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At 72, Mickey Fearn reflects on his rich and meaningful life. His story weaves through California redwood forests, the 1963 March on Washington, and Raleigh’s own Dorothea Dix Park. This gifted creative with a passion for relationships was repeatedly called upon by governors, mayors, universities, and The National Parks Service in DC to lead complex social justice initiatives. Get ready to soak up the wisdom of this brilliant, funny and passionate neighbor!

Guest Laurie Watson is the Director of Awakenings, Counseling for Couples and Sexuality, in Raleigh and Greensboro, and the host of ForePlay Radio, sex therapy podcast. As a certified sex therapist Laurie has twenty-eight years of experience working with couples and individuals about love and sex. Buckle your seatbelts, and get ready to talk about S.E.X. How to talk to your children about sex? Why is sex important? What's the key to happiness and being a good partner? Don't worry we've got all the answers to these questions and more! 

Shelley Winters loves Raleigh. As a matter of fact, her ancestors called Raleigh home as far back as the 1790s. 6 generations ago! We hear about her family's commitment to public service, leadership, and empowerment. Shelley reflects on her time at NC A&T, leading Citizen Advisory Councils, sitting on the Arts Commission, and how to honor the past, respect the present, and prepare for the future. 

This week Paula Tavares takes us 350 miles off the West coast of Africa, to the Cape Verde islands. Paula speaks 4 languages, each of them representing her family’s journey from Cape Verde, to Angola, to Boston, Miami and now Raleigh. Working in business and technology, and experiencing immigration and poverty inform Paula's work in the medical field with high-risk patients. She gladly continues a Cape Verdean cultural tradition of raising children of relatives in addition to her own. This large beautifully blended family is part of our city now as they get to know her husband's NC roots.

We're reissuing this episode from 2018 with Lew Stewart, the head brewer at Trophy Brewing in downtown Raleigh. Check out the expanded Trophy Brewing + Pizza location on Morgan Street!  As a self-described “tinkerer,” Les gets obsessed with figuring things out, and thankfully for us his main obsession is brewing amazing beer. Les talks about everything from chemistry, open-source technology, business development, craft brewing culture, naming new brews, label design, tattoos and even name drops French Scientist Louis Pasteur. Enjoy a Trophy brew while you listen to the podcast!

Entering her 30th year of teaching, this native North Carolinian has a special place in her heart for making children feel safe so they can learn and thrive. Jenni is not only the Magnet and AIG Coordinator at Hunter Elementary School she’s a fun-loving and spiritual gal that loves the arts and natural world. Her infectious joy will have you repeating her mantra before you know it. Say it with me now…”Let your light SHINE!”

Armed with a velvet blue couch and cupcake pillow, Kate challenges our relationships with food and some widely held beliefs about health. As an LPC certified in Health at Any Size, and Intuitive Eating principles, Kate’s counseling practice focuses on eating disorders and body image. We discuss the importance of being kind to ourselves, and fighting back against the negative messaging from the $70 Billion diet and wellness industry.  Moving across the southeast and back and forth across America was a significant part of Kate’s childhood. The constant change, and loss of her father, nurtured both a helpful adaptability and coping strategies she's had to unlearn. She began her career as a play therapist with grieving children and two years ago opened her own practice with a focus on eating disorders and body image on Hillsborough St near NC State University. Kate provides a lot of perspective and information for people interested in learning more. And really, who doesn’t have someone in their lives that skips meals, excessively exercises, or thinks losing weight will make them happy? We even play a word association game with common “diet culture” words near the end. Be kind. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to others.

Neighbors of Raleigh host Andrea Wallenbeck and Episode 28 guest John Fowler share some thoughts on Tina Fey, Hannah Gadsby, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dave Chappelle. They delve deeper into comedy’s ability to address societal issues, and how if you’re doing it right, improv makes you a good person.

Join us on this quest as we learn about John’s childhood goal to become a wizard, avoid homework, and survive family canoe trips right after hurricanes. He spent his early years in Warren County before moving to Carteret County and the easy-breezy life on Emerald Isle. With his first baby on the way, John reflects on fatherhood and what he learned from his dad. The gift for humor and cooking, (thanks to mama Fowler!) later developed into a passion for improv comedy and farm to table cooking. We really dig into the culture of improv, where to see it locally, and discuss evolving boundaries and inclusion in comedy. Mostly we just laugh a lot. Don’t forget to check out the bonus track if you want to hear more of their discussion on comedy!

Lydia Correa lives to help children. As a social worker for Wake County Child Protective Services, Lydia channels her experiences as a childhood trauma survivor into being a champion for kids in need.  Lydia's goal is to work collaboratively with families to keep children safely in their homes. She also discusses the foster care system and the GIFT of adoption.  In a single day, she may talk to pediatricians, teachers, parents, law enforcement, judges, attorneys, area nonprofits, annnnd children. With all of that on her plate, what does she do to relax? The answer is she volunteers with other efforts to help kids. Damn, she is a hero.  Pull out your tissues and get ready to laugh and cry along with us. If there’s a child nearby, make sure you give them a smile and a warm hug.     

