In this episode, we highlight the inspiring work of NeighborUp, a nonprofit born from the merger of Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry. Host Melissa is joined by André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, who shares his personal journey from the YMCA to leading a major community organization. André discusses NeighborUp's mission to support Western Wake County with financial aid, food assistance, job training, and advocacy. The episode delves into the merger process, the challenges, and the significant community impact that came from combining two long-standing nonprofits. André also shares heartfelt stories of how NeighborUp has positively affected individuals and families, offering a beacon of hope in times of need. Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved and support your community through NeighborUp.

01:29 Spotlight on Community Heroes

02:40 André Anthony's Journey

03:55 Mentorship and Impact

06:40 Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry

10:12 The Merger: NeighborUp

12:15 Navigating the Merger Process

15:32 Impact of the Merger

18:42 WakeMed Heart and Vascular

19:12 Podcast Cary Studios

19:36 Dorcas Thrift Shop Rebranding

20:13 Introduction to NeighborUp and Dorcas Thrift Shop

21:11 Expansion Plans for Dorcas Thrift Shop

21:22 The Ministry Aspect of Dorcas Thrift Shop

22:34 The Origin of the Name Dorcas

23:04 Impact Stories from NeighborUp

27:08 How to Get Involved with NeighborUp

31:58 Personal Insights and Fun Activities

34:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join Melissa as she interviews Valerie Hillings, the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. Valerie shares her journey from studying art history at Duke University to leading the museum. They delve into the upcoming Art in Bloom exhibit, the integration of outdoor and indoor art spaces, and the unique cultural experiences offered by the museum. Valerie also discusses how the museum adapts to different seasons, collaborates with other institutions, and engages with the community. Discover what it takes to bring art to life and the future exhibitions you can't miss.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:21 Museum Dynamics and Building Names

00:49 Podcast Setup and Introduction

01:32 Introducing the North Carolina Museum of Art

02:41 Art in Bloom Exhibition

04:18 Valerie's Journey to Museum Directorship

11:04 Museum Operations and Community Engagement

13:30 Unique Aspects of the North Carolina Museum of Art

17:00 The Importance of Planning Your Museum Visit

17:40 The Perks of Local Museums

18:24 Introducing Art in Bloom

19:12 Challenges and Logistics of Art in Bloom

21:37 Themes and Inspirations for Art in Bloom

23:12 Collaborations and Special Events

29:33 Upcoming Exhibits and Events

32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us as we chat with Jessica Holt, the Director of Public Relations and International Tourism for Visit Raleigh, about what makes Raleigh a top destination. From its burgeoning food scene and festivals to its sports and Southern charm, discover the behind-the-scenes magic of promoting Raleigh to the world. Jessica shares insights on how Raleigh balances growth with preserving local flair; attracting visitors for leisure, business, and sports; and enhancing the local economy through tourism. Learn about Raleigh's upcoming events, its unique attractions, and discover hidden gems you might have missed. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to fall in love with the City of Oaks.

00:00 Welcome to Raleigh: A Southern Gem

01:08 Meet Jessica Holt: Promoting Raleigh Worldwide

01:39 The Mission of Visit Raleigh

02:06 Balancing Growth and Local Charm

02:56 Sports and Event Venues in Raleigh

03:52 Relocating to Raleigh: A Visitor's Journey

04:25 Raleigh's Unique Attractions and Free Offerings

05:35 Target Audiences for Raleigh Tourism

06:40 Music Festivals and Events in Raleigh

09:18 Economic Impact of Events and Festivals

11:23 Exploring Wake County's Surrounding Towns

12:59 Raleigh's Food Scene: Michelin Guide Recognition

17:04 Recent Developments in Raleigh

19:40 Pitching Raleigh: A Diverse and Eclectic Destination

20:28 Diverse Pitches for Different Travelers

21:04 Exciting Events and Festivals in Raleigh

22:23 Upcoming Developments in Raleigh

25:23 Challenges in Increasing Tourism

26:50 International Travel and Comparisons to Raleigh

29:36 Lightning Round: Favorite Spots and Hidden Gems

34:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we shift the focus from health and travel New Year's resolutions to financial wellness for 2026. Special guest Joe Mecca from Coastal Credit Union shares his top five tips for smarter saving, intentional spending, maintaining an emergency fund, reassessing retirement plans, and paying down debt. Additionally, Joe discusses the importance of budgeting tools and how to use them effectively, from apps to good old spreadsheets. Tune in for actionable financial advice to ensure 2026 is the year your wallet breathes a sigh of relief.

