Join us in this inspiring episode with Maggie Kane, a Raleigh native and the founder of Raleigh's first pay-what-you-can café, A Place at the Table. Maggie shares her incredible journey from volunteering at a local day shelter to creating a community space where everyone, regardless of means, can enjoy nutritious meals in a dignified setting. Discover how her commitment to community and innovative approach has revolutionized the way we think about food insecurity. Discover the café's distinctive business model, its local community impact, and opportunities for involvement. Featuring insights into Maggie's background, the café's operations, and the power of communal support, this episode is a testament to the idea that everyone deserves a place at the table.

00:00 Introduction to Maggie Kane

01:30 Experiencing A Place at the Table

03:03 Maggie's Journey and Vision

05:13 The Concept of Pay-What-You-Can Cafes

08:00 Founding A Place at the Table

12:12 Community Support and Challenges

16:49 Building a Nonprofit from Scratch

17:27 Community Involvement and Fundraising

21:51 A Place at the Table: Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

22:41 The Importance of Cloth Napkins

23:02 Community Advisory Board's Role

25:01 Rising Demand and Economic Challenges

27:49 Volunteer and Payment Options

30:41 Building Community Through Volunteering

35:12 Catering and Food Truck Services

37:30 How to Get Involved

38:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us as we dive into the enchanting world of the Carolina Circus Festival with special guest Alicia Calderwood, the ringmaster herself. Alicia shares her journey from discovering aerialist talents as an adult to opening Pura Vida Studio. Learn how the festival honors circus traditions, brings jaw-dropping performances to Cary, and promotes mental health and suicide prevention. Get ready for insights on aerial yoga, safety in circus arts, and an exciting glimpse into the upcoming Carolina Circus Festival happening on September 13 at Downtown Cary Park!

00:00 Welcome to the Circus Extravaganza!
01:56 Introducing Alicia Calderwood
02:53 Alicia's Journey into Aerial Arts
04:01 The Magic of Aerial Yoga
06:47 Safety First: Teaching and Performing
09:49 Founding the Carolina Circus Festival
12:03 Community and Growth
13:34 Workshops and Hands-On Learning
15:24 Mental Health and Circus Arts
17:32 The Evolution of Circus
22:41 Looking Ahead: The Future of Circus
24:10 Lightning Round and Farewell

https://carolinacircusfestival.com/
https://www.puravidastudionc.com/

In this episode, Melissa sits down with tech expert Jen McFarland, a contributing writer for WRAL TechWire, author of Cary Magazine's Geek Peek column, and founder of Marit Digital, to explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI). They discuss the implications of AI in our daily lives, its integration into business operations, and how even non-tech-savvy individuals can start using AI tools like ChatGPT. With insights on the ethical concerns, potential misuse, and the importance of approaching AI responsibly, Jen provides practical advice for individuals and small businesses. Throughout the conversation, the duo debunks myths, highlights the positive uses of AI, and even touches on fun ways families can engage with AI technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

00:00 Introduction to AI and Guest Speaker
00:50 Meet Jen McFarland: Tech Guru
01:25 Breaking Down AI: Simplifying the Complex
03:16 AI in Everyday Life
07:52 The Role of AI in Business and Personal Life
10:43 Practical Uses of AI and Ethical Concerns
16:29 Leveraging AI for Content Creation
20:14 AI Tools Beyond ChatGPT
21:13 Perplexity Extension: A Game Changer for Research
21:44 The Challenges of Plagiarism Detection in Schools
22:50 Integrating AI in Education: Opportunities and Concerns
23:46 The Evolution of AI: From Google to ChatGPT
24:32 Mark Zuckerberg's Vision: AI and Human Relationships
26:13 The Future of AI: Concerns and Responsibilities
28:26 Practical Advice for Navigating AI Tools
30:32 The Importance of Politeness in AI Interactions
36:50 Resources and Support for Small Businesses
38:47 Conclusion: Embracing AI with Caution and Curiosity

In this inspiring episode, we talk to Gabi Angelini, a 2025 Cary Magazine Mover and Shaker, about her incredible journey as an entrepreneur. Gabi, alongside her mom and manager (momanger) Mary, overcame challenges in the job market faced by adults with special needs, especially those with Down Syndrome. They founded Gabi's Grounds in 2017 and Gabi's PALS in 2020, both ventures geared toward employing and empowering individuals with special abilities. Gabi’s organizations currently employ over 40 people and have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year by Triangle Business Journal and a feature on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Join us as we delve into Gabi's story, her momager's unwavering support, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and the exciting future that lies ahead for Gabi's companies. Don't miss an exclusive look into their upcoming Ghostly Gala and more!

