What’s Up, Wake

Our host, Melissa, welcomes storyteller Liz Pardue for a Halloween-week conversation about spooky local history and legends. Liz shares how she started storytelling and highlights tales from her book Fuquay-Varina Ghost Legends and Lore, including the assassination of Fuquay mayor and doctor Wiley Cozart in 1952 and reports of his wife Pauline’s perfumed presence at their home. She discusses a recent-looking “ghost gal” near Duncan Junction, the haunted Heck-Andrews House, the Devil’s Tramping Ground in Chatham County, and a Fuquay home rumored to have a portal. Liz also mentions avoiding one murder-related house, choosing Dorothea Dix for a potential investigation, naming André Leon Talley as someone she’d want to meet, and promoting her Keep NC Weird tour and online channels.

00:00 Local Sponsor Spots

01:17 Show Intro Halloween Theme

02:53 Liz Storytelling Origins

04:01 Fuquay Ghost Pauline

07:27 Modern Spirits Folklore

09:00 Heck Andrews Haunting

11:16 Devils Tramping Ground

16:49 Fuquay Portal House

18:52 Places To Avoid Alone

21:39 Dorothea Dix Investigation

25:09 Summon Andre Leon Talley

26:37 Keep NC Weird Tour

28:37 Spaghetti The Mummy

30:50 Follow Liz Book Links

32:15 Closing Credits

What’s Up Wake Episode 81 gets a little wild as Melissa talks all things goats with Stephen Paul, director of Goats on the Go. Stephen shares how he went from corporate IT in London and Australia to using goats for regenerative land management and brush clearing.

With around 150 goats working across the Triangle, Stephen explains how the goats are divided into different herds and sent to properties to clear unwanted vegetation without gas-powered equipment. The conversation covers some of their most unusual projects, including work at Dix Park and a surprising partnership with a tiger rescue, where the goats helped provide enrichment for the tigers while also managing vegetation.

Melissa and Stephen also talk about what goats will and will not eat, the importance of checking properties for plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurels, and how goat owners keep track of their herds with GPS trackers. Stephen even shares the story of one particularly determined goat who escaped in North Hills and was eventually caught by an animal control officer who happened to be someone he had previously gone on a date with.

From regenerative farming to goat escapes, hidden hazards, and the realities of bringing goats to public events, this episode proves there is a lot more to goats than meets the eye.

Next, Jesi Wilde (founder) and Lauren Cantwell (operations manager) discuss Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary in Fuquay-Varina, its growth to 59 goats, daily care needs, common surrender reasons (including HOA changes and lone goats), goat personalities, major expenses like perimeter fencing, and ways to support the nonprofit via smithfarmgoatsanctuary.org, sponsorships, volunteering, events, and social media.

00:00 Smart Blinds Intro

00:39 Local Sponsor Spots

01:55 Goat Episode Setup

02:19 Meet Goats on the Go

02:55 Steven’s Origin Story

06:01 Herd Life and Home Base

08:23 Projects and Logistics

09:16 Dix Park and Tiger Rescue

12:24 Why Goats Beat Mowers

13:45 Weird Requests and Goat Diapers

15:54 Escape Goat Storytime

18:57 What Goats Won’t Eat

23:56 Sanctuary Segment Intro

24:47 Meet Smith Farm Team

25:28 Lauren’s Volunteer Path

27:05 Jesi’s Founding Story

29:31 Rusty Farm Beginnings

29:49 TikTok Goat Goes Viral

30:24 Goat Fest Momentum

30:39 Launching the Nonprofit

31:42 Goat Care Reality Check

33:26 Rescue Intakes and HOAs

34:07 Why Goats Need Friends

35:33 From Diapers to Pasture

36:46 Meet the Herd Leaders

38:35 Kevin the Protector

40:39 Daily Farm Operations

42:48 Fence Repairs and Priorities

44:43 How to Support the Sanctuary

45:15 Sponsorships and Memberships

48:26 Thanks and Wrap Up

What’s Up Wake features Tyree Dudley, founder of The Other Side of Raleigh, an organization working to connect with Raleigh’s unhoused community and bring attention to stories that often go unnoticed.