00:00 Introduction to Financial Goals for 2026

01:18 Meet Joe Mecca: Financial Expert

02:01 Tip 1: The Importance of Budgeting

08:05 Tip 2: Building an Emergency Fund

11:42 Tip 3: Reassessing Retirement Plans

18:21 Tip 4: Implementing a Debt Reduction Plan

23:33 Tip 5: Rewarding Yourself for Financial Success

26:11 Conclusion: Wrapping up Financial Resolutions

In this episode, we dive into an exploration of two charming travel destinations in North Carolina: Edenton and West Jefferson. Susan Martin Cyr, owner of Edenton's Inner Banks Inn, shares insights about the historic bed and breakfast, the significance of Edenton’s preservation efforts, local attractions, and culinary delights. The episode also features a discussion with Lily Memmel, general manager of the West Jefferson Hotel, about the hotel's rich history, substantial renovations led by her father Mark Beck, and notable local activities including shopping, hiking, and river excursions. Both guests offer detailed travel tips and underscore the importance of preserving local history.

00:22 Exploring North Carolina's Hidden Gems

00:53 Discovering Edenton: A Historical Treasure

03:10 Edenton's Must-See Attractions

06:12 Edenton's Culinary Delights

13:12 West Jefferson: A Mountain Retreat

13:37 West Jefferson Hotel: A Historic Revival

17:14 Dining at the West Jefferson Hotel

20:16 Top Activities in West Jefferson

23:16 Summer Fun in West Jefferson

25:29 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of 'What's Up Wake,' we focus on women's health, specifically perimenopause. Host Melissa welcomes Jamie Gallagher, a board-certified nurse practitioner and perimenopause specialist. Jamie shares her journey and expertise, discussing symptoms, misconceptions, and treatment options for perimenopause and menopause. The episode also covers the historical context behind hormone therapy, the importance of individualized care, and the latest insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tune in to learn valuable information about managing this crucial phase of women's lives.

00:00 Introduction to Women's Health Focus

01:11 Meet Jamie Gallagher: Perimenopause Specialist

01:57 Personal Journey and Professional Insights

03:27 Challenges in Menopause Care

04:14 Hormone Therapy Controversies

09:47 Heart Disease and Estrogen

15:53 Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms

23:21 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

25:22 Comparing Birth Control and HRT

25:42 The Importance of Continuous HRT

26:40 The Black Box Warning on HRT

27:14 The Impact of Estrogen on Women's Health

29:24 Challenges in Hormone Therapy Education

30:42 Addressing Common Questions on HRT

33:18 Natural Supplements and Hormone Therapy

36:10 Menopause and Joint Pain

38:08 Weight Gain During Menopause
40:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we dive into New Year's resolutions with a special focus on fitness goals. Join us as we talk to Adrien King and Meagan H. Jacobs, owners of AKtivate Fitness, the winners of Best Fitness Program in the 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Awards. Located in Cary's Millpond Village, AKtivate Fitness is known for its welcoming community and innovative approach to helping people maintain their fitness resolutions long-term. Learn about their journey into the fitness world, the unique aspects that set their studio apart, and their commitment to mental and physical health. We also discuss their involvement in the Rock Steady Boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their new initiative, AKtivate Movement and Recovery. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025 and beyond.

