Things To Do Episodes

2024 Topsail’s Top Choice Awards: - 1st Place - Favorite Craft Cocktails - 1st Place - Favorite Full Bar In this special bonus episode of Topsail Insider, join us for an exclusive tasting experience at Hidden Ships Distillery, led by co-owner Andy Szwejbka. Andy takes us on a flavorful journey through their award-winning spirits, from their meticulously filtered vodka to their bold barrel-rested rum and sherry-finished bourbon. With behind-the-scenes insights and fun anecdotes—like the “gin-ter...

Looking for fun, outdoor activities to enjoy quality family time away from devices? Trudy hosts this episode offering the perfect solution for locals and visitors alike. Join us for a fun conversation with Chris Lener, the Marine Biologist and Educator behind Funky Fins: Eco Education for Curious Minds. Chris shares her journey from the Jersey Shore to North Carolina, detailing the education and teaching experiences that led to the engaging adventures she now offers in the Topsail area. From sh...

It’s time to get off that beach blanket and speed down the Intracoastal Waterway with Surf City Jet Ski & Watersports! Trudy Solomon hosts this exciting episode, interviewing owners Houston and Katie Lowder. Their business offers summertime fun with jet ski rentals for freestyle riding within a nine-mile stretch, the largest freestyle area in North Carolina! Or enjoy a guided jet ski adventure tour south to see the best parts of the Cape Fear Region from the water. If you want to slow things dow...

This episode of Topsail Insider is co-hosted by Leah Norman from Topsail Talk and highlights the Ocean City Jazz Festival with special guest, Mr. Kenneth Chestnut. As a resident and the son of one of the Ocean City’s founders, Kenneth shares the history of Ocean City and explains how the Jazz Festival started and why it’s “jazz with a higher purpose”. Get excited for the upcoming Ocean City Jazz Festival, where Grammy-nominated performers like John Brown's Little Big Band and the Braxton Broth...

Send Christa a Text and let her know if you enjoyed the episode! This is a fun episode folks! Join Christa for this lively and entertaining conversation with Chef Steve Christian and Surfer Cody Leutgens, the duo behind Shaka Taco. The pair, who have been friends since high school, share a series of hilarious and nostalgic stories that will keep you laughing. The conversation highlights their entrepreneurial journey, beginning with a modest investment of $5,000 each at the Surf City location sh...

It’s Tiki Time! And time for a wonderful interview with Captain Alex, owner of Tiki Tours in Surf City, North Carolina. He has 3 boats, including the iconic "Tiki Queen" ready to take you and yours out to enjoy the water, shelling, wildlife, and more. And how would you like to throw your next party out on the water with live music and dancing? We have all the information you need to book your Tiki Time with Tiki Tours in this episode of Topsail Insider! Enjoy! Tiki Tours Address - 412 Roland Av...

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Laurette Gordon, the Executive Director of the Missiles and More Museum, and Cindy Scaparrotti, the President of the Historical Society of Topsail Island. The Historic Assembly building in Topsail Beach was NOT for the assembly of people, folks, it was for the assembly of missiles! And the towers you see around the island were a part of testing those missiles, all during WW2. Visit the Missiles and More Museum to learn all about the rich history of Top’sul’ ...

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating journey of Jiu Jitsu from its inception in Japan, its migration to Brazil, and further evolution in the hands of the Gracie family? We’ll discuss that and much more during our thoughtful conversation with Tulsa and Bianca Simpson, the inspiring owners of Groundstone Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We’ll talk about the classes they offer, including programs for homeschoolers, as well as their ladies’ class, Muay Thai, youth BJJ and youth boxing. Their journey f...

Join Christa hearing all about the life and music of the truly gifted Ms. Vaughan Penn, joined by her fiance, Tom Prescott! Hear about her jazz roots, life in LA with folks like George Clooney, how she channels her music and gives credit for her many successes to God. Her original songs have been featured in over 165 movies and TV shows! Stick around for her acoustical version of her “Bread and Butter” song, Ready to Rise! Find and Follow Vaughan Penn on Facebook and Instagram! All her Upcomin...