Bench To Bold with Alisa Hood and Marnie Schneider

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to go from an HBCU classroom to the Dallas Cowboys —and build a successful life after the NFL? In this episode of Bench to Bold , we sit down with Timmy Newsome , former Dallas Cowboys running back and proud Winston-Salem State University (HBCU) alum , to talk about discipline, leadership, and life beyond the game. Timmy shares his journey growing up in North Car...

Send us Fan Mail So many women feel constantly tired, mentally foggy, irritable, or just off —and quietly assume it’s normal, stress-related, or something they just have to push through. In this episode of Bench to Bold , we sit down with Dr. Laura , a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause specialist at Infinity Med Spa , to talk honestly about what’s really happening inside women’s bodies—and what...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to grow a luxury real estate brand, stand out in a competitive market, and make bold moves that actually pay off? In this week’s episode, we sit down with Abigail Hines Miller , Founder of The Agency Charlotte , for a conversation filled with practical insights every viewer can use — whether you're buying, selling, building your business, or trying to...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to build a bold life — in love, in business, and in the everyday choices that shape who we become? In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Daniels , celebrity matchmaker, relationship expert, bestselling author of Matchbook , and the real-life inspiration behind the NBC series Miss Match starring Alicia Silverstone. For nearly 25 years, Samantha has hel...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Bench to Bold , we sit down with legendary boxer Christy Martin — a woman whose story is bigger, harder, and braver than most of us can imagine. Christy survived a near-fatal domestic violence attack, years of emotional abuse, addiction, and the pressure of navigating her sexuality in a world that wasn’t ready to accept her. From her hospital bed, she made a deal with...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re a parent or caregiver of a young adult with special needs, you already know: planning for the future can feel impossible. The resources are limited, the waitlists are long, and true independence — the kind that’s safe, supported, and dignified — can feel out of reach. This episode is a breath of hope. Marnie and Alisa sit down with Erin and Rick , two parents who have sp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Alisa and Marnie sit down with Dr. Tiffany Hall , a therapist and educator, to have the conversation we all need   about what it really means to be mentally well, especially when life feels heavy.  She discusses the importance of mental wellness, coping strategies, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Key topics include: Tips for maintaining mental w...

Send us Fan Mail What if staying fit didn’t have to feel so hard?  In this episode of Bench to Bold , Alisa and Marnie sit down with Ariel Lee , Lead Personal Trainer at West Kept Secret , to talk about what real fitness looks like — the kind that fits your life (and your body) without guilt or excuses. Ariel shares practical, no-nonsense advice for women who want to feel strong, confident, and co...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bench to Bold , wardrobe stylist Paige Richardson joins Marnie and Alisa to talk about what it really takes to build a wardrobe that fits, flatters, and feels like you. After two decades in corporate retail, Paige stepped out on her own to help women rediscover confidence through personal style. From editing your closet to knowing what actually looks good on you...

Send us Fan Mail What if your dorm room could feel like home — not just a place to crash between classes? In this inspiring episode, interior designer Shelly Gates of Mary Margaret Designs shares how one proud mom post turned into a thriving design business that helps students create spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to feel. From dorm rooms to apartments, Shelly’s story is a remi...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Bench to Bold , life coach Kristy Kuhl joins Marnie and Alisa to share her journey from chasing success to finding true alignment. She opens up about walking away from a six-figure corporate career, the courage it takes to start over, and how to build a life that feels as good as it looks. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or out of alignment with...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be healthy? In this week’s Bench to Bold , Marnie and Elisa dive into fitness, food, discipline, and the little indulgences that make life sweet. From bodybuilding to biking, marathon running to mindful eating, Elisa shares how her relationship with health has evolved — and Marnie opens up about finding balance without losing joy (or ice cream 🍦). Whet...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to turn a kitchen idea into a national brand? In this episode, sisters Ellen Rucker Sellers and Ione Rucker Jamison share the story behind Rucker Roots , their plant-powered haircare line now found in major retailers like Walmart, Target, Sally Beauty, and JCPenney. You’ll hear: The early days of formulating products in Ellen’s kitchen How they went from r...

Send us Fan Mail What if your skincare routine could be simple and effective? In this episode of Bench to Bold , we sit down with Katie Sullivan, Licensed Medical Esthetician at Infinity Med Spa and Wellness , to talk about how to take the guesswork out of skincare. Katie breaks down: Why prevention is the biggest beauty trend right now The three products she recommends everyone invest in How to a...

Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to turn a bold idea into a luxury fashion brand? In this episode of Bench to Bold , Alisa and Marnie sit down with Adrienne Kronovet , the founder of Ameliora , to hear how she transformed her passion and family legacy into a thriving fashion line. Adrienne shares the real story of building her brand—from discovering a game-changing fabric, to navigating...

Send us Fan Mail How do you actually break barriers—at work, at home, and within yourself? In this candid conversation, Alisa and Marnie swap real stories from male-dominated rooms, medical sales, the NFL world, and life after big pivots. They dig into the mindset shifts that help you thrive, the power of boundaries, why flexibility creates opportunity, and how “failure as feedback” moves you forw...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the final whistle blows and the stadium lights go dark? For Thomas Davis, three-time Pro Bowler and longtime Carolina Panther, that moment wasn’t the end — it was the start of something new. In this inspiring conversation, Thomas opens up about his 16 seasons in the NFL, his battles back from three ACL tears, and the lessons of resilience that shaped his career....

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to dream bigger and do bigger? In this episode of Bench to Bold , hosts Alisa Hood and Marnie Schneider sit down with Denise Cubbedge, President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, to talk about her inspiring journey in nonprofit leadership. Denise shares how she found her calling in philanthropy, why fundraising is really about building authentic re...

Send us Fan Mail From a side hustle at 22 to a thriving career as a sought-after pro, Caitlyn Dominic has built a business around her artistry, her personality, and her bold moves. In this episode of Bench to Bold , hosts Alisa Hood and Marnie Schneider talk with Caitlyn about her journey from art and dance to destination weddings, celebrity clients, and teaching makeup lessons to women across the...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the very first episode of Bench to Bold!  In this premiere episode, hosts Alisa and Marnie open up about what it truly means to live boldly. From personal stories of friendship and life changes to embracing your own definition of “bold,” they share laughs, lessons, and real talk about stepping off the bench and into your best life. 💬 What does “bold” mean to you? For s...

Send us Fan Mail Alisa, known as AChicAlisa , is bringing her energy, style, and perspective to the Bench to Bold podcast! In this short trailer, she shares why she’s excited to co-host alongside Marnie Schneider and what listeners can expect from the show. From fashion and lifestyle to bold conversations with inspiring guests, Bench to Bold is all about living authentically and taking your place...

Send us Fan Mail Hosts Marnie and Alisa are so excited to launch Bench to Bold — a podcast where bold stories, inspiring conversations, and real-life lessons take center stage. From sports and business to style, confidence, and community, this show is all about living life off the sidelines and into the spotlight. In this short trailer, Marnie shares why she’s excited about the show and what liste...