Living It Up with Lenise

She is a fifth-generation Alabama farmer, the founder of a soil testing company now on shelves in every Lowe's in the country, and she is running to become the first woman ever elected as Alabama's Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Christina McInnis joins me on this episode of Living It Up with Lenise for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what's really happening in Alabama agriculture — from an outdated farm bill and SNAP spending priorities to Chinese ownership of American farmland. Christina shares her journey from growing up in Elberta to building AgriTech Corp and SoilKit, her vision for pairing Alabama's 29 million annual tourists with our $77 billion agriculture industry, and why she believes the questions we should be asking are simple: Is this good for the Alabama farmer? And is this good for our children? She also opens up about the personal cost of running for office as a woman — including a threatening predator who targeted her family — and the generational strength that keeps her going.

The Oscars are right around the corner, and I brought reinforcements! In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, I'm teaming up with an evening TV producer and a fellow podcaster to break down the 2026 Academy Award nominations. We're debating the heavy hitters — from the Best Picture race between One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Hamnet to a stacked Best Actor category featuring Timothy Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Leonardo DiCaprio. We dig into the brand-new Achievement in Casting award, talk about who got snubbed (yes, we're looking at you, Dwayne Johnson), and make our probably-wrong predictions across every major category. Whether you're filling out your Oscar ballot or just love talking movies, grab some popcorn — no butter for me, please — and join us.

In this episode of Living It Up with Lneise, an intimate conversation with Alison Brumfield-Jones, founder of Mission Fitness in Mobile, Alabama, and Lululemon ambassador. Alison shares her unexpected journey from stockbroker to fitness entrepreneur, revealing how a pivotal question—"What's your legacy?"—changed everything. Through the impressionable story of a young boy named Henry who couldn't afford a $15 gym membership, Alison discovered her true calling: creating a fitness community where everyone belongs. She opens up to Lenise about doing it scared, why motivation is a "fallacy," and how the way we show up in fitness is the way we show up in life. Whether you're feeling stuck, searching for purpose, or just need a reminder that it's never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step.

Welcome to Living It Up with Lenise, where we dive into inspirational stories that redefine what's possible! This week, we are honored to host Dr. Cindy Ross, an astonishing individual whose journey took her from being a professional athlete to a three-time doctorate-holding Functional Medicine practitioner. Dr. Ross's story is one of personal transformation and medical discovery. At just 19, her athletic career was tragically halted by a debilitating rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Compounding this, she watched her family succumb to various autoimmune diseases. But instead of accepting her prognosis, Dr. Ross turned her pain into purpose, discovering the power of lifestyle medicine. Since 2012, she has successfully reversed her own symptoms, proving that while genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger. In this candid discussion, Dr. Ross shares her non-negotiable pillars for reclaiming health and vitality. She details why standard blood work is often incomplete and how her approach can spot potential illnesses, like cancer, decades before they become critical. She also outlines her daily routine for fighting inflammation, which includes the critical role of cold plunges and infrared saunas, and emphasizes the absolute necessity of eliminating sugar and toxic seed oils from your diet.  A deep dive into the mind-body connection is central to her message, where she discusses the link between unaddressed emotional trauma (from stress, divorce, or loss) and the onset of chronic disease. She shares her transformative experience at a 10-day silent meditation retreat (Vipassana) and underscores the importance of healing the emotional body alongside the physical one. Dr. Ross addresses the topic of navigating menopause, discussing how she managed surgically induced menopause at 23. Dr. Cindy Ross offers listeners a crucial reminder: It is never too late to take control of your health. Tune in for an episode that will change how you view sickness and wellness forever!

Pitmaster and BBQ Brawl Season 5 winner, Erica Barrett, joins Lenise to share her incredible journey from Mobile, Alabama to Food Network fame. Hear about competing while grieving her grandmother, the cold Texas finale that nearly burned her legs, and her unforgettable sprint toward Bobby Flay. Erica also discusses her signature peach-infused barbecue sauce and her Dough Boy Pizza concept. A heartfelt conversation about cooking with soul, Southern pride, and using her platform to uplift food entrepreneurs. Don't miss this episode of Living It Up with Lenise!