00:00 Introduction to Gabi and Her Journey
01:18 Gabi's Entrepreneurial Spirit
03:00 Challenges and Triumphs in Employment
05:01 The Birth of Gabi's Grounds
08:17 Expansion to Gabi's PALS
12:35 Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
17:35 Facing Rejection and Starting a Business
18:12 Building Gabi's Grounds
19:30 Public Speaking and Advocacy
21:07 Empowering Stories of Employees
22:21 Personal Superpowers and Relationships
24:30 The Ghostly Gala Event
27:04 Future Goals and Vision
28:13 Fun Rapid-Fire Questions

https://poweredbygabis.org/

Join us in the podcast studio as we dive into the fascinating world of bees with apiary expert Justin Maness from Buddha Bee Apiary. Discover how Buddha Bee Apiary installs and maintains honeybee colonies across the Triangle's homes, schools, and businesses. Listen to Justin's journey into beekeeping, starting from his time at NC State and leading to professional research on the effects of pesticides on bees. Explore the vital role of bees in pollination and food production, and learn about the innovative Host a Hive program that brings beekeeping to your backyard. Justin also shares insights on bee population challenges, tips for aspiring beekeepers, and the importance of sustainable practices. All this and more, rounded off with a fun series of bee-related questions!

00:00 Introduction to the Buzzing Podcast

01:14 Meet the Apiary Expert: Justin Maness

01:41 Justin's Journey into Beekeeping

03:04 The Importance of Bees

03:58 Understanding Bee Pollination

05:34 Inside the Hive: Roles and Responsibilities

09:32 The Host a Hive Program

11:39 The Benefits of Local Honey

13:28 Advice for Beginner Beekeepers

15:41 Challenges Facing Bee Populations

19:29 Community and Sustainability Initiatives

22:04 How You Can Help the Bees

23:18 Fun and Personal Insights with Justin

26:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Melissa introduces L.A. Jackson, a garden columnist featured in nearly every issue in Cary Magazine's history. L.A. shares fascinating stories of his gardening journey and career, including his beginnings in Jacksonville, North Carolina, his time as an editor for Carolina Gardener Magazine, and his adventures leading European garden tours. He also discusses his favorite plants, photography tips, and offers advice for gardening enthusiasts. Join us for a pun-filled episode that reveals a seasoned garden writer's captivating life and insights.

00:00 Introduction to the Gardening Expert
01:20 The Mystery Behind L.A. Jackson's Name
02:11 L.A. Jackson's Journey into Gardening and Writing
04:11 Becoming an Award-Winning Columnist
05:09 The Rise and Fall of Carolina Gardener Magazine
12:18 L.A. Jackson's Home Garden
16:09 Capturing Nature Through Photography
19:13 The Importance of Quality Photography
20:53 Common Gardening Questions from Readers
22:19 Handling Stumpers and Utilizing Resources
24:03 Gardening Tips for Hot Summers
27:04 Favorite Gardens and Travel Experiences
29:31 Lightning Round: Quick Gardening Opinions
33:33 Local Garden Shops and Resources
34:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Simone and Peter Stier, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind the Cafe Crimes cozy mystery book series. Discover how their real-life move from Los Angeles to the charming town of Fuquay-Varina inspired their bestselling novels set in the fictional Magnolia Grove. Learn about their writing process, transition from corporate jobs to full-time authorship, and how they successfully navigated the self-publishing world to become Amazon bestsellers. Whether you're an aspiring author or a fan of cozy mysteries, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a bit of humor. Don't miss it!

