Dr. Nina Ford Johnson: Alabama's Medical Leader on Infant Mortality & Rural Care
Living It Up with Lenise
She was sworn in as the first pediatrician to lead the Medical Association of the State of Alabama in 20 years — and only the second woman of color to hold the role since Dr. Regina Benjamin, who went on to become U.S. Surgeon General. In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, Dr. Nina Ford Johnson opens up about the moment her father administered her oath of office, the physician shortage reshaping care across Alabama, and why she believes "if you are not at the table, you are the meal being served." We talk infant mortality, rural healthcare access, the billion-dollar conversation...
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Anna Laymon on Leaving a Mark: The Mothers, Daughters, and Monuments That Hold Us
Living It Up with Lenise
Of the 40 monuments on the National Mall, zero are dedicated to American women's history. Anna Laymon is trying to change that. Anna leads the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation, the organization authorized by Congress to build the first monument honoring women's history on the National Mall — and she's doing it while living right here in Fairhope and commuting to D.C. In this conversation, Anna and Lenise talk about the fight to get this monument approved, the campaign inviting everyday Americans to submit their own ideas for what it should be, and the women — known and unknown...
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Fairways & First Years: Frances Brown's Journey from Mobile's Greens to the SEC
Living It Up with Lenise
In this episode of Living It Up with Lenise, we tee it up with Frances Brown — a Mobile, Alabama native who made history as a four-time individual state golf champion before ever setting foot on a college campus. Now a freshman at Auburn University competing in the SEC, Frances brings her A-game and her signature jalapeño humor to the conversation. We talk about what it's like to grow up literally living on a golf course, the mental discipline it takes to defend a championship four years in a row, and how she's navigating the jump from hometown legend to college athlete. Frances also...
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Christina Woerner McInnis on Alabama Agriculture, Family, and Public Service
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...
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Vampires, The Rock, and Oscar Gold: Our 2026 Predictions
Living It Up with Lenise
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...
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Finding Your Legacy: How Alison Brumfield-Jones Built Mission Fitness
Living It Up with Lenise
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,"...
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Beyond the Gym: Dr. Cindy Ross on Fighting Inflammation, Menopause, and the Power of Silence
Living It Up with Lenise
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...
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Cooking with Heart, BBQ Champion Erica Barrett's Southern Soul
Living It Up with Lenise
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!
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A Taste of the Gulf Coast with Lucy Buffett
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...
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News Anchor Kym Anderson, When the Story Becomes Personal
Living It Up with Lenise
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.
info_outlineIn 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.