In this high-energy season opener of the Delaware podcast, hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy sit down with local entrepreneur and artist Carlie Carey. Carlie shares her transition from the restaurant industry—having previously owned One Coastal with her husband Scott—to her current life as a "serial entrepreneur" and ceramicist.

In this episode, we discuss:

• From Restaurants to Pottery: The story of how Carlie went "all in" on her new passion, eventually founding her ceramics business, Twain and Abel.
• Life on the Farm: A look at the "hot mess express" reality of homesteading in Sussex County, featuring a rundown of their diverse animals, from heritage breed pigs to "therapy" Silkie chickens.
• Raising a Family: Carlie talks about the joys and perspectives of raising three children, including her youngest son, Arlo, who has Down Syndrome.
• Big Announcements: Two major upcoming events for 2026, including a showcase at the famous Round Top festival in Texas and an exhibitor spot at the Dear Moms conference in Laguna Beach, California.

Follow Carly Carey:

• Website: twainandabel.com
• Instagram: @twainandabel

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In this episode, we sit down with the husband-and-wife duo behind BTM Construction, Inc., Chrissy (a.k.a. Christina Angel-Murphy) and Bryan Murphy. Based in Seaford and serving the Delaware and Maryland Eastern Shore, BTM has become a staple for homeowners looking to upgrade their decks, 3-season rooms, screened porches, pergolas, and more.  But this conversation goes far beyond decks and screen porches. Chrissy and Bryan open up about the unique dynamics of running a multi-generational family business, the reality of life in "Slower Lower" Delaware, and what it really takes to keep up with one of the fastest-growing construction markets on the East Coast. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

• The Family Dynamic: What is it really like working with family every day? 
• The "Slower Lower" Myth: While Sussex County is famous for its relaxed, coastal lifestyle, the construction industry here is anything but slow. 
• Navigating the Construction Boom: With thousands of new residents flocking to the Delaware beaches and inland towns, the region is experiencing unprecedented growth. 

Tune in to hear how this local family business is building more than just structures, they're building a legacy in the heart of Sussex County.
 

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 The Listening Booth, located in Lewes, Delaware, is far more than just a music venue; it's the physical home for the We're Listening 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a core mission to combat loneliness through original music, songwriting, and storytelling. Founded by Marissa Levy, who transitioned from a computer programmer in New York to a dedicated music entrepreneur, the venue was born out of a realization that there was a severe lack of spaces for original artists to perform in the area. The organization's commitment to community is furthered through songwriting classes, a "Song Circle," and mentorship to help new artists grow from open mic nights to headlining shows. 

 From its beginnings as a pop-up concert series in a backyard and temporary spaces in the Tanger Outlets, the venue has grown into a thriving 100-seat space featuring a full calendar of folk, rock, jazz, and blues acts. This community-focused model emphasizes artistic development and connection, serving as a hub where both musicians and audiences feel they truly belong. 

 The Listening Booth hosts unique events like the upcoming Key Change Award, a fundraiser dedicated to honoring people who make a difference in the community. Whether you're a performing artist or a music lover looking for a genuine, curated experience, The Listening Booth offers a special place to hear original music and make connections at the Delaware beaches. 

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Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Sean and Kristina Malone, founders of the incredible non-profit organization, Santa's Letters, Inc..

From their accidental beginning in 2013, when Sean, working for the post office, started answering letters to Santa, this grassroots effort has exploded into a year-round community movement. The Malone's share the amazing story of how a small idea to write letters evolved into a 501(c)(3) organization that helped over 500 children last year alone in Sussex County.

Discover the magic of their annual events, their efforts to support needy families with essentials and toys, and how the community rallies together, with over 150 volunteers, to make the holiday season special for so many. Plus, get the details on their upcoming Dine & Donate fundraisers at Bethany Blues!

It's more than just a letter; it's community, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Learn more about Santa's Letters > https://www.santaslettersinc.com/

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This episode features a discussion about the Can Do Playground initiative in Delaware, an amazing community project dedicated to building accessible playgrounds for children and families with disabilities.

Guests Jack Riddle (President of Community Bank) and Pete Booker (former President and CEO of Delmarva Broadcasting) share the history of the "Can Do" movement—which started over 20 years ago—and detail the ambitious plans for the fourth inclusive playground in the state, located at Hudson Park in Milton, Delaware.

