Episodes

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 ...

Join me as I sit down with Ms. Rini Hermawan. She’s a young entrepreneur who transformed a vintage camper into a thriving mobile coffee shop - Restored Coffee - showcasing her hard work, innovation, and love for coffee. She faced challenges during the camper renovation, but the result is a unique, stylish coffee shop! Restored Coffee stands out with a delicious homemade coffee selection, from cortados to white kopis. Rini also caters to various events such as private gatherings, employee apprec...

Join me for a conversation with Jill Clark, the owner of the Coastal Home Store in Hampstead, North Carolina! We’ll discuss her beautiful products, her little cottage at Cedar on the Green and how she keeps her coastal home decor affordable in a time when that can be quite difficult. Jill introduces us to the store's Seasonal Style Boxes, an idea born from customer feedback, as well as the Style Services she and her team offer. Jill also shares her dream of expanding the store while keeping it...

Meet Catherine McDowell, the powerhouse driving the mission of Roots, an organization that serves as a beacon of hope for homeless women and children. She reveals the gut-wrenching event that spurred the creation of Roots, and how this non-profit is more than just a haven—it's a place where women are equipped with tools like financial literacy, life skills, and job training. Tune in as Catherine details the empowering sanctuary Roots provides, fostering an environment where women can discover th...

Attention, all you wonderful Topsail Island vacationers! Allow me to introduce you to Damian Mulcahy, the man behind the Topsail Island Bellhop Boys. Damien has transformed a modest idea into a thriving venture for his children and their friends. Elevate your vacation experience by enlisting the bellhop services of Damien's team. Whether its suitcases, coolers, groceries, or beach gear, these capable bellhop boys will transport everything from your vehicle up those stairs and directly to the des...

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...

Pender County now has it's first fetal imaging studio thanks to today's guest, Jennifer Dye, owner of Tootsie Wootsies 3D, 4D HD Ultrasound Studio in Hampstead, North Carolina! We'll explore the different packages Jennifer's studio offers, ranging from the Opening Act to the exquisite Sonostar Baby. She also shares the unique Party Time packages for expectant parents looking to reveal the gender of their babies or host baby showers. So, if you're an expecting parent or looking for the perfect ...

Are you ready for a transformation, beauty and skincare enthusiasts? I've got the amazing Nakia Vargas, the owner behind Brow to Toe Waxing and Skincare Studio, with me. We’re discussing lash extensions, her brow transformations, waxing, and her new skin care line, Nakira Skin! To top it off, Nakia talks about her business coaching journey and how it's reflected in her business values. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking the perfect blend of beauty insights and entrepreneurial spiri...

UPDATE - 2024 EVENTS Upcoming Registration Events, 1-4pm: Aug 10th @ Shuckin’ Shack13460 NC 50, #101 Aug 17th @ The Trailer Bar, 1701 N New River Dr Aug 24th @ Tiki Bar, 2181 New River Inlet Rd Sep 7th @ Sears Landing, 806 Roland Ave Ride is Oct 5th @ Soundside Park, Opening Event at 8am, Bike Ride at 9am After-Ride Celebration: JM’s on the Water, 602 Roland Ave Register and Donate on the website: https://reelhousewivesoftopsailisland.com/ Phone: 910-228-9960 Follow on Facebook and Instagram! ...

Join me as I sit down with Richard Stroupe, the owner of Saltwater Suites, a unique hotel located in Surf City, North Carolina. You’ll learn all about Saltwater Suites and its wonderful features as well as Richard’s newest property under construction, Saltwater Resort. He also created a non-profit, Saltwater Foundation, to give back to the Greater Topsail and Pender communities. He’s providing opportunities and growth here in the Topsail area and Wilmington, not only in Hospitality, but also a...

Ever wondered about the work carried out by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center? Today's Topsail Insider podcast episode shines a light on the tireless efforts of this wonderful organization in Surf City, North Carolina. We're joined by the center's Executive Director, Kathy Zagzebski, who takes us on a journey through the center's mission to protect nesting females, their nests, and hatchlings, and rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured sea turtles. Address: 302 To...

Join Christa for an interview with Mrs. Cookie Tilghman, a Certified Naturopath and Herbalist for the past 31 years and owner of Sonshine Wellness. After suffering from severe diverticulitis for 12 years and facing surgery, she decided to take a more natural approach and became symptom-free in less than 4 months! That’s when she decided to return to school at the age of 50! She’s been helping others ever since. Take a listen! If you’re a suffering from an ailment, reach out to Mrs. Tilghman - s...

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...

I’ll be talking with Ms. Amy Shores, owner of Seaside Topsail Photography and one of the leading photographers in the Greater Topsail area. She does it all: beach family portraits, senior and graduation portraits, engagements and weddings, maternity and infant photography, printing, sunrises and sunsets and everything in between! She also shares some very touching stories you won’t want to miss, including how her mother left a gift for her under the Christmas tree before passing away that push...

When I first thought of creating this podcast and interviewing local business owners, today's guest is the first person I thought of. Her name is Jenean LaCorte and she's the owner and artist behind Restorative Tattoos in Hampstead, North Carolina. In this episode, Jenean will talk about what led her to 3D Nipple Tattoos and Scar Camouflage, the process her patients go through and the struggles she faces getting the word out. She's passionate about her work helping many women and men feel whol...

I'll be talking to Ms. Jill Wiles, the owner of Scallywags. Scallywags is a great bar on Topsail Island, just a few blocks north of the pier. It's one row off the beach in Surf City, North Carolina. Scallywags is really a one-of-a-kind bar. You're going to hear how Jill overcame a health crisis and is now honoring and giving back to the first responders while also providing an incredible music venue for the locals and the tourists alike. So sit back and hang out with Jill and me, maybe grab a be...