by Susannah Richardson | Jan 28, 2025 | February 2025, Stuff
Because who doesn’t love a good cringe…
Dating is not for the faint of heart—clearly. Sure, you could meet your soulmate, but, more often than not, it’s a series of embarrassing encounters, awkward silences and, well, riveting stories. Enter Things I Heard While Dating, a global compilation of cringeworthy, unfiltered dating snippets.
“The idea of this book originally started when I remembered something strange an ex had said to me,” reflects local author Emily O’Brien, “and how much in awe I was of my early-20s self that still dated him for a very long time after that. I started asking some friends if they had awkward lines too—and, boy, did they deliver!”
O’Brien began by gathering a handful of dating stories for a quirky, mixed-media art project, but after some work on it, the idea didn’t take. Then, on a road trip during her family’s move to Raleigh, she realized a book would be a better fit.
From there, the anthology concept crystallized, and she launched a website for people to submit stories—with the option for incognito submissions to encourage contributions without fear of recognition.
The verbatim selections that automatically made the cut garnered a laugh, gasp or sigh—coupled with behind-the-scenes stories and dating advice. And rest assured there’s plenty of jaw-dropping fodder for a sequel. thingsiheardwhiledating.com
I can’t get you out of my head. They just don’t make women with birthing hips like yours anymore,” he said as she returned from the bathroom. When she broke up with him, he retorted, “I have money if that helps.”
L.S. | Riverhead, NY
First in-person date post two video calls
Fine. If you’re not going to sing karaoke, I’ll just take you home,” he said following a sushi bar-turned-karaoke they had no plans to attend.
Gwen | Boulder, Colo.
First date
Whenever anyone hears something from my past, they never want to speak to me again.” She googled him years later and found him on To Catch a Predator.
Anon. | San Francisco
First date
Hey, how about you give me a ring?” She said despite no previous chat on marriage.
Guy | Devon, England
Dating several months
I find you being a vegetarian so sexy. I want to eat edamame off your back.” Said while making out.
Abby | Lenexa, Kan.
Second date
If you are ever hot at my house, just know you can take your shirt off, and it’s totally fine,” They said, not keeping things cool.
Anon. | Boulder, Colo.
Two weeks in
Oh, did you need something to eat?” After he asked her to dinner.
Sarah | NYC
Second date
by Susannah Richardson | Oct 28, 2024 | Do, November 2024
Cary’s Jennye Stirlen talks her thrilling journey on CBS’ The Summit.
You know the saying: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you follow?” Usually a groupthink analogy or classic parental comeback, Cary local Jennye Stirlen experienced it as a call to real-life adventure.
No stranger to risk or adversity, The Summit star moved solo to NC nine years ago—not to mention overcame cancer and addiction. Now, on CBS’ new hit show, the ever-brave contestant competes weekly against 16 strangers on a 14-day trek through the New Zealand Alps facing Antarctic winds, intense physical challenges and surprise twists at the will of the “Mountain’s Keeper”—all with a cool mill (collective) on the line.
It was a profound experience of personal growth, the fierce competitor tells RM. Ahead of the series finale Dec. 4, Stirlen reveals what it was like to take on The Summit.
How did you get involved in the show?
A casting director reached out with minimal details (really just that it would be challenging) and asked if I might be interested in participating. Having faced significant challenges in my life—surviving cancer, overcoming addiction in my family and losing 120 pounds—I saw this as another chance for growth. So, I said yes!
What was your adventure tolerance
like before?
I enjoy being outdoors, but I lean more toward ‘glamping’ than traditional camping. This experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.
How did you prepare?
I train in boxing, Muay Thai and judo daily. Knowing we’d be filming in New Zealand, I used an elevation mask while rucking to prepare for the altitude. I also did obstacle-course training, as I had no idea what to expect.
What was the day-to-day experience like?
The New Zealand mountains are stunning but unforgiving. The terrain was brutal, especially for inexperienced hikers. We hiked for miles each day, facing daunting obstacles while trying to stay in the game. It was physically, emotionally and mentally grueling.
