What's Up, Wake: The Success Story of Home Court Pickleball

In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we dive into the booming world of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Meet Kat and Joe Entwistle, the dynamic duo behind Home Court Pickleball in downtown Fuquay-Varina, NC. Just nine months after opening, their indoor pickleball court has already won prestigious Maggy Awards for being the best place for family fun and best new business, with an honorable mention for the best place for a fun night out. Hear their journey from novices to business owners, learn about their unique business model, and discover the challenges and joys of launching and growing their community-focused enterprise. Plus, get insights into the evolving business landscape of Fuquay-Varina and its hopes for the future. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast or curious about entrepreneurship, this episode offers a rich and engaging look into how passion and community can drive success.

00:00 Introduction to Pickleball Craze
01:10 Meet the Owners: Kat and Joe Entwistle
01:13 The Pickleball Experience
02:08 Starting a Business Together
03:21 Life in Fuquay and Business Ventures
04:45 The OSI Connection
06:44 Creating Home Court Pickleball
15:50 Challenges of Building a Business
19:25 Parenting and Business Parallels
20:57 The Mural: Bringing the Court to Life
24:05 Future Expansion Plans
25:42 Fuquay-Varina Favorites
29:30 Community Business Wish List
31:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Kaylee Stavlas, the reigning Miss North Carolina Teen USA. At just 17, Kaylee has made remarkable strides as a pageant queen, a budding lawyer, CEO of a nonprofit, and a high school graduate. Listen as she shares her inspiring journey from her first pageant loss, through overcoming devastating injuries, to founding her nonprofit, NEX GEN CEO. Kaylee opens up about her aspirations, challenges, and the impactful work she is doing in her community. Discover how she balances her diverse achievements and gain insight into her future goals, including a dream of attending Harvard Law School.

00:00 Introduction to Kaylee Stavlas
02:14 Kaylee's Pageant Journey Begins
03:41 Overcoming Setbacks and Injuries
04:34 Transition to Singing and Continued Struggles
06:28 Breakthrough and Winning Miss North Carolina Teen USA
13:41 Reflections on Winning and Pageant Culture
16:08 The Role of Judges in Pageants
17:35 Winning Pageants and Community Involvement
18:06 Founding NEX GEN CEO
20:06 Children's Book Author Journey
20:27 Early Business Ventures and Impact
23:00 NEX GEN CEO and Business Education
27:40 Teen Court and Legal Aspirations
30:15 Future Plans and Aspirations
32:21 Lightning Round Questions

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Joy Ennis, the general manager of Downtown Cary Park, who has played a pivotal role in transforming Cary over the past two decades. Learn about the park's dynamic features, including the award-winning playground The Nest, and discover the fascinating stories behind its design and sustainability efforts. Joy also shares her journey, challenges, and many events that make the park the best place for family fun. Tune in to hear about the unique festivals, like the Pimento Cheese Festival, and more exciting developments in downtown Cary.

00:00 Introduction to Joy Ennis and Downtown Cary Park
01:19 A Tour of Downtown Cary Park
02:06 Joy Ennis' Journey with the Town of Cary
03:30 Design and Construction of the Park
06:07 The Role of Plants and Sustainability
17:00 Events and Activities at Downtown Cary Park
18:09 Unique Festivals and Community Engagement
23:26 Future Plans and Personal Insights
25:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Melissa interviews Maverick Rose, a true Renaissance man known for his podcast 'The Maverick Rose Music Hour,' involvement in films, and his music career fronting various bands. Maverick shares insights into his journey from growing up in Raleigh to becoming a prominent local musician and radio personality. He discusses his unique 'acoustic DJ' style, his inspirations, and his passion for poetry, having published three books. Maverick also highlights the importance of fostering a love for music in children, overcoming criticism, and surrounding oneself with talented individuals. Please tune in to learn about his future aspirations, including a potential career in radio, and catch a glimpse of his engaging persona that continues to captivate audiences statewide.

00:00 Meet the Maverick: An Introduction to Today's Guest
01:17 The Many Talents of Maverick Rose
01:30 The Cary Johnny Depp Phenomenon
02:37 Maverick's Musical Journey Begins
03:57 Incorporating Comedy and Style into Music
05:59 Inspiration and Influences
07:25 Fostering a Love for Music in Children
10:20 Overcoming Criticism and Finding Success
15:33 The Maverick Rose Music Hour Podcast
17:39 The Early Support and Favorite Venues
18:46 Exploring Poetry and Lyric Writing
19:55 Published Works and Future Aspirations
23:13 Open Mic Nights and Performance Insights
26:57 Animal Rescue and Personal Interests
30:45 Stage Fright and Tribute Bands
33:12 Conclusion and Where to Follow

Join us as we dive deep into the story of Tamasha Modern Indian, Raleigh's hottest dining destination, with Mike Kathrani and Tina Vora, the husband-and-wife team behind this celebrated restaurant. Discover how their journey from hair salons to hospitality led to creating an award-winning dining experience, complete with stunning design and a menu curated by Executive Chef Bhavin Chhatwani, a James Beard Award semifinalist. Learn about their inspirations, the challenges they've faced, and their ambitious vision for the future of Tamasha.

00:00 Date Night at the Hottest Restaurant in Town

01:28 Meet the Visionary Owners of Tamasha

04:25 Designing a Grand Performance

08:34 Chef Bhavin's Culinary Journey

14:43 Elevating Indian Cuisine

18:54 Curating Unique Indian Dishes

20:14 Inspiration Behind the Menu

21:17 Incorporating Indian Heritage

22:59 Achieving Culinary Recognition

26:37 Vision and Ambitions for Tamasha

28:31 Lightning Round: Fun Questions

32:27 Conclusion and Social Media

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, Melissa explores the fascinating world of wine with Matt Weiss, a distinguished sommelier and creator of The Wine Centric Show. Matt shares his journey from studying at the American Sommelier Association in New York to teaching and becoming a certified sommelier. He discusses the benefits of boxed wine, offers tips for finding great wines at local shops, and debunks myths about North Carolina wines. The conversation also touches on wine pairings, the best regions for wine, and upcoming events like BBQ & Bubbly. This episode is packed with insights for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, making wine approachable and enjoyable for everyone.

00:00 Wine Etiquette: Ice Cubes and Boxed Wine

00:59 Meet the Expert: Matt Weiss

02:57 Matt's Journey to Becoming a Sommelier

06:13 From New York to North Carolina

07:28 Navigating Wine Shops: Tips and Tricks

09:42 Wine Preferences and Pairings

11:28 The Historical and Cultural Significance of Wine

13:43 Making Wine Approachable

15:49 Exploring North Carolina Wines

16:10 The Sweetness of Muscadine Grapes

16:39 Diverse Grape Varieties in North Carolina

18:49 Local Wine Shops and Building Rapport

19:39 Affordable Wine Recommendations

21:49 BBQ & Bubbly Event

24:47 Lightning Round: Wine Preferences and Tips

28:15 Conclusion and Event Details

Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Don Schwenneker, also known as "Big Weather," Chief Meteorologist for ABC11 Eyewitness News. In this interview, Don shares his journey from a sports photographer in Iowa to a trusted weather forecaster in Raleigh, North Carolina. He delves into the importance of connecting with the audience, staying calm during severe weather events, and technological advancements in meteorology. Don also talks about balancing his career with going back to school, the challenges of forecasting in a region with diverse weather patterns, and being a relatable personality on TV. Don't miss this inspiring and insightful conversation!

00:00 The Challenges of Aging and Control

01:01 Introducing: Don Schwenneker, AKA Big Weather

01:40 A Warm Welcome and Local News Loyalty

03:03 Journey to Meteorology: From Iowa to TV

06:24 Settling in Raleigh and Family Life

09:12 Returning to School: A Lifelong Dream

12:53 Award Recognition and Personality in Broadcasting

15:37 The Importance of Trust in Weather Forecasting

18:55 Technological Advances in Meteorology

22:30 Advice for Aspiring Meteorologists

24:04 Quick-Fire Round: Personal Insights and Fun Facts

26:48 Conclusion and Social Media Shoutout

Join us as we engage with Simone and Noelle, the dynamic duo of sisters behind the beloved Mediterranean restaurant Sassool. They share insights into their journey from growing up in the family restaurant business to managing two successful locations today. Discover the secrets behind their award-winning menu, the essence of Lebanese hospitality, and their unique event space, FigMINT Farms. Whether it's embracing their cultural roots, innovating with new recipes, or navigating the challenges of running a family business, the sisters offer a deep look into their culinary world and the passion that drives them. Stay tuned till the end for a unique lightning round of fun questions!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:43 Clarifying Names and Background

02:45 Podcast Format and Guest Introduction

05:34 The Story Behind the Restaurant

07:24 Working with Family

12:05 Secrets to Restaurant Success

14:57 Menu Development and Social Media

18:02 FigMINT Farms: A New Venture

19:48 Mint Harvesting and Family Gatherings

20:57 Creating a Dinner Experience in the Woods

22:22 Future Plans for FigMINT Farms

24:48 Incorporating Lebanese Culture in Business

28:56 The Annual Hummus Mix-Off

31:31 Rapid-Fire Questions and Personal Favorites

35:49 Social Media and Locations

In this episode, we explore the enchanting world of Garden Supply Company, a premier garden center and 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Award winner. Join Melissa and owner Keith Ramsey as they talk about the center's history, Keith's passion for gardening, and the unique appeal of garden centers. Keith shares insights into his journey from the landscape business to owning a garden center, his experiences with beekeeping, and the importance of native plants. Learn about the best plants for pollinators, vegetable gardening tips, and Keith's hobbies, like oyster farming and wildlife management. Dive into this fascinating conversation filled with useful gardening advice and inspiring personal stories.

00:00 Visualizing the Perfect Garden Oasis

01:06 Introduction to Garden Supply Company

01:20 Meet the Owner: Keith Ramsey

01:34 The Impact of Winter on Business

02:20 The Journey to Owning a Garden Center

06:14 The Fascination with Beekeeping

10:05 The Importance of Pollinating Plants

13:11 The Role of Native Plants in Ecosystems

16:18 Excitement for Vegetable Gardening

16:41 Optimal Planting Dates and Tips

20:09 Best Vegetables for North Carolina

21:34 Bird-Watching and Wildlife Management

23:22 Quickfire Round: Favorite Trees and Herbs

27:06 Hobbies Beyond Gardening

30:19 Conclusion and Social Media

In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local Raleigh, about her journey from Florida to Raleigh and her mission to support local businesses. Jennifer discusses how she and her team partner with various local enterprises — from restaurants and boutiques to media companies and health spas — to help them thrive. She highlights the importance of shopping local for the community and economy and shares insights on how Shop Local Raleigh aids businesses in marketing, strategy, and networking. Additionally, Jennifer touches on major events organized by Shop Local Raleigh, like Brewgaloo and Falling for Local, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the area. Join us to learn more about the vibrant local business scene in Raleigh and the efforts to promote and sustain it.

00:00 Introduction to Local Business Champion

01:29 Jennifer Martin's Journey to Raleigh

03:55 The Importance of Shopping Local

09:36 Supporting Local Businesses: Challenges and Strategies

12:53 Future of Raleigh's Business Landscape

19:42 Starting a Business in Raleigh

22:10 Shop Local Raleigh's Major Events

25:28 Craft Beer Delivery Challenges and Industry Trends

26:36 Expanding the Festival Footprint

27:38 Creating Family-Friendly Events

29:13 Planning Massive Events

32:04 Rain or Shine: Event Resilience

33:24 Local Favorites and Personal Preferences

37:45 Supporting Local Businesses

40:03 Finding Shop Local Raleigh Online