Tyree shares how he moved from New Jersey to Raleigh to expand his marketing and branding business, only to discover a much bigger purpose while working downtown near Moore Square. After building relationships with people experiencing homelessness, he began sharing their stories on social media. One of his first videos reached 130,000 views and led to community members immediately stepping up to meet the needs being shared.

The conversation explores the misconceptions surrounding homelessness and why understanding someone’s story matters. Tyree explains how The Other Side of Raleigh works to bridge the gap between people who want to help and people who need help, while also connecting the community with organizations such as Oak City Cares, the Carter Clinic, and Healing Transitions.

Tyree also talks about the Community Makeover, an event that gave 10 community members a day focused on feeling seen and valued. From haircuts and new clothes to shopping, dining, and spending time together, the experience created new friendships and gave participants a chance to feel like part of the community.

The episode also looks at Raleigh’s rapid growth, rising housing costs, the role of government, and Tyree’s hope to eventually expand The Other Side of Raleigh beyond Raleigh to other communities. He shares how the organization has grown far beyond what he originally expected and why he believes the best approach is to take things day by day.

Tyree explains how people can get involved through donations and volunteering at theothersideofraleigh.org, and shares plans for an upcoming car giveaway.

00:00 Presented By

00:10 Bloomin' Blinds Raleigh

00:39 Local Sponsor Spots

01:53 Homelessness Spotlight Setup

02:35 Meet Tyree Dudley

03:23 From Marketing To Mission

05:00 First Story Goes Viral

06:38 Why Other Side Raleigh

08:53 Misconceptions About Homelessness

12:01 Community Steps Up

13:01 Amanda Lamb Joins In

13:56 Making People Feel Seen

18:17 Partnering With Local Nonprofits

19:09 Community Makeover Event

20:13 Giving Back on Birthday

21:01 Makeover Day Emotions

22:36 Next Event Upgrades

23:14 Community Do Gooders

23:53 What Government Can Do

25:57 Raleigh Growth and Displacement

28:12 Bigger Than Raleigh Vision

29:08 How You Can Help

29:38 Five-Year Goals

31:05 Donations, Volunteers, and Car Giveaway

31:59 Where to Follow and Wrap Up

This episode of What's Up Wake goes behind the mic with Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play announcer Mike Maniscalco. Mike shares how his love of sports turned into a career in broadcasting, from student radio and television to calling Hurricanes games and covering some of the biggest moments in franchise history.

Mike talks about what makes hockey one of the hardest sports to call, the preparation that goes into every game, and how he learns from both his best and worst broadcasts. He also opens up about working alongside Trip Tracy, the importance of having chemistry with your broadcast partner, and what it is really like to call a game live with thousands of Caniacs reacting to every moment.

The conversation also looks back at the Hurricanes’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, including the emotional moment when Mike and Trip realized the team had finally reached the championship series. Mike shares what makes Carolina’s fan base so special, why he considers the Lenovo Center one of the loudest buildings in the NHL, and how the Hurricanes have helped turn North Carolina into a true hockey town.

Mike also discusses being named the 2025 North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year, why he hates hearing his own voice, and the surprising fact that despite his job requiring him to be extremely outgoing, he is actually very shy.

The episode wraps up with a What's Up Roundup lightning round covering the hardest Hurricanes player name to say, Jordan Martinook’s personality, the game Mike would love to call in sports history, his favorite catchphrase stories, which player he would call in an emergency, and who he would choose to sound the siren before a Hurricanes game.

00:00 Smart Shades Intro
00:10 In Home Window Consults
00:38 Local Sponsor Spots
01:52 Meet Mike Maniscalco
02:57 Early Sports Dreams
04:39 Buffalo Hockey Roots
06:13 Breaking Into Radio
07:28 Advice For Broadcasters
08:20 Calling Hockey Fast
09:19 Prep And Repetition
12:47 Live Mistakes And Fun
14:08 Broadcast Partner Chemistry
15:25 Inside The Canes Crew
16:56 Caniacs And Game Atmosphere
22:30 Stanley Cup Booth Cam
25:28 Team Bonds And Loyalty
26:28 Calling Big Games Calmly
27:04 Playoff Moments That Stand Out
28:20 Athlete Mindset And Consistency
29:28 Game Six Vegas Nerves
31:22 Sportscaster Of The Year Honor
32:15 Shy Off Mic Reality
34:56 Lightning Round Hurricanes Picks
39:20 Dream Siren Sounders
40:58 Season Wrap And Thanks

What’s Up, Wake Episode 80 features Melissa in conversation with Van Starling II, managing broker for Hodge and Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty, about the current Triangle real estate market and what buyers and sellers should expect heading into 2027.