Dogs! Puppies! Pot-belly pigs and goats! We’re starting season 2 off with an episode for animal lovers and listeners with big hearts. Would you believe that a north Raleigh farm is home to the sweetest animal rescue you could ever imagine? Meet Molly Goldston, the owner of Saving Grace animal rescue. Molly’s dedicated her life and family farm to rescue animals from surrounding counties and finding homes for them here in Raleigh and even NYC.  You can hear the intensity in her voice, as she describes what it’s like driving with animal control to cruelty cases, selecting which dogs can be saved, and even showing love to all the employees at area shelters as they give their all with so little resources. Saving Grace has found homes for over 20,000 dogs and counting.  Saving Grace is also growing. They are fundraising for an expansion project and need your support! Incredibly the entire operation runs on donations and passionate volunteers.  

Andrea and Luke preview the upcoming episodes of Season 2! This time around Luke gets to ask the questions and Andrea is on the hot seat. She talks about her favorite moments, what her inspiration was for the season, and more. They also get into a little background on why the podcast took a break and what to expect moving forward.

For Jenny, coffee is all about the relationships it fosters: locals gathering at the diner, her first date with her husband, friends in new cities, and Raleigh neighbors. Slingshot Coffee Company has grown from a dream into a nationally selling brand in 5 short, caffeinated years. Jenny tells about her rich childhood experiences growing up on her families 300 acre farm.    She may be the CEO of an award winning company, but she remains the girl next door, big hearted and ready to laugh.

Javier is the creator, producer, and host of the true-crime podcast Pretend Radio. He shares about his experiences diving into the world of con-artists, undercover agents, and snake-oil salesman. Javier is a native of Miami, Florida with strong Cuban roots. He tells of his childhood, early career in journalism, the strong Raleigh podcast community, and what it’s like to have his own podcast.  

David’s artwork in posters and murals have become part of the visual landscape of Raleigh. David’s childhood was filled with backyard exploration, floating down the Neuse River, trips to the beach and camping in the mountains. His art education began at home with a family steeped in design, and continued at SCAD, Penland, & Arrowmont. All of these experience merge in David’s work as a studio artist @artspace, muralist @RaleighMuralsProject and technician @NCMA.

A few years ago, Jed began posting pictures of blank walls he saw around the city on his  @Newraleigh blog with the caption #putamuralhere. This conversation starter concerning city beautification and place making grew into the Raleigh Murals Project. This collective aims to connect artists and businesses as they aim to make our city “as colorful as its citizens”. Originally from Lumberton, Jed is inspired by architecture, art and the work of Banksy. He shares about how a few noteworthy collaborations with @VANS, @NCMA and the @ACLU came about as well as speaks candidly about Raleigh Murals Project limitations and future.

This local architect and her husband, have been on a crazy journey creating a boutique hotel from an abandoned historic home. From rolling the structure through the streets of downtown to picking light fixtures and everything in between, this has been an challenging design project. Nicole has her own interesting historic past - with grandparents on both sides leaving Cuba during the revolution. She reflects on learning English, identity, and her longing to Cuba against her families wishes.   #Clearscapes, Shaw University, Prince Hall Historic District, Architect, LaTourette, Olde Raleigh, Raleigh Historic Development Commission, DX, Gorham House, Matt Tomasulo, Bida Manda, Brewery Bhavana, Andropogon Associates, In Situ Studio, Cuba, Havana   Thanks to Lauris Vidal for use of his music and everyone who helped make this show possible

Les Stewart, Head Brewer at Trophy Brewing, was raised in the small town of Fremont, NC in Wayne County. As a self-described “tinkerer,” Les gets obsessed with figuring things out, and thankfully for us his main obsession is brewing amazing beer. Les talks about everything from chemistry, open-source technology, business development, craft brewing culture, naming new brews, label design, tattoos and even name drops French Scientist Louis Pasteur. After you listen to the podcast, make sure you go to Trophy Brewing and sample their delicious creations. Check out the Neighbors of Raleigh Instagram and Facebook feeds for pictures and more information. 

Like most kids, Jessica experienced the freedom and excitement of riding bikes around her neighborhood. It wasn’t until she moved to Raleigh as an adult that she developed a love for all things cycling. She now races competitively for Oak City Cycle Project aka “the best people in the world”. Over a tasty beverage, Jess explains cyclo-cross, training for races, and being a women in this male-dominated sport. She hopes everyone will come out for a ride!

Spring is finally here in Raleigh, NC and we have flowers on our mind. Hannah Ross is the co-owner of Wylde, a downtown flower shop. A chance high-school newspaper assignment at Wakefield HS, lead to a love of agriculture. A long illness and loss of her mother guided Hannah back to her creative side and ignited dreams to own her own business. Hannah is working to bring a little of the wild back into our lives with locally grown cut-flowers and natural arrangements.