The Coastal Society: Making Waves in our 50th Year

Episode 7: MAD About Coastal Careers!

On this episode of Making Waves, TCS interviews Jeff Flood, Virginia CZM Senior Coastal Planner (II) and TCS's Career Development Committee Chair.
We learn about Jeff's professional journey and dive in on what makes TCS's MAD, or Margaret A. Davidson Coastal Career Development, Program truly remarkable.
 
Tune in for exciting news about the year to come!
 

Episode 6: Local Leadership for Coastal Resilience: A Conversation with Rob Zapple

In this episode of Making Waves, TCS Board Member William N. Ferris sits down with Rob Zapple, Commissioner for New Hanover County, North Carolina.
Rob shares his insights on the critical role local governments play in shaping coastal resilience and his own journey to public service. Tune in for a candid discussion* on community engagement and the innovative strategies that New Hanover County uses to protect its coastal future.
 
*Recorded October 2025.
 

Episode 5: Moving Beyond our 50th, with Kate Fuller and Scott Baker

We’re continuing the conversation on coastal issues and innovations! In our next episode, our very own Board Member, Kate Fuller, takes the mic.
Kate, a research scientist specializing in aquatic ecology and an expert in science communication, interviews Scott Baker of NC Sea Grant, a longtime fisheries specialist based at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science satellite office.

Episode 4: Coastal Mentorship

In this episode, Jeff Flood, member of the planning team for the upcoming TCS Forum at UNC Wilmington, sits down with his longtime mentor and coastal science leader, Dr. Larry Cahoon.
Dr. Cahoon recently retired after more than four decades as a Professor of Biology & Marine Biology at UNCW, where he taught thousands of students and contributed extensively to marine science, environmental policy, and public service.

Episode 3: Outreach and Education

In this episode of The Coastal Society: Making Waves in Our 50th Year, host Sam Boyce, Chair of the TCS Forum Planning Committee, welcomes environmental advocate and educator Bonnie Monteleone.
Bonnie is the co-founder of the Plastic Ocean Project, a leader in the Plus Nature initiative, and a part-time instructor at UNCW. Her work centers on engaging communities, mentoring students, and advancing field research on marine plastic pollution.

Episode 2: Coastal Resilience in Action

In this episode, William Ferris, Ph.D., host and TCS Board Member, sits down with Tibor Vegh, Senior Policy Associate at Duke’s Nicholas Institute.
Tibor shares insights from his work at the intersection of economics, planning, and policy—exploring how communities can adapt to coastal risks using nature-based solutions and smart strategies. From fisheries economics to coastal adaptation, his research is all about turning science into impact.

Episode 1: Leading the Way — A Conversation with TCS Leadership

We’re thrilled to launch The Coastal Society’s limited 50th anniversary podcast series with a powerful opening episode featuring Executive Director Judy Tucker and President Jennifer Biddle.
In this special conversation, hear directly from the leaders at the helm of TCS as they share the driving forces behind our mission, reflect on the Society’s legacy, and explore what’s next.