First things first: No, hypnosis is not some kind of woo-woo mind control—and, no, it doesn’t involve a swinging pocket watch. And it’s high time we shed those silly Hollywood stereotypes. “There’s a lot of misunderstandings, which is unfortunate because hypnotherapy is such a simple and effective way to make meaningful change for yourself,” says Susanne Morais, owner of Raleigh’s Journeys Hypnosis. “Many people feel stuck in life and want an alternative that will allow them to feel better.”
So then what is hypnosis, really? “Believe it or not, the state of hypnosis is something we all experience frequently,” Morais explains. “Watching a movie is a hypnotic state—while staring at the screen, you are awake and aware, but just deeply focused on the movie itself and everything going on around you kind of fades away.” Who would’ve thought?!
As a certified hypnotherapist, Morais facilitates this deep state of focus and relaxation in both her online and in-person sessions, helping clients quiet the analytical mind and connect with the subconscious to create change. Whether it’s moving on from past traumas, breaking habits or conquering fears, hypnotherapy is a natural approach to overcoming barriers so that people can begin to live a more confident and purpose-filled life. “The client’s subconscious is ultimately leading the session,” Morais continues. “Like a personal trainer during a workout, I’m there to coach the client on how best to deal with events or emotions that come up within the subconscious.”
Not only is hypnotherapy a total game-changer when it comes to determining the root cause of an issue and addressing it, but it works fast. In fact, Morais says that many of her clients experience some sort of shift after just one session. And the process of hypnosis can be so subtle that sometimes clients don’t realize a change has occurred until they are faced with a real-life situation.
“I worked with a client who was extremely fearful of dogs. She had a very difficult time even talking about them,” Morais shares. During the session, the hypnotherapist picked up on slight changes in the client’s language pattern that indicated the phobia was no longer an issue, although the client remained skeptical. “Two days later, she emailed me a thank-you, along with a photo of herself with a dog in her lap,” says Morais. “She adopted a dog!”
As we normalize convos about mental health, more people are seeking support—and hypnotherapy may be the answer for those seeking a more holistic form of healing. “Just as we are capable of making ourselves sick due to worry or stress,” says Morais, “we also have the power within to make ourselves well.” Healing through hypnosis? Worth a try. journeyshypnosis.com
Deep Dive
Past Life Regression
While Morais mostly facilitates clinical hypnotherapy sessions for emotional issues, her specialty is transpersonal and spiritual hypnotherapy—in fact, it was the Past Lives Podcast hosted by Simon Brown that attracted her to hypnosis in the first place. “These are fascinating,” Morais says of past life regressions, which are typically three-hour sessions. “This is where a client can regress to a previous lifetime (or what is perceived to be a previous lifetime) to address an issue impacting their current life.” For example, are you someone who has trouble with relationships? “It’s possible you made a promise in another lifetime to never love again,” she explains. “You can clear that promise during a past life regression.”
Law of Attraction/Manifesting Coaching
“This is incredibly powerful as my clients learn how to manifest the ideal relationship, career or income for themselves,” Morais explains. Combined with hypnotherapy, these sessions teach clients how to adopt a mindset where they can push past fears and limiting beliefs in order to set their intentions on whatever outcome it is they desire. “You should see what people can do for themselves!” says Morais. “You believe it, you trust it, you know it, you attract it. It’s so cool.”
Custom Group Hypnotherapy
What’s better than hypnosis? Hypnosis with friends. Morais can design sessions for organizations—or women’s retreats, triathlon training groups, or just about any group at all—looking to address struggles, realize strengths or set goals as a team. “It allows a company to be able to push through some of the mundane stuff,” she says. “And then you can come together after that visioning happens to create meaningful conversations.”
Not just a ski resort, Beech Mountain beckons visitors with spectacular scenery, delightful dining and high-altitude adventure for a summer getaway like no other.
You’ve never seen a natural beauty quite like Beech Mountain, NC. Sitting pretty at 5,506 feet, eastern America’s highest town greets travelers with sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, setting the backdrop for an unforgettable weekend escape.
