Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology, I get back together with Sam Walsh of SharkBite Oysters. Sam discusses his journey from studying marine biology to becoming an oyster farmer in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He shares how oyster farming's sustainability and lifestyle benefits drew him in after experiences in finfish and shrimp farming. Sam highlights his growth from a small operation to a million oysters in the water. He talks about the unique challenges of oyste...
Sep 30, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! This week on OYSTER-ology I sit down with Meta Mesdag, Founder, Owner and Operator of Salty Lady Seafood Company in Juneau, Alaska. Meta shares her unanticipated journey of becoming an oyster farmer after moving from Portland. A critical aspect of hef family-oriented farm, which started in 2018, is including her kids and other young people in its daily operations. But the farm's primary goal is not to turn her children into oyster farmers, but instead to help...
Sep 16, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode, host Kevin Cox sits down with Peter Stein of Peeko Oysters on Long Island's North Fork to hear about his unique journey to becoming a visionary oyster farmer and the daily realities and complexities of oyster farming. He discusses the challenges of working with a "ruthless and relentless" Mother Nature, to the surprising obstacles of starting a business in aquaculture and building it into a vertically integrated business. Beyond the farm itse...
Sep 02, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Understanding Vibrios in Oysters with Expert Andy DePaola In this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox is joined by Dr. Andy DePaola , a renowned marine biologist and aquaculture expert, to discuss the crucial topic of bacteria in shellfish, especially focusing on Vibrio bacteria. The episode delves into the risks, safety measures, and the naturally occurring presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in oysters. Andy shares his extensive ex...
Aug 19, 2025•57 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Shownotes : Join us as we dive deep into the North Carolina Oyster Blueprint, a comprehensive initiative aimed at balancing oyster habitat restoration, sustainable harvesting, shell recycling, and outreach education. Erin Fleckenstein, the Oyster Program Director for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, takes us through the evolution of the blueprint from its origins, challenges, and successes. for expanding in a sustainable way the oyster industry while at...
Aug 05, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology Kevin interviews Manya Rubinstein , co-founder and CEO of Industrious Spirits Company (ISCO) in Providence, Rhode Island. ISCO is known for producing sustainably sourced vodkas, gins, bourbons, and experimental spirits, including the unique oyster-distilled vodka and gin . Manya shares her circuitous journey into alcohol distillation, inspired by regenerative farming and the community-building power of spirits. She discusses th...
Jul 22, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! The Realities of Oyster Farming in Alaska with Eric Wyatt -- OR -- From Death Comes Experience... In this eye-opening episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox delves into the formidable challenges of oyster farming in Alaska with Eric Wyatt, founder of Blue Starr Oysters. Eric recounts the journey from his fishing roots to building a floating oyster farm in the remote wilderness of Prince of Wales Island. Highlights include the logistical hurdles of creating a...
Jul 08, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this lively episode of OYSTER-ology , Kevin Cox kicks off Season 2 after some globetrotting adventures. He thanks loyal listeners for their support and introduces renowned guest Patrick McMurray, aka ShuckerPaddy . Patrick shares his fascinating journey from a Toronto restaurant busboy to a world champion oyster shucker and Guiness Book World Record holder. He reveals the tricks of his trade, including his innovative oyster knife design and efficient shuck...
Jun 24, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Oyster Truths: Balancing Hype with Reality In this special April Fool's episode of Ology, host Kevin Cox offers a humorous and critical take on the world of oysters, addressing some lesser-discussed challenges and downsides. While oysters are often celebrated for their environmental benefits and taste, Kevin and his guests delve into aspects like the physical unattractiveness of oysters, the demanding and often thankless nature of oyster farming, and the some...
Apr 01, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology , we hear from Dan Martino , author of The Oyster Book, A Chronicle of the World’s Most Fascinating Shellfish - Past, Pesent, and Future (Agate 2024). Dan and I discuss the recent publication of this, his first book. In our conversation Dan shares both serious and lighthearted insights into why he wrote the book, detailing his experiences overcoming local resistance and emphasizing the importance of transparency and education i...
