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

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

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 Icon
01:54 The Origins of Irregardless Cafe
03:19 Arthur's Vision and Evolution
04:41 Challenges and Changes Over the Years
07:55 Lee Robinson's Journey to Ownership
10:38 Maintaining Traditions and Facing Modern Challenges
17:33 Nostalgia and Budget Constraints in Music
19:26 Menu Staples and Customer Favorites
20:43 Community Support and Resilience
22:22 Challenges of Starting a Restaurant Today
25:13 Farm-to-Table Practices and Market Realities
28:08 Balancing Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Offerings
31:13 The Popular Lemon Tahini Dressing
32:16 Conclusion and Future Hopes

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

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

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 Cakes
01:29 India's Family and Baking Roots
03:51 From Hair School to Baking Passion
04:56 Entrepreneurial Journey and Family Support
07:51 The Birth of Asia's Cakes
10:52 Finding the Perfect Bakery Location
14:33 Managing High Demand and Teamwork
16:08 The Importance of Teamwork in Baking
18:02 A Day in the Life of a Baker
20:26 The Honey Bun Cake: A Family Tradition
22:50 Balancing Business and Family
27:51 Favorite Treats and Special Recipes
29:44 Challenges and Unique Requests
31:34 Training the Next Generation of Bakers
33:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 Coffee
01:22 Meet Julie Walker, Executive Director
01:47 The Mission and Founding Story
03:45 Julie Walker's Journey to Esteemed
04:32 Day-to-Day Operations and Responsibilities
05:49 Hiring Process and Employee Retention
08:21 Employee Success Stories
09:57 Molly Minnick and the Elevate Program
21:25 Future Plans and Expansion
24:32 How to Get Involved and Volunteer
26:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 Karting
01:23 Meet the Owner: Adam Saad
01:44 The Origins of Rush Hour Karting
03:43 Challenges and Growth
05:55 Renovating the Garner Location
10:09 Family Business Dynamics
14:21 Gas vs. Electric Carts
15:58 The Thrill of Gas vs. Electric Go-Karts
16:13 Overcoming Trust Issues with Family Go-Karting
16:43 The Stress-Relieving Power of Racing
17:50 North Carolina's Racing Legacy
18:26 From Go-Karting to Professional Racing
19:56 The Challenges of Business Changes
20:48 Renovation Success and Customer Feedback
23:01 The Super Fleet: A New Era of Go-Karts
25:23 Lightning Round: Favorite Race Car Movies and More
27:53 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us