Van describes the local market as balanced and much closer to pre COVID conditions, with more inventory giving buyers additional choices and time to make decisions. He also discusses the challenges facing first time home buyers, including rising home prices, down payments, insurance costs, and the importance of planning for the long term rather than searching for a forever home.

The conversation also explores how Raleigh and surrounding communities are changing as more people move into the area. Van shares which towns are seeing major growth, including Angier, Pittsboro, Garner, Clayton, Sanford, and Siler City, along with the challenges that come with building new homes, roads, schools, and other infrastructure.

The episode then shifts to the 2026 Triangle Parade of Homes, including how to use the event to explore new communities and see the latest design trends. Van highlights earth tones, sage greens, wellness spaces, indoor and outdoor living, more defined rooms, and hidden kitchens and sculleries. He also explains how the Parade of Homes app makes it easier to plan which homes to visit.

00:00 Smart Shades Intro

00:38 Local Sponsor Spots

01:52 Market Update Overview

02:56 Balanced Market Explained

05:47 First Time Buyer Advice

09:04 Affordability Reality Check

10:24 Rent Trends And Saving

11:43 Growth Versus Character

14:21 Tear Downs And Design Shifts

20:26 Where Growth Is Heading

21:35 Triangle Growth Hotspots

22:09 Roads and School Strain

23:02 2027 Market Reality Check

23:51 Budgeting Before You Buy

24:38 Why a Crash Is Unlikely

26:38 2008 vs Today Lending

27:08 Parade of Homes Overview

28:31 Design Trends to Watch

29:32 Must Have Home Features

31:22 Planning Your Parade Route

32:59 Hidden Kitchens and Secret Rooms

34:06 The 2026 Triangle Parade of Homes takes place October 3 through 4, October 9 through 11, and October 16 through 18.

North Carolina Seafood: Local Shrimp, Trawling Debate (HB 442) & the NC Seafood Festival

Sponsored in Part by Bloomin’ Blinds Raleigh, we dive into North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry with Amy McCullough of NC Catch. Amy explains NC Catch’s consumer education mission, its statewide chef ambassadors, and how to identify real local seafood by asking questions and looking for menu details. She highlights North Carolina shrimp varieties and seasons, the importance of fishing to coastal economies and multigenerational families, and discusses the controversy around House Bill 442, which proposed restricting inshore shrimp trawling where much of the shrimp is caught; she argues trawling is already highly regulated, and bycatch claims are often outdated. Melissa also interviews Nick Eatman, executive director of the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City, about the 40th festival, its focus on North Carolina-only seafood, educational tents, Fisherman’s Village, and the Blessing of the Fleet memorial.

00:00 Welcome and Sponsors

01:30 Episode Preview NC Seafood

02:39 Meet NC Catch

04:30 What Counts as Local

06:01 NC Shrimp Seasons

08:54 Fishing Heritage Impact

10:28 House Bill 442 Explained

12:13 Trawling Facts and Gear

17:43 Why It Matters Next

19:31 Commercial vs Recreational

20:23 Seafood Festival Education

22:10 Chef Demos and Dinners

22:55 Favorite Seafood Picks

23:54 Whole Fish Confidence

26:03 Oysters and Terroir

26:59 Wrap Up and Resources

27:41 Meet Nick Eatman

30:21 What Makes It Special

33:17 Local Seafood Only

34:37 Fishermans Village Tours

35:59 Blessing of the Fleet

37:22 Supporting Fishing Families

38:15 Festival Challenges Today

39:26 Final Thanks and Signoff

Episode 78 of What’s Up Wake explores the world of kitchen gardening with Corinne Beirne, founder of The Nourished Garden. Corinne shares how she went from growing herbs on her back porch to helping others create beautiful, productive gardens that fit into everyday life.

Melissa and Corinne discuss beginner-friendly herbs and vegetables, raised beds, seasonal gardening in Wake County, growing food in small spaces, and why gardeners should focus on growing what they actually eat. They also explore the mental benefits of gardening, including patience, resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of spending time outside.

