Navigating Wake County schools can feel like a full-time job—between understanding capped schools, calendar choices, and sorting through public, magnet, charter, or private options, it’s no wonder parents feel overwhelmed. In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley sits down with Libby Taylor, former educator and founder of SchoolUp Wake, to break down the complexities of the Wake County school system and help families make confident, informed decisions. Whether you're a local parent or relocating from out of state, Libby shares how her team helps families uncover the best fit based on their goals, values, and kids’ learning styles.

From insider insights on how capped schools really work, to tips for navigating transfer windows, magnet programs, and the differences between year-round and traditional calendars, this episode is packed with clarity and guidance. If you're moving to Raleigh, Cary, Apex, or anywhere in the Triangle, this is your go-to resource for making school choices stress-free. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts—because SchoolUp is the easy button for Wake County schools! 

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, Gretchen Coley chats with Gary Post, owner of Atlantic Gardening & Designscapes, the powerhouse behind some of the Triangle’s most stunning home, office, and restaurant spaces—including Gretchen’s own! 🌿 From Gary’s unexpected leap from high-stress tech to horticultural bliss, to how Atlantic became Southern Living’s pick for top garden center in the Southeast, this episode dives into the passion, purpose, and people that make Atlantic a true Raleigh gem. You'll hear how they curate locally grown plants, design unforgettable interiorscapes, host events in their lush garden bar (yes, mimosas on tap!), and create custom orchid arrangements that last for months. Watch now on YouTube or tune in on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to experience the magic behind one of Raleigh’s most joyful spaces!

Ever walk into a home and instantly feel like this is where you belong? In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, we’re talking to the woman behind that magic—Cameron Flythe, interior designer extraordinaire at Design Works Studio. From styling Barbie Dream houses to transforming some of Raleigh’s most coveted homes, Cameron knows how to blend timeless charm with bold design choices that turn houses into jaw-dropping dream homes.

Whether you're building custom, renovating, or just craving a space refresh, this episode is packed with design tips, trend predictions, and real talk about the power of thoughtful interiors. Tune in as Cameron shares how she balances life, motherhood, and a full roster of fabulous projects—plus her top tips on when to hire a designer (spoiler: early is best!).

🎧 Listen now to discover why great design starts way before the paint goes on the walls—and why Cameron should be your secret weapon when you want a home that feels right from the moment you step inside.

Ready to see how custom senior photography is being totally redefined in Raleigh? In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley chats with Emily Bautista, founder of Forever Young & Free—the boutique photography brand that’s giving high school seniors the ultimate confidence-boosting, glam-filled experience. From her first $300 camera to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in the Triangle, Emily shares how she built a one-of-a-kind business that’s as empowering as it is picture-perfect.

Tune in to hear how she balances motherhood, creativity, and entrepreneurship—and why every senior deserves to feel like a star.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Jack Paton, General Manager of Clark Hall Doors & Windows, to explore how a front door can do so much more than welcome you home—it can completely transform the look and feel of your space.

For over 20 years, Clark Hall has been setting the standard in custom iron doors, combining timeless design with modern craftsmanship to create statement pieces that are redefining curb appeal in Raleigh and beyond. Jack shares the story behind Clark Hall’s North Carolina roots, how they expanded into the Raleigh market, and why their doors have become a signature feature in some of the area’s most beautiful neighborhoods.

From traditional to modern and everything in between, their fully custom—and often show-stopping—doors are helping homeowners move away from the cookie-cutter look and create homes that feel truly unique. In this conversation, Jack and Gretchen dive into the latest design trends shaping Raleigh’s architectural landscape, including the growing demand for sleek lines, expansive glass panels, and pivot doors that make a bold first impression. They also talk about the practical side of things—how Clark Hall doors are engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and security, and how their process makes it easy for homeowners to go from inspiration to installation. 

