What’s Up, Wake

The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel

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, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest.

  1. 4d ago

    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 the current Triangle real estate market and what buyers and sellers should expect heading into 2027. Van describes the local market as balanced and much closer to pre COVID conditions, with more inventory giving buyers additional choices and time to make decisions. He also discusses the challenges facing first time home buyers, including rising home prices, down payments, insurance costs, and the importance of planning for the long term rather than searching for a forever home. The conversation also explores how Raleigh and surrounding communities are changing as more people move into the area. Van shares which towns are seeing major growth, including Angier, Pittsboro, Garner, Clayton, Sanford, and Siler City, along with the challenges that come with building new homes, roads, schools, and other infrastructure. The episode then shifts to the 2026 Triangle Parade of Homes, including how to use the event to explore new communities and see the latest design trends. Van highlights earth tones, sage greens, wellness spaces, indoor and outdoor living, more defined rooms, and hidden kitchens and sculleries. He also explains how the Parade of Homes app makes it easier to plan which homes to visit. 00:00 Smart Shades Intro 00:38 Local Sponsor Spots 01:52 Market Update Overview 02:56 Balanced Market Explained 05:47 First Time Buyer Advice 09:04 Affordability Reality Check 10:24 Rent Trends And Saving 11:43 Growth Versus Character 14:21 Tear Downs And Design Shifts 20:26 Where Growth Is Heading 21:35 Triangle Growth Hotspots 22:09 Roads and School Strain 23:02 2027 Market Reality Check 23:51 Budgeting Before You Buy 24:38 Why a Crash Is Unlikely 26:38 2008 vs Today Lending 27:08 Parade of Homes Overview 28:31 Design Trends to Watch 29:32 Must Have Home Features 31:22 Planning Your Parade Route 32:59 Hidden Kitchens and Secret Rooms 34:06 The 2026 Triangle Parade of Homes takes place October 3 through 4, October 9 through 11, and October 16 through 18.

  2. Sep 24

    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 Carolina’s commercial fishing industry with Amy McCullough of NC Catch. Amy explains NC Catch’s consumer education mission, its statewide chef ambassadors, and how to identify real local seafood by asking questions and looking for menu details. She highlights North Carolina shrimp varieties and seasons, the importance of fishing to coastal economies and multigenerational families, and discusses the controversy around House Bill 442, which proposed restricting inshore shrimp trawling where much of the shrimp is caught; she argues trawling is already highly regulated, and bycatch claims are often outdated. Melissa also interviews Nick Eatman, executive director of the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City, about the 40th festival, its focus on North Carolina-only seafood, educational tents, Fisherman’s Village, and the Blessing of the Fleet memorial. 00:00 Welcome and Sponsors 01:30 Episode Preview NC Seafood 02:39 Meet NC Catch 04:30 What Counts as Local 06:01 NC Shrimp Seasons 08:54 Fishing Heritage Impact 10:28 House Bill 442 Explained 12:13 Trawling Facts and Gear 17:43 Why It Matters Next 19:31 Commercial vs Recreational 20:23 Seafood Festival Education 22:10 Chef Demos and Dinners 22:55 Favorite Seafood Picks 23:54 Whole Fish Confidence 26:03 Oysters and Terroir 26:59 Wrap Up and Resources 27:41 Meet Nick Eatman 30:21 What Makes It Special 33:17 Local Seafood Only 34:37 Fishermans Village Tours 35:59 Blessing of the Fleet 37:22 Supporting Fishing Families 38:15 Festival Challenges Today 39:26 Final Thanks and Signoff

