What’s Up, Wake

Podcast Cary
  • 4.4 (7)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    Art 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 University to leading the museum. They delve into the upcoming Art in Bloom exhibit, the integration of outdoor and indoor art spaces, and the unique cultural experiences offered by the museum. Valerie also discusses how the museum adapts to different seasons, collaborates with other institutions, and engages with the community. Discover what it takes to bring art to life and the future exhibitions you can't miss. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 00:21 Museum Dynamics and Building Names 00:49 Podcast Setup and Introduction 01:32 Introducing the North Carolina Museum of Art 02:41 Art in Bloom Exhibition 04:18 Valerie's Journey to Museum Directorship 11:04 Museum Operations and Community Engagement 13:30 Unique Aspects of the North Carolina Museum of Art 17:00 The Importance of Planning Your Museum Visit 17:40 The Perks of Local Museums 18:24 Introducing Art in Bloom 19:12 Challenges and Logistics of Art in Bloom 21:37 Themes and Inspirations for Art in Bloom 23:12 Collaborations and Special Events 29:33 Upcoming Exhibits and Events 32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    33 min

  2. FEB 5

    Visit 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. From its burgeoning food scene and festivals to its sports and Southern charm, discover the behind-the-scenes magic of promoting Raleigh to the world. Jessica shares insights on how Raleigh balances growth with preserving local flair; attracting visitors for leisure, business, and sports; and enhancing the local economy through tourism. Learn about Raleigh's upcoming events, its unique attractions, and discover hidden gems you might have missed. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode will give you plenty of reasons to fall in love with the City of Oaks. 00:00 Welcome to Raleigh: A Southern Gem 01:08 Meet Jessica Holt: Promoting Raleigh Worldwide 01:39 The Mission of Visit Raleigh 02:06 Balancing Growth and Local Charm 02:56 Sports and Event Venues in Raleigh 03:52 Relocating to Raleigh: A Visitor's Journey 04:25 Raleigh's Unique Attractions and Free Offerings 05:35 Target Audiences for Raleigh Tourism 06:40 Music Festivals and Events in Raleigh 09:18 Economic Impact of Events and Festivals 11:23 Exploring Wake County's Surrounding Towns 12:59 Raleigh's Food Scene: Michelin Guide Recognition 17:04 Recent Developments in Raleigh 19:40 Pitching Raleigh: A Diverse and Eclectic Destination 20:28 Diverse Pitches for Different Travelers 21:04 Exciting Events and Festivals in Raleigh 22:23 Upcoming Developments in Raleigh 25:23 Challenges in Increasing Tourism 26:50 International Travel and Comparisons to Raleigh 29:36 Lightning Round: Favorite Spots and Hidden Gems 34:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    36 min

  3. JAN 29

    Kickstart 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 Union shares his top five tips for smarter saving, intentional spending, maintaining an emergency fund, reassessing retirement plans, and paying down debt. Additionally, Joe discusses the importance of budgeting tools and how to use them effectively, from apps to good old spreadsheets. Tune in for actionable financial advice to ensure 2026 is the year your wallet breathes a sigh of relief. 00:00 Introduction to Financial Goals for 2026 01:18 Meet Joe Mecca: Financial Expert 02:01 Tip 1: The Importance of Budgeting 08:05 Tip 2: Building an Emergency Fund 11:42 Tip 3: Reassessing Retirement Plans 18:21 Tip 4: Implementing a Debt Reduction Plan 23:33 Tip 5: Rewarding Yourself for Financial Success 26:11 Conclusion: Wrapping up Financial Resolutions

    28 min

  4. JAN 22

    NC 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 Edenton's Inner Banks Inn, shares insights about the historic bed and breakfast, the significance of Edenton’s preservation efforts, local attractions, and culinary delights. The episode also features a discussion with Lily Memmel, general manager of the West Jefferson Hotel, about the hotel's rich history, substantial renovations led by her father Mark Beck, and notable local activities including shopping, hiking, and river excursions. Both guests offer detailed travel tips and underscore the importance of preserving local history. 00:22 Exploring North Carolina's Hidden Gems 00:53 Discovering Edenton: A Historical Treasure 03:10 Edenton's Must-See Attractions 06:12 Edenton's Culinary Delights 13:12 West Jefferson: A Mountain Retreat 13:37 West Jefferson Hotel: A Historic Revival 17:14 Dining at the West Jefferson Hotel 20:16 Top Activities in West Jefferson 23:16 Summer Fun in West Jefferson 25:29 Conclusion and Farewell

