Big Ideas Raleigh

Discover how the Office of Raleigh Arts and the Arts Centers shape a vibrant, creative community. Hear from the leaders who make it happen and learn how you can get involved.

Step into one of Raleigh’s most beautiful hidden gems—the Raleigh Rose Garden. In this episode, we explore the history, care, and charm of this beloved spot nestled behind Raleigh Little Theatre. Learn how the garden came to life, what it takes to maintain more than 60 varieties of roses, and why it remains a favorite place for celebrations, quiet moments, and community events.

From historic charm to natural beauty, Raleigh’s larger parks offer something for everyone. In this episode, we visit two local favorites—Pullen Park and Forest Ridge Park—to uncover what makes each destination unique. Hear stories about the iconic carousel, playgrounds, trails, and outdoor adventures, and learn how these parks bring joy to visitors of all ages year-round.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Raleigh Parks Greenhouse, where thousands of plants are grown yearly to beautify our city’s parks and public spaces. In this episode, we meet the dedicated team who carefully cultivates everything and learn how their work helps keep Raleigh blooming.

Get ready for a summer full of fun, friendships, and unforgettable experiences! In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of Raleigh Parks' summer camps, where kids explore the outdoors, spark their creativity, and build lifelong skills. Hear from camp staff about what makes Raleigh Parks camps the highlight of every summer.

From youth leagues to adult sports, Raleigh Parks Athletics brings the community together through the power of play. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to learn how players of all ages find their passion for the game.

Dive into the world of Raleigh Parks Aquatics in this episode of our Raleigh Parks podcast! From swim lessons and lifeguard training to the behind-the-scenes work of managing pools and water safety programs, we explore how our Aquatics team keeps our community active, safe, and having fun in the water. Hear from staff about how they make it all happen—and find out how you can get involved!

Event spaces are a vital part of a city’s ecosystem, working in synergy with businesses, cultural organizations, and local communities to create a thriving, connected Raleigh. In this episode of Big Ideas Raleigh, recorded live at the Raleigh Convention Center, we’re joined by Evan Carroll, CEO and Co-Founder of Attended Events, and Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and General Manager of the Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex.

Together, we explore the role of events in attracting visitors, building local economies, and fostering a sense of community. From conferences to performances, Raleigh’s event spaces help support the city’s growth and innovation, creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Tune in to hear how these spaces contribute to Raleigh’s success—and why they’re an essential piece of the city’s big picture. 

Learn more about the Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex on the City of Raleigh’s website: https://raleighnc.gov/convention-performing-arts-complex 

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Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

Please note, this episode was recorded in early September, before Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina. That's why the storm isn't mentioned in our discussion. Our thoughts are with those affected, and the City has been actively sending personnel and resources to assist in recovery efforts.

In this episode of the Big Ideas Raleigh Podcast, hosts Dan Bagley and producer Dr. Sarah Glova are joined by two climate action experts: Kathie Dello, State Climatologist of North Carolina and Director of the North Carolina State Climate Office at NC State University, and Megan Anderson, Sustainability Lead at the City of Raleigh. Together, they explore how Raleigh is setting the standard for climate action, being the first city in the region to secure key grants and national partnerships. 

Learn about Raleigh’s innovative approach to sustainability and discover actionable ways to get involved, whether you're an individual, family, business owner, or activist. Climate change impacts us all, and Raleigh is leading by example. Residents will find plenty to celebrate, while listeners from other cities will want to take notes and apply some of these impactful strategies.

Tune in to hear why climate action is not just a government initiative but a community effort where everyone has a role to play.

Please note: This episode was recorded in early September, before Hurricane Helene impacted Western North Carolina. That's why the storm isn't mentioned in our discussion. Our thoughts are with those affected, and the City has been actively sending personnel and resources to assist in recovery efforts.

Resources:

Learn more about the City of Raleigh’s Climate Action and how you can get involved:

Visit the City of Raleigh’s website to learn more about what we’re doing related to climate action: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action

Review the City’s Climate Action Plan: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/services/community-climate-action-plan

Learn More about the City’s Office of Sustainability. https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability

Check out the Urban Heat Island project: https://raleighnc.gov/climate-action-and-sustainability/services/mapping-urban-heat-islands

Learn more about Dr. Kathie Dello in her interview with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency within the US Department of Commerce: https://cpo.noaa.gov/interview-with-climate-scientist-kathie-dello/ 

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Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.

In this episode of Big Ideas Raleigh, we’re joined by Emila Sutton, Director of Raleigh’s Housing and Neighborhoods Department, and Stephen Gruver, Director of Social Services at The Salvation Army, to dive into the critical challenges of affordable housing and homelessness in our city. Together, they explore the current housing crisis, the role of zoning deregulation, and how collaborative community efforts can provide sustainable solutions.

Tune in to learn how these leaders are addressing homelessness through innovative projects and what steps Raleigh residents can take to support affordable housing initiatives. Whether you're a concerned citizen or passionate about urban development, this episode will give you the insights to help shape Raleigh’s future.

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Resources:

More about City of Raleigh’s Housing & Neighborhoods Director, Emila Sutton:
https://raleighnc.gov/community/news/raleigh-names-new-housing-and-neighborhoods-director

Watch the speakers from the City’s Affordable Housing Summit, August 2024:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMdvLPp1b3k

Or check out a quick recap of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO6Gyo6U97U

Homelessness is a Housing Problem, by Greg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern:

https://homelessnesshousingproblem.com/

Learn more about the Unsheltered Homelessness Response Pilot Program, Bringing Neighbors Home

Learn more about all of Raleigh’s Housing Efforts:

https://raleighnc.gov/housing

https://raleighnc.gov/housing/services/affordable-rental-housing/affordable-housing-101

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Big Ideas Raleigh is powered by the City of Raleigh Communications and Strategy and Innovation Departments, hosted by Dan Bagley, and produced by Dr. Sarah Glova and Earfluence.