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

    Today 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 followers. He discusses moderating the page, highlighting youth sports and local business openings, and supporting standout athlete Sarah Strong’s early recognition. Jason also reflects on Fuquay-Varina’s rapid growth, community events, new attractions, and excitement around the upcoming Target, and he plugs his Facebook page and newsletter with over 7,000 subscribers. 00:00 Meet Today in the Quay 02:59 Why He Started It 04:36 Fuquay Growth and Vibe 05:38 Courtroom vs. Facebook 06:58 Spotlight on Youth Sports 08:25 The Sarah Strong Story 14:52 Businesses and Local Buzz 17:04 Awards and Wide Reach 20:52 Balancing It All 22:32 Favorite Annual Events 23:51 24 Hours in Fuquay 25:46 Target and What’s Next 28:15 Where to Follow and Newsletter 29:26 Wrap Up and Thanks

    31 min

  2. MAR 5

    Rinkside 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 Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook. He discusses watching the Olympics (and rooting for Canada), his pick for a Hurricanes siren guest (Sylvester Stallone), and how he describes the team’s passionate, unexpectedly electric fan base and playoff tailgating. Martinook talks about recharging off the ice with his wife and three kids, what he watches at home, and his love of restaurants, including favorites from Scott Crawford. He shares an ideal Raleigh food day, dream alternate careers, reality-show survival picks among teammates, perspectives on hockey fights and dental care, his walkout song choice, memorable moments at Lenovo Center, and a perfect family day in Raleigh.  01:01 Show Welcome and Setup 01:36 Rink Trip Introduction 02:19 Olympics Allegiances 03:43 Who Sounds the Siren 04:23 Canes Fans and Tailgates 05:37 Family Life Recharge 06:58 Kids' Movies and TV 08:34 Foodie Life at Home 09:30 Best Food Cities on the Road 11:05 Scott Crawford and Favorites 13:04 Perfect Raleigh Food Day 14:30 Dream Job and Reality TV 16:27 Fights and Dentist Talk 18:22 Walkout Song and Big Moments 20:03 Perfect Raleigh Family Day 21:02 Thanks and Sign Off

    22 min

  3. FEB 26

    From 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. Host engages in a heartfelt discussion with owner Hanadi Asad, exploring how her Palestinian heritage, artistic inclinations, and personal tragedies have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. From her start in a licensed home kitchen to the courage needed to open a storefront, Hanadi Asad shares insights on balancing family, overcoming fears, and bringing unique Mediterranean desserts to the community. She offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on the community's response to her endeavors. Don't miss this inspiring story of passion, resilience, and artistic innovation. 00:00 Introduction to the Sweet Episode 02:04 The Origin Story of Asali Desserts and Cafe 05:02 From Pharmaceuticals to Pastries 06:06 Balancing Passion and Practicality 08:15 Challenges and Inspirations 13:47 Family Involvement in the Business 17:16 Cultural Influences on Business 17:55 Struggles with Language and Hospitality 18:29 Creating a Welcoming Environment 19:24 Cultural Comparisons and Challenges 20:43 Exploring Palestinian Desserts 22:31 Personal Favorites and Unique Recipes 24:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 26:55 Reflections on Timing and Challenges 28:55 Future Plans and Personal Growth 31:34 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

    35 min

  4. FEB 19

    A 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 Melissa is joined by André Anthony, CEO of NeighborUp, who shares his personal journey from the YMCA to leading a major community organization. André discusses NeighborUp's mission to support Western Wake County with financial aid, food assistance, job training, and advocacy. The episode delves into the merger process, the challenges, and the significant community impact that came from combining two long-standing nonprofits. André also shares heartfelt stories of how NeighborUp has positively affected individuals and families, offering a beacon of hope in times of need. Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved and support your community through NeighborUp. 01:29 Spotlight on Community Heroes 02:40 André Anthony's Journey 03:55 Mentorship and Impact 06:40 Dorcas Ministries and Western Wake Crisis Ministry 10:12 The Merger: NeighborUp 12:15 Navigating the Merger Process 15:32 Impact of the Merger 19:36 Dorcas Thrift Shop Rebranding 20:13 Introduction to NeighborUp and Dorcas Thrift Shop 21:11 Expansion Plans for Dorcas Thrift Shop 21:22 The Ministry Aspect of Dorcas Thrift Shop 22:34 The Origin of the Name Dorcas 23:04 Impact Stories from NeighborUp 27:08 How to Get Involved with NeighborUp 31:58 Personal Insights and Fun Activities 34:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

    36 min

  5. FEB 12

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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Trailer

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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
  • Show Website
    What’s Up, Wake

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