Mar 24, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Exploring the North Carolina Oyster Trail with Bill Husted: Promoting Aquaculture and Future of Oyster Tourism In this episode of OYSTER-ology, we wander down the North Carolina Oyster Trial with Bill Husted, a key member of the North Carolina Oyster Trail Executive Committee, and learn about the trail's origin, development, and purpose. Bill spent his professional career in the information technology industry, starting in software development before transiti...
Mar 17, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Oysters, Heritage, and Heart: A Conversation with the Oyster Ninja, Gardner Douglas This episode of OYSTER-ology, Kevin sits down with Gardner Douglas, aka The Oyster Ninja , who shares his life story and his passion for oysters. Gardner discusses his upbringing on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, being raised by his grandmother, and learning to shuck oysters from his father later in life. He talks about his journey from working multiple jobs to discovering his...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 18
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Show Notes Deep Ocean Oyster Farming on Martha's Vineyard with Dan Martino , Cottage City Oysters In this episode, the founder of Cottage City Oysters , Dan, shares his journey from a TV producer to a pioneering oyster farmer on Martha's Vineyard. He discusses the unique challenges and satisfactions of oyster and seaweed farming in deep waters, touching upon the differences with other coastal farming methods, the historical significance of the location, and t...
Mar 03, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology , host and the Foodwalker, Kevin Cox, engages in an insightful conversation with Daniel Rodriguez , the founder of Currently Wine Co ., a wine brand committed to high quality wine intended to perfectly suit oysters while at the same time using proceeds to enrich select environmental causes including oyster restoration. Daniel shares his journey from a B2B tech CMO to a passionate wine entrepreneur. Detailing his transition, Dan...
Feb 24, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology , host Kevin Cox talks with Trixie Betz , Outreach & Development Specialist for the Maine Aquaculture Association , who is responsible for managing the Maine Oyster Trail . Trixie shares her background, from her upbringing in New York and summers spent in Maine to her initial foray into aquaculture. She explains the evolution of the trail from it’s genesis as a paper map to it’s growth into the first digital interactive, in...
Feb 17, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! From Tech Sales to Oyster Trails: Henry Dubin's Career Leap to Cape Oyster Experiences. In this episode of OYSTER-ology , Kevin sits down with Henry Dubin , founder of Cape Oyster Experiences , to discuss his inspiring journey from a successful career in tech sales to starting an oyster tourism business on Cape Cod. Henry elaborates on his passion for oysters and shellfishing, his life's major transition during the pandemic, and the creation of unique oyster ...
Feb 10, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Show Notes : Exploring the Bounty of the Bay with Goose Point Oysters' Kathleen Nisbet In this episode of OYSTER-ology, Kevin talks to Kathleen Nisbet-Moncy , the Chief Operating Officer and family member owner of Goose Point Oyster Company , about the rich history and innovative practices of their oyster farming business. Kathleen discusses the origins of Goose Point Oyster Co., founded by her parents in the 1970s, and the challenges and solutions they've de...
Feb 03, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology, Kevin interviews Andy DePaola , an innovative oysterman, scientist, consultant, and inventor located on Mobile Bay, Alabama. Andy explains how his unique Shellevator technology revolutionizes oyster farming by enabling multi-layered, three-dimensional oyster cultivation, significantly increasing yield per acre. Andy describes his four farming locations and the challenges of oyster farming in the dynamic salinity conditions of ...
Jan 27, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this lively episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox welcomes Dana Hines and Beth Simonds , co-owners and oyster farmers at Stonington Farms Shellfish in Mystic, Connecticut. The conversation delves into their profoundly strong friendship, their unique roles in the business, and their collective commitment to producing high-quality oysters. The episode is filled with humorous and touching moments, covering topics from the many challenges of oyster farming t...
Jan 20, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology Kevin explores the intricate world of Olympia oysters with guest Emily Wilder . Emily shares her unique journey from being a pescatarian on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound to becoming a shellfish farming advocate and discovering her true passion to be a small business entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences working on oyster farms, her realization of the importance of sustainable seafood marketing and how she established Sali...