00:00 Welcome to Fuquay-Varina: A Cozy Town with a Twist

01:22 Meet the Authors: Simone and Peter Stier

01:42 The Inspiration Behind Magnolia Grove

02:32 From Big City to Small Town: Parker Hayes' Journey

03:09 The Dream Coffee Shop

04:53 Writing and Editing as a Team

10:19 The Cozy Culinary Mystery Genre

12:49 Moving from LA to Fuquay: A Life Change

16:56 Fuquay's Influence on Magnolia Grove

17:33 Incorporating Real People and Places

18:52 Self-Publishing Journey

20:48 Challenges and Triumphs in Publishing

23:29 Marketing and Business of Writing

29:43 Lightning Round Questions

32:10 Future Projects and Inspirations

33:28 Conclusion and Where to Find Us

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we sit down with Holden Bierman, a remarkable 17-year-old entrepreneur who founded the successful beachwear business Coastal Cool at age 12. Holden shares his journey from folding origami notes in sixth grade to creating a sustainable e-commerce brand that tackles ocean plastic pollution. Discover his inspirations, challenges, and future plans as he discusses balancing high school life with running a global business and making a positive impact on the environment. Join us to learn about Holden's creative process, his collaborations, and the community support that has helped him thrive.

00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia

01:37 Meet Teen Entrepreneur Holden Bierman

01:58 Holden's Early Business Ventures

03:37 The Birth of Coastal Cool

04:59 Sustainability and Impact

11:02 Challenges and Successes

13:32 Balancing Business and Life

19:23 Setting Goals and Vision Boards

19:51 Current Vision and Social Media Success

20:23 Challenges and Learning in Business

21:18 Advice to Younger Self

22:05 Impact of Covid on Business Growth

23:56 Family Involvement in Business

24:21 Rebranding and Logo Change

25:45 Celebrating Five Years in Business

27:57 Future Plans and Expansion

29:07 Partnering with Other Brands

30:14 Networking and Learning from Others

30:40 Lightning Round Questions

34:06 Conclusion and Where to Find Us

In this episode, we invite you to our Aarti Party as we celebrate the annual food issues for Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad with dream guest Aarti Sequeira. Born in India, raised in Dubai, and educated at Northwestern University School of Journalism, Aarti's journey took her from serious journalism with CNN to stardom with Food Network. Known for winning season six of 'The Next Food Network Star,' Aarti shares fascinating insights about her career shift, cooking endeavors, and the impact of her cultural background. We delve into her experiences judging popular food shows like 'Guy's Grocery Games' and 'Halloween Wars,' and her life-changing move to Raleigh, North Carolina, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aarti also shares her profound Christian faith, entrepreneurial ventures, and future aspirations. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with stories of perseverance, authenticity, and the power of connection.

00:00 Welcome to the Aarti Party

00:51 Introducing Aarti Sequeira

02:18 Aarti's Journey to Journalism

03:49 From CNN to Food Network

06:41 The Rise of Aarti Party

10:51 Navigating Fame and Criticism

17:59 Judging Food Network Shows

22:02 Behind the Scenes of Halloween Wars

24:18 The Athletic Demands of Hosting

25:16 Moving to North Carolina During Covid

27:20 Challenges of Building Community in Raleigh

30:13 Embracing and Sharing Christian Faith

36:32 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Future Plans

42:28 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of BJ Barham, the founder of American Aquarium. In this episode, BJ shares his personal and professional evolution from a small-town North Carolina boy with dreams of becoming a lawyer to a celebrated musician with 17 albums. Discover how he created the highly popular annual music festival Roadtrip to Raleigh and hear about his transition from songs about bars and breakups to meaningful tracks on grief, parenting, and sobriety. Stay tuned for an intimate conversation that explores his love for North Carolina, the challenges and triumphs of his music career, and what it truly means to live a life dedicated to storytelling through music.

00:00 Raleigh Traditions and Local Pride

01:41 Meet BJ Barham: The Journey Begins

02:25 From Law Aspirations to Music Dreams

03:26 Discovering the Raleigh Music Scene

04:49 The Courage to Pursue Music

06:15 The Reality of a Musician's Life

11:41 Songwriting and Sobriety

24:55 Reflections on Hard Work and Success

25:53 The Roadtrip to Raleigh Festival

26:40 Challenges and Growth in Raleigh's Music Scene

27:54 The Impact of Roadtrip to Raleigh

28:37 Personal Life and Family Stories

29:36 Celebrating Raleigh and Its Culture

32:04 Inviting Other Musicians to Roadtrip to Raleigh

36:07 Future Plans and Vision Board

37:47 Lightning Round Questions