Shows / What’s Up, Wake
What’s Up, Wake
What’s Up, Wake covers the people, places, restaurants, and events of Wake County, North Carolina. Through conversations with local personalities from business owners to town staff and influencers to volunteers, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Wake County an outstanding place to live. Presented by Cherokee Media Group, the publishers of local lifestyle magazines Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad, What’s Up, Wake covers news and happenings in Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Apex…
Episodes
- What’s Up, Wake
Ghosts of the Triangle: Local Legends & Spooky Stories with Liz Pardue
Our host, Melissa, welcomes storyteller Liz Pardue for a Halloween-week conversation about spooky local history and legends. Liz shares how she started…
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The Greatest of All Time: Meet Wake County’s Goats with Smith Farm Goat Sanctuary and Goats on the Go
What’s Up Wake Episode 81 gets a little wild as Melissa talks all things goats with Stephen Paul, director of Goats on the Go. Stephen shares how he went from…
- What’s Up, Wake
The Other Side of Raleigh: Tyree Dudley Shares the Stories of Raleigh’s Unhoused Community
What’s Up, Wake features Tyree Dudley, founder of The Other Side of Raleigh, an organization working to connect with Raleigh’s unhoused community and bring…
- What’s Up, Wake
Calling the Canes: Behind the Mic with Carolina Hurricanes Broadcaster Mike Maniscalco
This episode of What's Up Wake goes behind the mic with Carolina Hurricanes play-by-play announcer Mike Maniscalco. Mike shares how his love of sports turned…
- What’s Up, Wake
Home Sweet Home: Exploring the Triangle Real Estate Market with Van Starling of Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty
What’s Up, Wake Episode 80 features Melissa in conversation with Van Starling II, managing broker for Hodge and Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty, about…
- What’s Up, Wake
Fresh Catch: The NC Seafood Festival and Local Industry
North Carolina Seafood: Local Shrimp, Trawling Debate (HB 442) & the NC Seafood Festival Sponsored in Part by Bloomin’ Blinds Raleigh, we dive into North…
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Dig in: Backyard-to-Table Tips from Corinne Beirne of The Nourished Garden
Episode 78 of What’s Up Wake explores the world of kitchen gardening with Corinne Beirne, founder of The Nourished Garden. Corinne shares how she went from…
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Feeding NC: Amy Beros of Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina Fights to End Hunger
In this episode of What's Up Wake, Melissa sits down with Amy Beros, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, to discuss…
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Exploring Wake County Magnet Schools With Dr. Mariah Walker & Tamani Powell
In this episode of What’s Up, Wake, host Melissa Wistehuff sits down with two women helping shape education in Wake County: Dr. Mariah Walker, principal of…
What’s Up, WakeThe Raleigh You've Never Seen: A Secret Guide to the City with Emily Price
Secret Raleigh with Emily Price: Hidden Gems, Ghost Stories & Lost Landmarks Melissa interviews Emily Price, author of “Secret Raleigh: A Guide to the Weird…
What’s Up, WakeFrom Shelters to Forever Homes: Highlighting Wake SPCA with Kim Janzen
SPCA of Wake County: Rescue Stories, Affordable Vet Care & the New Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center This episode features Kim Janzen, president and CEO of…
What’s Up, WakeLazy Daze: Cary's Premier Summer Festival with Jenna Kostka
50th Annual Lazy Days Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary: What to Expect + Insider Tips The episode spotlights Cary’s 50th annual Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts…
What’s Up, WakeCamp Kesem: Empowering Kids through Shared Journeys
This episode features an interview with Camp Kesem regional program coordinator Jenna Rumsey and former camper turned counselor Grace Kester about Camp Kesem…
What’s Up, WakeBrewing Something Special with Sam Nelson of Pretty Good Coffee Company
Melissa interviews Sam Nelson, owner of Pretty Good Coffee Company, a North Carolina-based luxury mobile coffee cart business that grew from his home espresso…
What’s Up, WakeA Taste for Telling Stories with Food Writer David McCreary
The host interviews David McCreary, a freelance food feature writer for Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad since 2004, about how he got into food…
What’s Up, WakeInside Holly Springs Growth with Tonya Palumbo
Executive Director Tonya Palumbo discusses how the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses as a 501(c)(6) membership organization, distinct…
What’s Up, WakeThe Real Story Behind the North Carolina Accent with Dr. Walt Wolfram
What does the way you speak reveal about who you are? In this fascinating episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Walt Wolfram, the William C. Friday Distinguished…
What’s Up, WakeHow Shibumi Shade Took Over the Beach with Dane Barnes
How Shibumi Shade Became North Carolina’s Unofficial Beach Flag | 10 Years of a Homegrown Idea Ahead of the July 4th beach rush, the episode features Dane…
What’s Up, WakeLost Towns and Ghost Stories: A Conversation with Heather Leah
In this episode, local storyteller, historian, and author Heather Leah shares how she began writing online more than a decade ago, grew a large following by…
What’s Up, WakeRaleigh's Culinary Growth: An Interview with Amber Moshakos
Melissa interviews Amber Moshakos of family-owned LM Restaurants, the group behind concepts including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, Birdie’s Ballroom…
What’s Up, WakeA Fun Spin on Dentistry: Dr. McCormick’s Entertaining Venture
Bryden McCormick, a Fuquay-Varina dentist and owner of Fuquay Family Dentistry, shares how he went from economics and banking to dentistry, then to creating…
What’s Up, WakeFrom Broadway to Raleigh: The Journey of Lauren Kennedy Brady
Lauren Kennedy Brady, a Raleigh native and Broadway performer, shares how early community theater and mentors led her to a BFA at the University of Cincinnati…
What’s Up, WakeBeyond Awareness: The Invictus Project's Mission Against Exploitation
Melissa talks with Whitney Miller, vice president of The Invictus Project, about combating the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in North…
What’s Up, WakeBatter Up! Michael Villafana Talks Salamanders Baseball
Melissa interviews Michael Villafana, general manager of the Holly Springs Salamanders, about his path from sport management and marketing at Seton Hall to…