Jan 13, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox peeks behind the badge at the fascinating experiences of Amy Croteau, the Senior Natural Resources Officer and Shellfish Constable for the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts. Amy shares captivating stories from her 18 years in the role, from patrolling local waters and managing wildlife encounters to handling unpredictable challenges and local culture. She talks about the unexpected sight of a whale in a front ya...
Jan 06, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology, Kris and Beth Simonds share their heartfelt journey into oyster farming and the work they do at Stonington Farms Shellfish in Mystic, Connecticut . Despite having a picturesque farm at Murphy Point, their journey wasn't smooth. After the sudden loss of his wife and mother to his son Jake, Kris gradually found solace and purpose in oyster farming. With Jake's passionate involvement, Kris transformed their home into an oyster fa...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 8
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox interviews Virginia Schaffer , founder of Lady Oyster , Maine's first oyster-centric food tour company. Virginia shares her transition from a corporate career in luxury travel to pursuing her passion for oysters through extensive research, writing, and establishing Lady Oyster. The business offers eco-friendly oyster-related experiences, including farm tours, tastings and retreats. Virginia discusses her diverse...
Dec 23, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! In this episode of OYSTER-ology , host Kevin Cox interviews Nicolette Mariano , owner of Treasure Coast Shellfish in Sebastian, Florida. Nicolette shares her journey from volunteering at a destroyed shellfish hatchery to managing her own sustainable oyster farm. They discuss topics like the challenges of aqua farming, environmental impacts and industry regulations, the stark realities of oyster farming, weather, oyster mortality, equipment and so much more. D...
Dec 16, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Dot Leonard: The Icon of Oyster Restoration In this very special episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox sits down with Dorothy ”Dot” Leonard , a towering icon and pioneer in the world of oyster restoration and marine conservation. Dot has dedicated over five decades to oyster restoration and rejuvenating coastal and marine ecosystems globally. Starting with her lifelong love of the marine world, Dot shares insights into the evolution of shellfish restoration...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Unveiling the Mysteries of Oyster Origins with Dr. Melissa Delatorre In this episode of OYSTER-ology , host Kevin Cox is joined by Dr. Melissa DellaTore , CEO of Pacific Hybreed , to delve into the very front end of oyster development and breeding. This is where it all begins, with the development of oyster "seed" for oyster hatcheries and farms all over the world. Dr. DellaTorre highlights the complexities and innovations in oyster breeding and aquaculture t...
Dec 02, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Youthful Exuberance and Oyster Restoration: Betsy Stewart's Grassroots Journey In this episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox interviews 23-year-old Betsy Stewart, a passionate and self-driven marine scientist, about her dedication to oyster restoration. Betsy's journey from a childhood fascination with marine life to spearheading the Zip Project in Florida's Indian River Lagoon is detailed with enthusiasm and laughter. Betsy discusses her innovative, plasti...
Nov 25, 2024•55 min
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Take a Deep Dive into Oyster nurseries and husbandry: Techniques, Genetics, and Personal Journeys This 'OYSTER-ology' episode features an engaging conversation with Jesse Honiker of Hama Hama Oyster Company , a premier oyster farm in Washington's Hood Canal and Puget Sound. Jessie runs Hama Hama's Nursery of millions of baby oysters, raising them until big and strong enough to go out into the open water to grow into outstanding oysters for consumption. Our di...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! This INAUGURAL episode features an in-depth discussion between host Kevin Cox and award-winning author and world-renowned oyster expert Rowan Jacobsen. Together they explore various aspects of oysters, including their role in cuisine, culture, and history. The conversation covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including the basics of oysters, the sensory art of eating oysters and the best practices for tasting and enjoying them. They also talk about the romant...
Nov 09, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Send a COMMENT to OYSTER-ology here! Introducing OYSTER-ology : Dive into the World of Oysters In this introductory non-episode of OYSTER-ology, host Kevin Cox announces the launch of this new podcast dedicated to all things oysters and aquaculture. OYSTER-ology is a virtual gathering place for oyster aficionados including farmers, shuckers, scientists, writers, and environmental activists to share their knowledge and experiences. The podcast series will feature interviews with an array of indus...
Nov 09, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 1
