What’s Up, Wake

Melissa interviews Amber Moshakos of family-owned LM Restaurants, the group behind concepts including Carolina Ale House, Taverna Agora, Birdie’s Ballroom, Vidrio, Oceanic/Bluewater in Wrightsville Beach, and SMASH on Glenwood South. Amber shares her parents’ immigrant story, how LM began as a 48-seat Florida oyster bar, and why the family moved to Raleigh after expanding Miami Subs. She discusses growing up in the business, choosing restaurants over medical school, and the pros and cons of working with family. The conversation covers Raleigh as an emerging, diverse dining market, current industry challenges like thin margins and rising credit card fees, what makes restaurants successful, and why experience-driven venues are growing. Amber also mentions favorite menu items, spots she wants to try, and upcoming LM projects in Florida and brand updates in Raleigh.00:00 Meet Amber Moshakos 02:42 Family Origins and First Restaurant04:58 Greek Roots Behind Taverna Agora05:49 Moving to Raleigh and Early Growth07:16 Choosing Restaurants Over Medicine07:58 Making Family Business Work09:20 LM Expansion and Florida Return12:00 Raleigh Food Scene Evolution17:13 Industry Challenges and Credit Fees19:24 Sales Tax Relief Push20:11 Restaurant Success Formula20:58 Experience Dining Trend22:33 Glenwood South Safety Plan24:44 Advice for New Restaurateurs26:43 Favorite Dishes Rundown28:04 Non-LM Date Night Picks29:51 What’s Next for LM31:36 Hiring and Career Myths32:55 Closing Thanks and Wrap

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 Background00:21 Museum Dynamics and Building Names00:49 Podcast Setup and Introduction01:32 Introducing the North Carolina Museum of Art02:41 Art in Bloom Exhibition04:18 Valerie's Journey to Museum Directorship11:04 Museum Operations and Community Engagement13:30 Unique Aspects of the North Carolina Museum of Art17:00 The Importance of Planning Your Museum Visit17:40 The Perks of Local Museums18:24 Introducing Art in Bloom19:12 Challenges and Logistics of Art in Bloom21:37 Themes and Inspirations for Art in Bloom23:12 Collaborations and Special Events29:33 Upcoming Exhibits and Events32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 202601:18 Meet Joe Mecca: Financial Expert02:01 Tip 1: The Importance of Budgeting08:05 Tip 2: Building an Emergency Fund11:42 Tip 3: Reassessing Retirement Plans18:21 Tip 4: Implementing a Debt Reduction Plan23:33 Tip 5: Rewarding Yourself for Financial Success26:11 Conclusion: Wrapping up Financial Resolutions

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 Focus01:11 Meet Jamie Gallagher: Perimenopause Specialist01:57 Personal Journey and Professional Insights03:27 Challenges in Menopause Care04:14 Hormone Therapy Controversies09:47 Heart Disease and Estrogen15:53 Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms23:21 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained25:22 Comparing Birth Control and HRT25:42 The Importance of Continuous HRT26:40 The Black Box Warning on HRT27:14 The Impact of Estrogen on Women's Health29:24 Challenges in Hormone Therapy Education30:42 Addressing Common Questions on HRT33:18 Natural Supplements and Hormone Therapy36:10 Menopause and Joint Pain38:08 Weight Gain During Menopause40:45 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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 Therapy01:50 Meet Dr. Jonathan Leake: From ER to IV Hydration02:41 The Birth and Growth of Hydrate Medical04:17 Experiencing IV Hydration: A Personal Account05:34 Understanding IV Hydration Therapy07:39 NAD+ Treatment: The Anti-Aging Miracle08:35 Customizing Your IV Drip for Maximum Benefits10:04 IV Hydration for Athletes and Hangover Recovery14:42 Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of IV Hydration16:17 IV Hydration for Chronic Illness and Migraines17:37 Misconceptions About IV Hydration Therapy18:04 Safety and Standards in IV Hydration18:38 Benefits of IV Hydration18:58 Who Should Avoid IV Hydration?19:31 Designing a Signature Drip20:21 Unusual Requests from Clients21:39 Balancing Medicine and Business25:08 Future Goals and Expansion26:07 Flying and Personal Interests27:37 Where to Learn More About Hydrate Medical