What’s Up, Wake

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

In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we delve into the rich history and enduring success of Raleigh's legendary Angus Barn. Since opening in 1960, the restaurant has been a cornerstone for celebrations in the community, known for its exceptional steaks and inviting atmosphere. Join us as we sit down with Van Eure, daughter of founder Thad Eure Jr., to uncover the incredible journey of the Angus Barn. From its origins by Thad Eure Jr. and Charles Winston, through its challenges and triumphs, to the unique collections of Colt guns and Wild Turkey decanters, we explore what makes this establishment so special. Van shares heartwarming stories of employee loyalty, customer care philosophies, and the community initiatives driven by the Foundation of Hope. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant's standout features, including the elaborate Christmas decorations and the exclusive Meat Locker membership. Celebrate the 65th anniversary with us and learn how the Angus Barn has managed to remain a beloved Raleigh institution for over six decades.

00:00 Raleigh's Timeless Landmarks and the Angus Barn Legacy
01:26 Meet the Person Behind the Barn: Van Eure
02:00 The Origins of Angus Barn: A Crazy Story
02:42 Building and Rebuilding: The Early Challenges
04:27 Employee Loyalty and the Angus Barn Philosophy
10:43 The Secret to Longevity in the Restaurant Business
14:40 Collections and Antiques: A Peek Inside Angus Barn
23:52 The Foundation of Hope: A Personal Mission
26:38 The Stigma of Mental Illness
27:33 Foundation's Focus on Youth Suicide Prevention
28:19 From Teacher in Kenya to Restaurant Owner
28:47 The Transition to Angus Barn
34:34 Christmas at Angus Barn
37:16 65th Anniversary Celebration
39:50 The Coin Flip Business Deal
42:33 Customer Service Philosophy
47:21 The Meat Locker Tradition
50:26 Looking to the Future

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