Although the resort destination is widely known for epic skiing and snowboarding during the winter months, we’re convinced that summer—when the air is gloriously cool and the options for outdoor activities abound—may just be the ideal time to experience this North Carolina gem. Here, we share our takeaways from a recent jaunt (FYI, it’s just under a four-hour drive from the City of Oaks!) for those looking to beat the heat and explore a different kind of Beech this season.
Views & Brews
Upon arrival, head straight to Beech Mountain Resort, hop on the chairlift and prepare to have your breath taken away. The resort converts its ski slopes into downhill mountain biking trails each summer, so you’ll be entertained by the action below as you glide upward on this stunning scenic ride.
At the top awaits 5506’ Skybar, whose name, of course, pays tribute to Beech Mountain’s signature elevation. And there’s no better place to soak in the majestic views than here—picture a 2,800-square-foot deck complete with Adirondack chairs, picnic tables and a bar area enclosed in a glass roundhouse. At the bar, order a citrusy Downhill IPA or refreshing Beech Mountain Lager by the resort’s own Beech Mountain Brewing Co. to sip while you unwind on this peaceful perch.
Once you’ve returned to the resort village, be sure to stop by the brewery—one of the only in the U.S. owned and operated by a ski area—to sample its latest seasonal offerings. If you’re lucky, you may bump into head brewer Aaron Maas, who is as passionate about the outdoors (he’s the head skiing and snowboarding coach at nearby Lees-McRae College) as he is about making great beer. Cheers!
Take a Hike
Beech Mountain is home to 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, with the Emerald Outback trail system located near the summit as one of the most popular options for its pristine conditions and high elevations promising gorgeous vistas. Its eight interconnected trails offer something for every type of hiker.
Enter the trails on the easy Oz Forest Run before connecting to more moderate trails such as Wizard’s Way and Ruby Slippers. (Notice a theme among the trail names? They nod to the former Land of Oz theme park, which reopens its yellow brick road for the popular Autumn at Oz festival each September!)
No matter the trail you choose, expect to be surrounded by lush green forests, mossy stones and unusual rock formations that will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to some faraway realm—plus plenty of overlooks and vantage points for securing that perfect selfie. Bikers, watch out for the strenuous Witch’s Backbone and Witch’s Tail trails!
Off the Eaten Path
Although the list of Beech restos is relatively short, each spot offers something special. Our picks? Start the day with a hearty homestyle breakfast at Fred’s General Mercantile’s Backside Deli, a staple of this high-country community where owner and former Beech Mountain Mayor Fred Pfohl greets locals by name. But the beloved haunt is so much more than just an eatery—it’s also a grocery, ski and snowboard outfitter, hardware store, gift shop, wild bird supplier and more. (Fun fact: Pfohl lived in the upstairs portion of the building—which now houses a photo gallery—with his wife and five kids for years after establishing his eponymous biz in 1979.)
After an active morning spent on the trails, refuel at Holy Smokes BBQ inside the White Wolf Lodge, a must-visit for mouthwatering North Carolina pulled pork BBQ, Southern sides, and a range of sweet and zesty sauces made in-house daily. For a sweet finish, the restaurant’s homemade fudge counter—and the views off the back deck—are not to be missed.
Cap off the day with flavorful fare and cold margs at Mi Jalisco Mexican Grill, which boasts a large menu of authentic dishes, including vegetarian options. We recommend a sizzling fajita or the mariscada, which combines seafood and mixed veggies in a savory tomato-based broth and is served with warm tortillas for a tasty touch.
A Playground for All Ages
Both adults and children are in for a treat when they visit Beech during the summer months thanks to its family-friendly facilities and programming. Check out Buckeye Recreation Center, the town’s ~23,000-square-foot rec facility boasting everything from full-size tennis and pickleball courts (if your fam’s the competitive kind) to an outdoor playground and padded indoor playroom perfect for littles who need to burn off some energy before naptime.
