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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 passion for shucking oysters and becoming a nationally ranked oyster shucker. Gardner also describes his military service and his entrepreneurial spirit, which led him to start his mobile oyster bar, S.S.Shucking Service and the interesting story behind its name.
Besides telling some of his shucking stories and secrets, which includes shucking for the Obamas, Gardner reveals insights into his podcast, The Oyster Ninja, the longest lasting oyster-focused podcast which he launched after being inspired by a friend's suggestion to share his oyster experiences. Through The Oyster Ninja, Garner aims to unveil the stories of people within the oyster industry, focusing on education and oyster culture. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of producing the podcast, from brainstorming to handling all aspects of production himself. Throughout the interview, Gardner highlights the importance of quality in oyster shucking, the significance of family and tradition, and his role in representing African American oyster shuckers. The episode is filled with heart, humor and humility and shows the true and remarkable man behind the Zukin hood.
00:00 Introduction to Gardner Douglas, the Oyster Ninja
00:34 Fan Mail and Podcast Beginnings
02:21 Childhood and Family Background
07:32 Discovering Oysters and Family Legacy
09:23 Military Service and Personal Growth
13:14 Current Life and Business Ventures
19:21 Shucking Techniques and Traditions
27:04 Oyster Education and Culture
29:29 Understanding the Oyster Experience
29:41 Nationally Ranked Shucker: A Personal Journey
30:47 Competing in Oyster Shucking Competitions
33:03 The Art of Shucking: Techniques and Tools
37:40 The Oyster Ninja Podcast: Origins and Inspirations
40:35 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting
45:56 Oyster Industry Insights and Personal Reflections
53:40 Future Plans and Contact Information
Links:
The Oyster Ninja Podcast (https://oysterninja.libsyn.com/)
S.S.Shucking Service Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/samshuckingservices/)
Vincent Leggit, Founder of Blacks of the Chesapeake, Oyster Ninja podcast episode (https://oysterninja.libsyn.com/vincent-leggett?utm_source=listennotes.com&utm_campaign=Listen+Notes&utm_medium=websit)
Shucker Magazine (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558450333114)
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