In this edition of "Living It Up with Lenise," we dive into a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Lucy Buffett, renowned restaurateur, author, and famous sister of Margaritaville singer Jimmy Buffett. Lucy shares the journey that led her to open Lulu's in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and reflects on family, food, and the importance of self-discovery. Through a rich tapestry of childhood stories, she discusses how her family's love for cooking and gathering around the table shaped both her identity and career. Lucy's candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a successful restaurant, combined with her passion for empowering others, make this episode a delightful exploration of life, resilience, and pursuing your dreams.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, veteran journalist Kim shares her harrowing experience of witnessing a shooting at her daughter's final dance recital in Mobile, Alabama. What should have been a celebration of her daughter's years of dancing turned into a nightmare when an altercation erupted during a performance by young children, leading to gunshots that sent families diving for cover. 

In this episode of "Living It Up with Lenise," we delve into the vibrant world of fashion with Whitney, a seasoned buyer and stylist at Sway, a charming boutique nestled in downtown Fairhope. With a decade of experience under her belt, Whitney shares insights about her unexpected journey into the fashion industry, the intricate market buying process, and the art of closet editing. As she discusses Sway's thoughtful merchandise selection, listeners will discover how Whitney's philosophy centers on personal style and individual confidence, rather than fleeting trends. Join us for an engaging conversation that not only highlights the heart and soul of a beloved boutique but also unveils the transformative power of fashion in helping clients express their true selves.

In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, fitness expert Gabriela Mclain reveals celebrity training insights from her work on "The Woman King" movie, sharing her transformative journey from athlete to coach. She tackles topics like social media's impact on body image, the psychology of fitness and how to embrace health at any age. Discover mindset and motivation tools to live your best live, and unlock the warrior within.     

What drives two sisters to excel in the competitive world of journalism? In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, I'm chatting with Ashlyn Mitchell and Claudia Nichols, both dedicated news reporters at FOX10 News. They reveal how their faith and Christianity shape their reporting and personal lives, offering insights that inspire and empower. It's a discussion that highlights the power of family, faith, and storytelling!

In this episode of "Living It Up with Lenise," join Lenise Ligon as she reintroduces herself and her podcast, focusing on the power of podcasting for business growth. Joined by fellow podcaster Rod Cate, Lenise shares insights on how to use your podcast as a tool for brand visibility, audience engagement, and authentic connection, all while creating a positive storytelling platform. It's time to discover how to harness the potential of your voice to elevate your business!

In this episode of Lenise Ligon interviews Tyson Lee, a boxing enthusiast and the current president of USA Boxing. Tyson's journey in boxing began at a young age, as he grew up boxing and continued his passion for the sport while studying at West Point Military Academy. He achieved great success, winning championships in both amateur and military boxing. After retiring from the military, Tyson ventured into entrepreneurship before being recruited to join the USA Boxing board. Join us as we delve into Tyson's unique boxing career, the state of amateur boxing in the U.S., the challenges he has faced as president, and his inspiring vision for the future of boxing.

Can cooking up fine seafood and sharing eternal hope go hand in hand? In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise hear the story of Laura and Rayza, the inspirational owners of Rayza's Restaurant in coastal Alabama. Discover how they blend their passion for cooking exquisite seafood with their missional purpose of spreading the Gospel.

 In this episode of Lenise Ligon interviews Tate Sutton, a yoga instructor, retreat leader, and health coach based in Fairhope, AL. Tate shares her journey from a decade in fashion/travel influencing to making major life changes and discovering her purpose through yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness. 

In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, we are exploring the revolutionary world of Rebel Cheese, a vegan cheese company that is redefining the concept of cheese for dairy-free enthusiasts. The co-owners of the company, Kristen Maitland and Fred Zwar, share the story behind Rebel Cheese and how they are making delicious cheese alternatives for people who love cheese but not the dairy.

