The What’s Up, Wake podcast debuted on March 4, 2025, with “Recipe for Success: Cooking up Conversations with Scott Crawford.” Over the ensuing year, host Melissa Wistehuff has sat down with dozens of people who shape the Western Wake community, from politicians and performers to business owners and nonprofit leaders.
To celebrate the first anniversary, we put Melissa on the receiving end of the interview.
Which guest surprised you the most in a good way?
Honestly, most of my guests surprise me in some way, but a couple who really stand out right now are Simone and Peter Stier, the husband and wife writing team from Fuquay-Varina. I was so fascinated by their creative process, especially how they collaborate to build characters and infuse their hometown into their stories. I was equally amazed by Dr. Katherine Loflin, also known as The City Doctor. Hearing the rich history of Cary through her storytelling was mesmerizing.
If you could go back and give “Day 1” advice to yourself, what would it be?
If I could go back to day one, I’d remind myself not to be afraid to ask big names to be on the show. As Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Some guests I reached out to thinking I might not hear back ending up saying yes. I also wish we’d started the YouTube channel sooner, but I’m glad we’re on there now.
Which guest would be the most fun to be stuck in an elevator with?
I really enjoyed getting to know Van Eure, so I’d probably pick her. She has an endless supply of stories about the history of Angus Barn, so the time would fly by if we were stuck in an elevator. Though, knowing Van’s energy, I’m not sure that she can sit still, so being stuck would drive her crazy!
What guest do you feel should have been a double-length episode?
I could have easily filled a triple-length episode with Jamie Gallagher from Peri & Pause. Perimenopause is such a timely and important topic, and I feel like we barely scratched the surface on what we could’ve covered. I also could have had an extended conversation with Ira David Wood III and Ira David Wood IV (aka Scrooge from A Christmas Carol). This father and son duo are natural storytellers — I could just sit back and let them riff.
One year down, what kind of impact do you hope the podcast has made on your listeners so far?
I hope listeners feel a deep sense of pride in the remarkable people we call neighbors in Wake County. One person that comes to mind is Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert. This was my first time interviewing a politician, so I was curious whether it would feel too polarizing, as politics often does today. I entered the conversation not knowing his party affiliation and left with the same lack of knowledge. That experience showed me that when we take the time to get to know people beyond labels or assumptions, we can build a more compassionate society.
Which guest made you the most nervous going into the interview?
I was nervous about the live interviews I did during the Wake GPS: Growth + Prosperity Summit event my publishers hosted in December. I interviewed four local Chamber of Commerce presidents, and they were all so enthusiastic to talk about their towns that my nerves melted away — even with a lively crowd watching.
Over the past year, what’s one local story or person that really changed the way you see our community?
One story that shifted my perspective this past year was Maggie Kane’s work at A Place at the Table. Her commitment to serving the less fortunate was beyond inspiring. I’ve always loved hearing about people who lift others up, but that conversation reminded me that even small acts of kindness can create real change. I left that interview with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that every bit of goodness matters.
You’ve talked with so many leaders and entrepreneurs — what trait do the most successful people seem to share?
In all the conversations I’ve had with incredibly successful people, nearly all of them point to using a vision board or writing down their goals. I took that advice to heart and created my own vision board this New Year’s Day. I’ll keep you posted on how that shapes my path.
Miss North Carolina Teen USA Kaylee Stavlas
What’s something listeners might not realize about what happens behind the scenes?
I think people would be surprised at how much I research before each interview. To keep each episode around 30 minutes, I make it a priority to know how to steer the conversation so I can really maximize each discussion. I also see it as a sign of respect — by being well-prepared, I show my guests that I truly care about telling their story in a meaningful way.
What’s been the most unexpected opportunity or connection that has come from the podcast?
Back in November, I interviewed Torry Holt and Liz McLean, the executive director of Holt Brothers Foundation, to learn about Torry and his brother Terrence’s philanthropic mission. I’d never met Torry before this interview. Fast forward to now, I’ve become a board member for Holt Brothers Foundation. Sometimes people are placed in our lives for a reason!
Stay tuned! For episode 50, debuting Thursday, March 5, Melissa goes rinkside with Jordan Martinook of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Who is your dream guest you’d love to have on before episode 100?
One thing I love about What’s Up, Wake is that I get to connect with all kinds of people from different backgrounds. I’ve had the chance to speak with everyone from circus performers and radio personalities to beekeepers and Food Network stars — my guests truly span the gamut! I keep a running list of “dream guests” that I keep adding names to. At the top right now is Ethan Clark of North Carolina’s Weather Authority. If anyone can put in a good word for me, I’d really appreciate it!
What does it mean to you to get to share the stories of this community?
It’s a privilege to bring these community stories to life each week. I feel so honored to shine a spotlight on the people, places, and moments that make Wake County special. My hope is that every episode of What’s Up, Wake is a little burst of positivity that brightens our listeners’ weeks.
Stream What’s Up, Wake on our website or wherever you get your podcasts, or visit our YouTube channel for video episodes.