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing one, or simply dreaming about an upgrade, this episode is filled with valuable insights on how the right front door can add style, substance, and value to your home. Don’t miss an episode of The Best of Raleigh! New shows drop every Friday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Dr. Greg Brannon, Medical Director and Founder of Optimal Bio, to explore the transformative power of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

With over 30 years of experience as an OBGYN, Dr. Brannon shares his personal journey and how he discovered the life-changing benefits of hormone optimization—not just for midlife, but for younger adults too. Learn how hormones, nutrition, fitness, and gut health are all connected, and why addressing the root cause of health issues is the future of medicine. Dr. Brannon explains the myths and facts about testosterone for both men and women, the dangers of synthetic hormones, and why bioidentical hormones are a game-changer. Plus, he dives into functional medicine, the broken food system in America, and how simple lifestyle shifts can drastically improve your health and longevity.

Whether you're in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this conversation is packed with insights on how to feel your best at any age. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by conventional medicine or told “it’s just part of getting older,” this episode is for you. Don’t miss an episode of The Best of Raleigh! New shows drop every Friday on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Martha Schneider, the visionary behind La Maison & Trellis , Raleigh’s premier home and floral boutique. As an expert in luxury interior design, Martha has built a brand that blends timeless elegance with modern functionality. She shares how she turned her passion for beautiful, functional spaces into a thriving business and why Raleigh was the perfect place to bring her vision to life.

Martha discusses the biggest home design trends of 2025, including the return of color, pattern play, and texture, and how these elements can transform a space. She also shares her journey from working with builders on spec homes to opening a 4,000-square-foot showroom in North Hills, offering high-end home furnishings, a dedicated interior design studio, and a Parisian-inspired floral boutique.

This episode explores why Raleigh is attracting top designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs, and what makes North Hills a rising hub for home and lifestyle brands. Martha also gives expert advice on how to create a space that reflects your personality, enhances functionality, and elevates everyday living.

If you’re passionate about home design, looking for inspiration, or want to know where to find Raleigh’s most stunning home and floral boutique, this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe to The Best of Raleigh on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every Friday, featuring the people shaping the future of the Triangle.

In this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Kendra Alley, a passionate wellness advocate, content creator, and lifestyle expert, for an empowering conversation about health, self-care, and finding balance as a busy mom. Kendra opens up about her journey to optimal health, revealing how something as simple as hydration and the right supplements—like Element—transformed her energy levels and helped resolve unexpected health issues.

But this conversation isn’t just about health—Kendra dives deep into how she’s shifted from building a fitness business to becoming a full-time content creator, sharing her life’s journey on social media. From styling tips to DIY home projects, Kendra’s authentic, no-BS approach has built a community of like-minded individuals looking to improve their wellness, productivity, and style.

Kendra also talks about her family’s decision to make Raleigh their home and why they chose this vibrant city to plant roots. If you’re a mom, wellness enthusiast, or someone looking to lead a more fulfilling lifestyle, this episode is packed with tips and insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to Best of Raleigh every Friday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for more inspiring conversations with the people, places, and businesses shaping the future of the Triangle!

In this episode of Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Patrick Young, Director of Raleigh’s Planning and Development Department, for an eye-opening conversation about the city's explosive growth and what’s next.

With Raleigh ranking as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., the stakes are high—how do we balance expansion while preserving the charm and character that make the city so desirable? Patrick reveals the inside scoop on major city initiatives, including the "Missing Middle" housing strategy designed to combat rising home prices, Raleigh’s $4.8 billion downtown development pipeline, and the game-changing expansion of mass transit to reduce traffic and improve accessibility. He also shares how residents can get involved in shaping the city’s future, ensuring that growth works for the community—not against it. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or thinking about making Raleigh your new home, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Tune in to Best of Raleigh every Friday on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube for the latest insights into the people, places, and projects shaping our city’s future!

Welcome to The Best of Raleigh! In this episode, host Gretchen Coley chats with Wesley Jones, Senior Leasing & Marketing Specialist at Kane Realty and driving force behind the stunning Highland at North Hills.

This luxurious 12-story residential development redefines modern living in Raleigh and is located in the heart of North Hills. Highland offers stylish apartments, world-class amenities, and access to vibrant retail and dining options, including a co-working hub, rooftop terraces, and a resort-inspired fitness center. Wesley shares the thoughtful vision behind this project and gives an exclusive preview of "The Row," an upcoming development in Raleigh’s transitioning Rockway district.

Join us to explore how Kane Realty is transforming Raleigh into a dynamic hub for living, working, and playing.