00:00 Welcome and New Year's Resolutions

02:10 Meet the Fitness Experts: Adrian and Megan

02:41 Fitness Journeys: From Personal to Professional

05:53 Building a Fitness Community

07:17 The Rewards of Coaching

09:23 Challenges of Running a Fitness Business

14:59 Rock Steady Boxing: A Unique Approach to Parkinson's

19:43 Empowering Athletes: From 8 to 70 Members

20:34 The Importance of Strength Training

21:53 Kickboxing: A Comprehensive Workout

25:51 New Year, New Goals: Fitness Resolutions

29:06 Introducing Activate Movement and Recovery

32:12 The Vision for the Future

33:35 Conclusion: Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

In this episode, we dive into the rising trend of IV hydration therapy with Dr. Jonathan Leake from Hydrate Medical. Discover how IV hydration can combat dehydration, boost energy, and enhance overall wellness. Dr. Leake shares his journey from being a board-certified emergency medicine physician to founding a successful chain of hydration clinics. Learn about the different types of IV drips, their benefits for athletes, those with chronic illnesses, and even the hungover. We also discuss cutting-edge treatments like NAD+ therapy and the importance of choosing a well-regulated clinic. Join us for a comprehensive look at how IV hydration therapy is transforming health and wellness.

00:00 Introduction to Germ Season and IV Hydration Therapy

01:50 Meet Dr. Jonathan Leake: From ER to IV Hydration

02:41 The Birth and Growth of Hydrate Medical

04:17 Experiencing IV Hydration: A Personal Account

05:34 Understanding IV Hydration Therapy

07:39 NAD+ Treatment: The Anti-Aging Miracle

08:35 Customizing Your IV Drip for Maximum Benefits

10:04 IV Hydration for Athletes and Hangover Recovery

14:42 Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of IV Hydration

16:17 IV Hydration for Chronic Illness and Migraines

17:37 Misconceptions About IV Hydration Therapy

18:04 Safety and Standards in IV Hydration

18:38 Benefits of IV Hydration

18:58 Who Should Avoid IV Hydration?

19:31 Designing a Signature Drip

20:21 Unusual Requests from Clients

21:39 Balancing Medicine and Business

25:08 Future Goals and Expansion

26:07 Flying and Personal Interests

27:37 Where to Learn More About Hydrate Medical

Join Melissa in this episode of What's Up, Wake as she takes the show on the road to the debut Wake GPS: Growth + Prosperity Summit to explore the exciting economic developments in Wake County. Interviews feature David Bohm, Executive Director at Apex Chamber of Commerce, Dustin Williams, President of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Mark Lawson, President of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, and Christie Moser, President of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. They discuss recent successes, upcoming projects, and the importance of community collaboration in economic growth. Highlights include new mixed-use developments, expansions in healthcare and retail, and the booming entrepreneurial scene. Tune in for an insightful look into the vibrant business landscape of Wake County!

00:00 Welcome to What's Up, Wake!

00:55 Economic Development in Apex

03:00 Community Collaboration and Chamber Roles

05:02 Exciting Prospects for 2026

10:13 Fuquay-Varina's Booming Growth

22:34 Balancing Support for Small and Large Businesses

24:24 Economic Development Wins in Cary

25:58 The Impact of Downtown Cary Park

27:57 Future Prospects for Cary

33:22 Morrisville's Economic Growth and Announcements

35:55 Morrisville's Community and Future Plans

38:47 The Importance of Regional Collaboration

40:30 Fun Activities in Morrisville

43:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Join us as we sit down with Lee Robinson, the owner of Irregardless, a beloved restaurant in Raleigh that has been a community cornerstone for over 50 years. In this episode, Lee shares the rich history of Irregardless, from its beginnings as the first vegetarian restaurant in Raleigh to its evolution over five decades. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant that prioritizes vegetarian and vegan options while still appealing to a broad audience. Lee also discusses the importance of community support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the live music tradition continues to thrive. Don't miss this insightful conversation about a Raleigh institution that has stood the test of time.

00:00 Introduction to a Raleigh Icon
01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe
03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution
04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years
07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership
10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges
17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music
19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites
20:43 Community Support and Resilience
22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today
25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities
28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings
31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing
32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes