In this festive episode, we delve into the rich history of Raleigh's cherished 'A Christmas Carol' production at Theatre in the Park.  Ira David Wood III and his son Ira David Wood IV to reflect on the musical comedy adaptation that has delighted North Carolina audiences for over 50 years. The Woods share anecdotes about the origins of the theater, the heartfelt impact of the show, the camaraderie among the cast, and the trials and joys of playing Scrooge across multiple generations. This episode offers a heartfelt and humorous look into a holiday tradition that has touched countless lives.

00:00 Welcome to the Holiday Season

01:25 Meet the Royal Family of Raleigh Theater

02:25 The Beginnings of Theatre in the Park

04:34 The Birth of A Christmas Carol Tradition

09:19 A Family Legacy Continues

14:58 Passing the Torch

18:38 The Magic of the Lamplighter

26:01 The Annual Transformation

27:13 Keeping the Show Fresh

27:45 The Power of Laughter and Unity

29:27 Reflecting on Personal Loss

31:21 The Joy of Character Acting

33:52 Theatre in the Park and Future Plans

37:24 Family Legacy and Community Impact

41:34 Lightning Round: Bah Humbug Edition

46:22 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this episode, we sit down with India Matlock, the creative force behind Asia's Cakes in Holly Springs. India shares her journey of growing up in a family of bakers, the influence of her father's passion for baking, and how she transitioned from a hairstyling career to owning a successful dessert shop. We delve into the challenges and joys of running a family business, the community-driven ethos of Asia's Cakes, and managing the work-life balance with her entrepreneurial husband. Along the way, we learn about customer favorites, including the beloved Honey Bun Cake and the unique Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Join us for an inspiring conversation about passion, family, and the sweet rewards of hard work.

00:00 Introduction to India Matlock and Asia's Cakes
01:29 India's Family and Baking Roots
03:51 From Hair School to Baking Passion
04:56 Entrepreneurial Journey and Family Support
07:51 The Birth of Asia's Cakes
10:52 Finding the Perfect Bakery Location
14:33 Managing High Demand and Teamwork
16:08 The Importance of Teamwork in Baking
18:02 A Day in the Life of a Baker
20:26 The Honey Bun Cake: A Family Tradition
22:50 Balancing Business and Family
27:51 Favorite Treats and Special Recipes
29:44 Challenges and Unique Requests
31:34 Training the Next Generation of Bakers
33:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode, we explore Esteamed Coffee, a unique coffee shop in Cary situated in a quaint 1940s cottage on Academy Street. Known for its mission to provide meaningful employment and social opportunities to adults with intellectual, developmental, and visual disabilities, the shop has become an integral part of the community. The host interviews Executive Director Julie Walker, discussing the shop's origins, its evolution since 2020, and the impactful lives of its employees. They also touch upon future expansion plans and community involvement opportunities. Julie shares inspiring stories of employee success and the invaluable support they receive from the local community.

00:00 Introduction to Esteamed Coffee
01:22 Meet Julie Walker, Executive Director
01:47 The Mission and Founding Story
03:45 Julie Walker's Journey to Esteemed
04:32 Day-to-Day Operations and Responsibilities
05:49 Hiring Process and Employee Retention
08:21 Employee Success Stories
09:57 Molly Minnick and the Elevate Program
21:25 Future Plans and Expansion
24:32 How to Get Involved and Volunteer
26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for an exciting conversation with Adam Saad, the owner of Rush Hour Karting, as we explore the turbocharged world of high-speed indoor go-kart racing. From its beginnings in Garner in 2005 to its expansion into Morrisville in 2023, Rush Hour Karting has become a top destination for adrenaline seekers. Adam shares the story of how the business started, the challenges they faced — including a major economic downturn — and the bold renovations that rejuvenated the Garner location. Discover the unique amenities they offer, from multi-level tracks and super-fast gas and electric go-karts to ax-throwing, rock climbing, and cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Don't miss Adam's insights on running a family business, the importance of constant innovation, and the future of go-kart racing. Whether you're a serious racer or looking for family fun, this episode has something for everyone.

