee culture.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Learn more about Underground Tours of Savannah
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A PERFECT SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:49 Gullah Geechee Heritage and Legal Victory
03:44 Understanding Gullah Geechee Culture
06:23 Underground Tours and Historical Advocacy
09:41 Honoring Susie King Taylor
16:04 The Importance of Water in Gullah Geechee Life
20:47 Juneteenth Celebrations and Community Healing
23:56 Conclusion and Upcoming Stories

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcome Shannon Browning Mullis, Executive Director of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.
 
They discuss the fascinating life of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and her impact on young women. Shannon shares insights into Juliette's unique character and her contributions during a time of social change. The discussion highlights the ongoing programs at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, particularly focusing on the Progressive Era and its connection to modern movements for inclusivity and empowerment.
 
The episode wraps up with details on upcoming events, including a special Monsters and Manuscripts lecture series. This podcast is a celebration of history, community, and the enduring legacy of the Girl Scouts.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Visit Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND A SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Welcome to Tybee Island Marine Science Center Podcast
00:48 Introducing Juliette Gordon Low
01:12 Juliette Gordon Low's Early Life and Marriage
01:39 Founding of the Girl Scouts
04:29 Juliette Gordon Low's Legacy and Impact
04:55 The Birthplace Museum Experience
06:15 Girl Scout Programs and Badges
10:58 Historical Mariners and Wing Scout Programs
14:07 Inclusivity and Evolution of Girl Scouts
14:59 Shannon Browning Mullis' Work in Savannah
22:19 Upcoming Events and Programs
24:16 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Hey there, ocean explorers! Welcome to another episode from the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast. Today, we have a super special guest—Jacilyn Ledford! She’s not just a tour guide, but also a yoga teacher, sound healer, and all-around Tybee Island expert.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this fun episode:
Jacilyn tells us how she started Tybee Tours and why she loves sharing the island’s amazing stories.
You’ll hear about the cool history of Tybee, from old windmills to secret forts and even a train line that turned into Windmill Lane!
We learn about the people who lived on Tybee long ago, including Native Americans, African Americans, and families who made the island their home.
Jacilyn shares how food and fashion from West Africa are still part of Tybee’s culture today.
Ever heard of a sound bath? Jacilyn explains how relaxing sounds can help your brain feel calm and creative—sometimes people even see colors or have wild dreams!
There’s even a story about a real-life ghost adventure and how Jacilyn helps people with her special energy skills.
Find out how history and “woo woo” (that’s what Jacilyn calls her magical side) come together to make Tybee Island a place full of surprises.
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Wind Over Heaven
 
Tybee Tours
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
📚 Chapter Markers:
Welcome to Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Meet Jacilyn Ledford: Tour Guide & Sound Healer
The Story Behind Tybee Tours
Discovering Tybee’s Hidden History
Windmills, Trains, and Secret Forts
The People of Tybee: Past and Present
Food, Fashion, and West African Connections
Exploring the Ocean and Marine Life
Sound Baths: What Are They?
Science and Magic: How Sound Heals
Ghost Stories and Energy Adventures
When History Meets the “Woo Woo”
Giving Back: Sound Baths for a Good Cause
Thank You and How to Learn More
Thanks for listening and remember—every day is a great day to explore and learn something new!

In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, we welcome Captain Rene, owner and founder of Sundial Charters, as our special guest.
 
With over 25 years of experience navigating the waters around Tybee Island, Captain Rene shares fascinating stories and insights about the local marine life and ecosystems. From her early days sailing solo at age six to leading exciting charters for dolphin watching, fossil hunting, and birding, Captain Rene's knowledge and passion for the region shine through.
 
Learn about the unique behaviors of local dolphins, discover the secrets behind finding ancient shark teeth, and dive into the rich biodiversity of the marshes and Little Tybee Island. Don't miss this captivating conversation that brings the natural beauty and hidden wonders of Tybee Island to life.
 
Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:
Learn more about Sundial Charters
 
Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram
 
What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Resources:
Become a MEMBER
Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center
Partnership and Donation Opportunities
Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
 
FIND THE SPOT YOU WANT IN THIS EPISODE:
 
00:00 Introduction to Captain Renee and Sundial Charters
01:03 Captain Renee's Early Days on the Water
03:33 The Dolphin Whisperer: Unique Dolphin Behaviors
08:58 Shark Teeth and Fossil Hunting Adventures
14:54 Bird Watching and Climate Change Effects
17:24 A Wealth of Knowledge on the Water
18:01 Bird Watching Adventures
19:09 The Unique Ecosystem of Little Tybee
20:24 The Importance of Marshlands
24:31 The Role of Women in Charter Captaining
28:55 Fishing Tales and Environmental Concerns
31:29 Viral Fame and Social Media
32:48 Local Legends and Community Spirit