What’s Up, Wake

The episode features an interview with New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, celebrating the release of her 13th novel, Summer State of Mind. Harvey discusses studying journalism at UNC, pivoting through a finance sales job that built resilience, and breaking into publishing after writing multiple manuscripts, signing with an agent, and winning a contest judged by a Penguin Random House editor. She shares how small towns and Beaufort inspire her settings, her no-outline writing process and deadline habits, and how her long-running Design Chic blog and social media helped her early book launches. She explains the Friends and Fiction community started during covid, and updates film/TV work including A Happier Life in development with Amazon and Peachtree Bluff previously sold to NBC. She previews the upcoming fifth Peachtree Bluff book, Falling for Peachtree Bluff, and answers lightning-round questions.02:24 Meet Kristy Woodson Harvey03:28 From Journalism to Fiction05:27 Breaking into Publishing08:46 Surprises and Author Advice12:33 Beaufort and Small Town Magic17:46 Building Worlds and Story Ideas20:31 No Outlines Just Deadlines22:49 Where She Writes Best24:30 Social Media Before Books25:19 Blog Longevity Reflections25:59 Blogging to Book Buzz27:59 Friends and Fiction Origins30:41 Screen Adaptations Update33:23 Exploring New Genres34:39 Summer State of Mind Plot37:04 Aunt Tilly Returns37:46 Peachtree Bluff Book Five40:55 Lightning Round Fun44:55 Writing Journey Wisdom

Ryan McEvoy, owner of Jeff’s Bagel Run locations in Wake Forest and Rolesville (with a Raleigh shop opening near Glen Lake), shares how his experience helping build the uBreakiFix franchise led him into the bagel business and helps fund his nonprofit, 127 Haven. He explains 127 Haven’s James 1:27-inspired model in Uganda: rescuing orphaned children from the streets and raising them in permanent family homes with Ugandan parents and legal guardianship rather than operating an orphanage. Ryan recounts how relationships through African Children’s Choir connected him to Lynette, the home’s mother, and shares stories of rescued children now thriving. He discusses navigating local culture, government support, and ways to donate via 127haven.com, noting funds go directly to the family’s monthly needs.00:00 Meet the Bagel Founder02:08 Who is Jeff02:57 From Phone Repairs to Franchises04:21 Why Bagels in Raleigh05:18 Business Skills That Transfer06:21 Favorite Bagel Orders06:55 What Is 127 Haven08:14 Building Families Not Orphanages09:27 Why Uganda and Lynette11:42 A Miracle Before the Trip13:48 Growing the Home Model16:17 Navigating Red Tape Abroad17:28 Staying Humble and Safe18:54 Why Uganda Matters19:50 Making a Difference Starts Small21:22 Ways to Get Involved22:04 Gladys and the First Kids24:41 Rethinking Orphanages as Family28:25 Legacy and Ripple Effect30:24 What's Next for Jeff's Bagel Run31:36 How to Support 127 Haven33:51 Closing Thanks and Bagel Banter