Topsail Insider

Guests: Houston and Katie Lowder, husband and wife owners of Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports! Their business offers summertime fun with jet ski rentals for freestyle riding, guided jet ski adventure tours, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Learn more and book your adventure at SurfCityJetSkiRentals.com!
Location: 512 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445 on Topsail Island
Phone: 910-899-8606
Email: [email protected]
Find and Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Trip Advisor!

Also visit Katie & Houston’s furniture store, Lowder’s Furniture!

Guest Host: Trudy Solomon

Edited by Jim Mendes-Pouget | [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

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Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: Mr. Kenneth Chestnut, resident and the son of one of the Ocean City’s founders, shares the history of Ocean City and explains how the Jazz Festival started and why it’s “jazz with a higher purpose”.

The Ocean City Jazz Festival has Grammy-nominated performers and promises unique activities, including a history walk, a bourbon tasting, and a jazz mass under the tent.

Co-Hosted: Leah Norman of Topsail Talk

Website: https://oceancityjazzfest.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 1207 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460-1207
Phone: (910) 459-9263

Follow them on their Social Media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceanCityJazzFestival
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocjazzfest/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oceancityjazzfest

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: Evelyn Wheeler, co-owner of Web Designs Your Way with her husband Chad, offering essential digital services, including web design, maintenance, security, and social media management.

Web Designs Your Way provides flexible, interest-free payment plans and exceptional customer service, guiding clients from start to finish.

UPDATE: They are no longer located in the Greater Topsail area but continue to offer services remotely.

Website: webdesignsyourway.net
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (910) 830-3108

Follow Web Designs Your Way on Facebook and Instagram!

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: Richard Stroupe, Serial Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist

In Part 2, we discuss how and why Richard dove even deeper into the hospitality industry with his new hotel in downtown Wilmington - a luxe little haven called The Hive. It has 15 uniquely decorated suites with an artistic, urban feel that exemplifies the Wilmington vibe along the Cape Fear riverfront.

And let’s get a quick lesson on investing, venture capital, and how Richard decides where to allocate Cape Fear Venture’s dollars. Richard also gives his thoughts on tech startups and the Wilmington market.

The Hive
Address: 505 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC
Phone: (910) 616-6097
Website: https://hivewilmington.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehiveilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehiveilm

Cape Fear Ventures
Website: https://capefear.vc/

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: Richard Stroupe, Serial Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist

Dr. Richard Stroupe talks about his second Saltwater property, Saltwater Resort. He shares the hurdles he’s faced and subsequent delays with this project, the similarities and differences between the two properties, and the excitement over the property's Event Center.

Be sure to listen to Part 2 where Richard discusses The Hive, a boutique hotel he recently acquired in downtown Wilmington. He also offers valuable insights into investing, the Wilmington market, and his venture capital firm, Cape Fear Ventures.

Saltwater Suites - 605 North Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Saltwater RESORT - 412 N. New River Dr, Surf City, NC 28445
Book both online at www.saltwatertopsail.com
Phone: 910-886-4818

Follow Saltwater on Facebook, Instagram,  X/Twitter, and TikTok!

Edited by Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: John Formica, the “Ex Disney Guy”, known as "America’s Customer Experience Coach," and a sought-after speaker and business coach who draws on his extensive experience with Disney to help organizations create magical customer experiences and dynamic workplace cultures. 

He offers insights into Disney's leadership, hiring practices, and team-building strategies to help businesses stand out, engage their staff, and build lasting customer loyalty. John's engaging and entertaining presentations aim to inspire organizations to implement Disney-like excellence and create memorable customer experiences.

Website: https://johnformica.com/

He’s also written a Book: Making the Customer Experience Magical Now!

Find and Follow John Formica on Facebook,  Twitter,  YouTube, and LinkedIn!

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guests: Chef Steve Christian and Surfer Cody Leutgens, owners of Shaka Taco!

The pair share a series of hilarious and nostalgic stories that will keep you laughing. The conversation highlights their entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a modest investment of $5,000 each at the Surf City location sharing space with Cody’s Surf School, leading to the impressive growth of their business after partnering with Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden in Hampstead.

