WRAL Out & About Podcast

Comedian Shannon Fiedler is set to perform Sunday night at Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh. Fiedler is known for her social media characters, which have helped her amass a huge following on Instagram and TikTok. Before this weekend's performance, Fiedler spoke with Mark Bergin about her career, her tour and visiting Raleigh for the first time. Tickets are $22 for Sunday's event.

Nestled in Creedmoor, North Carolina, Cedar Creek Gallery is an art lover's dream!  For the 55th year, Cedar Creek will host their annual Spring Pottery and Glass Festival for two weekends in April, and you're invited. Jami Caskey talks with Cedar Creek Owner Lisa Oakley about the rich history of the gallery, which showcases the works of over 200 American craft artists. You'll learn that whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of fine American crafts, Cedar Creek Gallery is a must-visit destination,!

This Valentine's Day, fall head-over-heels in love with Chocolate Smiles, downtown Cary's reknowned chocolate and sweets boutique! Join Jami Caskey for a delightful walk through the sweet wares with Melanie Williams, the passionate owner and chocolatier behind this local gem, and learn how the mouthwatering small-batch chocolates, decadent truffles and made-to-order treats have made this a Cary institution! https://www.chocolatesmiles.com/index.htm  

It is all about Valentine's Day this week. We share our favorite gift ideas, where to shop for them and the best chocolate shops! 

This week, we make Groundhog Day plans, plus get ready for the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh. 

Five miles, twelve donuts, one hour- it's Krispy Kreme Challenge time!  Jami Caskey talks with NCSU student and K2C PR guru Ashlyn Crocker about the race, the reason, and the running/eating tips and tricks to get you ready for this challenge of both athletic and gastrointestinal skill. So lace up your running shoes, grab your donut bib, and get ready for a sweet and sweaty adventure! https://krispykremechallenge.com/ https://www.ncsu.edu/spirit-and-traditions/krispy-kreme-challenge/#:~:text=The%20student%2Drun%20event%20dares,All%20in%20one%20hour.  

This week, we fill you in on all the events coming up for the rest of January 2024, including Chinese New Year, a Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing event, plus a chance to wear your jammies and watch Saturday morning cartoons.

This week on the Out and About Podcast, we talk about a lantern parade at downtown Cary park, a bass fishing expo and a sound bath experience at Dix Park!    Note: This episode was recorded prior to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival closing for the season early due to storm damage this week. The festival is now closed and will not be open through Jan. 14, 2024.   

This weekend, check out a new fan convention in downtown Raleigh, take a run with your furry friend at Mutts and Marshmallows and throw a Christmas tree to win some money. 

This week, WRAL lifestyle editor Kathy Hanrahan and WRAL.com senior multiplatform producer Jessica Patrick share the best light lights to check out and help you plan your New Year's Eve with a list of local events! 

WRAL lifestyle editor Kathy Hanrahan and WRAL.com senior multiplatform producer Jessica Patrick break down the events coming up this weekend including a fire and ice themed party at Downtown Cary Park and Ira David Wood III's final bow as in "A Christmas Carol." 

WRAL lifestyle editor Kathy Hanrahan and WRAL.com senior multiplatform producer Jessica Patrick share their picks for weekend fun in the Triangle, including parades, holiday markets and more! 

Callie Bouille is a Triangle resident who, through her Facebook page `His Masterpiece New & Used Puzzles' sells all kinds of puzzles- for all ages, all skill levels, all interests!  They not only make perfect gifts (if you're holiday shopping), Callie discuesses the mental health benefits as well.  And if that's not enough reason to break out a puzzle, proceeds from Callie's puzzle business go toward ministries that serve people all over the globe!  Already a puzzler? Callie may be able to use you on her `perfect piece' puzzle team! Get motivated to start puzzling, learn more about puzzles, or pick up some puzzles and help a great cause!  https://www.facebook.com/hmpuzzles     

The Out and About podcast takes a look at what's coming up this weekend in the Triangle area! 

From the Holiday Artist Market to “Bull Durham the Musical!” Theatre Raleigh has grown into Theatre Raleigh Arts Center.  Diane interviews TR Producing Artistic Director Lauren Kennedy Brady about how they’re expanding their shows and events in their new larger space, and their exciting 2024 Main Stage Season.

This week, we take a trip with Out and About TV to some new places including a tour of Person County, a visit to restaurants East End Bistrot and Piada, and a trip to see the Historic Oak View Park! 

Jami Caskey (and her crochet-enthusiast adult son Brett) talk all things fiber arts with Pam Hartman- owner of the iconic Great Yarns shop in Raleigh's Ridgewood Shopping Center.  What started as folks' quest for crafts during the Covid shutdown has turned into a crochet and knitting BOOM, and Great Yarns has everything you need to jump in, from skeins to lessons to social stitching groups and more! Join Jami as she listens in on a delightful, informative conversation between this pair of fiber art fans! www.greatyarns.net  

“Why am I burning up in here when everyone else is freezing?” “Why do I keep forgetting words that I know I know!” “Am I going crazy or is this menopause?”  Diane interviews Carol Toran and Kirsten Moore, co-curators of "M is for Menopause Baby!" a new art exhibition at Rocky Mount Mills that explores menopause and opens a dialog about this natural phase of womanhood.