Corinne also shares her experiences being featured in Martha Stewart, her work teaching gardening workshops, and how she helps people get started with their own kitchen gardens. Her biggest advice for new gardeners is simple: start small, find a sunny space, and grow what you love.

00:00 Show Intro Sponsor

00:06 Smart Blinds Pitch

00:39 Woodworking Sponsor Spot

01:30 Why Grow Your Food

02:36 Meet Corinne Byrne

02:59 Nourished Garden Origin

04:45 What Is Kitchen Garden

06:16 Start Any Space

08:08 Beginner Herbs Veggies

09:40 Workshops Garden Coaching

11:47 Watering Systems Timing

12:23 Fall Cool-Season Crops

14:22 Lettuce Seed Starts

15:12 Winter Harvest Herbs

19:08 Raised Beds Vs Ground

20:05 Soil Compost Basics

20:59 Hydroponics Basics

22:17 Indoor Gardening Options

22:45 Gardening Mindset Shift

24:54 Wellness Through Ritual

27:23 Kids Learning From Gardens

28:34 Start Small Garden Tips

29:58 Harvesting Carrots Right

31:28 Martha Stewart Feature

32:46 Rosemary Migraine Remedy

34:00 Where To Find Her

Find Corinne & The Nourished Garden

Website: http://www.thenourishedgarden.com/

Instagram: @the_nourished_garden

In this episode of What's Up Wake, Melissa sits down with Amy Beros, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, to discuss hunger and food insecurity across the region.

Amy shares the story of how the Food Bank began in 1980 with Barbara Oates and a small group of volunteers, growing from a card table and phone in a Cary garage into an organization serving 34 counties through six locations. She explains how rising grocery, housing, healthcare, and transportation costs are affecting working families, seniors, and children, and why food insecurity is often much closer to home than people realize.

The conversation also takes listeners behind the scenes of the Food Bank's complex logistics, from moving 100 million pounds of food each year to working with grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, schools, and community partners. Amy explains how donations such as Food Lion's contributions, locally grown produce, and even unexpected truckloads of strawberries and eggs can quickly make their way into communities that need them.

Melissa and Amy also discuss the stigma surrounding food insecurity, the importance of providing food with dignity, and the challenges of transportation and access in both urban and rural communities. With September being Hunger Action Month, Amy shares ways people can get involved through volunteering, donating, and advocacy, including the Food Bank's Plate It Forward campaign and other community initiatives.

00:00 Bloomin' Blinds Raleigh

00:32 Local Sponsor Spotlight

01:24 Hunger Conversation Begins

02:32 Food Bank Origin Story

04:52 Amy’s Path to Service

05:43 Rising Hunger Crisis

07:08 Kids and School Meals

09:22 Schools and College Pantries

10:07 Inside Food Bank Logistics

13:41 Access and Transportation Barriers

17:01 Farmers and Food Partnerships

19:02 Stigma and Misconceptions

22:05 How You Can Help

24:35 Advocacy and SNAP

26:06 Service Area and Rural Challenges

28:10 Hunger Action Month

29:04 Hope and Youth Leadership

30:30 Get Involved and Closing

foodbankcenc.org

In this episode of What’s Up, Wake, host Melissa Wistehuff sits down with two women helping shape education in Wake County: Dr. Mariah Walker, principal of Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, and Tamani Anderson Powell, director of marketing and recruitment for Wake County Public School System’s magnet programs. Both have also been recognized as Women of Western Wake honorees. They explain what makes Wake County’s magnet schools different, from leadership and STEM to visual and performing arts, International Baccalaureate programs, language immersion, early college opportunities, and specialized learning environments.

Dr. Walker shares how Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy combines leadership development with early college opportunities, allowing students to earn up to 60 college credits at no cost through its partnership with Shaw University. Many graduates can enter college academically positioned as sophomores or juniors. Tamani breaks down how magnet schools work for Wake County families, including base schools, applications, the weighted selection process, and why choosing a school should be about finding the environment where an individual student can thrive — not simply choosing the program a parent thinks sounds best.