Shaka Taco Surf City and Surf City Surf School
107 N. Shore Dr, Surf City, NC | 910.616.3118

Shaka Taco Hampstead and Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden
2368 Country Club Dr, Hampstead, NC | 910.274.9733

10/2026 Update: Shaka Taco has since added an on-campus location in UNCW’s Hawk’s Nest dining area. Visit Shaka Taco’s website or UNCW Dining for current hours and availability.

Shaka Taco Website, Facebook, and Instagram
Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden Website, Facebook, and Instagram
Shaka’s Backyard Music Space Facebook and Instagram
Surf City Surf School Website, Facebook and Instagram

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest: Captain Alex, owner of Tiki Tours in Surf City, North Carolina. He has 3 boats, including the iconic "Tiki Queen" ready to take you and yours out to enjoy the water, shelling, wildlife, and more.

And how would you like to throw your next party out on the water with live music and dancing? We have all the information you need to book your Tiki Time with Tiki Tours in this episode of Topsail Insider!

Tiki Tours Address - 412 Roland Ave, Surf City, NC 28445
Phone - (910) 650-3223
Email - [email protected]
Website - https://www.tikitoursnc.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TikiToursNC

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guests: Dr. Amanda and Ben Knauff, the husband and wife team behind Pender Pelvic Health and Therapy Services, specializing in pelvic health care for all ages. 

Beyond general physical therapy, they tackle distinctive pelvic health challenges, providing valuable insights and solutions for symptoms related to gut health and pelvic floor issues.

Address: 16747 US Hwy 17, Ste 106, Hampstead, NC 28443
Phone: 910-515-2030
Website: https://ncpelvicfloortherapy.com/
Email: [email protected]

Be sure to Follow Pender Pelvic Health on Facebook and Instagram

Editor: Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List. You can also leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!

Guest Host Trudy Solomon welcomes Danielle Coleman of Upstairs Hampstead back to Topsail Insider to discuss the latest addition to her "For the Community, By the Community" Venue. Danielle has collaborated with local business owner and music enthusiast, Jason Simas, to introduce The Listening Room at Upstairs Hampstead.

The Listening Room offers an intimate space for music lovers to deeply engage with the lyrics, melodies, and personal narratives of artists. With a diverse range of musical genres featured, there's something for everyone!

Address: 17097 Highway 17, Suite B in Hampstead, NC 28443
Phone: (910) 665-7992
Email: [email protected]

Find a full list of upcoming shows and to buy tickets, go to their Website at https://www.upstairshampstead.com/listeningroom.

Be sure to FOLLOW The Listening Room on Facebook and Instagram!

Topsail Insider is Sponsored by Saltwater Suites and Coming in June, 2024 - Saltwater Resort! Saltwater Suites - Topsail Island’s premier luxury hospitality experience!
Book your beach getaway today at SaltwaterTopsail.com or call (910) 886-4818!

Topsail Insider is also Sponsored by Surf City Line! Come out for Beachin’ Bowls, Margaritas, Live Music, and enjoy your meal on their top deck with Ocean Views!
Visit SurfCityLineNC.com for their full food, bar, and brunch menus!

Jim is my incredible, rockstar editor who works his magic to make Topsail Insider sound great! Learn more about Jim's services here: http://bit.ly/PodcastsByJim.
Jim Mendes-Pouget  |  [email protected]

Send Christa a message! Please leave your contact information if you’d like a response.

Turtle Shell Properties
Something for every size, every style, and every budget. Stay YOUR way on Topsail Island.

Please Follow/Subscribe to Topsail Insider on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

Please also visit www.topsailinsider.com and sign up for our Mailing List.

Or leave a Voicemail for Topsail Insider right from the website - your message just might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Follow Topsail Insider on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube!

Or if you wish to Sponsor or Advertise with Topsail Insider, please email [email protected] or call/text 910-800-0111. 

Thanks - I’ll see you around Topsail!