Join us as we dive into the world of card collecting with Tara and Adam Reynolds, the masterminds behind Triangle Area Trading Cards. From childhood nostalgia to serious collecting, they share their journey from avid collectors to successful business owners running a beloved local hub in North Carolina. The couple recount their initial foray into card trading, their challenges of moving from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, and the tight-knit community they've built around their passion. Learn about the evolution of the trading card industry, their biggest finds, future aspirations, and the joy of bringing families together through this timeless hobby.

00:00 Meet the Card Pros

02:30 Adam’s First Packs

04:09 First Big Pull

05:56 From Passion to Business

08:06 Opening the First Store

09:28 Early Challenges and TCG Shift

10:54 Outgrowing the Space

14:04 How the Hobby Changed

16:38 Getting Started at the Shop

18:23 Avoiding Collector Burnout

19:27 Trading Online vs. In Store

20:01 Breakers and Live Auctions

20:48 The Shop Community Vibe

22:27 Biggest Collection Purchases

24:20 Babe Ruth Signed Baseball

25:58 Balancing Hobby and Business

27:35 Advice to Younger Self

28:48 Future Plans and Growth

29:59 Lightning Round Favorites

32:36 LEGO Collecting and Minimalism

33:59 Where to Find the Shop

35:01 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

Join us as we dive deep into the inspiring story behind That's Spot On!, a board game created by friends Linda Pelnik and Sue Dohm. Discover how their shared love for family game nights led to the creation of a game that captured hearts at the New York Toy Fair. Linda and Sue discuss the origins of their friendship, the challenges of manufacturing, securing spots in mom-and-pop stores, and navigating the complexities of the game industry. Don't miss their fascinating journey filled with highs, lows, and plenty of laughs as they bring their creative visions to life.

00:00 Meet the Inventors

02:48 From School Friends to Co-Founders

04:15 Fixing Liar's Dicexsxw

05:09 New Mechanics and Game Board

07:11 Learning Manufacturing from Scratch

08:17 Designers and Industry Help

10:19 Marketing and Grassroots Sales

13:32 New York Toy Fair Breakthrough

16:57 Working with a Friend

18:09 Shipping Delays and Tariffs

19:42 Canals and Shipping Chaos

20:16 Founders' Backgrounds and Skills

21:36 Toy Fair to Warehousing

22:37 Box Size and Shelf Space

23:41 Next Game Spot and Snap

24:36 Trade Shows and Cutting Costs

26:03 Creative Process and Advice

27:45 Family Playtesting Support

28:49 Lightning Round Game Night

31:18 Where to Find That's Spot On!

32:12 Shoutouts and Wrap Up

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

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

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

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

18:42 WakeMed Heart and Vascular

19:12 Podcast Cary Studios

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

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

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