What’s Up, Wake

Host Melissa interviews Frank Yarborough, creator of Frankie B’s pimento cheese, just days before the Pimento Cheese Festival in Downtown Cary Park. Frank shares how he grew up with his mother’s pimento cheese, learned the family recipe after she passed, and refined it into three flavors with a focus on traditional Southern taste, Duke’s mayonnaise, and a spreadable, dense consistency. He describe...

Storyteller and Grammy/Emmy-nominated writer-producer Maxim Langstaff discusses his decades behind the scenes with music legends including John Denver and Beatles producer George Martin, describing how his John Denver Wildlife Concert work led to a 16–17 year collaboration with Martin on a live stage/film project exploring Sgt. Pepper’s creative process. He reflects on the changing, overwhelmed mo...

Join us as we dive into the world of card collecting with Tara and Adam Reynolds, the masterminds behind Triangle Area Trading Cards. From childhood nostalgia to serious collecting, they share their journey from avid collectors to successful business owners running a beloved local hub in North Carolina. The couple recount their initial foray into card trading, their challenges of moving from a cor...

Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring story behind That's Spot On!, a board game created by friends Linda Pelnik and Sue Dohm. Discover how their shared love for family game nights led to the creation of a game that captured hearts at the New York Toy Fair. Linda and Sue discuss the origins of their friendship, the challenges of manufacturing, securing spots in mom-and-pop stores, and navigat...

Jason, creator of the “Today in the Quay” Facebook page, shares how he built a positive hub for Fuquay-Varina updates over 12 years, growing to about 30,000 followers. He discusses moderating the page, highlighting youth sports and local business openings, and supporting standout athlete Sarah Strong’s early recognition. Jason also reflects on Fuquay-Varina’s rapid growth, community events, new at...

Host Melissa Wistehuff takes “What’s Up, Wake” on a rink trip to Invisalign Arena, the Carolina Hurricanes’ practice facility, for a conversation with Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook. He discusses watching the Olympics (and rooting for Canada), his pick for a Hurricanes siren guest (Sylvester Stallone), and how he describes the team’s passionate, unexpectedly electric fan base and playoff tail...

In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we delve into the heart and culture behind one of MacGregor Village's beloved gourmet sweet shops, Asali Desserts & Cafe. Host engages in a heartfelt discussion with owner Hanadi Asad, exploring how her Palestinian heritage, artistic inclinations, and personal tragedies have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. From her start in a licensed home kitchen to t...

In this episode, we highlight the inspiring work of NeighborUp, a nonprofit born from the merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. Host Melissa is joined by André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, who shares his personal journey from the YMCA to leading a major community organization. André discusses NeighborUp's mission to support Western Wake County with financial aid, food assist...

Join Melissa as she interviews Valerie Hillings, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Valerie shares her journey from studying art history at Duke University to leading the museum. They delve into the upcoming Art in Bloom exhibit, the integration of outdoor and indoor art spaces, and the unique cultural experiences offered by the museum. Valerie also discusses how the museum adapts t...

Join us as we chat with Jessica Holt, the Director of Public Relations and International Tourism for Visit Raleigh, about what makes Raleigh a top destination. From its burgeoning food scene and festivals to its sports and Southern charm, discover the behind-the-scenes magic of promoting Raleigh to the world. Jessica shares insights on how Raleigh balances growth with preserving local flair; attra...

In this episode, we shift the focus from health and travel New Year's resolutions to financial wellness for 2026. Special guest Joe Mecca from Coastal Credit Union shares his top five tips for smarter saving, intentional spending, maintaining an emergency fund, reassessing retirement plans, and paying down debt. Additionally, Joe discusses the importance of budgeting tools and how to use them effe...

In this episode, we dive into an exploration of two charming travel destinations in North Carolina: Edenton and West Jefferson. Susan Martin Cyr, owner of Edenton's Inner Banks Inn, shares insights about the historic bed and breakfast, the significance of Edenton’s preservation efforts, local attractions, and culinary delights. The episode also features a discussion with Lily Memmel, general manag...