The center also offers free kayak, canoe and fishing pole rentals for a relaxing afternoon spent on Buckeye Lake, plus summer camps and an impressive lineup of events—think themed hikes, drive-in movies, a local race series and—for those in town for the Fourth of July—a water party featuring a mega slip-n-slide on the nearby sled hill.
When it comes to dining, gather the whole crew and head to the casual-cool Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, a local pizza joint that offers family fun nights (bounce house, anyone?), live music, movies under the stars and much more throughout the season.
All Things Alfresco
Happy hour, exercise, live music… everything moves outdoors when the weather’s this good (we’re talking temps that consistently hover in the 60s and 70s—aka heaven!). From Mile High Yoga classes presented by Avery Community Yoga, which take place on the 5506’ Skybar deck, to Beech Mountain Resort’s summer concert series (Amos Lee! Sheryl Crow! Grace Potter!), there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and relish every cool mountain breeze. In the evenings, hit up the aptly named Sunset Park overlook for one final peek at Beech Mountain’s picturesque landscapes before nightfall—you may even want to bring a light jacket.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape from city life or a thrill-packed adventure this summer, Beech Mountain is calling—and, Raleighites, you must go.
Sweating for that summer bod? We turn to Raleigh trainer JoJo Polk to find out what’s hot—and what’s not—on the local fitness scene.
TRENDING
The Great Outdoors
Whether it’s hitting the pickleball court or heading to Lake Johnson for a little SUP action, exercising alfresco is the way to go. “People are biking and running again now that they can get outside and get some fresh air,” says JoJo Polk, a personal trainer at the new FX Fitness located within Raleigh Iron Works. “All things outdoors are trending.” Go on, soak in that vitamin D—your body will thank you.
Futuristic Wearable Tech
Wearable tech has become an essential part of our workout culture thanks to OGs like Orangetheory Fitness. But now, Triangle newcomers such as OHM Fitness and Body20 are introducing even more high-tech experiences: think bodysuits designed with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to deliver the benefits of an intense two-hour workout in one quick low-impact session. Notes Polk, a former AFL athlete, “That’s the sports world finally starting to meet the fitness world.” Science rules!
Stability Training
While mobility training has taken TikTok by storm, Polk adds that stability training is also on the rise. “People are working on their balance and their core—and when I say core, I don’t just mean an ab workout,” the fitspert explains. “Everything has to work together, so you have to strengthen everything at once. … You’ve got to work your lower back, your glutes, your hamstrings, your quads.” And even though balance may seem natural, Polk says it actually requires constant practice, especially as people age. “The more you do it, the more comfortable you get with it and the stronger you feel.”
Mind, Body and Soul
If you’ve taken a Hot Girl Walk at any point in the past year, then you already know that mental health is the latest fitness craze (and certainly one we can all get behind). “I think that has always been important, but nowadays it’s taking the forefront,” says Polk. “The mind controls the body, and once you figure that out, the body can do what it’s supposed to because it’s in a good state.” Plus, more studios are jumping on the holistic health bandwagon, offering everything from meditation and breathwork classes to on-site physical therapists, nutritionists and massage therapists for nourishment inside and out. “That’s all part of wellness,” Polk continues. “We think that wellness is just working out and getting fit, but it is training the mind and calming the mind.”
FADING
At-Home Virtual Exercise
With the pandemic now in our rearview, at-home virtual workouts are being replaced by IRL classes. “Even Peloton has taken a big hit,” says Polk. “A lot of people want to engage again, they want to feel like we are normal again, so they are venturing back out.” However, many are still opting for hybrid workouts that combine online instruction with visits to a brick-and-mortar studio. “We don’t need them anymore, but I think they will always have a place,” Polk says of virtual sessions. “In case anything happens again, you can always go online.”
Old-School Pilates
Time to roll up those mats. Pilates is once again booming, but this ain’t your mama’s version of the full-body exercise. From the 3-2-8 method to wall Pilates, the new workout that has every fit-fluencer buzzing provides myriad ways to experiment. “Even places like FlowCORPS and Mega that have the Reformers—a lot of people are moving toward that,” Polk says of the trendy variation involving a machine that focuses on core strength and proper muscle engagement. Talk about a big flex.