Amanda Lamb is back to introduce the third true crime podcast from WRAL. "The Killing Month August 1978" tells the story of a family crime business run by three brothers who would stop at nothing to keep from getting caught. The Johnston brothers operated in Chester County, PA in the 1970s. When young members of the gang started talking to police, the brothers turned from theft to murder. Amanda talks to Kathy about her personal connection to the story and why she wanted to tell it. "The Killing Month August 1978" is available in your podcast app now.

Under the Boylan Street Bridge in Downtown Raleigh you will find a store with only local in mind. Shauna Greenwell has owned the space for 20 years, and in that time she has been through many iterations.  Starting as a gallery and frame shop, as with most business in 2020, she had to pivot. Now you can find a coffee bar, an art gallery, a bodega with only goods from NC, and beers on tap.  Her events range from wrestling to food truck rodeos.  It's a part of old Raleigh that is holding on to everything that made the 1990's in Raleigh magical, all while showcasing today's best in art and food.  https://www.rebusworks.us/ https://www.instagram.com/rebusworks/ https://www.facebook.com/rebusworks/

It's SCARY how much you can do at The Graveyard Getdown Music and Haunt Festival:  live music from North Carolina bands, a Haunted Forest, fire performers, visual artists, costume contests- even camping and yoga, October 20th and 21st in Summerfield NC!  Jami Caskey dishes details and ticket info with Graveyard Getdown Guru Arielle Rimoldi! www.thegraveyardgetdown.com

What’s it like to step into the dancing shoes of The King of Pop?  Find out and get a taste of the Tony Award winning show. Diane interviews Jamaal Fields-Green, one of the actors who plays Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical” when the tour stops at DPAC Oct. 10-22.

James Beard Nominee Cheetie Kumar recently opened her newest restaurant Ajja in downtown Raleigh. She talks with Out & About about Ajja's menu that celebrates Middle Eastern and North African Cuisine in ways the Triangle has never experienced-both in flavors and in Ajja's setting! She also tells us about what it was like to speak in front of Congress on behalf of her fellow restaurantuers.  Find Ajja: https://www.ajjaeats.com/ Facebook Instagram

Jami Caskey digs in to the NCSU tailgating experience with Buzzy Correll, the Associate Executive Director of the NC State Wolfpack Club!  From the unique atmosphere at Carter-Finley Stadium, to how tailgating parking spots are assigned, to the delicious barbecue traditions, Buzzy gives us a glimpse into the vibrant tailgating culture at NC State. So set your game day plan and get ready to join the Wolfpack for an unforgettable tailgating experience! https://gopack.com/sports/football/schedule https://www.wolfpackclub.com/

Diane Ramsey interviews Sweet Tea Shakespeare's managing director Jessie Wise about their creative productions of The Bard's work and how they gather diverse Fayetteville communities through story, song and stagecraft.A theatre company by any other name...wouldn't be Sweet Tea Shakespeare! https://sweetteashakespeare.com/

The Broadway classic "Wicked" has returned to Durham Performing Arts Center through Sept. 17. The show tells the story of the Land of Oz before Dorothy got there. In this episode, Diane Ramsey interviews Celia Hottenstein who is performing as "Glinda" in the show. Get more info about Wicked at DPAC 

Caroline Morrison, an eastern NC native, brought thoughtful vegan cuisine to downtown Raleigh years ago through a kick starter. Her restaurant, Fiction Kitchen, has been successful from day one. Not only surving the pandemic , but THRIVING because of her culinary talents and The Fiction Kitchen Community. Big changes are on the way for Fiction Kitchen- a new, bigger location! Instagram: @thefictionkitchen Fiction Kitchen Facebook  The Fiction Kitchen Website

Chef Jared Bobkin has springboarded off his Hell's Kitchen TV success, and one of his current projects is Culinary Director for the USA Today Wine and Food Experience, hitting 11 cities this year- and coming to Raleigh's Dix Park Saturday September 16th! Learn all about the local restaurants and products you'll be able to sample, how they're chosen...and get a glimpse into Chef Bobkin's experience on his two seasons of Gordon Ramsay's 'Hell's Kitchen' show!  Get your tickets here:  https://wineandfood.usatoday.com/raleigh/ 

Let's go on a trip to Maple View Ice Cream in Hillsborough to try their sweet treats! Then, we learn about a new exhibit at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and take a dip at a new waterpark in Wake Forest.

