Episodes

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 around weight and GLP-1s, and what it means to raise three kids while leading a statewide medical association. Dr. Johnson shares the loss that first pointed her toward medicine, the mentor who told her she could do it when she doubted herself, and the one health habit she'd prescribe to every person in Alabama. It's a conversation about service, legacy, and remembering that everybody is somebody'…

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 ever...

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 ...

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Up with Lenise for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about what’s really happening in Alabama agriculture — from an outdated farm bill and SNAP spending priorities to Chinese ownership of American fa...

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 a...

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 e...

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 ...

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 ent...

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 identit...

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 at the Sanger Theater 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...