Who’s Here in the Hamptons

 This week Dan’s podcast is with Paul Goldberger, the Pulitzer-prize winning architectural critic, and author of the new book: ‘Dumbo: The Making of a New York Neighborhood (Rizzoli, April 6th). Goldberger tells the extraordinary tale of the development (and rebirth) of Brooklyn’s gritty, industrial waterfront that turned Dumbo into one of the hottest, most in demand areas in NYC. The famed critic and longtime East Hampton resident also talks about what makes each hamlet in the Hamptons architecturally special, and shares some of his favorite Hamptons homes and why he admires them.

This week’s podcast is with Bob Balaban, acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer, (and longtime resident of Bridgehampton). Balaban shares some of his most memorable experiences on set with Francois Truffaut and Stephen Spielberg (‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’), talks about his Oscar-nominated role in ‘Gosford Park’ (and how he pitched the idea of the movie to Robert Altman), and his famous recurring role on ‘Seinfeld’ as the NBC exec responsible for accepting or rejecting the pilot pitch by George and Jerry. Balaban is directing a virtual reading of a new play by Drama Desk Award winner Jerry Cohen called ‘Squeaky’ for Guild Hall on Sunday, March 28th at 7:30pm. For more information: www.guildhall.org

This week’s podcast is with film producer and director Susan Lacy, who created ‘American Masters’ for PBS and has produced and/or directed films featuring Steven Spielberg, Jane Fonda, Robert Capa, Leonard Bernstein, James Baldwin, Martha Graham, and many others. From her early days at Channel 13, producing dramas and ballets, to a 35-year career at PBS where she produced and/or directed over 233 films before moving to HBO, Lacy weaves a riveting tale of her career path, and talks about some of her favorite subjects,  her “15 interviews with Spielberg’, and her new film about Billy Joel.  It’s a don’t-miss listen with Sag Harbor’s accomplished filmmaker. Find the podcast at DansPapers.com

Kroft and Rattiner have a great rapport, and in this riveting podcast Kroft takes us on his journey from being a war correspondent reporting around the world, to landing at CBS where he covered over 500 stories (including the infamous interview with Bill and Hillary Clinton, and the notable report on Chernobyl). Kroft also shares the reasons why he left ’60 Minutes’ and talks about what he loves most about being a full time resident of Sag Harbor.

Helen Harrison, director of the Pollock-Krasner House and an author of historical mysteries, shares captivating stories from the home where Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner created legendary art. She discusses the preservation of Pollock's iconic studio floor and the emotional toll of his tragic car accident. Harrison also reflects on the vibrant history of East Hampton and the unique identity of its original settlers. Additionally, she intertwines her writing journey, revealing how surrealism shapes her mysteries while preserving the legacies of abstract expressionist artists.

How did the Cooper’s Beach Pavilion get built, back in the day? (Hint: on the QT!) Dan Rattiner gets this, and other Southampton village stories out of former beloved Southampton Mayor (and former Town Trustee) Bill Hattrick – it’s an interesting throwback to the 80’s and 90’s, and how some things got done out east (and not without surprise or a bit of outrage)!

This week’s podcast is with Brooke Lea Foster, an award winning journalist who has written factual pieces for the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe and others, who has turned to writing novels.   Her first novel, published by Simon and Schuster, was called “Summer Darlings” and was about two wealthy families with summer homes in Martha’s Vineyard who get into a tangle with a shaggy haired bachelor who lives in a small cottage between them.  It was well received and she has now gotten approval to write a second novel set in the Hamptons.  The podcast is two writers, talking.

This week’s podcast is with Jesse Warren, the young Mayor of Southampton Village.   We discussed his upbringing in Roslyn, his education, his decade long work as a prominent merchant in that village and his decision to run based on his desire to improve that community.  Our discussions ranged about the pollution in Lake Agawam, the reconstruction of the home where Pyrrhus Concer, a former slave lived in that town, the project involving a new Southampton African-American museum and the new Dan’s Papers drive by Sculpt-Tour program.

Mercedes Ruehl is a multiple academy award winning actor (first one The Fisher King)  who lives year around in East Hampton. We talked about her years growing up and her early interest in the theatre and film that led to her stunning career. I asked her whose plays and films she most admired and her answer might surprise you. Hint: He was a longtime resident of Montauk.

Dan Gasby of Sag Harbor is best known for his partnership with model and lifestyle figure B Smith, who was his wife.  B Smith restaurant was on Long Wharf for decades, and other locations were in New York City and Washington.    The courageous and dedicated way he helped her through the long decline through Alzenheimers for years and years until she died last year was a tribute to him.  He talks about how following such a path brought new meaning to his life.