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 describes early public tastings outside his Academy Street home, the strong festival response, and moving into an inspected commercial kitchen before selling officially. Frank discusses festival sales goals, local retailers and restaurants now carrying the product, ideas for serving pimento cheese, and future plans that may expand into Southern baked goods like chocolate and lemon meringue pies.00:00 Meet Frankie B02:08 Family Recipe Roots03:57 From Sharing to Flavors04:39 Festival Buzz Takes Off07:26 Branding and What Makes It Different09:25 Selling Out and Scaling Up14:33 Going Legit Commercial Kitchen16:16 Why Cary Owns Pimento Cheese17:11 Downtown Cary Life Changes19:16 Fencing In Privacy20:02 Roots in Downtown Cary21:04 Festival Crowds and Traffic21:36 Judging Pimento Cheese23:00 Duke's and Family Legacy24:17 Best Ways to Eat It27:33 Beyond Pimento Cheese29:22 Growing Frankie B's32:13 Where to Buy and Ship33:29 Wrap Up and Thanks

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 modern media landscape and how artists are shaped by myth versus truth. Langstaff connects his conservation roots and time in New England wilderness to his debut novel “Sasq'et,” a cinematic, women-centered adventure using Sasquatch as a device to explore identity, nature, and unanswered questions, blending fiction with researched science and history. He shares how the book emerged nonlinearly while living in a remote Maine cabin and traveling cross-country with his dog, Kemo. “Sasq'et” releases April 7, with the audiobook as well.00:00 Meet Maxim Langstaff02:35 Behind the Music Legends06:44 George Martin and Sgt. Pepper09:57 Industry Then and Now12:02 John Denver and Conservation19:18 From Documentaries to Fiction22:11 Truth Best Left Unknown22:34 Writing Finds Its Path23:34 A Woman’s Journey24:13 Sasquatch as Metaphor26:06 Belief Versus Science28:45 Native Names and Origins30:37 From Book to Screen32:29 Craft of Storytelling35:26 Release Date and Audiobook36:46 Lightning Round Favorites40:26 Casting and the Dog43:23 Final Thanks and Farewell

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 corporate job to entrepreneurship, and the tight-knit community they've built around their passion. Learn about the evolution of the trading card industry, their biggest finds, future aspirations, and the joy of bringing families together through this timeless hobby.00:00 Meet the Card Pros02:30 Adam’s First Packs04:09 First Big Pull05:56 From Passion to Business08:06 Opening the First Store09:28 Early Challenges and TCG Shift10:54 Outgrowing the Space14:04 How the Hobby Changed16:38 Getting Started at the Shop18:23 Avoiding Collector Burnout19:27 Trading Online vs. In Store20:01 Breakers and Live Auctions20:48 The Shop Community Vibe22:27 Biggest Collection Purchases24:20 Babe Ruth Signed Baseball25:58 Balancing Hobby and Business27:35 Advice to Younger Self28:48 Future Plans and Growth29:59 Lightning Round Favorites32:36 LEGO Collecting and Minimalism33:59 Where to Find the Shop35:01 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

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 navigating the complexities of the game industry. Don't miss their fascinating journey filled with highs, lows, and plenty of laughs as they bring their creative visions to life.00:00 Meet the Inventors02:48 From School Friends to Co-Founders04:15 Fixing Liar's Dicexsxw05:09 New Mechanics and Game Board07:11 Learning Manufacturing from Scratch08:17 Designers and Industry Help10:19 Marketing and Grassroots Sales13:32 New York Toy Fair Breakthrough16:57 Working with a Friend18:09 Shipping Delays and Tariffs19:42 Canals and Shipping Chaos20:16 Founders' Backgrounds and Skills21:36 Toy Fair to Warehousing22:37 Box Size and Shelf Space23:41 Next Game Spot and Snap24:36 Trade Shows and Cutting Costs26:03 Creative Process and Advice27:45 Family Playtesting Support28:49 Lightning Round Game Night31:18 Where to Find That's Spot On!32:12 Shoutouts and Wrap Up

