Dela-Where?

Christine and Ryan McCoy
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Places & Travel

The podcast that dives deep into the people, places, and enterprises that make the Delaware coastal area so unique.

  1. 4d ago

    Feeding Delaware with Melissa Hekl: Building a Coastal Culinary Empire

    Running one restaurant is a lifestyle, but managing three is a marathon. Melissa Hekl joins the podcast to dish on the organic farm-to-table magic of Good Earth Market in Ocean View, Delaware and her accidental pop-up turned permanent staple, Melissa’s Dinner & Lounge in Millville, Delaware. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at sourcing local Delaware produce and fruits, the secret to surviving the summer tourism rush, and why the ultimate local luxury is a drive-on beach day.  Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  2. Sep 24

    The Penguin Who Found His Flippers: Taking a Leap with local author Donald G. Thomas Sr.

    This week, Christine and Ryan sat down with fellow Rotarian, community leader, and newly published author, Donald G. Thomas Sr. At 75 years young, Donald has just released a beautiful, interactive children's book titled Why Can't I Fly?  The book follows Prince, an Emperor Penguin who desperately wants to soar like the birds and bees above him, only to discover that his wings are actually flippers perfectly designed for the water. It’s a powerful metaphor for finding your own unique superpower, having faith, and taking the leap—lessons Donald has spent a lifetime teaching.  In this episode, we cover:  A Lifetime of Leadership: Donald’s incredible 35-year career mentoring inner-city youth through the Boy Scouts of America.The Making of Prince the Penguin: The hilarious and heartwarming story of how Donald—who is colorblind—drew all the book's illustrations himself with a little help from his granddaughter and the internet.A Family of Superstars: From his wife's career as an educator to his son's unforgettable journey to the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.Loving Sussex County: Downsizing, embracing the beach life, and the inevitable reality of flat tires on the local bike trails. Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, or just someone looking for a little inspiration to take a leap of faith, Donald's story and his infectious energy will leave you smiling.  Links & Resources: Search for "Why Can't I Fly?" by Donald G. Thomas Sr. on Amazon to grab a copy for the little ones in your life.Watch the animated book trailer: Search "Donald G. Thomas Sr. Why Can't I Fly?" on YouTube to see the 42-second cartoon created by Donald and his wife!Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  3. Sep 10

    Rooted in Sussex County: Exploring the Delaware Botanic Gardens

    Tucked just minutes off Route 113 along scenic Pepper Creek in Dagsboro, Delaware, lies one of Coastal Sussex County’s most breathtaking natural treasures: the Delaware Botanic Gardens. In this episode of the Dela-Where? Podcast, we sat down with Deputy Executive Director/COO Mark Carter, to discover the story behind this 37-acre living masterpiece. Learn how an old farm field transformed into a world-class public garden featuring a 2-acre meadow designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf (famed designer of NYC’s High Line), 12 acres of accessible woodland trails, and community spaces supported by local favorites like Dogfish Head. Whether you're a lifelong Delaware resident, or planning your next beach day getaway from Bethany Beach, Lewes, or Rehoboth Beach, see why this hidden gem is worth adding to your Delmarva itinerary.   Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  4. Jul 30

    The Secret Mind of Bees & Local Honey in Sussex County, DE | Carey Apiary

    What’s All the Buzz About? 🍯 Ever wondered what happens inside a beehive—or why local honey is such a game-changer? In this episode of the Dela-Where? podcast, Christine and Ryan welcome Patrick Carey, owner of Carey Apiary in Frankford, DE. Patrick shares his journey from accidental beekeeper to Master Beekeeper, breaking down the wild realities of bee life (spoiler: it involves royal coups, waggle dances, and 8,000-acre flights!). Whether you're curious about apitherapy, hive rentals for your farm, or just want to know how to stop swatting at wasps, this episode is packed with sweet insights you won't want to miss.  Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  5. Jul 14

    From Capital Hill to Coastal Coffee: Meet Janet Forlini of Clove & Cedar Coffeebar