What’s Up, WakeDebunking Skincare Myths with Dr. Thomas Knackstedt
In this summer skincare episode, the host Melissa talks with dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt about keeping skin healthy without overcomplicating routines…
What’s Up, WakeSeaside Stories with NY Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey
The episode features an interview with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, celebrating the release of her 13th novel, Summer State of…
What’s Up, WakeBagel Haven: Jeff's Bagel Run Owner and 127 Haven Founder Ryan McEvoy
Ryan McEvoy, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run locations in Wake Forest and Rolesville (with a Raleigh shop opening near Glen Lake), shares how his experience helping…
What’s Up, WakeUnlocking Your Full Potential with Jody Donaldson
Join us as we dive into a conversation with Jody Donaldson, owner of Alloy Personal Training and host of The Progress Zone podcast. Discover the key to…
What’s Up, WakeMoves Like Swagger: Shop Success with Mandy Becker
Melissa interviews Mandy Becker, owner of Swagger Boutique, a women’s style destination in Wake County with locations in Raleigh and Cary. Becker shares how a…
What’s Up, WakeThe Big Cheese with Frank Yarborough of Frankie B's
Host Melissa interviews Frank Yarborough, creator of Frankie B’s pimento cheese, just days before the Pimento Cheese Festival in Downtown Cary Park. Frank…
What’s Up, WakeFrom Sgt. Pepper to Sasq'et with Storyteller Maxim Langstaff
Storyteller and Grammy/Emmy-nominated writer-producer Maxim Langstaff discusses his decades behind the scenes with music legends including John Denver and…
What’s Up, WakeChatting Collectibles with Adam and Tara of Triangle Area Trading Cards
Join us as we dive into the world of card collecting with Tara and Adam Reynolds, the masterminds behind Triangle Area Trading Cards. From childhood nostalgia…
What’s Up, WakeRolling the Dice with That's Spot On! Designers Sue and Linda
Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring story behind That's Spot On!, a board game created by friends Linda Pelnik and Sue Dohm. Discover how their shared…
What’s Up, WakeToday in the Quay with Jason Wunsch
Jason, creator of the “Today in the Quay” Facebook page, shares how he built a positive hub for Fuquay-Varina updates over 12 years, growing to about 30,000…
What’s Up, WakeRinkside with Carolina Hurricanes Player Jordan Martinook
Host Melissa Wistehuff takes “What’s Up, Wake” on a rink trip to Invisalign Arena, the Carolina Hurricanes’ practice facility, for a conversation with…
What’s Up, WakeFrom Pharmaceuticals to Pastries: Hanadi Asad of Asali Desserts & Cafe
In this episode of 'What's Up, Wake,' we delve into the heart and culture behind one of MacGregor Village's beloved gourmet sweet shops, Asali Desserts & Cafe…
What’s Up, WakeA Beacon of Hope: NeighborUp CEO André Anthony
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…
What’s Up, WakeArt in Bloom: Inside the NCMA with Director Valerie HIllings
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…
What’s Up, WakeVisit Raleigh: An Insider's Guide with Jessica Holt
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…
What’s Up, WakeKickstart Your 2026 Financial Goals with Expert Tips from Joe Mecca
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…
What’s Up, WakeNC Travel from East to West
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…
What’s Up, WakeNavigating Perimenopause with Jamie Gallagher
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…
What’s Up, WakeFitness for All: A Journey with Adrien and Meagan
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…
What’s Up, WakeThe Science and Benefits of IV Hydration Therapy with Dr. Jonathan Leake
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…
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Exploring Economic Development in Wake County with Chamber Presidents
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…
What’s Up, WakeIrregardless: An Interview with Owner Lee Robinson
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…
What’s Up, WakeTorry Holt on Building Legacy On and Off the Field
In this episode of What's Up, Wake, host Melissa sits down with former NFL star and NC State legend Torry Holt and the executive director of the Holt Brothers…
What’s Up, WakeCelebrating 50+ Years of 'A Christmas Carol' with Ira David Wood III & IV
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…
What’s Up, WakeSweet Success: How India Matlock Built Asia's Cakes from Scratch
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…
What’s Up, WakeThe Heartwarming Mission of Esteamed Coffee: An Interview with Julie Walker
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…
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Revving Up for Adult Fun: Inside Rush Hour Karting with Owner Adam Saad
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…
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Discovering the Hidden History of Cary with Dr. Katherine Loflin
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…
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Unveiling the Magic: Inside the NC State Fair with Heather Overton
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…
- What’s Up, Wake
Exploring Paranormal Mysteries with The Ghost Guild | Featuring Nelson Nauss
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…
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A Tour Through Agritainment at Phillips Farm with Michael Phillips
Join us as we explore the exciting world of agritourism and agritainment with Michael Phillips from Phillips Farm. Discover the rich history and transformation…
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Exploring Raleigh City Farm: Urban Farming in Downtown Raleigh
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…
- What’s Up, Wake
Mayor Jacques Gilbert: From Apex's First Black Police Captain to Mayor
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…
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North Carolina Seafood Industry with Lin Peterson
In this episode of What's Up, Wake, we dive into the rich cultural heritage and thriving industry of North Carolina's commercial fishing. Join Melissa as she…
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The Heartfelt Journey and Mission of the Pretty In Pink Foundation
In this episode, we explore the impactful work of the Pretty In Pink Foundation, dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients who face financial challenges…
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A Place at the Table with Maggie Kane
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…