Big-Box Gyms
Bye-bye, big box. “[They] are not as trendy as they used to be,” Polk reveals. Instead, there’s been an explosion in small-group fitness boutiques that offer camaraderie as well as clear, personalized instruction. “A lot of people don’t want to go and not know what they’re doing, so they are taking more classes or doing more of a personal studio type,” Polk continues. “At some point in your day, you just want to go and be told what to do and just let that person take over for a little bit.” (It’s me, hi.)
Lengthy Sessions
Forget sweating it out for hours at a time—shorter, optimized workouts and even workout “stacking,” are the next big thing. And the popularity of HIIT, which involves short bursts of vigorous exercise, has certainly helped drive this shift. The most important thing is to simply move your body, even if it’s only in 10- or 20-minute chunks. “Whether it’s a walk, whether it’s a jog, whether it’s Pilates or another workout, just make sure you’re moving every day,” says Polk. “If you can do that, you’re already winning.”
No dream is deferred at Liberation Station Bookstore—bowing Downtown this month.
“I feel like I’ve always been a practitioner of possibilities,” says Victoria Scott-Miller, who made waves nationally in 2019 when a quest to find children’s books with characters of color for her two young sons proved unsuccessful. As the story goes, she and husband Duane Miller decided to take matters into their own hands and launched Liberation Station Bookstore—the Triangle’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore—out of the trunk of their 2011 Chevy Cruze.
“That’s how it got started—just us trying to be good parents and not only raising our children, but also allowing our children to raise us,” says Scott-Miller, who is also an award-winning entrepreneur, documentary filmmaker and author. “Listening to their needs, listening to their hopes and their dreams, and really just meeting them with action.”
After four years of operating as a pop-up, the pioneering business will open the doors to its first brick-and-mortar location at 208 Fayetteville St. over Juneteenth weekend, inviting kids and parents to step inside and discover an abundance of books that embrace the full spectrum of the Black experience. “They’ll get to see Black children laughing—and not just in the news,” Scott-Miller maintains. “They’ll get to see them being scientists and artists.”
(Andrea Weigl)
The community has rallied to bring Liberation Station to this watershed moment, raising over $12,000 (as of press time) to equip the new space with everything from shelving to seating. “We said if we ever asked the community for anything, then it would be because we were getting a physical space,” explains Scott-Miller. “So to know they were ready and they waited on us, it’s just amazing.”
In addition to carrying a wide array of banned books—“children deserve to see a full picture,” says Scott-Miller—Liberation Station will offer “Dope and Abled,” a collection of titles highlighting children of all abilities.
“We’ll have books in Braille; we’ll have books that talk about seeing kids being empowered by being on the spectrum. And we’ve connected with the Black ASL group here in Raleigh, and we’ll be offering storytime for deaf parents and deaf children to be able to interact with their community members,” reveals Scott-Miller, whose youngest son was diagnosed with autism two years ago. “We’ve tried to think about, ‘What does inclusion mean to us?’ We’ve thought about some of the discomforts we have felt as parents having a child with autism and really creating a space where they can feel welcome.”
The rest is still unwritten, but, for now, Scott-Miller says she simply feels grateful for the unique opportunity her family has been given to “make history in real time.”
“I’m excited to see indecisiveness,” she shares. “I’m excited to see little kids not knowing what to choose because there’s so many choices. ‘I don’t know what to pick because everything is for me.’ … I just cannot wait.”
Liberation Station’s Anchor section introduces a curation of adult titles lovingly paired with children’s titles to spark intergenerational discussion. For Scott-Miller’s curated pairings, click here.
With ChatGPT sweeping the internet, we turn to two software engineering experts for a lesson in AI chatbot 101.
ChatGPT is coming for your job. … If it feels like all you’ve been hearing about is the rise of artificial intelligence chatbots—especially conversational phenom ChatGPT—you’re not alone.
The headlines are everywhere, some fascinating, some frightening—think everything from major companies like Snapchat, Spotify and Zillow debuting cool chatbot features to IBM announcing it will pause hiring on jobs it believes can be replaced by AI. And the list of ChatGPT’s impressive abilities grows longer every day. In fact, a new study out of the University of Florida found it can predict the rise and fall of stock prices. Say what?
AI anxiety is spreading fast, but many are out there still wondering, what’s with all the hype? And, by the way, what exactly is a chatbot? If you’re a little lost in AI translation, we get it—and we’ve got you covered. Here, two tech whizzes help us break down all things ChatGPT—the good, the bad and the downright freaky (we’re looking at you, AI headshots). Brave new world, here we come.
WHAT IT IS “ChatGPT is a conversational AI system that leverages the GPT large language model (LLM) to perform various text-prompted tasks such as information retrieval, email composition and knowledge distillation,” says Dunchadhn Lyons, a Durham-based engineering manager who heads up the AI team at Bay Area video intelligence company Spot AI. Um, GPT? “Generative Pretrained Transformer,” explains Red Hat Senior Principal Software Engineer, Emerging Technologies Erik Erlandson. “The first capability that makes them new and important is in that word ‘generative.’ Large language models like ChatGPT can generate entire bodies of content for you.”
The second is that “large language models can respond meaningfully to human requests and questions of nearly any kind,” Erlandson continues. Whoa. But why does it matter? “Together, these two capabilities allow humans to interact with software in entirely new ways,” he declares. “A human user can talk to these models essentially as if they were speaking to another human, and furthermore the model can respond in a way that is similar to an actual human.” Adds Lyons, “The wide-ranging tasks that ChatGPT can accomplish makes it a revolutionary-level tech disruptor on the order of the PC or the internet.”
WHO SHOULD USE IT Software application developers, of course, but also regular people just like us. “Although early adopters have mostly been in the tech industry, ChatGPT was designed for anyone and everyone,” says Lyons. “Do you Google things a lot? ChatGPT is for you! Do you write a lot of emails? ChatGPT is for you! Do you have a bunch of random ingredients in your fridge and want a recipe for dinner? ChatGPT is for you!”
HOW TO MASTER IT “In one sense, nobody has mastered large language models yet; data scientists are discovering new capabilities and uses for these models nearly every day,” says Erlandson. However, there are tricks to ensure a successful chatbot experience. “The most important skill is probably the task of constructing the best prompts to get the result you want,” he reveals. “Creating good prompts has become so important that software engineers and data scientists have already given it a name: prompt engineering.”
Lyons agrees: “By providing as much specific context around what you are trying to do, the underlying model is able to better isolate the necessary information and give you a better answer back with a lower likelihood of hallucination.”
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR Wait—hallucination? “When the system doesn’t know how to respond to a prompt it will ‘hallucinate,’ or make up a response that sounds intelligent,” Lyons explains. “Many of these mistakes are harmless or merely annoying,” adds Erlandson. “However, some can have more serious consequences.”
Therefore, proceed with caution, Lyons warns. “In a world of misinformation, it is more important than ever to vet information,” he says. “The same can be said about Google search, but at least you have a source to tie back to reality.”
WHAT TO GEEK OUT OVER Don’t worry, it’s not all bad. “The major pros of AI chatbots are their ability to drastically reduce the time and energy required to complete basic tasks—and their ease of use, which, in turn, democratizes access to the world’s most powerful technology,” says Lyons. In addition to supplying meaningful answers and content in response to human questions, large language models like ChatGPT can also “provide ‘multimodal’ operation,” Erlandson shares—aka “generate images for you based on a text description.”
WHAT’S NEXT Peter Parker’s uncle said it best in Spider-Man: “With great power comes great responsibility.” Though the opportunity is certainly there for “bad actors to mass generate disinformation,” says Lyons, as long as our leaders continue to promote ethical AI development—something the White House recently pledged—it’s hard to ignore the myriad ways chatbots could benefit society. “If you haven’t tried out ChatGPT, give it a shot the next time you’re trying to look something up,” Lyons offers. “You’ll never search the same way again.”
