What’s Up, Wake

Join us as we explore the exciting world of agritourism and agritainment with Michael Phillips from Phillips Farm. Discover the rich history and transformation of this fourth-generation farm located in Cary, North Carolina. From a corn maze that outsmarts GPS systems to spine-chilling haunted trails, Phillips Farm offers year-round thrills for the whole family. Learn about their popular seasonal e...

Join us as we "dig" into the transformation of a vacant 1.2-acre lot into the lush, productive Raleigh City Farm. Executive Director Lisa Grele Barrie shares the vision, history, and impact of this urban oasis. Discover how the farm connects the community to nature, agriculture, and sustainability through gardening, volunteering, and educational programs. Learn about their sustainable practices, t...

Positivity and politics don't often mix, but today's guest, Mayor Jacques Gilbert of Apex, NC, has mastered this art. In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we delve into Jacques' journey from his early career in the police force to becoming the town's first Black mayor. From founding Blue Lights College to his unique approach to social media, Jacques shares insight into his philosophy of public se...

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we dive into the rich cultural heritage and thriving industry of North Carolina's commercial fishing. Join Melissa as she speaks with Lin Peterson of Locals Seafood about the journey of bringing local, sustainable seafood from the North Carolina coast to your table. Lin shares his personal story, the beginnings of Locals Seafood, and their innovative business mo...

In this episode, we explore the impactful work of the Pretty In Pink Foundation, dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients who face financial challenges. Becky, a survivor and a key member of the foundation, shares her personal story and journey with breast cancer, and how she came to be part of the foundation. We learn about the foundation's mission, the process of enrolling as a champion, a...

Join us in this inspiring episode with Maggie Kane, a Raleigh native and the founder of Raleigh's first pay-what-you-can café, A Place at the Table. Maggie shares her incredible journey from volunteering at a local day shelter to creating a community space where everyone, regardless of means, can enjoy nutritious meals in a dignified setting. Discover how her commitment to community and innovative...

Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of the Carolina Circus Festival with special guest Alicia Calderwood, the ringmaster herself. Alicia shares her journey from discovering aerialist talents as an adult to opening Pura Vida Studio. Learn how the festival honors circus traditions, brings jaw-dropping performances to Cary, and promotes mental health and suicide prevention. Get ready for ins...

In this episode, Melissa sits down with tech expert Jen McFarland, a contributing writer for WRAL TechWire, author of Cary Magazine's Geek Peek column, and founder of Marit Digital , to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss the implications of AI in our daily lives, its integration into business operations, and how even non-tech-savvy individuals can start using AI tools...

In this inspiring episode, we talk to Gabi Angelini, a 2025 Cary Magazine Mover and Shaker, about her incredible journey as an entrepreneur. Gabi, alongside her mom and manager (momanger) Mary, overcame challenges in the job market faced by adults with special needs, especially those with Down Syndrome. They founded Gabi's Grounds in 2017 and Gabi's PALS in 2020, both ventures geared toward employ...

Join us in the podcast studio as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with apiary expert Justin Maness from Buddha Bee Apiary. Discover how Buddha Bee Apiary installs and maintains honeybee colonies across the Triangle's homes, schools, and businesses. Listen to Justin's journey into beekeeping, starting from his time at NC State and leading to professional research on the effects of pestici...

In this episode, Melissa introduces L.A. Jackson, a garden columnist featured in nearly every issue in Cary Magazine's history. L.A. shares fascinating stories of his gardening journey and career, including his beginnings in Jacksonville, North Carolina, his time as an editor for Carolina Gardener Magazine, and his adventures leading European garden tours. He also discusses his favorite plants, ph...

In this episode, we sit down with Simone and Peter Stier, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind the Cafe Crimes cozy mystery book series. Discover how their real-life move from Los Angeles to the charming town of Fuquay-Varina inspired their bestselling novels set in the fictional Magnolia Grove. Learn about their writing process, transition from corporate jobs to full-time authorship, and how t...

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...