00:00 Smart Shades Intro

00:32 Local Sponsor Spots

01:25 Show Opens

01:48 Meet The Guests

02:41 Mariah Background

06:00 Tamani Background

08:05 Principal Of The Year

11:02 Leadership Advice

14:37 Women Of Western Wake

15:12 Wake YWLA Explained

16:56 Early College Credits

20:22 What Magnet Means

23:32 Magnet Logistics Basics

24:15 Choosing Magnet Schools

25:14 Lottery and Student Fit

27:29 Magnet Themes Explained

28:08 IB and Immersion Options

30:20 College and Career Prep

35:06 Tours and Info Sessions

36:53 Final Thanks and Wrap

Secret Raleigh with Emily Price: Hidden Gems, Ghost Stories & Lost Landmarks

Melissa interviews Emily Price, author of “Secret Raleigh: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure,” about unusual and mysterious places around Raleigh. Price explains her love of weird history and how she researched multiple versions of local legends using the North Carolina Archives and old newspapers. She shares crowd-pleasing finds like one of the first electric guitars being made at NC State, the pink dog remnant of Gotno Farm behind Preservation NC on Oberlin Road, and haunted lore including the Heck-Andrews House and a reportedly haunted room in the governor’s mansion. The conversation also covers Hargett Street’s “Black Main Street,” Bloomsbury Park’s former rides and carousel now at Pullen Park, and recommendations like downtown wandering, the Muffler Man landmark, and visiting Raleigh Times.

00:00 Sponsor Messages
01:44 Meet Emily Price
03:05 Why Raleigh Secrets
04:48 Fact Checking Legends
05:59 Crowd Pleasers
07:00 Cut Stories Food Focus
08:33 Gotno Farm Pink Dog
10:14 Hotels Taverns History
14:28 Pretty Places Waterfall
18:00 Ghost Stories Begin
19:04 Haunted House Update
19:48 Raleigh Ghost Stories
20:46 Black Main Street History
24:00 Bloomsbury Park Rides
26:40 Pullen Park Zoo Tales
28:21 Future North Carolina Book
29:14 Lightning Round Favorites
32:56 Where to Buy Secret Raleigh

SPCA of Wake County: Rescue Stories, Affordable Vet Care & the New Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center

This episode features Kim Janzen, president and CEO of the SPCA of Wake County, discussing the organization’s mission, funding, and evolving approach to animal welfare. Kim explains that SPCA of Wake County is not affiliated with the ASPCA and is funded primarily by private donations and fees for service. She shares how the shelter has shifted in recent years toward supporting “the other end of the leash” by helping families keep pets at home, especially as veterinary costs rise and financially driven surrenders increase. The conversation covers misconceptions about shelter animals, trends showing more cats than dogs entering shelters, and the SPCA’s intake of animals from 58 rural counties to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Kim highlights expanded low-cost spay/neuter services and the new 47,000-square-foot Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center in South Raleigh, and outlines ways to help through adopting, donating, volunteering, fostering, and birthday donation drives.

00:00 Sponsor Ting Internet
00:30 Local Woodworking Sponsor
00:45 Cary Car Care Sponsor
01:44 Meet SPCA Wake Leader
03:13 Kim’s Path to SPCA
03:36 Mission and Funding
04:25 No Typical Day
04:51 How SPCA Evolved
06:18 Shelter Misconceptions
08:51 Adoption Trends and Costs
10:46 Beyond Cats and Dogs
13:25 Rescue Story Spotlight
15:15 Spay Neuter Programs
16:55 Why Adopt First
17:15 Finding the Right Match
18:59 Ways to Support SPCA
20:07 Volunteers and Fosters
20:53 New Resource Center Tour
22:28 How You Can Help Now
23:09 Hope and Closing

50th Annual Lazy Days Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary: What to Expect + Insider Tips

The episode spotlights Cary’s 50th annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival, a two-day downtown event that draws about 50,000 visitors and features 250+ juried artist booths, live music, food, family activities, and more. Host interviews Jenna Kostka, the Town of Cary’s festival and events supervisor, about the festival’s origins (named for the “lazy days of summer” by founder Jerry Miller), the juried artist selection process (500 applicants for just over 250 spots), and what makes the festival unique, including four stages, a beer garden with local breweries, Kid Daze programming, and the Kid Collectors Market for ages 6–12. Jenna shares planning details, Sunday’s sensory-friendly first two hours, and how to prepare using carync.gov/lazydaze and @caryartdaze.