In this episode of 'What's Up Wake,' we focus on women's health, specifically perimenopause. Host Melissa welcomes Jamie Gallagher, a board-certified nurse practitioner and perimenopause specialist. Jamie shares her journey and expertise, discussing symptoms, misconceptions, and treatment options for perimenopause and menopause. The episode also covers the historical context behind hormone therapy...

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we dive into New Year's resolutions with a special focus on fitness goals. Join us as we talk to Adrien King and Meagan H. Jacobs, owners of AKtivate Fitness, the winners of Best Fitness Program in the 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Awards. Located in Cary's Millpond Village, AKtivate Fitness is known for its welcoming community and innovative approach to helping peop...

In this episode, we dive into the rising trend of IV hydration therapy with Dr. Jonathan Leake from Hydrate Medical. Discover how IV hydration can combat dehydration, boost energy, and enhance overall wellness. Dr. Leake shares his journey from being a board-certified emergency medicine physician to founding a successful chain of hydration clinics. Learn about the different types of IV drips, thei...

Join Melissa in this episode of What's Up, Wake as she takes the show on the road to the debut Wake GPS: Growth + Prosperity Summit to explore the exciting economic developments in Wake County. Interviews feature David Bohm, Executive Director at Apex Chamber of Commerce, Dustin Williams, President of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Mark Lawson, President of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, an...

Join us as we sit down with Lee Robinson, the owner of Irregardless, a beloved restaurant in Raleigh that has been a community cornerstone for over 50 years. In this episode, Lee shares the rich history of Irregardless, from its beginnings as the first vegetarian restaurant in Raleigh to its evolution over five decades. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant that prioritiz...

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, host Melissa sits down with former NFL star and NC State legend Torry Holt and the executive director of the Holt Brothers Foundation, Liz McLean. They discuss Torry's transition from football to community work and the impactful projects of the Holt Brothers Foundation, with a particular focus on supporting children whose parent or guardian has been diagnosed wi...

In this festive episode, we delve into the rich history of Raleigh's cherished 'A Christmas Carol' production at Theatre in the Park.  Ira David Wood III and his son Ira David Wood IV to reflect on the musical comedy adaptation that has delighted North Carolina audiences for over 50 years. The Woods share anecdotes about the origins of the theater, the heartfelt impact of the show, the camaraderie...

In this episode, we sit down with India Matlock, the creative force behind Asia's Cakes in Holly Springs. India shares her journey of growing up in a family of bakers, the influence of her father's passion for baking, and how she transitioned from a hairstyling career to owning a successful dessert shop. We delve into the challenges and joys of running a family business, the community-driven ethos...

In this episode, we explore Esteamed Coffee, a unique coffee shop in Cary situated in a quaint 1940s cottage on Academy Street. Known for its mission to provide meaningful employment and social opportunities to adults with intellectual, developmental, and visual disabilities, the shop has become an integral part of the community. The host interviews Executive Director Julie Walker, discussing the...

Join us for an exciting conversation with Adam Saad, the owner of Rush Hour Karting, as we explore the turbocharged world of high-speed indoor go-kart racing. From its beginnings in Garner in 2005 to its expansion into Morrisville in 2023, Rush Hour Karting has become a top destination for adrenaline seekers. Adam shares the story of how the business started, the challenges they faced — including...

Join us for a fascinating journey through the history of Cary, North Carolina, with the town's Ambassador for History, Dr. Katherine Loflin. In this episode, Dr. Loflin shares intriguing stories about Cary's founding, its prohibition roots, railroad significance, and even its haunted past. Learn about the concept of 'place attachment,' and how modern-day Cary connects its rich history with communi...

Step into the magic of the North Carolina State Fair! In this episode, we chat with Heather Overton from the NC Department of Agriculture to bring you the scoop on the state's most exciting 11 days of the year. Discover the rich history of the fair, its deep roots in agriculture, and the traditions that have stood the test of time since 1853. Learn about the fair's impact on local farming, the uni...

Join us as we dive into the world of paranormal investigations with Nelson Nauss, the executive director and co-founder of The Ghost Guild. Since 2017, this nonprofit organization has focused on studying historical locations with unexplained activities. Nelson discusses their science-based approach to investigating hauntings, partnering with historical societies, and preserving historical sites. H...