Neighbors Of Raleigh

At 72, Mickey Fearn reflects on his rich and meaningful life. His story weaves through California redwood forests, the 1963 March on Washington, and Raleigh’s own Dorothea Dix Park. This gifted creative with a passion for relationships was repeatedly called upon by governors, mayors, universities, and The National Parks Service in DC to lead complex social justice initiatives. Get ready to soak up the wisdom of this brilliant, funny and passionate neighbor!

Guest Laurie Watson is the Director of Awakenings, Counseling for Couples and Sexuality, in Raleigh and Greensboro, and the host of ForePlay Radio, sex therapy podcast. As a certified sex therapist Laurie has twenty-eight years of experience working with couples and individuals about love and sex. Buckle your seatbelts, and get ready to talk about S.E.X. How to talk to your children about sex? Why is sex important? What's the key to happiness and being a good partner? Don't worry we've got all the answers to these questions and more! 

Shelley Winters loves Raleigh. As a matter of fact, her ancestors called Raleigh home as far back as the 1790s. 6 generations ago! We hear about her family's commitment to public service, leadership, and empowerment. Shelley reflects on her time at NC A&T, leading Citizen Advisory Councils, sitting on the Arts Commission, and how to honor the past, respect the present, and prepare for the future. 

This week Paula Tavares takes us 350 miles off the West coast of Africa, to the Cape Verde islands. Paula speaks 4 languages, each of them representing her family’s journey from Cape Verde, to Angola, to Boston, Miami and now Raleigh. Working in business and technology, and experiencing immigration and poverty inform Paula's work in the medical field with high-risk patients. She gladly continues a Cape Verdean cultural tradition of raising children of relatives in addition to her own. This large beautifully blended family is part of our city now as they get to know her husband's NC roots.

We're reissuing this episode from 2018 with Lew Stewart, the head brewer at Trophy Brewing in downtown Raleigh. Check out the expanded Trophy Brewing + Pizza location on Morgan Street! 

As a self-described “tinkerer,” Les gets obsessed with figuring things out, and thankfully for us his main obsession is brewing amazing beer. Les talks about everything from chemistry, open-source technology, business development, craft brewing culture, naming new brews, label design, tattoos and even name drops French Scientist Louis Pasteur. Enjoy a Trophy brew while you listen to the podcast!

Entering her 30th year of teaching, this native North Carolinian has a special place in her heart for making children feel safe so they can learn and thrive. Jenni is not only the Magnet and AIG Coordinator at Hunter Elementary School she’s a fun-loving and spiritual gal that loves the arts and natural world. Her infectious joy will have you repeating her mantra before you know it. Say it with me now…”Let your light SHINE!”

Armed with a velvet blue couch and cupcake pillow, Kate challenges our relationships with food and some widely held beliefs about health. As an LPC certified in Health at Any Size, and Intuitive Eating principles, Kate’s counseling practice focuses on eating disorders and body image. We discuss the importance of being kind to ourselves, and fighting back against the negative messaging from the $70 Billion diet and wellness industry. 

Moving across the southeast and back and forth across America was a significant part of Kate’s childhood. The constant change, and loss of her father, nurtured both a helpful adaptability and coping strategies she's had to unlearn. She began her career as a play therapist with grieving children and two years ago opened her own practice with a focus on eating disorders and body image on Hillsborough St near NC State University. Kate provides a lot of perspective and information for people interested in learning more. And really, who doesn’t have someone in their lives that skips meals, excessively exercises, or thinks losing weight will make them happy? We even play a word association game with common “diet culture” words near the end. Be kind. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to others.

Neighbors of Raleigh host Andrea Wallenbeck and Episode 28 guest John Fowler share some thoughts on Tina Fey, Hannah Gadsby, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dave Chappelle. They delve deeper into comedy’s ability to address societal issues, and how if you’re doing it right, improv makes you a good person.

Join us on this quest as we learn about John’s childhood goal to become a wizard, avoid homework, and survive family canoe trips right after hurricanes. He spent his early years in Warren County before moving to Carteret County and the easy-breezy life on Emerald Isle. With his first baby on the way, John reflects on fatherhood and what he learned from his dad. The gift for humor and cooking, (thanks to mama Fowler!) later developed into a passion for improv comedy and farm to table cooking. We really dig into the culture of improv, where to see it locally, and discuss evolving boundaries and inclusion in comedy. Mostly we just laugh a lot. Don’t forget to check out the bonus track if you want to hear more of their discussion on comedy!

Lydia Correa lives to help children. As a social worker for Wake County Child Protective Services, Lydia channels her experiences as a childhood trauma survivor into being a champion for kids in need. 

Lydia's goal is to work collaboratively with families to keep children safely in their homes. She also discusses the foster care system and the GIFT of adoption. 

In a single day, she may talk to pediatricians, teachers, parents, law enforcement, judges, attorneys, area nonprofits, annnnd children. With all of that on her plate, what does she do to relax? The answer is she volunteers with other efforts to help kids. Damn, she is a hero. 

Pull out your tissues and get ready to laugh and cry along with us. If there’s a child nearby, make sure you give them a smile and a warm hug.