00:00 Introduction to Rush Hour Karting
01:23 Meet the Owner: Adam Saad
01:44 The Origins of Rush Hour Karting
03:43 Challenges and Growth
05:55 Renovating the Garner Location
10:09 Family Business Dynamics
14:21 Gas vs. Electric Carts
15:58 The Thrill of Gas vs. Electric Go-Karts
16:13 Overcoming Trust Issues with Family Go-Karting
16:43 The Stress-Relieving Power of Racing
17:50 North Carolina's Racing Legacy
18:26 From Go-Karting to Professional Racing
19:56 The Challenges of Business Changes
20:48 Renovation Success and Customer Feedback
23:01 The Super Fleet: A New Era of Go-Karts
25:23 Lightning Round: Favorite Race Car Movies and More
27:53 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

Join us for a fascinating journey through the history of Cary, North Carolina, with the town's Ambassador for History, Dr. Katherine Loflin. In this episode, Dr. Loflin shares intriguing stories about Cary's founding, its prohibition roots, railroad significance, and even its haunted past. Learn about the concept of 'place attachment,' and how modern-day Cary connects its rich history with community pride. Dr. Loflin uncovers the impact of historical storytelling on community engagement and introduces us to her various historical tours and productions. Don't miss out on her captivating ghost stories and the legend of hidden treasures within the town. This episode offers a deep dive into the anecdotes and events that shaped one of America's best towns!

00:00 Introduction to History Class

01:10 Meet Dr. Katherine Loflin

03:47 The Concept of Place Attachment

07:54 The Railroad's Role in Cary's History

11:31 Theatrical History Tours

16:50 Prohibition and Unsolved Murders in Cary

17:32 The Founding of Cary and Its Dry Town Origins

19:23 Prohibition's End and the Introduction of Alcohol

20:58 Cary's Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity

26:25 The Hunt for Hidden Treasures in Cary

29:54 Must-See Spots in Cary for Visitors

32:31 Where to Follow and Learn More

Step into the magic of the North Carolina State Fair! In this episode, we chat with Heather Overton from the NC Department of Agriculture to bring you the scoop on the state's most exciting 11 days of the year. Discover the rich history of the fair, its deep roots in agriculture, and the traditions that have stood the test of time since 1853. Learn about the fair's impact on local farming, the unique attractions, and the logistics behind organizing such a grand event. Explore why the NC State Fair remains a beloved celebration for families, friends, and newcomers. Don't miss insights on the fair's economic impact, must-try foods, new additions, and tips for navigating the grounds.

00:00 Welcome to the North Carolina State Fair
01:45 Interview with Heather Overton
02:42 History and Evolution of the Fair
05:32 Agriculture's Role and Importance
12:05 Challenges and Economic Impact
14:36 New Developments and Future Plans
16:12 Navigating the Fairgrounds
17:27 Parking Tips for the Fair
19:13 Bringing New Vendors to the Fair
20:40 Exciting New Foods at the Fair
22:37 Funny Fair Stories
24:20 Must-See Spots at the Fair
27:37 Animal Exhibits and Logistics
30:13 Favorite Fair Foods
31:29 Fair Dates and Ticket Information

Join us as we dive into the world of paranormal investigations with Nelson Nauss, the executive director and co-founder of The Ghost Guild. Since 2017, this nonprofit organization has focused on studying historical locations with unexplained activities. Nelson discusses their science-based approach to investigating hauntings, partnering with historical societies, and preserving historical sites. Hear intriguing stories from Raleigh's Mordecai Historic Park, the Briggs Hardware Store, and the Battleship in Wilmington. Learn about the tools and methods used to differentiate between normal environmental factors and potential paranormal activity. Get a sneak peek into upcoming events and how you can get involved with The Ghost Guild.

