Episodes

We have our long-time sponsor and owner of Saltwater Suites, Dr. Richard Stroupe, joining Topsail Insider once again! This time, we’re talking about the Grand Opening of his second Saltwater property, Saltwater Resort! He shares the hurdles he’s faced and subsequent delays with this project, the similarities and differences between the two properties, and the excitement over the property's new Event Center. Be sure to listen to Part 2 where Richard discusses The Hive, a boutique hotel he recent...

Today, we’re talking to John Formica, the “Ex Disney Guy”! John, known as "America’s Customer Experience Coach," is a sought-after speaker and business coach who draws on his extensive experience with Disney to help organizations create magical customer experiences and dynamic workplace cultures. He offers insights into Disney's leadership, hiring practices, and team-building strategies to help businesses stand out, engage their staff, and build lasting customer loyalty. John's engaging and ente...

Join Christa for this lively and entertaining conversation with Chef Steve Christian and Surfer Cody Leutgens, owners of Shaka Taco! The pair 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 sharing space with Cody’s Surf School, leading to the impressive growth of their business after partnering with Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden in...

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 this episode, we explore pelvic health alongside Dr. Amanda and Ben Knauff, the dynamic husband and wife team behind Pender Pelvic Health and Therapy Services. Specializing in pelvic health care for all ages, they offer a rich blend of expertise and experience. Beyond general physical therapy, they tackle distinctive pelvic health challenges, providing valuable insights and solutions for symptoms related to gut health and pelvic floor issues. Address: 16747 US Hwy 17, Ste 106, Hampstead, NC ...

Guest Host Trudy Solomon welcomes Danielle Coleman of Upstairs Hampstead back to Topsail Insider to discuss the latest addition to her "For the Community, By the Community" Venue. Danielle has collaborated with local business owner and music enthusiast, Jason Simas, to introduce The Listening Room at Upstairs Hampstead. The Listening Room offers an intimate space for music lovers to deeply engage with the lyrics, melodies, and personal narratives of artists. With a diverse range of musical genr...

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’ ...

Everyone LOVES Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar in Surf City - I’m super excited to share this episode with you! Beverly Simas joins me at the mic talking about their awesome steamed and raw Oysters and Clams, a delicious variety of Shrimp, their Shuckin’ Cocktails and Oyster Shooters, and menu items for the non-seafood lovers as well! We dive into how and where she and her husband, Jason Simas, fell in love with the oyster industry, what prompted them to consider opening an oyster bar, and how they l...

Rich Surace is the owner of Outer Sky Imaging and today’s guest on Topsail Insider! Outer Sky Imaging offers Drone and hand-held photography and videography for Private and Commercial Real Estate and Construction Progression, as well as Full Commercial Production for local businesses. And brand new to his repertoire - Automated Visual Home Inspection Using Artificial Intelligence! This allows for AI inspections and analysis of home and roof inspections and roof solar panel design in about 10 mi...

Join me for an interview with the owner of multiple businesses in the Greater Topsail area and Surf City’s Mayor Pro Tem, Jeremy Shugarts! He’s the owner of The Daily Grind and UnWINEd in Surf City, Thread FX and Shoreline Party Rentals in Hampstead, and is now putting a heavy focus on Shugarts Family Properties. Find out how he finds the balance between serving up great coffee and wine and serving the constituents of Surf City! The Daily Grind and UnWINEd Address: 114 N. Topsail Dr, Surf City,...

Meet Tammy Proctor! She's the Executive Director of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and she’s sitting down with Topsail Insider to share the many ways the Chamber serves local businesses, nonprofits, residents, and visitors of our beautiful beach towns from Sneads Ferry down to Scotts Hill! She’s a wealth of information with an extensive background in tourism and has been recognized by the Biz 100 twice as a “Connector” for her work in the Chamber of Commerce as well as ...

Meet Jeff Peterson, the owner of… well, A LOT! You’ll hear about the restaurant he owns with his son, Chris, called Surf City Line, featuring their 'elevated' tacos and delicious margaritas. We’ll discuss his vacation rental management company, Turtle Shell Properties. And last but not least, there’s the super cute Island Inn motel just steps from the sand and surf. Jeff also explains how his family and fiancée help him manage the often elusive work/life balance. Enjoy! Surf City Line (910) 541...

Meet Dr. Brittany Forbes, the dedicated owner and therapist at Alpha Osteopractic, where healing goes beyond general physical therapy. With specialized training and expertise in neuromusculoskeletal care, Dr. Forbes offers tailored, one-on-one, premium services aimed at restoring your health and enhancing functionality. From Spine and Extremity Manipulation to Periosteal Electrical Dry Needling, IASTM (Scraping), Cupping Therapy, Body Tempering, and Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, each modality...