The holiday season often brings a rollercoaster of emotions - joy, meaning, as well as grief, stress or loneliness. How can we mindfully embrace the full range of experiences? In this episode, licensed clinical social worker Dr. Mishel Rych shares psychologically-backed insights on cultivating more joy and purpose amidst the holiday swings. Learn actionable tips on training your brain for positivity, setting healthy social media boundaries, leaning into traditions old and new, giving yourself permission to find meaning in the midst of hardship, and the importance of connection if you feel alone. Her wisdom provides a helpful guidebook for navigating the unique journey of this season for each of us.

Join Lenise Ligon as she explores somatic breathwork with Morgan Tyner, the first certified practitioner in Alabama and Mississippi. Discover how this mind-body breathing approach releases stored stress and trauma. Morgan opens up about how her healing journey led her to share these transformative practices. Don't miss this fascinating talk on the power of breathwork.

In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, I'm chatting with Lorie Ward, owner of Fairhope Juice Company in Alabama, about ditching pharma for cold-pressed juices. Learn Lorie's secrets to crafting healthy hydrating juices, building a local biz from her passion, and avoiding burnout when you leap to your purpose.

In this episode, we are going on a journey with reporter Lacey Beasley, who recently traveled to Singapore and Indonesia. It's an intimate conversation on the eye-opening experiences of immersing yourself in different cultures and religions, the importance of home, and how travel can change your perspective. Lacey shares impactful stories from her trips abroad and offers advice for anyone considering traveling internationally. 

It's time for a discussion on the challenges and rewards of owning your own businesses. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, Carita Koen shares the story of how she and her husband started their landscaping business. She offers advice to other minorities thinking about entrepreneurship. She says it's important to know your local market, take advantage of business training programs, and don't be afraid to start small and grow.

In this latest edition of Living It Up with Lenise we are speaking with Mary Henderson, a branding coach, on how to monetize your brand. You'll learn how to identify the potential in your brand and turn it into a goldmine. Don't miss this informative conversation!  

Brooke Kroeger is a professor emerita at New York University, where she was the founding director of the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute and taught from 1998 to 2021. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, Kroeger is talking about her latest book, "Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism." She shares her writing process with Lenise and some some cautionary tales. To learn more about Kroger and her previous works, visit: brookekroeger.com.

Discover the healing power of reflexology! In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise we are talking to Laurie Azzarella, a licensed reflexologist and message therapist in Daphne, Alabama. She explains how reflexology works and how it can be used to heal the body from the sole up. Laurie also spells out how reflexology activates different pressure points on the feet that connect to organs and systems throughout the body, and how reflexology sessions can promote overall wellness, reduce stress, aid digestion, improve circulation, alleviate pain, and more. 

Anthony Ingram is the man behind Tony's Tejas Salsa, a Mobile-based company providing fresh salsa to locations around the southeast. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, Ingram shares how his salsa-making journey began and the lessons he learned along the way.

What's the big deal with pickleball? It seems to be exploding in popularity lately. According to a report from USA Pickleball more than 4.8 million Americans picked up a pickleball racquet last year and despite the COVID pandemic, the sport has grown 39.3% over the last two years. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise we are talking to Heath Underwood, an enthusiast of the game, to see what the fuss is all about.

Sink your teeth into the future of plant-based meat. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise we spoke with Vladimir Mickovic, cofounder of Juicy Marbles, about how their company is creating realistic, mouthwatering vegan steaks. Hear the story behind Juicy Marbles' mission to convert carnivores through insanely delicious innovations. 

Vegan Time is a food truck that travels the streets of Mobile serving up Alkaline meals. Some of their signature dishes include the Alkaline Vegan Burger, Vegan Crab Cakes, and the Loaded Vegan Nachos. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, we are getting learning about the Alkaline diet from Chef Eddie and why he credits the diet for saving his life.

Have you ever been on a mushroom forage? These fascinating species are all around us. The one cardinal rule when hunting for mushrooms: when in doubt, throw it out. That's because although mushrooms have many health benefits, they can also be deadly. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, a journey into the mushroom kingdom for beginners.