00:00 Introduction to the Ghost Guild
01:30 Founding and Mission of the Ghost Guild
02:33 Scientific Approach to Paranormal Investigations
05:54 Tools and Techniques in Ghost Hunting
09:38 Investigations at Mordecai Historic Park
14:54 Ghost Stories and Local Legends
18:04 Ghost at the Hardware Store
19:22 Challenges of Investigating Noisy Locations
20:17 Emotional Connections to Historical Homes
22:00 Public Interest in Paranormal Investigations
23:39 Unexplained Events on the Battleship
26:43 Upcoming Paranormal Presentations and Tours

Join us as we explore the exciting world of agritourism and agritainment with Michael Phillips from Phillips Farm. Discover the rich history and transformation of this fourth-generation farm located in Cary, North Carolina. From a corn maze that outsmarts GPS systems to spine-chilling haunted trails, Phillips Farm offers year-round thrills for the whole family. Learn about their popular seasonal events, including the intense Haunted Farm nights and the upcoming country Christmas celebrations. Michael discusses the creative processes behind their events, the importance of supporting local farms, and the challenges they face in maintaining their agricultural heritage. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for family-friendly fun, Phillips Farm has something for everyone.

00:00 Welcome to Philips Farm: Agritourism Adventure
01:22 The History of Philips Farm
02:29 Transition to Agritourism
04:31 Unique Attractions and Activities
06:22 The Famous Corn Maze
09:36 Challenges Facing Local Farms
13:57 Exciting Events at Philips Farm
14:34 The Haunted Farm Experience
17:57 The Haunted Farm Crew
18:44 Makeup and Costumes
21:03 Hiring and Staff
22:21 Year-Round Events
23:28 Christmas Season Preparations
25:37 Challenges and Rewards
27:17 Lightning Round Questions
29:40 Where to Find More Information

Join us as we "dig" into the transformation of a vacant 1.2-acre lot into the lush, productive Raleigh City Farm. Executive Director Lisa Grele Barrie shares the vision, history, and impact of this urban oasis. Discover how the farm connects the community to nature, agriculture, and sustainability through gardening, volunteering, and educational programs. Learn about their sustainable practices, the importance of soil health, and the farm’s contributions to addressing food insecurity in North Carolina. Plus, get insights into upcoming events and volunteer opportunities that make Raleigh City Farm a vital part of the community.

00:00 Introduction to Downtown Raleigh's Hidden Gem
00:52 The Birth of Raleigh City Farm
01:11 Meet the Executive Director: Lisa Grele Barrie
01:42 The Vision and Founding of Raleigh City Farm
02:14 Transforming a Vacant Lot into a Farm
06:12 A Day in the Life at Raleigh City Farm
08:56 Engaging the Community: Volunteer Opportunities
14:59 Maximizing Small Spaces for Urban Farming
17:16 Strategic Science of Regenerative Farming
17:46 Soil Health and Free Resources
19:53 Community Engagement and Food Donations
22:06 Educational Initiatives and Workshops
24:09 Sustainability Practices and Urban Farming
26:38 Gardening Tips for Small Spaces
28:53 Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
29:57 Conclusion and Contact Information

Positivity and politics don't often mix, but today's guest, Mayor Jacques Gilbert of Apex, NC, has mastered this art. In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we delve into Jacques' journey from his early career in the police force to becoming the town's first Black mayor. From founding Blue Lights College to his unique approach to social media, Jacques shares insight into his philosophy of public service. Join us as we explore his roots, his love for Apex, and the role of positivity in leadership.

00:00 Introduction to a Unique Political Leader
01:57 From Police Officer to Mayor: Jacques Gilbert's Journey
04:17 Challenges and Rewards of Public Service
10:54 The Role of Social Media in Modern Politics
14:24 Blue Lights College: Bridging Communities and Law Enforcement
18:10 Blue Lake College Success Stories
19:47 Apex's New Children's Hospital and Veridian Development
22:36 Balancing Growth and Community Needs in Apex
24:04 In the Community: Town Hall Tour Series
25:48 The Story Behind the Gold Shoes
27:38 What's Up, Roundup: Lightning Round Questions
30:44 Conclusion and Social Media Presence