Episodes

  • Guardians of Water: The Ogeechee Riverkeeper's Fight for Clean Water
    Jun 12 2025
    In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos speaks with Damon Mullis, Executive Director of the Ogeechee Riverkeeper. The discussion covers the extensive geographic scope of the Ogeechee River basin, the challenges of industrial pollution, and the environmental advocacy work carried out by the organization. Key topics include the infamous fish kill caused by King America finishing plant, the issues with PFAS chemicals, and the threats posed by the new Hyundai industrial plant. The episode also highlights the importance of clean water for all and the education initiatives aimed at fostering environmental awareness.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    LEARN MORE about Ogeechee Riverkeepers Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram

    What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

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    Become a MEMBER

    Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

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    Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

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    36 mins
  • Inspiring Ocean Conservation with Young Superstar Liddy Clever
    May 29 2025
    In this episode of the Tybee Island Marine Science Podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos interviews Liddy Clever, a fifth grader and influential conservationist whose organization, Save Sea Life with Liddy, has gained global attention. Liddy shares her deep passion for marine life conservation, her adventures in finding shark teeth, and her impressive achievements, including raising funds to track a rehabilitated sea turtle. She also discusses her innovative trash art, the importance of reducing beach litter, and her aspirations in marine biology. Liddy's message is clear: no act is too small, and you're never too young to make a big difference in ocean conservation.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    MEET Liddy and Save Sea Life

    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

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    23 mins
  • Guardians in the Waves: Protecting Our Giants in the Sea
    May 15 2025

    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

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    Become a MEMBER

    Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

    Partnership and Donation Opportunities

    Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

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    23 mins
  • Low Country Grit and Salted Souls: Celebrating Art and Stewardship
    May 1 2025

    Join Jessica Leigh Lebos, the host of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, as she delves into a groundbreaking collaboration with Alexa Frame, founder of Low Country Grit, and Macey Rewis, founder of Salted Souls Gallery and a talented low country artist.

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    Learn how Low Country Grit is connecting artists and causes through an e-commerce platform, supporting nonprofits with a portion of proceeds. Discover Macey's inspirations from the marshes and seascapes of Savannah and her unique artistic journey. Explore how this project combines sustainable practices, local products, and meaningful community engagement with a passion for art and conservation. Don't miss it!

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    MEET Low Country Grit

    MEET Salted Souls Gallery

    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

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    25 mins
  • Legends of the Shell: The Turtle Trot, Tammy Smith, and The Tybee Sea Turtle Project
    Apr 17 2025

    In this episode of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes Tammy Smith, the founder of the Tybee Island Sea Turtle Project. Tammy discusses her 24-year journey in turtle rescuing, aided by her husband, and the evolution of the project.

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    The conversation covers the logistics of patrolling for sea turtle nests, the impact of beach nourishment, and the challenges posed by coyotes and human interference. Tammy also talks about the Turtle Trot 5K Beach Run fundraiser and the Tybee Island Maritime Academy's unique educational approach. The episode highlights community efforts to protect and support sea turtles, emphasizing education and conservation.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    Follow the Tybee Sea Turtle Project on FACEBOOK

    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

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    24 mins
  • Diving Deep: Secrets of the Coastal Georgia Waters. Part 2 with Cathy Sakas
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Center podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos welcomes back marine biologist Cathy Sakas for an enthralling continuation of their previous discussion.

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    Cathy, a seasoned marine biologist and Emmy-winning documentarian, shares captivating stories of her experiences in coastal Georgia, from her childhood fascination with the ocean to her groundbreaking work with NOAA and the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. She recounts her adventures as an aquanaut in the Aquarius habitat, the first neonate right whale discovered in 150 years, and her contributions to ecotourism with Wilderness Southeast. This episode provides a deep dive into the rich, biodiverse waters of coastal Georgia, highlighting Cathy's remarkable career and the significance of marine conservation.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    TAP HERE to meet Cathy Sakas

    Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

    Follow Tybee Marine Science on Instagram

    What's happening at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

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    Become a MEMBER

    Volunteer at Tybee Island Marine Science Center

    Partnership and Donation Opportunities

    Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

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    37 mins
  • Swamp Secrets: Cathy Sakas on the Okefenokee's Mysteries
    Mar 20 2025

    In this captivating episode of the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Podcast, host Jessica Leigh Lebos introduces Cathy Sakas—an accomplished marine scientist and naturalist with a deep connection to the Okefenokee Swamp.

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    Listen as Cathy shares her profound expertise on the Okefenokee, one of North America's largest and most unique wetlands located on the Georgia-Florida line. The discussion delves into the swamp's unique ecosystem, including its diverse wildlife, carnivorous plants, and the critical issue of mining threats that loom over this pristine wilderness.

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    Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Cathy paints a vivid picture of this ecological treasure and the ongoing efforts to protect it.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    TAP HERE to meet Cathy Sakas

    Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

    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

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    31 mins
  • Fighting Dirty: The Battle to Keep Tybee Island Pristine
    Mar 6 2025

    In this engaging episode of the Award-Winning 'Tybee Island Marine Science Center' podcast, communications and marketing director Jessica Leigh Lebos chats with Tim Arnold from 'Fight Dirty Tybee.'

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    They discuss the history, efforts, and strategies employed to combat litter on Tybee Island's beautiful shores. From organizing beach cleanups to educational initiatives on proper waste disposal, this episode sheds light on the ongoing battle against marine debris. They share insights on cigarette butt bans, the importance of sustainable practices in local businesses, and the creative solutions employed to mitigate beach litter, including community-driven programs and collaborations with the city.

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    Highlighting the success and impact of their combined efforts, this episode is a call to action for residents and visitors alike to join in preserving the island's natural beauty.

    Learn more about the voices and topics in this episode:

    Meet Tim and Tybee Clean Beach/Fight Dirty

    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

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    23 mins
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