What’s Up, Wake

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we sit down with Holden Bierman, a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who founded the successful beachwear business Coastal Cool at age 12. Holden shares his journey from folding origami notes in sixth grade to creating a sustainable e-commerce brand that tackles ocean plastic pollution. Discover his inspirations, challenges, and future plans as he discusses ba...

In this episode, we invite you to our Aarti Party as we celebrate the annual food issues for Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad with dream guest Aarti Sequeira. Born in India, raised in Dubai, and educated at Northwestern University School of Journalism, Aarti's journey took her from serious journalism with CNN to stardom with Food Network. Known for winning season six of 'The Next F...

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of BJ Barham, the founder of American Aquarium. In this episode, BJ shares his personal and professional evolution from a small-town North Carolina boy with dreams of becoming a lawyer to a celebrated musician with 17 albums. Discover how he created the highly popular annual music festival Roadtrip to Raleigh and hear about his transition from songs a...

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we delve into the rich history and enduring success of Raleigh's legendary Angus Barn. Since opening in 1960, the restaurant has been a cornerstone for celebrations in the community, known for its exceptional steaks and inviting atmosphere. Join us as we sit down with Van Eure, daughter of founder Thad Eure Jr., to uncover the incredible journey of the Angus Bar...

What's Up, Wake: The Success Story of Home Court Pickleball In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we dive into the booming world of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Meet Kat and Joe Entwistle, the dynamic duo behind Home Court Pickleball in downtown Fuquay-Varina, NC. Just nine months after opening, their indoor pickleball court has already won prestigious Maggy Awards f...

Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Kaylee Stavlas, the reigning Miss North Carolina Teen USA. At just 17, Kaylee has made remarkable strides as a pageant queen, a budding lawyer, CEO of a nonprofit, and a high school graduate. Listen as she shares her inspiring journey from her first pageant loss, through overcoming devastating injuries, to founding her nonprofit, NEX GEN CEO....

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Joy Ennis, the general manager of Downtown Cary Park, who has played a pivotal role in transforming Cary over the past two decades. Learn about the park's dynamic features, including the award-winning playground The Nest, and discover the fascinating stories behind its design and sustainability efforts. Joy also shares her journey, challenges, and many e...

In this episode, Melissa interviews Maverick Rose, a true Renaissance man known for his podcast 'The Maverick Rose Music Hour,' involvement in films, and his music career fronting various bands. Maverick shares insights into his journey from growing up in Raleigh to becoming a prominent local musician and radio personality. He discusses his unique 'acoustic DJ' style, his inspirations, and his pas...

Join us as we dive deep into the story of Tamasha Modern Indian, Raleigh's hottest dining destination, with Mike Kathrani and Tina Vora, the husband-and-wife team behind this celebrated restaurant. Discover how their journey from hair salons to hospitality led to creating an award-winning dining experience, complete with stunning design and a menu curated by Executive Chef Bhavin Chhatwani, a Jame...

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, Melissa explores the fascinating world of wine with Matt Weiss, a distinguished sommelier and creator of The Wine Centric Show. Matt shares his journey from studying at the American Sommelier Association in New York to teaching and becoming a certified sommelier. He discusses the benefits of boxed wine, offers tips for finding great wines at local shops, and deb...

Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Don Schwenneker, also known as "Big Weather," Chief Meteorologist for ABC11 Eyewitness News. In this interview, Don shares his journey from a sports photographer in Iowa to a trusted weather forecaster in Raleigh, North Carolina. He delves into the importance of connecting with the audience, staying calm during severe weather events, and technolo...

Join us as we engage with Simone and Noelle, the dynamic duo of sisters behind the beloved Mediterranean restaurant Sassool. They share insights into their journey from growing up in the family restaurant business to managing two successful locations today. Discover the secrets behind their award-winning menu, the essence of Lebanese hospitality, and their unique event space, FigMINT Farms. Whethe...

In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of Garden Supply Company, a premier garden center and 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Award winner. Join Melissa and owner Keith Ramsey as they talk about the center's history, Keith's passion for gardening, and the unique appeal of garden centers. Keith shares insights into his journey from the landscape business to owning a garden center, his experiences...

In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local Raleigh, about her journey from Florida to Raleigh and her mission to support local businesses. Jennifer discusses how she and her team partner with various local enterprises — from restaurants and boutiques to media companies and health spas — to help them thrive. She highlights the importance of shopping local for th...

In this week's episode of What's Up, Wake, we dive deep into the life of double platinum songwriter and local musician Jason Adamo. Jason shares his captivating journey from his beginnings in Blacksburg, Virginia, through his musical influences, to becoming a renowned artist living and performing in Raleigh, NC. We discuss his unexpected discovery of new music genres, his songwriting process, and...

Join Melissa as she speaks with Erin McKnight and Cass Santander about the rebuilding efforts in Asheville, North Carolina, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. The episode delves into the resilience and collaborative spirit of the community, highlighting the role of artists and local businesses in the recovery. Get insights into the state of Asheville six months after the hurrica...

In today's episode, we sit down with Erica DeLong, a prominent voice on Raleigh's G105 radio station and a regular contributor to local magazines. Erica shares her inspiring journey from a college sophomore to a wife and mother, all while building a successful radio career. Get an insider view of Erica's beginnings in radio, her experiences with famous personalities, and how she balances her profe...

In the second episode of What's Up Wake, we sit down with the winners of the Wake Living Readers' Choice Award for Best Local Podcast - Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio from the Ovies and Giglio podcast. Join us as we delve into their journey from radio to podcasting, the intricacies of the media business, and their thoughts on NC State sports. Discover how they pivoted their careers, the importance of au...

In the inaugural episode of What's Up, Wake, we sit down with renowned chef and restaurateur Scott Crawford. Known for his significant contributions to Wake County's foodie scene, Scott shares his incredible journey from his early days in Pennsylvania to becoming a multiple James Beard Award nominee. He talks about his passion for cooking, his struggles with addiction, and his dedication to commun...

Hi there, and welcome to What's Up Wake. Presented by the publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad. What's Up, Wake covers the people, places, restaurants, and events of Wake County — essentially, all the cool stuff and great news of Wake County. We'll chat with local personalities, business owners, and influencers to find out what makes the Triangle the best place to live. I...