  3. Sep 17

    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 growing herbs on her back porch to helping others create beautiful, productive gardens that fit into everyday life. Melissa and Corinne discuss beginner-friendly herbs and vegetables, raised beds, seasonal gardening in Wake County, growing food in small spaces, and why gardeners should focus on growing what they actually eat. They also explore the mental benefits of gardening, including patience, resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of spending time outside. Corinne also shares her experiences being featured in Martha Stewart, her work teaching gardening workshops, and how she helps people get started with their own kitchen gardens. Her biggest advice for new gardeners is simple: start small, find a sunny space, and grow what you love. 00:00 Show Intro Sponsor 00:06 Smart Blinds Pitch 00:39 Woodworking Sponsor Spot 01:30 Why Grow Your Food 02:36 Meet Corinne Byrne 02:59 Nourished Garden Origin 04:45 What Is Kitchen Garden 06:16 Start Any Space 08:08 Beginner Herbs Veggies 09:40 Workshops Garden Coaching 11:47 Watering Systems Timing 12:23 Fall Cool-Season Crops 14:22 Lettuce Seed Starts 15:12 Winter Harvest Herbs 19:08 Raised Beds Vs Ground 20:05 Soil Compost Basics 20:59 Hydroponics Basics 22:17 Indoor Gardening Options 22:45 Gardening Mindset Shift 24:54 Wellness Through Ritual 27:23 Kids Learning From Gardens 28:34 Start Small Garden Tips 29:58 Harvesting Carrots Right 31:28 Martha Stewart Feature 32:46 Rosemary Migraine Remedy 34:00 Where To Find Her Find Corinne & The Nourished Garden Website: www.thenourishedgarden.com Instagram: @the_nourished_garden

  4. Sep 10

    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 hunger and food insecurity across the region. Amy shares the story of how the Food Bank began in 1980 with Barbara Oates and a small group of volunteers, growing from a card table and phone in a Cary garage into an organization serving 34 counties through six locations. She explains how rising grocery, housing, healthcare, and transportation costs are affecting working families, seniors, and children, and why food insecurity is often much closer to home than people realize. The conversation also takes listeners behind the scenes of the Food Bank's complex logistics, from moving 100 million pounds of food each year to working with grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, schools, and community partners. Amy explains how donations such as Food Lion's contributions, locally grown produce, and even unexpected truckloads of strawberries and eggs can quickly make their way into communities that need them. Melissa and Amy also discuss the stigma surrounding food insecurity, the importance of providing food with dignity, and the challenges of transportation and access in both urban and rural communities. With September being Hunger Action Month, Amy shares ways people can get involved through volunteering, donating, and advocacy, including the Food Bank's Plate It Forward campaign and other community initiatives. 00:00 Bloomin' Blinds Raleigh 00:32 Local Sponsor Spotlight 01:24 Hunger Conversation Begins 02:32 Food Bank Origin Story 04:52 Amy’s Path to Service 05:43 Rising Hunger Crisis 07:08 Kids and School Meals 09:22 Schools and College Pantries 10:07 Inside Food Bank Logistics 13:41 Access and Transportation Barriers 17:01 Farmers and Food Partnerships 19:02 Stigma and Misconceptions 22:05 How You Can Help 24:35 Advocacy and SNAP 26:06 Service Area and Rural Challenges 28:10 Hunger Action Month 29:04 Hope and Youth Leadership 30:30 Get Involved and Closing foodbankcenc.org

  5. Sep 3

    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 Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy and the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, and Tamani Anderson Powell, director of marketing and recruitment for Wake County Public School System’s magnet programs. Both have also been recognized as Women of Western Wake honorees. They explain what makes Wake County’s magnet schools different, from leadership and STEM to visual and performing arts, International Baccalaureate programs, language immersion, early college opportunities, and specialized learning environments. Dr. Walker shares how Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy combines leadership development with early college opportunities, allowing students to earn up to 60 college credits at no cost through its partnership with Shaw University. Many graduates can enter college academically positioned as sophomores or juniors. Tamani breaks down how magnet schools work for Wake County families, including base schools, applications, the weighted selection process, and why choosing a school should be about finding the environment where an individual student can thrive — not simply choosing the program a parent thinks sounds best. 00:00 Smart Shades Intro 00:32 Local Sponsor Spots 01:25 Show Opens 01:48 Meet The Guests 02:41 Mariah Background 06:00 Tamani Background 08:05 Principal Of The Year 11:02 Leadership Advice 14:37 Women Of Western Wake 15:12 Wake YWLA Explained 16:56 Early College Credits 20:22 What Magnet Means 23:32 Magnet Logistics Basics 24:15 Choosing Magnet Schools 25:14 Lottery and Student Fit 27:29 Magnet Themes Explained 28:08 IB and Immersion Options 30:20 College and Career Prep 35:06 Tours and Info Sessions 36:53 Final Thanks and Wrap