00:00 Welcome to Lazy Daze

02:40 Meet Jenna Kostka

04:00 Festival Scale and Name

05:21 What to Expect

06:06 How Artists Are Chosen

07:22 Beyond Art Kids and Music

09:07 Kid Collectors Market

10:34 Planning and Logistics

18:01 Volunteers and Chaos

19:45 Festival Mishaps and Weather

21:07 Why Lazy Daze Stands Out

22:34 Best Food Picks

23:53 Pro Tips and Sunday Calm

26:03 Beer Garden and Lounge

27:03 Anniversary and New Artists

29:49 Dates, Links, and Farewell

This episode features an interview with Camp Kesem regional program coordinator Jenna Rumsey and former camper turned counselor Grace Kester about Camp Kesem, a nonprofit providing free summer camp and year-round support for children whose parents are affected by cancer, including diagnosis, treatment, remission, and loss. They explain Kesem’s three main programs — Camp Kesem, Club Kesem (monthly virtual meetups), and Kesem Together (daytime community programs) — and how 115 college chapters and thousands of student volunteers, many of them former campers, create trust and relatability. The conversation highlights camp traditions, nicknames, and the “empowerment” session that helps kids share stories and build resilience, plus how to donate or get involved via kesem.org and local North Carolina chapters.

00:00 Local Sponsors Intro
01:44 Summer Camp Setup
03:04 Kesem Mission Programs
04:29 Student Volunteers Origins
08:12 Grace Camper Story
11:02 Fun Plus Empowerment
16:56 Nicknames Traditions
19:23 Chapter Vibes Moments
23:02 Growth Impact Stories
26:32 Partners' Favorite Memories
29:55 Donate Get Involved

Melissa interviews Sam Nelson, owner of Pretty Good Coffee Company, a North Carolina-based luxury mobile coffee cart business that grew from his home espresso hobby into a catering-focused operation. Sam explains why he chose the cart model over a brick-and-mortar shop, emphasizing flexibility and lower overhead, and shares how the “Pretty Good” name became a fun part of the brand. He describes his Chick-fil-A-inspired approach to fast, friendly hospitality and breaks down what “specialty coffee” means — precision, consistency, and even water quality — while noting their partnership with Black & White Coffee Roasters in Wake Forest. They discuss latte art, including a latte-art printer for custom logos and faces, how they balance speed and quality, training baristas for friendliness first, favorite events, launching a third cart, and future expansion into other mobile food and beverage concepts like bartending.

00:00 Meet Sam Nelson
02:52 From Chicago to Raleigh
03:22 Birthday Espresso Spark
03:52 Why Coffee on Wheels
05:19 The Pretty Good Name
06:17 Chick-fil-A Service Mindset
07:20 What Is Specialty Coffee
09:14 Beans Origins and Processing
12:09 Latte Art and Printers
13:51 Speed Quality and Gear
15:13 How Booking Works
17:37 Favorite Clients and Dream Venues
19:06 Decaf After 5 PM
19:19 Favorite Event Venues
19:59 Leadership Lessons Learned
21:14 Hiring Friendly Baristas
22:05 Latte Art Is Hard
23:09 Perfect Day Running Carts
24:00 Indoor vs. Outdoor Setups
24:38 Three Carts Scaling Up
25:06 Future Beyond Coffee
26:22 Lightning Round Fun
27:16 Seasonal Signature Drinks
28:31 Wild Latte Art Requests
29:28 Where to Book Them
29:48 Final Thanks and Wrap

The host interviews David McCreary, a freelance food feature writer for Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad since 2004, about how he got into food writing, his process for pitching and covering monthly themes, and why he focuses on positive storytelling rather than anonymous food criticism. McCreary discusses changes in the Triangle dining scene over the past 20 years, highlighting growth in Cary, Fenton, Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina, and emphasizes supporting local restaurateurs in a volatile industry. He shares tips for aspiring food writers, his biggest restaurant turnoff (a dirty restroom), and recommendations including Cilantro Indian Cafe, Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi, Crawford Brothers Steakhouse, and the hidden gem Frankie Frank’s hot dog cart, plus nostalgia picks like Darryl’s and Mr. Dunderbak’s.

