In the News:
Making Waves
Welcome! This is where you can catch up on all the stories about The Maniac Men, Scott Kern (aka The Sandkeeper), and the ongoing mission to save Planet Sand. From major newspaper features to podcasts and YouTube spotlights, we're proud to share the media buzz that helps fuel our environmental work.
(Click any headline below to read the full story on the original source.)
In Casco Bay, Scott Kern Is an Island Unto Himself
By Sarah Stebbins
Photos by Tara Rice
From our March 2026 Ocean Issue
On the tiny squiggle of land he spends summers trying to protect, he’s alone, but not at sea.
Down East Magazine’s March 2026 Ocean Issue spotlights Scott Kern, the one‑man force behind Planet Sand, a tiny Casco Bay island he’s transformed into a living, breathing work of Maine folklore. The feature follows Scott through his hand‑cut trails, driftwood towers, and his relentless, rock‑by‑rock defense against erosion — a years‑long mission equal parts grit, artistry, and redemption. The piece frames Planet Sand as both sanctuary and stage, where Scott welcomes sailors, island kids, and curious wanderers into the world he’s built by hand. A portrait of a true Maine original turning a scrap of coastline into a story worth telling.
The Portland Press Herald
This compelling feature story details the life of Scott Kern, the Sandkeeper of Planet Sand and founder of the Maniac Men. The article spotlights his mission to save his unique island home, fueled by his recovery and his efforts to fund the work through donations, Youtube Ad revenue, and merchandise sales. Published August 14, 2025.
In this inspiring "as-told-to" essay, Scott Kern shares his journey from struggling with addiction to finding purpose on Sand Island. The article explores how this solitude fueled his seven years of sobriety and his work as the Maniac Men founder, saving his island home. Published Sep 4, 2025.
WMTW’s Hometown Maine segment introduces Scott Kern, who calls his home "Planet Sand." The feature focuses on his recovery journey, the conservation mission, and how the Maniac Men brand is a metaphor for finding something bigger than addiction. Published Oct 2, 2025.
This feature by Ann Fisher spotlights Scott Kern’s powerful recovery journey, detailing how he uses the 12 Steps and lessons from Milestone Recovery to fuel his mission to "pay back society" by preserving Planet Sand and creating hope with the Maniac Men. Published Mon, Nov 03, 2025.