In Raleigh, fitness is no longer just about burning calories or chasing personal records. It is about connection, consistency, and finding a place that feels like home. In a recent episode of the Best of Raleigh podcast, host Gretchen Coley sat down with Sam Siegel, founder of Empire Training Academy, to talk about how he built one of the most talked about strength focused fitness communities in the Triangle.

Where to Eat, Sip, and Celebrate Love in the Triangle

Home in Raleigh, North Carolina is evolving, but not by forgetting where it came from. Instead, the Triangle area is embracing a design movement that blends tradition, personal history, and bold creativity. On this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Michael Kooiman, publisher of Home Design & Decor Magazine, and Vicky Serany, founder of Southern Studio Interior Design, to explore how design trends, storytelling, and community connections are redefining what home means in Wake County.

January in Raleigh arrives with intention. The pace slows just enough to reflect, reset, and lean into what makes life here so compelling. Thoughtful wellness, a thriving arts scene, and a lifestyle shaped by community and forward momentum define the start of the year. As one of the most dynamic cities in North Carolina, Raleigh in January offers a quieter kind of richness with fewer crowds, deeper experiences, and a renewed focus on living well.

Raleigh and Wilmington have always shared a natural connection. Whether it is weekend beach trips, second homes on the coast, or longtime residents who split their time between the Triangle and the shoreline, the relationship between these two North Carolina communities runs deep. Now, that connection is getting even stronger.

On this episode of The Best of Raleigh, host Gretchen Coley sits down with Ken Combs, founder and CEO of CQC Home, one of the Triangle area’s most respected design build and remodeling firms. Their conversation covers everything from kitchen and bath renovations to leadership, timelines, and the biggest mistakes homeowners make before a project even begins.