    26 min

  5. JAN 15

    Navigating 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 practitioner and perimenopause specialist. Jamie shares her journey and expertise, discussing symptoms, misconceptions, and treatment options for perimenopause and menopause. The episode also covers the historical context behind hormone therapy, the importance of individualized care, and the latest insights into hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Tune in to learn valuable information about managing this crucial phase of women's lives. 00:00 Introduction to Women's Health Focus 01:11 Meet Jamie Gallagher: Perimenopause Specialist 01:57 Personal Journey and Professional Insights 03:27 Challenges in Menopause Care 04:14 Hormone Therapy Controversies 09:47 Heart Disease and Estrogen 15:53 Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms 23:21 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained 25:22 Comparing Birth Control and HRT 25:42 The Importance of Continuous HRT 26:40 The Black Box Warning on HRT 27:14 The Impact of Estrogen on Women's Health 29:24 Challenges in Hormone Therapy Education 30:42 Addressing Common Questions on HRT 33:18 Natural Supplements and Hormone Therapy 36:10 Menopause and Joint Pain 38:08 Weight Gain During Menopause40:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

    42 min

  6. JAN 8

    Fitness 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. Jacobs, owners of AKtivate Fitness, the winners of Best Fitness Program in the 2025 Cary Magazine Maggy Awards. Located in Cary's Millpond Village, AKtivate Fitness is known for its welcoming community and innovative approach to helping people maintain their fitness resolutions long-term. Learn about their journey into the fitness world, the unique aspects that set their studio apart, and their commitment to mental and physical health. We also discuss their involvement in the Rock Steady Boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their new initiative, AKtivate Movement and Recovery. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or new to fitness, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your fitness goals in 2025 and beyond. 00:00 Welcome and New Year's Resolutions 02:10 Meet the Fitness Experts: Adrian and Megan 02:41 Fitness Journeys: From Personal to Professional 05:53 Building a Fitness Community 07:17 The Rewards of Coaching 09:23 Challenges of Running a Fitness Business 14:59 Rock Steady Boxing: A Unique Approach to Parkinson's 19:43 Empowering Athletes: From 8 to 70 Members 20:34 The Importance of Strength Training 21:53 Kickboxing: A Comprehensive Workout 25:51 New Year, New Goals: Fitness Resolutions 29:06 Introducing Activate Movement and Recovery 32:12 The Vision for the Future 33:35 Conclusion: Reflecting on Success and Future Plans

    35 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    The 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 dehydration, boost energy, and enhance overall wellness. Dr. Leake shares his journey from being a board-certified emergency medicine physician to founding a successful chain of hydration clinics. Learn about the different types of IV drips, their benefits for athletes, those with chronic illnesses, and even the hungover. We also discuss cutting-edge treatments like NAD+ therapy and the importance of choosing a well-regulated clinic. Join us for a comprehensive look at how IV hydration therapy is transforming health and wellness. 00:00 Introduction to Germ Season and IV Hydration Therapy 01:50 Meet Dr. Jonathan Leake: From ER to IV Hydration 02:41 The Birth and Growth of Hydrate Medical 04:17 Experiencing IV Hydration: A Personal Account 05:34 Understanding IV Hydration Therapy 07:39 NAD+ Treatment: The Anti-Aging Miracle 08:35 Customizing Your IV Drip for Maximum Benefits 10:04 IV Hydration for Athletes and Hangover Recovery 14:42 Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of IV Hydration 16:17 IV Hydration for Chronic Illness and Migraines 17:37 Misconceptions About IV Hydration Therapy 18:04 Safety and Standards in IV Hydration 18:38 Benefits of IV Hydration 18:58 Who Should Avoid IV Hydration? 19:31 Designing a Signature Drip 20:21 Unusual Requests from Clients 21:39 Balancing Medicine and Business 25:08 Future Goals and Expansion 26:07 Flying and Personal Interests 27:37 Where to Learn More About Hydrate Medical

    29 min

  8. 12/15/2025 · BONUS

    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 economic developments in Wake County. Interviews feature David Bohm, Executive Director at Apex Chamber of Commerce, Dustin Williams, President of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Mark Lawson, President of the Cary Chamber of Commerce, and Christie Moser, President of the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce. They discuss recent successes, upcoming projects, and the importance of community collaboration in economic growth. Highlights include new mixed-use developments, expansions in healthcare and retail, and the booming entrepreneurial scene. Tune in for an insightful look into the vibrant business landscape of Wake County! 00:00 Welcome to What's Up, Wake! 00:55 Economic Development in Apex 03:00 Community Collaboration and Chamber Roles 05:02 Exciting Prospects for 2026 10:13 Fuquay-Varina's Booming Growth 22:34 Balancing Support for Small and Large Businesses 24:24 Economic Development Wins in Cary 25:58 The Impact of Downtown Cary Park 27:57 Future Prospects for Cary 33:22 Morrisville's Economic Growth and Announcements 35:55 Morrisville's Community and Future Plans 38:47 The Importance of Regional Collaboration 40:30 Fun Activities in Morrisville 43:48 Conclusion and Closing Remarks

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

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

  • Channel
    Podcast Cary
  • Creator
    The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Show Website
    What’s Up, Wake

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