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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 12/09/2025

    Irregardless: 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. In this episode, Lee shares the rich history of Irregardless, from its beginnings as the first vegetarian restaurant in Raleigh to its evolution over five decades. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of running a restaurant that prioritizes vegetarian and vegan options while still appealing to a broad audience. Lee also discusses the importance of community support, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the live music tradition continues to thrive. Don't miss this insightful conversation about a Raleigh institution that has stood the test of time. 00:00 Introduction to a Raleigh Icon01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites20:43 Community Support and Resilience22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes

    33 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    Torry 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 Foundation, Liz McLean. They discuss Torry's transition from football to community work and the impactful projects of the Holt Brothers Foundation, with a particular focus on supporting children whose parent or guardian has been diagnosed with cancer. Torry shares emotional insights about his personal journey, the importance of education, and the legacy of his mother. Learn how this foundation is bringing hope and making a difference in the lives of many families. 00:00 Introduction to What's Up, Wake 00:43 Interview with NC State Legend Torry Holt 06:09 Torry Holt's Community Work and Foundation 08:06 Supporting Children Through Cancer 19:26 Introduction to the Foundation's Components 21:34 Kids Can Program and New Initiatives 21:59 The Impact of 'A Kids Book About Cancer' 24:09 How to Support the Foundation 25:32 Navigating Conversations About Cancer 28:04 Personal Reflections and Advice 29:41 Getting Involved with the Holt Brothers Foundation 32:45 Family Values and Legacy 36:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    38 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Celebrating 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 his son Ira David Wood IV to reflect on the musical comedy adaptation that has delighted North Carolina audiences for over 50 years. The Woods share anecdotes about the origins of the theater, the heartfelt impact of the show, the camaraderie among the cast, and the trials and joys of playing Scrooge across multiple generations. This episode offers a heartfelt and humorous look into a holiday tradition that has touched countless lives. 00:00 Welcome to the Holiday Season 01:25 Meet the Royal Family of Raleigh Theater 02:25 The Beginnings of Theatre in the Park 04:34 The Birth of A Christmas Carol Tradition 09:19 A Family Legacy Continues 14:58 Passing the Torch 18:38 The Magic of the Lamplighter 26:01 The Annual Transformation 27:13 Keeping the Show Fresh 27:45 The Power of Laughter and Unity 29:27 Reflecting on Personal Loss 31:21 The Joy of Character Acting 33:52 Theatre in the Park and Future Plans 37:24 Family Legacy and Community Impact 41:34 Lightning Round: Bah Humbug Edition 46:22 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    48 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    Sweet 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 bakers, the influence of her father's passion for baking, and how she transitioned from a hairstyling career to owning a successful dessert shop. We delve into the challenges and joys of running a family business, the community-driven ethos of Asia's Cakes, and managing the work-life balance with her entrepreneurial husband. Along the way, we learn about customer favorites, including the beloved Honey Bun Cake and the unique Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Join us for an inspiring conversation about passion, family, and the sweet rewards of hard work. 00:00 Introduction to India Matlock and Asia's Cakes01:29 India's Family and Baking Roots03:51 From Hair School to Baking Passion04:56 Entrepreneurial Journey and Family Support07:51 The Birth of Asia's Cakes10:52 Finding the Perfect Bakery Location14:33 Managing High Demand and Teamwork16:08 The Importance of Teamwork in Baking18:02 A Day in the Life of a Baker20:26 The Honey Bun Cake: A Family Tradition22:50 Balancing Business and Family27:51 Favorite Treats and Special Recipes29:44 Challenges and Unique Requests31:34 Training the Next Generation of Bakers33:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    34 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    The 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 provide meaningful employment and social opportunities to adults with intellectual, developmental, and visual disabilities, the shop has become an integral part of the community. The host interviews Executive Director Julie Walker, discussing the shop's origins, its evolution since 2020, and the impactful lives of its employees. They also touch upon future expansion plans and community involvement opportunities. Julie shares inspiring stories of employee success and the invaluable support they receive from the local community. 00:00 Introduction to Esteamed Coffee01:22 Meet Julie Walker, Executive Director01:47 The Mission and Founding Story03:45 Julie Walker's Journey to Esteemed04:32 Day-to-Day Operations and Responsibilities05:49 Hiring Process and Employee Retention08:21 Employee Success Stories09:57 Molly Minnick and the Elevate Program21:25 Future Plans and Expansion24:32 How to Get Involved and Volunteer26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    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. From its beginnings in Garner in 2005 to its expansion into Morrisville in 2023, Rush Hour Karting has become a top destination for adrenaline seekers. Adam shares the story of how the business started, the challenges they faced — including a major economic downturn — and the bold renovations that rejuvenated the Garner location. Discover the unique amenities they offer, from multi-level tracks and super-fast gas and electric go-karts to ax-throwing, rock climbing, and cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. Don't miss Adam's insights on running a family business, the importance of constant innovation, and the future of go-kart racing. Whether you're a serious racer or looking for family fun, this episode has something for everyone. 00:00 Introduction to Rush Hour Karting01:23 Meet the Owner: Adam Saad01:44 The Origins of Rush Hour Karting03:43 Challenges and Growth05:55 Renovating the Garner Location10:09 Family Business Dynamics14:21 Gas vs. Electric Carts15:58 The Thrill of Gas vs. Electric Go-Karts16:13 Overcoming Trust Issues with Family Go-Karting16:43 The Stress-Relieving Power of Racing17:50 North Carolina's Racing Legacy18:26 From Go-Karting to Professional Racing19:56 The Challenges of Business Changes20:48 Renovation Success and Customer Feedback23:01 The Super Fleet: A New Era of Go-Karts25:23 Lightning Round: Favorite Race Car Movies and More27:53 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us

    29 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Show Website
    What’s Up, Wake

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