00:00 Meet the Food Writer
02:42 How He Got Started
03:24 The Art of Describing Food
04:11 Behind the Scenes Process
05:39 Saying No to Bad Fits
06:20 Not a Critic Just Positive
07:53 What Makes Dining Great
08:40 Triangle Food Boom
10:49 Why Local Restaurants Matter
12:49 Favorite Bites and Trends
16:10 Foods He Avoids
17:25 Closures and COVID Impact
18:37 Keeping Writing Fresh
19:40 Food Critics Then and Now
20:28 Food Critics Today
20:53 Influencers Shape Dining
21:38 Bathroom Cleanliness Test
23:24 Restaurants Worth Reviving
24:34 Hard Parts of Food Writing
26:14 Hidden Gem Hot Dogs
29:03 Awkward Check Surprise
30:49 Tips for New Food Writers
32:25 Triangle Weekend Must Eats
34:29 Wrap Up and Thanks.

Executive Director Tonya Palumbo discusses how the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses as a 501(c)(6) membership organization, distinct from government and from 501(c)(3) nonprofits. She shares how member needs have shifted through rapid growth and rising costs, highlighting resources like business education, advocacy, networking, and access to small-business health insurance options through partnerships including the NC Chamber and Carolina HealthWorks. Palombo explains initiatives such as joint ribbon cuttings that connect multiple businesses at once and the chamber’s supplier program that helps historically underutilized businesses become HUB certified and connect with large employers like Fujifilm and Amgen to keep spending local. She also covers fundraising efforts that have raised over $100,000 for the Holly Springs Food Cupboard, downtown revitalization, community festivals, and the chamber’s milestone of a female-led executive committee and board.

00:00 Meet Tonya Palumbo
02:20 Photography Roots
03:51 What Chambers Do
04:54 Small Business Needs
08:06 Big Growth Impact
08:44 Supplier Hub Program
10:52 Downtown Boom
12:52 Joint Ribbon Cuttings
16:21 Food Cupboard Fundraising
18:48 Women Leading Chamber
21:30 Supplier Program Deep Dive
23:58 Events And Future
26:07 Why Join Chamber
28:37 How To Connect
29:11 Closing Thanks

What does the way you speak reveal about who you are?

In this fascinating episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Walt Wolfram, the William C. Friday Distinguished University Professor at NC State University and one of America's foremost experts on dialects and sociolinguistics. Together, they explore the rich history behind North Carolina's accents, the stories they preserve, and why language is one of our state's greatest cultural treasures.

From the famous Outer Banks "Hoi Toider" brogue to Appalachian English, African American English, Cherokee, and the rise of "y'all" across America, Dr. Wolfram explains how geography, history, immigration, and culture shaped the way North Carolinians speak.

The conversation also explores disappearing dialects, the preservation of the Cherokee language, the surprising origin of the word "dingbatter," why outsiders judge Southern accents, and why every person's voice tells a unique story.

Whether you're a lifelong North Carolinian, a history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by language, this episode will change the way you hear the people around you.

02:00 – Introducing Dr. Walt Wolfram

04:00 – How growing up in a German immigrant family shaped his life's work

07:00 – Why every person's story matters

09:00 – The unique dialects of Ocracoke and the Outer Banks

11:00 – Is the Outer Banks accent really Elizabethan English?

12:00 – The surprising origin of the word "dingbatter"

13:00 – Inside Talkin' Tar Heel and documenting North Carolina speech

14:00 – Hearing the famous "Hoi Toider" accent

15:00 – Harkers Island and North Carolina's coastal dialects

18:00 – Why North Carolina has more dialect diversity than any other state

23:00 – Why Southern accents should be celebrated

24:00 – Saving the Cherokee language before it's lost

29:00 – Why accents create stereotypes

30:00 – The history of "y'all" and why it's spreading across America

31:00 – Favorite stories from decades of field research

33:00 – Giving back to the communities that preserve language

35:00 – The story behind "North Cackalacky"

36:00 – Can your accent reveal where you're from?