Need to declutter your home but not sure where to start? Could your living spaces use some organization? Are your closets overflowing and pantries filled with expired goods? This episode is perfect for you! Our guest, Debbie Bruen, is a Professional Home Organizer who tackles decluttering, organizing, and "rightsizing" with discretion, kindness, and humor. Christa engages in a delightful conversation with Debbie, covering topics from her missionary work in Africa to her journey into the Home Org...

Welcome to Season 2 of Topsail Insider! Our first episode of 2024 is for the small, service-oriented business owner who might be feeling overwhelmed and strapped for time. In this episode, we sit down with Colin Pemberton, the innovative mind behind Dyno Digital. Colin understands the challenges of being a one-person operation or managing a small team while juggling multiple responsibilities. He's here to offer a solution that could transform your business. Yes, Colin’s team can update your we...

In this week’s episode, we get to know Share the Table, founded by its Executive Director, Dawn Ellis. Share the Table is a wonderful nonprofit organization located in Hampstead, North Carolina, servicing folks experiencing food insecurity or inaccessibility. Share the Table provides a Food Choice Pantry, Hot Community Meals and Fellowship, and MUNCH Program Backpacks filled with food for children in need to take home on the weekends. Share the Table’s reach extends throughout Pender and surrou...

In this enlightening podcast episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Tracey Ray, the Executive Director of Safe Haven of Pender & Duplin Counties. Safe Haven is a non-profit organization committed to assisting individuals facing domestic abuse, offering support at every stage – before, during, and after leaving a dangerous situation. Dr. Ray sheds light on the comprehensive services provided by Safe Haven, ranging from immediate needs like shelter, food, and transportation, to long-ter...

In this episode, Christa sits down with Catherine Kittrell, owner of Assure Wellness Group Coastal Carolina, to discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy, or as Cathy calls it, “hormone optimization.” Wondering if it's right for you? Tune in for an informative session where Cathy addresses common hormone-related issues like lack of sleep, weight gain, andropause or menopause symptoms, joint inflammation, and reduced sexual desire. Cathy sheds light on the testing and diagnosis process, offering insi...

To celebrate forming an LLC, I decided to record an episode explaining all there is to know about Topsail Insider: why I started podcasting and interviewing business owners, the new series coming out in 2024, the Topsail Insider website and “Send a Voicemail” feature, how to participate and vote in The Topsail Top Ten - even how to start your own podcast! For business owners who might be nervous about being interviewed on Topsail Insider, I lay it all out for you here - the entire process. I al...

Have you ever contemplated the purity of the tap water you drink daily or the water you use for your daily chores? If you live in the Topsail area of North Carolina, this episode of the Topsail Insider Podcast is sure to pique your interest. Mike sits down with John Puckett, owner of A Clean Water Company, and they discuss John’s mission to deliver clean water, water filtration options, and the damaging effects of hard water. This conversation ventures into water filtration systems such as rev...

Join me for an inspiring conversation with Jeff Wenzel, the Mayor of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, and owner of Above Topsail and JW Portrait Studio. Jeff's journey began with a simple hobby of flying model planes, which evolved into a passion for drone photography, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Above Topsail. As he leaned more into photography, his commitment grew, eventually leading to the launch of his portrait studio, canvas printing, and custom framing business. In this co...

Join me for a conversation with Danielle Coleman Payne, owner of Upstairs Hampstead in Hampstead, North Carolina! She has created a space that not only hosts events but sparks creativity and builds community. Upstairs Hampstead is more than just a venue, it's an experience and a hub for entrepreneurs and hobbyists alike. Danielle discusses the flexibility of her space and how she collaborates to accommodate different preferences. Danielle shares her mission to create positive experiences for ev...

Join Christa for the first episode of Topsail Insider's Wilmington Series with Ron England, co-owner of Cape Fearless Extreme Aerial Adventures and Paintball Park. Discover thrilling aerial obstacle courses for all ages and skill levels as well as their outdoor paintball arena. Learn how it all got started and how they landed in the Wilmington area. Ron explains their safety measures and training, and Cape Fearless Extreme's appeal for birthdays, groups, homeschoolers, and more. They also offer ...

Join Heather Allen, a Certified Concealed Carry and NRA Handgun Instructor, for a conversation about firearm safety and training. She’s the owner of High Caliber Firearms Training & Education, the author of a new book, and running for Surf City Town Council. Discover Heather's unique approach to teaching firearm safety in her classes at High Caliber. She offers sessions like “Sip and the Second" and “Ladies Night," creating a relaxed atmosphere for skill improvement. She also teaches Concealed ...