    Ever thought about trading a high-powered legal career for the perfect pour-over? On this episode of Dela-Where?, we sit down with Janet Forlini, the inspiring founder and owner of Clove & Cedar Coffeebar in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Janet shares her fascinating journey from working as a public policy lawyer on Capital Hill to becoming a dedicated student of specialty coffee. Inspired by her mother’s own bold career leap into the newspaper industry later in life, Janet decided to chase her passion for community—eventually navigating the highs and lows of the service industry to bring her unique coastal vision to Sussex County. Inside the Episode: Brewing Community & Coastal Pivots Running a local business takes serious grit. Janet opens up about the unpredictable waters of launching her initial shop right before the pandemic, adapting through unprecedented lockdowns, and finally establishing her dream "happy place" in Delaware's vibrant beach community. Here is a taste of what we discover in this episode: The "Third Space" Philosophy: Why coffee shops are the ultimate hubs for human connection, acting as a welcoming neighborhood anchor where locals and vacationers alike can slow down and chat.Crafting a Premium Menu: The intentional science behind Clove & Cedar’s flavor profiles, featuring regional partnerships with Annapolis-based Ceremony Coffee Roasters and freshly delivered treats from Old World Breads.Signature Sips to Crave: The secrets behind their legendary 18-hour slow-brewed cold brew—including the crowd-favorite Creamsicle variant—and their high-quality, whisked-to-order ceremonial Matcha's like Strawberry Shortcake and Vanilla Ube.Coffee with a Cause: How Clove & Cedar purposefully integrates philanthropy into its business model, proudly giving back to local organizations like Operation Seas the Day, Justin’s Beach House, and the Delaware Botanic Gardens.Why Tune In? Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking for real-world inspiration, a specialty coffee lover, or a beach local looking for the ultimate walkable morning oasis, this conversation is packed with warmth, business wisdom, and plenty of caffeine inspiration. Get ready to meet the incredible team keeping Bethany Beach energized, and find out why Clove & Cedar is quickly becoming the most talked-about independent coffee destination on the coast!  Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  6. May 28

    From the First State to Music City: Cultivating Gratitude with Lisa Condon

    Join Christine and Ryan McCoy as they welcome their good friend, team coach, and former Delaware resident, Lisa Condon, to the podcast!  In this episode, Lisa shares her journey from the corporate world to celebrating 20 years in her own business, explaining how she helps people align their business paths with their authentic selves.  Dive into a discussion about values, the importance of stopping to celebrate wins, and how a daily practice of gratitude can physically change your brain and transform your business.  From her favorite spots in Sussex County to her new life in Nashville, Lisa brings a wealth of wisdom, energy, and a touch of "Gypsy" spirit to the conversation.  #LisaCondonEnterprises  #DelawareRealEstate  #SussexCountyDE  #DelawareBeachLife  Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  7. May 19

    The Sweet Side of Coastal Delaware: Inside Sandy Pony Donuts

    Join hosts Christine and Ryan McCoy as they speak with Bria Wang, the co-owner behind the beloved Sandy Pony Donuts. Bria shares her fascinating journey from an unexpected career at NASA Flight Facilities to co-launching a highly successful food truck in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Now a staple of the Sussex County, Delaware culinary scene, Sandy Pony Donuts has expanded to brick-and-mortar locations in Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach, serving up famous, creative flavors like the bacon-topped Porky Pony and blueberry Blue Moon alongside refreshing bubble tea. Discover how Bria and her husband, Ben, grew their family-owned hospitality footprint across the Eastern Shore—expanding into local favorites like the 19Dough1 bagel shop, HAPA Surf Co., Soft Swirl Coffee and Custard, and the historic Main Street Coffee Shop. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of local entrepreneurship, seasonal business strategy, and high-quality community storytelling. Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

  8. May 13

    Joel Brown on Delaware Leadership, Mentorship & Community Impact

    In this episode, Ryan and Christine McCoy sit down with Delaware leader Joel Brown — CEO of Arrived Leadership, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Brojora Foundation. Joel shares how mentorship, leadership development, and community service are helping transform opportunities for underserved youth across Delaware. The conversation explores executive leadership, personal growth, nonprofit impact, and the importance of building stronger local communities in the First State. Whether you're interested in Delaware business, leadership coaching, mentorship programs, nonprofit work, or community impact, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiring stories. 📍 Topics in this episode: Leadership development and mentorship in Delaware The mission and impact of The Brojora Foundation [14:08] Joel Brown’s work as an executive coach and TEDx speaker Building stronger communities through service Exploring Delaware hidden gems like Trap Pond State Park [29:19] Connect with Joel Brown: Website: www.brojora.org Email: JoelBrown@ArrivedLeadership.com Send us Fan Mail  Thanks for tuning in to learn about life on the Delaware coast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our next episode!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The podcast that dives deep into the people, places, and enterprises that make the Delaware coastal area so unique.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine and Ryan McCoy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dela-Where?
  • Show Website
    Dela-Where?