38:00 – Dr. Wolfram's retirement and continuing his life's work

How Shibumi Shade Became North Carolina’s Unofficial Beach Flag | 10 Years of a Homegrown Idea

Ahead of the July 4th beach rush, the episode features Dane Barnes, co-founder of Shibumi Shade, reflecting on the company’s 10-year rise from a DIY, wind-powered shade prototype made from hardware-store materials to a common sight on North Carolina beaches. Barnes explains how he, his brother Scott, and friend Alex—without sewing or product experience—built early shades for their own family trips to Emerald Isle, began taking orders in 2016, and later grew into a Raleigh-based business with defined roles across sales, operations, and marketing. He shares the meaning of “Shibumi,” discusses the Quiet Canopy and the shift from local manufacturing to overseas production, clarifies misconceptions about beach bans, and highlights new products including the Shibumi Chair and the Park Vista shade for grass.

00:00 Sponsor Messages

01:44 July 4 Beach Setup

02:53 Origin Story Prototype

05:13 From Hobby to Orders

06:15 Meaning of Shibumi

06:55 How the Shade Works

08:09 Founders and Roles

09:51 Manufacturing and Quiet Canopy

10:44 Beach Bans Explained

14:26 Becoming a Must-Have

15:23 New Colors and Editions

17:05 Why Raleigh Base

18:07 Lessons in Entrepreneurship

19:54 New Products Park and Chair

23:06 What's Next and Brand Magic

24:50 Lightning Round Favorites

26:59 Where to Buy Closing

In this episode, local storyteller, historian, and author Heather Leah shares how she began writing online more than a decade ago, grew a large following by blending deep research with engaging “hidden history,” and why preserving local stories matters as places vanish. She discusses mysteries like the Village Subway beneath Cameron Village, underwater communities beneath Jordan Lake such as Seaforth, and how towns can be erased from maps and memory. Heather explains balancing fun, shocking history with heavier subjects, her approach to ghost stories as cultural history, and why the Dorothea Dix property feels especially haunted. She also describes her research process, how followers contribute leads, and how she turned her work into her first book, “Lost Towns of North Carolina,” built through travel, photos, and interviews with people connected to lost communities.

00:00 Meet Heather Leah

03:15 How It All Started

04:56 From Community to History

06:21 Vanishing Places

09:03 Jordan Lake Ghost Towns

13:00 Towns Wiped Off Maps

14:00 Balancing Light and Heavy

16:29 Ghost Stories as Culture

18:18 Dorothy Dix Haunted History

20:11 Crybaby Lane Investigation

21:49 Paranormal Tours

24:13 Story Idea System

25:15 Follower Submitted History

27:50 From Posts to Book

31:37 Researching Lost Towns

35:19 Book Launch Emotions

37:47 Time Travel Raleigh

40:41 Where to Find Heather

41:35 Final Thanks

Melissa interviews Amber Moshakos of family-owned LM Restaurants, the group behind concepts including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, Birdie’s Ballroom, Vidrio, Oceanic/Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach, and SMASH on Glenwood South. Amber shares her parents’ immigrant story, how LM began as a 48-seat Florida oyster bar, and why the family moved to Raleigh after expanding Miami Subs. She discusses growing up in the business, choosing restaurants over medical school, and the pros and cons of working with family. The conversation covers Raleigh as an emerging, diverse dining market, current industry challenges like thin margins and rising credit card fees, what makes restaurants successful, and why experience-driven venues are growing. Amber also mentions favorite menu items, spots she wants to try, and upcoming LM projects in Florida and brand updates in Raleigh.

00:00 Meet Amber Moshakos

02:42 Family Origins and First Restaurant

04:58 Greek Roots Behind Taverna Agora

05:49 Moving to Raleigh and Early Growth

07:16 Choosing Restaurants Over Medicine

07:58 Making Family Business Work

09:20 LM Expansion and Florida Return

12:00 Raleigh Food Scene Evolution

17:13 Industry Challenges and Credit Fees

19:24 Sales Tax Relief Push

20:11 Restaurant Success Formula

20:58 Experience Dining Trend

22:33 Glenwood South Safety Plan

24:44 Advice for New Restaurateurs

26:43 Favorite Dishes Rundown

28:04 Non-LM Date Night Picks

29:51 What’s Next for LM

31:36 Hiring and Career Myths

32:55 Closing Thanks and Wrap