  6. Aug 27

    The 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, Wonderful and Obscure,” about unusual and mysterious places around Raleigh. Price explains her love of weird history and how she researched multiple versions of local legends using the North Carolina Archives and old newspapers. She shares crowd-pleasing finds like one of the first electric guitars being made at NC State, the pink dog remnant of Gotno Farm behind Preservation NC on Oberlin Road, and haunted lore including the Heck-Andrews House and a reportedly haunted room in the governor’s mansion. The conversation also covers Hargett Street’s “Black Main Street,” Bloomsbury Park’s former rides and carousel now at Pullen Park, and recommendations like downtown wandering, the Muffler Man landmark, and visiting Raleigh Times. 00:00 Sponsor Messages01:44 Meet Emily Price03:05 Why Raleigh Secrets04:48 Fact Checking Legends05:59 Crowd Pleasers07:00 Cut Stories Food Focus08:33 Gotno Farm Pink Dog10:14 Hotels Taverns History14:28 Pretty Places Waterfall18:00 Ghost Stories Begin19:04 Haunted House Update19:48 Raleigh Ghost Stories20:46 Black Main Street History24:00 Bloomsbury Park Rides26:40 Pullen Park Zoo Tales28:21 Future North Carolina Book29:14 Lightning Round Favorites32:56 Where to Buy Secret Raleigh

    The Raleigh You've Never Seen: A Secret Guide to the City with Emily Price

  7. Aug 20

    From 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 the SPCA of Wake County, discussing the organization’s mission, funding, and evolving approach to animal welfare. Kim explains that SPCA of Wake County is not affiliated with the ASPCA and is funded primarily by private donations and fees for service. She shares how the shelter has shifted in recent years toward supporting “the other end of the leash” by helping families keep pets at home, especially as veterinary costs rise and financially driven surrenders increase. The conversation covers misconceptions about shelter animals, trends showing more cats than dogs entering shelters, and the SPCA’s intake of animals from 58 rural counties to prevent unnecessary euthanasia. Kim highlights expanded low-cost spay/neuter services and the new 47,000-square-foot Peggy Garner Britt Resource Center in South Raleigh, and outlines ways to help through adopting, donating, volunteering, fostering, and birthday donation drives. 00:00 Sponsor Ting Internet00:30 Local Woodworking Sponsor00:45 Cary Car Care Sponsor01:44 Meet SPCA Wake Leader03:13 Kim’s Path to SPCA03:36 Mission and Funding04:25 No Typical Day04:51 How SPCA Evolved06:18 Shelter Misconceptions08:51 Adoption Trends and Costs10:46 Beyond Cats and Dogs13:25 Rescue Story Spotlight15:15 Spay Neuter Programs16:55 Why Adopt First17:15 Finding the Right Match18:59 Ways to Support SPCA20:07 Volunteers and Fosters20:53 New Resource Center Tour22:28 How You Can Help Now23:09 Hope and Closing

    From Shelters to Forever Homes: Highlighting Wake SPCA with Kim Janzen

  8. Aug 13

    Lazy 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 Festival, a two-day downtown event that draws about 50,000 visitors and features 250+ juried artist booths, live music, food, family activities, and more. Host interviews Jenna Kostka, the Town of Cary’s festival and events supervisor, about the festival’s origins (named for the “lazy days of summer” by founder Jerry Miller), the juried artist selection process (500 applicants for just over 250 spots), and what makes the festival unique, including four stages, a beer garden with local breweries, Kid Daze programming, and the Kid Collectors Market for ages 6–12. Jenna shares planning details, Sunday’s sensory-friendly first two hours, and how to prepare using carync.gov/lazydaze and @caryartdaze. 00:00 Welcome to Lazy Daze 02:40 Meet Jenna Kostka 04:00 Festival Scale and Name 05:21 What to Expect 06:06 How Artists Are Chosen 07:22 Beyond Art Kids and Music 09:07 Kid Collectors Market 10:34 Planning and Logistics 18:01 Volunteers and Chaos 19:45 Festival Mishaps and Weather 21:07 Why Lazy Daze Stands Out 22:34 Best Food Picks 23:53 Pro Tips and Sunday Calm 26:03 Beer Garden and Lounge 27:03 Anniversary and New Artists 29:49 Dates, Links, and Farewell

    Lazy Daze: Cary's Premier Summer Festival with Jenna Kostka
See All (82)

Trailer

About

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, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest.

Information

  • Creator
    The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Show Website
    What’s Up, Wake