SocIsCool

Definitely not suggesting that your GPA isn't good or that your materials won't flow. What I am suggesting is that, like I said earlier, this will be the case for many applicants to top programs, who will have high or perfect GPAs along with impressive statements, "publishable" writing samples, and strong letters that paint them as solid or even intriguing applicants. So I guess I agree with @iemons that you didn't really provide enough specifics about your research interests or the departments you're applying to for us to make any sort of judgment beyond noting that your credentials are solid but unsurprising for applicants to top 20 programs. And the two things you did ask about are either nonissues (your age) or a bit worrisome (your low verbal GRE). Certainly wish you the best of luck

While he'll certainly bring name recognition, I don't think you should assume that his letter alone will overcome any other deficiencies. I think you'll need to show your strengths in other areas of your application, given the low verbal score (especially for a qual researcher) and a GPA that, while solid, will be similar to the GPAs of many other applicants to top 10 and top 20 programs. I agree with iemons that your age shouldn't be a negative factor. And sure, ethnography is still marginalized within the field (in many respects), but there are plenty of programs these days with strong training in qualitative methods. You've named one of them in NYU. Indiana and UPenn might be good for your substantive interests, if those interests really are as closely aligned with your recommender as you say. You'll be in decent shape if you've really sought out programs where the fit is high.

I wouldn't send him anything he hasn't asked for. If you Skype with him and he suggests that you send him some of your materials, then it would be appropriate. My guess is that he'll ask about your interests, history, experience, etc. Usually these conversations (at least in my experience) are almost entirely about you and not so much about the POIs themselves. They want to get a feel for how you might fit into the department and how the two of you, in particular, might work together. Chances are he's also not going to grill you on his work. Try not to be too nervous -- just speak from what you know!

I'm not sure which program in particular @redhillgirl is talking about, but many sociology PhD programs don't interview (some do, but by no means all). I do think that informal conversations are pretty common -- I've spoken with a number of POIs but always after I emailed them to express interest in their research and to ask if they'd want to hear more about my own interests.

I agree with @Pennywise and would add that no matter how casual/informal the conversation may seem, treat all discussions with POIs as if they are formal interviews. Any correspondence (chats, emails, and so on) with a POI may be reported or forwarded to an admissions committee. But I think if you're sincere (like Pennywise said), if you're simply yourself, and if you don't let your nerves get to you too much, you'll be just fine.

I don't think you've wasted your time. Lots of people apply to PhD programs after having worked for a few years, sometimes in professions that have little or nothing to do with what they want to study (although in your case it seems that your research interests do align with your professional experience). You have solid GRE scores and impressive GPAs at the undergrad and grad levels. And given that you were a PBK English major, I have a feeling that your writing sample is more than "decent"