Carolina Brewery is one of the first breweries in the Triangle. Robert Poitras opened his Chapel Hill brewery in the '90s as a result of soul searching after college. His journey's took him to Europe and his love of beer and food began! Now he's celebrating his 16th anniversary of Carolina Brewery's Pittsboro location. It's a great story of following your spark and staying where you find joy!  Carolina Brewery Instagram: @CarolinaBrewery Instagram: @CarolinaBreweryBrewPubs  Facebook: facebook.com/carolinabrewery  

That Station brings back its uber-popular 'That Music Fest' Saturday, October 14th at DBAP and tickets are on sale now!  SO much live music, food, bevs and fun- get all the event and ticket details, and an insider's look at 'That Music Fest' from That Station PD Chris Edge! https://thatstation.net/that-music-fest/  

Jessie Williams and Derek Keller are husband and wife duo that have brought the super fun stores Edge of Urge and Unlikely Professionals in downtown Raleigh.  Edge of Urge is your source for pop, mod, fun, and eclectic clothing, jewlery, greeting cards, tarot cards, candels, hair accessories, books and SO MUCH MORE.  Unlikely Professionals (across the street from Edge of Urge) has vintage finds, vintage motosports gear, unique T-shirts and gifts.  Find them on social: https://www.facebook.com/edgeofurge/ @edgeofurge on Instagram https://www.facebook.com/unlikelyprofessionals @unlikelyprofessionals on Instagram

This week, Diane Ramsey chats with Johanna Maynard Edwards, Executive Artistic Director of the National Women’s Theatre Festival, the nation’s largest symposium on gender and theatre. She also talks with participating artists Alexus Rhone and Ariel Fay Gray. The festival is June 23-July 1 both in person at NCSU’s Thompson Hall and virtual at womenstheatrefestival.com.

BrickUniverse Lego Fan Event - the Lego MEGA event- returns to Raleigh this weekend (June 23-25).  Head to the Raleigh Convention Center to see incredible Lego creations by professional Lego designers, plus 160 additional displays by up-and-coming Lego artists!  You can even learn how you could become an exhibitor yourself- and get great tips from the experts.  Create your own designs in the event `building zones', then post your creation to social media tagging #BrickUniverse.    Tickets available at www.brickuniverseUSA.com 

Chef Sarah Cuni is the chef and owner of Pittsboro's Cafe Root Cellar and Chapel Hill's Root Cellar Cafe. She joins us fresh off of a WIN on the Food Network's Supermarket Stakeout! Chef Cuni left her northern roots in Connecticut to expand her love of farm to table cooking to the south. She took over Chapel Hill's Foster's Market in 2013, changing the name to Root Cellar Cafe. Then she opened the spinoff restaurant Cafe Root Cellar in Pittsboro in 2018. Her Italian and Czech heritage can been seen with a southern perspective in a lot of her dishes. Instagram @rootcellarchapelhill Facebook @The Root Cellar Cafe and Catering  

Chris Lovingood is an Emmy and Murrow Award-winning anchor for the WRAL News team. He's also an avid gamer. This week, we talk about his favorite games and a new monthly feature he will be doing for WRAL.com about gaming! 

Coleen Speaks is the chef and owner of Posh Nosh Catering, Hummingbird Restaurant, and the event space Whitaker & Atlantic. She has turned her long line of culinary experience, which includes working for Emeril Lagasse, into 3 very unique businesses. All three of her ventures have a touch of that New Orleans flair! Coleen is also holding events, both hers and her clients, in her event space, Whitaker & Atlantic . All, of course, while raising a family!  Find all more on her Instagram accounts: @PoshNoshRaleigh, @HummingbirdRal, @WhitakerandAtlantic.  Find her online:  https://hummingbirdraleigh.com/ https://www.poshnoshraleigh.com/ https://www.whitakerandatlantic.com/  

Named one of CNN's `Must See' art exhibits, The Art of the Brick brings more than 90 works of art to Raleigh this summer after touring in more than 24 countries.  Lego Artist Nathan Sawaya talks to Jami Caskey about quitting his successful career in corporate law to create masterful lego art and its unique contribution to the art world. Now the Triangle gets to host this amazing collection of works- and it's the perfect summer activity for all ages!   Learn more about the exhibit and tickets at https://theartofthebrickexpo.com/raleigh/  

Cinnamon Rolls that are cholesterol-, dairy- and egg-free come to Brier Creek with the arrival of Cinnaholic- serving up vegan versions of this universal favorite, with an amazing array of toppings! https://locations.cinnaholic.com/ll/us/nc/raleigh/7851-alexander-place-suite-120/  

This week, WRAL Out and About's Diane Ramsey talks with Carolina Ballet's Artistic Director and Choreographer Zalman “Zali” Rafael about ballet, the origins of Carolina Ballet, the last two shows of this season and the upcoming 2023-2024 season. Plus, find out more about Carolina Ballet's 25th anniversary.

Caleb Simpson has built a massive social media following by asking a simple question: How much do you pay for rent? The 31-year-old Morganton native lives in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. His video content shows what home looks like for real people all over the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Simpson’s videos posted to TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are like a mashup of MTV “Cribs” and “Humans of New York.” WRAL Out and About’s Mark Bergin caught up with Simpson to discuss his North Carolina roots and what’s next for his video series.

MerleFest Artist Relations Manager Lindsay Craven shares details about this year's event, including why groundhogs are causing an issue and how the festival is planning to celebrate what would have been founder Doc Watson's 100th birthday.  https://www.wral.com/20815339/