My inspirational guest wears many hats - evening news anchor, bull owner, and empowering mentor. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, 15-time Emmy winner Fanchon Stinger shares the story behind her Grit + Grace foundation, created to guide middle and high school girls with faith, resilience, and poise. Hear how this groundbreaking journalist and speaker is uplifting the next generation through compassion and tenacity.

The Keys to Lasting Friendships - With Anastasia Stanecki. My film producer pal shares insights on nurturing real relationships that stand the test of time. We discuss how to grow trust, overcome conflicts, and make space for quality time together. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, Annie also reveals why solo traveling transformed her life, and how everyone can benefit from wandering alone. Tune in for a heartwarming yet honest conversation about the friendships that feed our souls.

Remote work exploded during COVID-19, leaving many employers struggling to recall staff back to the office. But it's not just location - record numbers are rethinking their jobs altogether! In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, we dive into the trends behind "The Great Resignation" and why these transformations point toward more flexibility in how and where we work long-term. Join me for an enlightening look at the forces reshaping our workplaces.

Five-year-old Luke and Lily love the spirit of Christmas. This year, their wish comes true for an adventure! The twins finally encounter the legendary Guardian of the Angel Tree from childhood stories. Embark on a heartwarming journey as Luke and Lily spread the true meaning of Christmas. Discover the power of faith, family, and the magic of the season in this special episode of Living It Up with Lenise.

When a cancer diagnosis rocks your world, how do you carry on? Megan Simmons draws strength from her faith on her breast cancer journey. The Foley Elementary assistant principal shares how willpower, community, and perseverance keep her thriving. Join us for an uplifting and honest conversation about finding light in life's darkest moments. Megan's story of resilience will inspire hope in any challenge you face. 

Discover an unexpected Southern gem - one of only 60 working tea farms in the U.S. Nestled in Fairhope, Alabama, this lush farm produces artisanal teas with an authentic crop-to-cup process. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, we tour the grounds, learn how it all began, and dive into invigorating teas. From bold black varieties to soothing herbal infusions, this farm bottles up diverse Southern flavors. Sip along as we explore the harvesting, withering, and oxidation that makes their tea truly farm-fresh. This episode steeps you in the rich history and techniques behind a tea lover's paradise. 

Wine director Christina Quick makes wine approachable for all, from novice sippers to connoisseurs. At Fairhope's Provision, Christina's passion is guiding people on their wine journeys. She shares insider tips on key wine regions, flavor profiles for popular grapes, and secret hacks for buying, tasting, pairing, and storing. Wine lovers and new explorers alike will gain confidence to navigate menus and shops. Christina makes learning relaxed and fun - join us!

No matter what industry you're in, building relationships is important. It's often said, your network is your net worth. But making connections, growing and keeping them isn't exactly easy for everyone. Matthew Kingsley, President and CEO of 3 Kings Entertainment knows all about creating lasting relationships. It's an artform he's mastered over the years, as a highly sought after talent agent. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, he's sharing how he got his start and what he's learned.      

While extremely fun and often lucrative, the voice acting industry can be a difficult gig to break into. Connections, patience, training and access to equipment are just some of the key elements aspiring voice actors will need to be successful. None of that phases Rebekah Hoeger. She is diving right in—starting a new career from the ground up! It's a new venture for this established television journalist—one she is tackling head on. Tune in to Living It Up with Lenise as Rebekah shares her voice acting journey so far. 

The rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics are almost here! After being postponed last year due to COVID-19, the games will finally take place starting July 23, 2021. Gymnastics is consistently one of the most popular and anticipated Olympic sports. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we're shining the spotlight on rising gymnastics star, 16-year-old Brie Clark from Daphne, Alabama. Tune in as we chat with this talented teen about her Olympic dreams, training regimen, mental preparation, and insights into elite competition. Get the inside scoop on Brie's dedication to her sport as she shares her journey to hopefully reach the world's biggest stage. 

Known in wellness circles as the mind, body, and soul connector, Robert Brace is a celebrity wellness expert and inspiration. While attending college on a dance scholarship, Brace suffered a severe back injury that jeopardized his future in dance. Through determination and discovery of healing techniques, he made a full recovery and returned to peak dance performance. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, Robert shares his incredible story and expert advice for overcoming setbacks to achieve fitness goals. Learn about the mind-body methods he uses to help others heal injuries, reduce stress, and attain optimal wellness.  