What are some of your key takeaways?
This experience was challenging and exhausting, but it taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Extreme situations reveal parts of your personality you didn’t know existed. I discovered my ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and how deeply I can connect with people I’ve just met.
What have you been up to since?
As an MMA referee, I was eager to reconnect with my fight community here in Raleigh. I continue my education and training as an MMA referee, both locally and internationally. I’m also actively involved in the LGBTQ community, volunteering at local events to support and uplift others.
Watch Wednesdays at 9:30pm on CBS 17; Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
by Susannah Richardson | Oct 1, 2024 | Eat, October 2024
A trio of new wine bars gracing the Raleigh bev scene
Like a bottle of fine wine, Raleigh begs to be shared. And that cup—er, glass—runneth over, as a trio of vino hot spots is joining the local lineup of wine bars, throwing in their own fair share of bottles to be split among local wine enthusiasts and aspiring sommeliers.
Enter Postino WineCafe, Napa at Glenwood Place and Foxcroft Wine Co. Hailing from bustling metro areas around the country, this trinity of grape destinations serves as a harbinger as clear as a crisp glass of pinot grigio: There’s a renaissance uncorking. And, it makes sense, given NC ranks No. 17 in VinePair’s 2024 list of states drinking the most wine per capita.
But before you get your vines in a twist—we know… wine bars and shops are by no means new to the Raleigh bev scene. Established outposts like Wine Authorities, Vita Vite and The Raleigh Wine Shop have strong and long Raleigh roots. But much like sipping six different grape varietals at a wine tasting, these new names augment the selects—with the added bonus of expanded food and drink menus.
Bowing earlier this summer, Phoenix-based wine cafe Postino was the first to come on the scene in its Village District locale, pouring a rotating list of 30+ wines by the glass, with platters of the brand’s signature bruschetta and charcuterie boards to boot. The space’s cozy interior and yellow umbrella-dotted patio practically transport sippers to an Italian cafe straight off an Instagram feed, delivering a wine bar concept unlike anything Raleigh has seen before—and upping Village District’s attraction factor.
“It’s important to us that we’re always delivering tremendous value and giving people the opportunity to connect and enjoy,” says Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Postino parent group Upward Projects. And, naturally, the concept fits right in with the City of Oaks’ excellent F&B offerings, with Raleigh’s “character, amazing dining scene and community” a major draw for the Postino team.
Now slated for mid-November, Foxcroft Wine Co. has plans to deliver its diverse wine selection and relaxed energy within the former Midtown Grille space at North Hills, making for its sixth location and first in Raleigh. Promising another picture-perfect “vin de table,” the “so serious” wine company serves a stacked list of bottles sourced from every major wine-producing region paired beautifully with its housemade entrees and light bites.
And the bottle doesn’t run dry there. Charlotte-based wine bar Napa is also answering Raleigh’s call for elevated vino hot spots via its lunch, dinner and brunch offerings. Slated to open at Glenwood Place next year, the wine mainstay was dreamed up by its owners after an inspiring trip to California—and the wine bar/kitchen has proven to be a sweet sipping success, with the Glenwood locale marking its fourth location and first in the Triangle.
“Adding a wine bar to the mixed-use community elevates the carefully curated local atmosphere,” says Morgan Bowie, commercial leasing broker of Grubb Ventures, the developer behind the area. “We’re wanting to provide easy access to essential services while maintaining a strong connection to our local tenants.”
With all of these wine-centered concepts popping up—and popping off (!)—in varied corners of the city, there’s no doubt about it that the vibe is to imbibe… and we’re here for it. postinowinecafe.com; foxcroftwine.com; naparestaurantgroup.com
by Susannah Richardson | Aug 27, 2024 | Eat, September 2024
Durham’s Simon Says Dip now open at Bloc[83]
What do you get when Ben and Jerry’s core pints, Dairy Queen’s dipped cones and TCBY’s toppings join their frozen forces? Something only imagined in your wildest (sweet) dreams… Enter Simons Says Dip This. Founded in Durham in 2021, the scoop shop recently opened a new location in Raleigh at Downtown’s Bloc[83] development.
While vanilla soft serve is the only ice cream flavor offering (there’s also a nondairy version), Simons Says is anything but. Cones, cups or ice cream sandwiches can be dunked in 24 different dips—from butterscotch to cake batter to caramel cotton candy—and paired with 30 delectable toppings (think potato chips, pretzels, Oreos and cookie dough). And if you’re after the trifecta, you can also fill the middle of your creation with one of six different cores, which include fudge, pistachio cream and mango. Read: There’s over 2 million possible customizable combinations (!).
The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Audrey and Nathan Simons, the Raleigh location—which they achieved with the help of Elm Partners—has always been a natural next step for them. And they hit the sweet spot with this one, given its attractive walkability to Glenwood South and Morgan Street Food Hall. Designed with the brand’s signature nostalgic and childlike joy, the City of Oaks outpost will cater to the whole family, complete with a squirrel spring rider that will be placed in the space. Not to mention the walls will be adorned with ’90s-inspired ice cream decor fit for photo ops. And if Simons Says you’re not in the mood for soft serve, a selection of housemade stuffed cookies, freeze-dried candies, soda floats and Simons Says Spread This artisanal will also be on offer. Without a doubt, DTR’s about to get a whole lot sweeter. simonssaysdipthis.com
by Susannah Richardson | Apr 29, 2024 | Do, May 2024
NC native and 2028 Olympic hopeful chats finding her footing in flag football.
Flag football is going global, as the sport was recently approved to make its inaugural appearance at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. Before the ultimate competition begins, the men’s and women’s USA Football National Teams are set to jet to Finland for the Flag Football World Championships this August, with the women’s team also slated to play the field at The World Games in China in 2025.
And the connection is closer to home than you’d think. Charlotte native and USA Football wide receiver Madison Fulford hopes to achieve Olympic glory come 2028. Ahead of her Games debut (🤞), we chatted with No. 5 about the growth of the game and her passion to play. Down, set, hut!
School us on your foray into flag football.
I’ve been serving in the military for the last six years in San Antonio, but I’m transitioning out this summer. In January 2022, I was playing flag [football] on base, and one of my club team coaches tapped me to join an all-girls team. I showed up, and there were hundreds of girls playing—it was awesome. That October, the USA Football scouts saw me playing a tournament and invited me to compete for a spot on the team.
How did it feel to be tapped by USA Football?
I thought, ‘Hell, yeah—absolutely.’ Since then, I’ve been completely obsessed.
The sport has recently skyrocketed in popularity with young girls—especially locally. What led to the fanfare?
USA Football has been pushing [it] on social media—and they’ve done a fantastic job at getting our name out there. I want to be part of the push nationally for high-schoolers. It’s great that nine states are doing it, but we should be at 50. For young girls to see other women competing at this elite level—it’s a reflection for them and it gives them something to strive toward.
What was your reaction to the Olympic debut?
Incredibly cool! I immediately counted the years to see if it would be realistic for me to compete. I thought about the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team roster, plus people like LeBron James and Tom Brady. I know it’s doable for me.
How have you managed the challenges of high-pressure athletic performances?
That’s what I’m going through right now. The performance I had in Charlotte at the game against Mexico was historic, and I didn’t realize it until the game was over. I haven’t been able to obtain that insane adrenaline rush since then—and I’ve had to take breaks to fight that mental battle and to process burnout.
Any words of encouragement to play by?
The motto of our team right now is: ‘It’s not about me; it’s about we.’ You know, what is our team going to do?
What’s coming down the field for you next?
This year, we have a third training camp before we fly to Finland for the Flag Football World Championship in August. Once I’m done with my military service, I’m planning to move to Austin and transition to coach kids as part of Mad Skills, my traveling training camp business. I love seeing the girls loosen up and have fun.
*Answers lightly edited for length and clarity.