Discover:

• The origins of the "Can Do" name and the support from Boundless Playgrounds.
• How the project secures land and overcomes challenges like NIMBY's (Not In My Back Yard).
• The different play areas planned include a sensory play area for children on the autism spectrum.
• The significant community input and fundraising efforts spearheaded by local Rotary Clubs and individuals.
• Why these destinations are crucial for families with disabilities and the wider community.

Learn more by visiting candohudson.org

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Christine and Ryan sit down with the truly amazing Fay Jacobs—a celebrated author, performer, and pillar of the Rehoboth community.

 In this episode, Fay shares her unique story of arriving in Delaware. Hint: It involves a 29-foot boat, the C&D Canal, and living on the dock in Dewey for four years!

 We also discuss:

• Her hilarious motto: "Nothing is so bad if it's worth the story you can tell."
• The origin of her famous book titles (like "As I Lay Frying" and "Big Girls Don't Fry").
• Her 10-year touring stage show, "Aging Gracelessly."
• Her work as the former Executive Director for Rehoboth Beach Main Street.
• Her absolute favorite restaurant in Rehoboth (it might surprise you!).

 Listen now to hear these incredible stories from a local legend.

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 In this episode of "Dela-Where?", hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy are joined by two parishioners from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach to discuss their extensive community outreach programs. The main focus is their work with the J1 international student visa program, which is crucial for the local summer workforce.

They share the history of the J1 student welcome picnic, which has grown over 18 years from 40 attendees to over 140, thanks to incredible support from local businesses. The conversation also highlights other charitable efforts, including support for local food banks, a school backpack program, and holiday assistance for families in need. Tune in to learn about the heartwarming community efforts that support both local residents and seasonal visitors. 

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In this episode, Christine and Ryan sit down with Susan Canfora, a veteran journalist for the beloved local newspaper, the Coastal Point. With over 45 years of experience, Susan shares her incredible journey into the world of journalism—a path that began unexpectedly with a high school comic strip after she originally planned to become a veterinarian. 

Listen in for captivating anecdotes from her career, including her all-time favorite interview with the legendary Red Skelton, a recent chat with a 100-year-old VFW member, and a powerful story about interviewing inmates in a maximum-security prison. Susan also discusses her passion for teaching, the challenges facing local news today, and why she believes human intuition will always be more powerful than AI in the newsroom. 

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This week on Dela-Where?, we are honored to welcome Chip Jaeger, President of the Southern Sussex Rotary Club. Chip joins us to discuss the incredible breadth of the club's community-focused initiatives and their profound impact across the county. Listeners will learn about the "Flags for Heroes" displays that honor our veterans, active service members, and first responders in Ocean View and Dagsboro, and how the club invests in the next generation through transformative programs like the International Youth Exchange and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

Chip also shares details on vital local projects, from providing life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the Bethany Beach Patrol to the collaborative effort among Sussex County clubs to create the "Can-Do Playground"—a remarkable, inclusive play space in Milton for children of all abilities. Tune in to discover the dedication and passion driving one of our community's most active service organizations. 

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Many know Paul Cullen as the former bassist for the iconic rock band Bad Company, but his second act as a "Renaissance Man" is a masterclass in passion and reinvention. After touring the world, Paul traded his bass for a chef's knife and a sommelier's tastevin, channeling his Italian heritage into a thriving culinary career. This episode explores Paul's multifaceted life, from his exclusive in-home chef services, where he creates a "trifecta" of gourmet Italian food, curated wine pairings, and a private nylon-string guitar concert, to his own line of private-label Italian wines. We dive into how he transformed a love for food and wine discovered on the road into a series of successful ventures that bring people together through unforgettable sensory experiences. 

At the heart of Paul's mission is a powerful synergy between business and philanthropy, embodied by two key initiatives: his non-profit, Paul Kares, and the intimate 62-seat music venue, The Room at Cedar Grove. Paul Kares is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting aspiring young musicians and culinary artists by providing them with scholarships and the essential "tools of the trade." The engine that funds this mission is The Room at Cedar Grove, a unique supper-club style venue where all proceeds go directly to the non-profit. In this conversation, Paul shares the inspiration behind this innovative model and how attending a dinner and show directly invests in the next generation of creative talent. 

Paul continues to compose and perform music, having released five solo albums since 2007. 

To support the Paul Kares non-profit organization, visit https://www.paulkaresde.org.  Make sure to follow Paul on Instagram and Facebook (@PaulCullenRocks) and visit his site https://www.paulcullen.rocks/ for your own personal in-home chef experience!  

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