Considering going vegan or vegetarian but not sure where to start? In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we're talking with trailblazing chef Chrissy Tracey, Bon Appétit's first vegan chef. Chrissy shares the differences between vegan and vegetarian diets and her advice for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. Learn about the health and environmental benefits of veganism straight from an expert. Chrissy will walk us through potential pitfalls, smart substitutions, and share easy, delicious plant-based recipes. Chrissy is proving vegan food can be satisfying, crave-worthy, and good for the planet. Tune in for inspiration to eat more veggies and live well!

The influencer marketing industry has exploded in recent years, projected to be worth a staggering %15 billion by the end of 2022. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we're chatting with Gabe Feldman, Business Development Lead at Viral Nation, a top influencer marketing agency. He shares insider knowledge on the main pillars for becoming a succesful influencer and social media celebrity. Tune in as Gabe outlines how to build an authentic brand and community on social platforms.  Whether you're an aspiring or established creator, this episode is full of valuable tips to grow your audience and turn your passion into a profitable influencer career.

Want to start running but have no idea where to begin? In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we chat with fellow podcaster Allie VanDyke about her journey from couch to 5K. She shares how she went from avoiding running to completing her first mile. We swap tips on shoes, training programs, injury prevention, and more. Tune in for inspiration to take your first steps!

Disordered eating. A a woman shares her painful struggle with body dysmorphia that led to life-threatening restriction. We discuss the warning signs and importance of self-love, in this edition of Living It Up with Lenise.

Blue Fin CEO Marcus Neto reels in the story of launching his ad agency Blue Fin Media in Mobile, AL. Tune in for a masterclass in branding and entrepreneurship in this edition of Living It Up with Lenise!

FOX10 News reporter Toi Thornton recounts the challenges of covering an unprecedented global pandemic. In this edition of Living It Up with Lenise, he shares what it was like reporting on the frontlines during a crisis unlike anything seen before. From COVID's mental and emotional toll to the heartbreaking stories of loss, we get a raw look at how local journalists adapted their work amidst the chaos. Join us for a firsthand account of persevering through a pandemic as a local TV journalist.  

Imagine a place with a dozen current and classic pinball machines, a wide selection of craft beers, and retro board games that take you back in time. That's exactly what you'll find at Fairhope Pins & Pints. It's the dream child of Jarrett Crum. Hear how his love of childhood pinball play lead him to opening his very own shop, and promoting the passion of pinball for all to enjoy.

After years selling crystals at the flea market, owners Meghan and Patrick Brewer finally opened a permanent gemstone shop in Old Towne Daphne, AL. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we tour The Brewer's Alley and get an inside look at their hand-selected crystals sourced globally. Whether you're a crystal healing believer or just love shiny stones, tune in as the Brewers school us on everything from crystal basics to the rarest finds in their shop. We explore the fascinating world of crystals, from rough to refined! 

We are chatting with FOY Juice Bar founder about the journey from delivery service to opening two storefronts in lower Alabama. We get the inside scoop on the superfood menu, tour the kitchen, and discuss how they craft nutritious, clean-eating meals for the community. And with the açaí bowl craze in full swing, we learn why this antioxidant-packed superfruit is their bestseller. Join us in this edition of Living It Up with Lenise to hear this homegrown business's secrets to refreshing success!   

Glennellen Anderson is a American actress and singer. She is best known for her work on hit shows like Stranger Things, Timeless and American Idol. We caught up with her when she was home in Alabama visiting family. Glennellen opens up about chasing dreams, handling homesickness, and staying grounded through her rise to fame. Join us for an inspirational conversation at this talented small-town girl making it big while never forgetting her roots!

From the catwalk to the playground, identical twin Kimberly Hise takes us behind the scenes of her modeling career in our latest edition of Living It Up with Lenise. The country mouse of the Chin Twins shares her 9/11 experience and transition to motherhood.