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 attractions, and excitement around the upcoming Target, and he plugs his Facebook page and newsletter with over 7,000 subscribers.00:00 Meet Today in the Quay02:59 Why He Started It04:36 Fuquay Growth and Vibe05:38 Courtroom vs. Facebook06:58 Spotlight on Youth Sports08:25 The Sarah Strong Story14:52 Businesses and Local Buzz17:04 Awards and Wide Reach20:52 Balancing It All22:32 Favorite Annual Events23:51 24 Hours in Fuquay25:46 Target and What’s Next28:15 Where to Follow and Newsletter29:26 Wrap Up and Thanks

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 tailgating. Martinook talks about recharging off the ice with his wife and three kids, what he watches at home, and his love of restaurants, including favorites from Scott Crawford. He shares an ideal Raleigh food day, dream alternate careers, reality-show survival picks among teammates, perspectives on hockey fights and dental care, his walkout song choice, memorable moments at Lenovo Center, and a perfect family day in Raleigh. 01:01 Show Welcome and Setup 01:36 Rink Trip Introduction 02:19 Olympics Allegiances 03:43 Who Sounds the Siren 04:23 Canes Fans and Tailgates 05:37 Family Life Recharge 06:58 Kids' Movies and TV 08:34 Foodie Life at Home 09:30 Best Food Cities on the Road 11:05 Scott Crawford and Favorites 13:04 Perfect Raleigh Food Day 14:30 Dream Job and Reality TV 16:27 Fights and Dentist Talk 18:22 Walkout Song and Big Moments 20:03 Perfect Raleigh Family Day 21:02 Thanks and Sign Off

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 the courage needed to open a storefront, Hanadi Asad shares insights on balancing family, overcoming fears, and bringing unique Mediterranean desserts to the community. She offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on the community's response to her endeavors. Don't miss this inspiring story of passion, resilience, and artistic innovation.00:00 Introduction to the Sweet Episode02:04 The Origin Story of Asali Desserts and Cafe05:02 From Pharmaceuticals to Pastries06:06 Balancing Passion and Practicality08:15 Challenges and Inspirations13:47 Family Involvement in the Business17:16 Cultural Influences on Business17:55 Struggles with Language and Hospitality18:29 Creating a Welcoming Environment19:24 Cultural Comparisons and Challenges20:43 Exploring Palestinian Desserts22:31 Personal Favorites and Unique Recipes24:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs26:55 Reflections on Timing and Challenges28:55 Future Plans and Personal Growth31:34 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

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 assistance, job training, and advocacy. The episode delves into the merger process, the challenges, and the significant community impact that came from combining two long-standing nonprofits. André also shares heartfelt stories of how NeighborUp has positively affected individuals and families, offering a beacon of hope in times of need. Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved and support your community through NeighborUp.01:29 Spotlight on Community Heroes02:40 André Anthony's Journey03:55 Mentorship and Impact06:40 Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry10:12 The Merger: NeighborUp12:15 Navigating the Merger Process15:32 Impact of the Merger19:36 Dorcas Thrift Shop Rebranding20:13 Introduction to NeighborUp and Dorcas Thrift Shop21:11 Expansion Plans for Dorcas Thrift Shop21:22 The Ministry Aspect of Dorcas Thrift Shop22:34 The Origin of the Name Dorcas23:04 Impact Stories from NeighborUp27:08 How to Get Involved with NeighborUp31:58 Personal Insights and Fun Activities34:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 to different seasons, collaborates with other institutions, and engages with the community. Discover what it takes to bring art to life and the future exhibitions you can't miss.00:00 Introduction and Personal Background00:21 Museum Dynamics and Building Names00:49 Podcast Setup and Introduction01:32 Introducing the North Carolina Museum of Art02:41 Art in Bloom Exhibition04:18 Valerie's Journey to Museum Directorship11:04 Museum Operations and Community Engagement13:30 Unique Aspects of the North Carolina Museum of Art17:00 The Importance of Planning Your Museum Visit17:40 The Perks of Local Museums18:24 Introducing Art in Bloom19:12 Challenges and Logistics of Art in Bloom21:37 Themes and Inspirations for Art in Bloom23:12 Collaborations and Special Events29:33 Upcoming Exhibits and Events32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts