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

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; attracting visitors for leisure, business, and sports; and enhancing the local economy through tourism. Learn about Raleigh's upcoming events, its unique attractions, and discover hidden gems you might have missed. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to fall in love with the City of Oaks.00:00 Welcome to Raleigh: A Southern Gem01:08 Meet Jessica Holt: Promoting Raleigh Worldwide01:39 The Mission of Visit Raleigh02:06 Balancing Growth and Local Charm02:56 Sports and Event Venues in Raleigh03:52 Relocating to Raleigh: A Visitor's Journey04:25 Raleigh's Unique Attractions and Free Offerings05:35 Target Audiences for Raleigh Tourism06:40 Music Festivals and Events in Raleigh09:18 Economic Impact of Events and Festivals11:23 Exploring Wake County's Surrounding Towns12:59 Raleigh's Food Scene: Michelin Guide Recognition17:04 Recent Developments in Raleigh19:40 Pitching Raleigh: A Diverse and Eclectic Destination20:28 Diverse Pitches for Different Travelers21:04 Exciting Events and Festivals in Raleigh22:23 Upcoming Developments in Raleigh25:23 Challenges in Increasing Tourism26:50 International Travel and Comparisons to Raleigh29:36 Lightning Round: Favorite Spots and Hidden Gems34:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 effectively, from apps to good old spreadsheets. Tune in for actionable financial advice to ensure 2026 is the year your wallet breathes a sigh of relief.00:00 Introduction to Financial Goals for 202601:18 Meet Joe Mecca: Financial Expert02:01 Tip 1: The Importance of Budgeting08:05 Tip 2: Building an Emergency Fund11:42 Tip 3: Reassessing Retirement Plans18:21 Tip 4: Implementing a Debt Reduction Plan23:33 Tip 5: Rewarding Yourself for Financial Success26:11 Conclusion: Wrapping up Financial Resolutions

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 manager of the West Jefferson Hotel, about the hotel's rich history, substantial renovations led by her father Mark Beck, and notable local activities including shopping, hiking, and river excursions. Both guests offer detailed travel tips and underscore the importance of preserving local history.00:22 Exploring North Carolina's Hidden Gems00:53 Discovering Edenton: A Historical Treasure03:10 Edenton's Must-See Attractions06:12 Edenton's Culinary Delights13:12 West Jefferson: A Mountain Retreat13:37 West Jefferson Hotel: A Historic Revival17:14 Dining at the West Jefferson Hotel20:16 Top Activities in West Jefferson23:16 Summer Fun in West Jefferson25:29 Conclusion and Farewell

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, the importance of individualized care, and the latest insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tune in to learn valuable information about managing this crucial phase of women's lives.00:00 Introduction to Women's Health Focus01:11 Meet Jamie Gallagher: Perimenopause Specialist01:57 Personal Journey and Professional Insights03:27 Challenges in Menopause Care04:14 Hormone Therapy Controversies09:47 Heart Disease and Estrogen15:53 Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms23:21 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained25:22 Comparing Birth Control and HRT25:42 The Importance of Continuous HRT26:40 The Black Box Warning on HRT27:14 The Impact of Estrogen on Women's Health29:24 Challenges in Hormone Therapy Education30:42 Addressing Common Questions on HRT33:18 Natural Supplements and Hormone Therapy36:10 Menopause and Joint Pain38:08 Weight Gain During Menopause40:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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 people maintain their fitness resolutions long-term. Learn about their journey into the fitness world, the unique aspects that set their studio apart, and their commitment to mental and physical health. We also discuss their involvement in the Rock Steady Boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their new initiative, AKtivate Movement and Recovery. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025 and beyond.00:00 Welcome and New Year's Resolutions02:10 Meet the Fitness Experts: Adrian and Megan02:41 Fitness Journeys: From Personal to Professional05:53 Building a Fitness Community07:17 The Rewards of Coaching09:23 Challenges of Running a Fitness Business14:59 Rock Steady Boxing: A Unique Approach to Parkinson's19:43 Empowering Athletes: From 8 to 70 Members20:34 The Importance of Strength Training21:53 Kickboxing: A Comprehensive Workout25:51 New Year, New Goals: Fitness Resolutions29:06 Introducing Activate Movement and Recovery32:12 The Vision for the Future33:35 Conclusion: Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

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, their benefits for athletes, those with chronic illnesses, and even the hungover. We also discuss cutting-edge treatments like NAD+ therapy and the importance of choosing a well-regulated clinic. Join us for a comprehensive look at how IV hydration therapy is transforming health and wellness.00:00 Introduction to Germ Season and IV Hydration Therapy01:50 Meet Dr. Jonathan Leake: From ER to IV Hydration02:41 The Birth and Growth of Hydrate Medical04:17 Experiencing IV Hydration: A Personal Account05:34 Understanding IV Hydration Therapy07:39 NAD+ Treatment: The Anti-Aging Miracle08:35 Customizing Your IV Drip for Maximum Benefits10:04 IV Hydration for Athletes and Hangover Recovery14:42 Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of IV Hydration16:17 IV Hydration for Chronic Illness and Migraines17:37 Misconceptions About IV Hydration Therapy18:04 Safety and Standards in IV Hydration18:38 Benefits of IV Hydration18:58 Who Should Avoid IV Hydration?19:31 Designing a Signature Drip20:21 Unusual Requests from Clients21:39 Balancing Medicine and Business25:08 Future Goals and Expansion26:07 Flying and Personal Interests27:37 Where to Learn More About Hydrate Medical

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, and Christie Moser, President of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. They discuss recent successes, upcoming projects, and the importance of community collaboration in economic growth. Highlights include new mixed-use developments, expansions in healthcare and retail, and the booming entrepreneurial scene. Tune in for an insightful look into the vibrant business landscape of Wake County!00:00 Welcome to What's Up, Wake!00:55 Economic Development in Apex03:00 Community Collaboration and Chamber Roles05:02 Exciting Prospects for 202610:13 Fuquay-Varina's Booming Growth22:34 Balancing Support for Small and Large Businesses24:24 Economic Development Wins in Cary25:58 The Impact of Downtown Cary Park27:57 Future Prospects for Cary33:22 Morrisville's Economic Growth and Announcements35:55 Morrisville's Community and Future Plans38:47 The Importance of Regional Collaboration40:30 Fun Activities in Morrisville43:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks