Bench To Bold with Alisa Hood and Marnie Schneider

Bench to Bold with Alisa and Marnie
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  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

Life isn’t a spectator sport—and this podcast is your invitation to get off the bench and into the game. Welcome to Bench to Bold—a show for anyone who's ready to stop sitting on the sidelines and start living life like they mean it. Hosted by dynamic duo Alisa Hood, fashion and lifestyle entrepreneur, and Marnie Schneider, author, speaker, and football legacy, the podcast brings together inspiring guests, bold conversations, and a sprinkle of sports energy to help you own your moment—on your terms. Each episode features real, unfiltered stories from bold individuals across industries—leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers. Whether they were born bold or had to grow into it, these are people living with intention, taking risks, and showing up fully in their lives. With Alisa’s polished edge and Marnie’s infectious energy, Bench to Bold is equal parts motivational and relatable. Grounded in their personal love of sports (Alisa is a competitive tennis player; Marnie is the granddaughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose), the show uses a sports metaphor as a powerful lens for personal growth. Because life isn’t about watching from the sidelines—it’s about becoming the main character and making bold moves, whatever that looks like for you. From the sidelines to center court—this is Bench to Bold.

  1. 19H AGO

    S2 Ep 3: She Survived the Miracle on the Hudson — and She's Still Fighting for You | Denise Lockie

    Send us Fan Mail On January 15, 2009, Denise Lockie boarded US Airways Flight 1549 at LaGuardia Airport — a routine Thursday afternoon trip home. What happened next would become one of the most remarkable survival stories in aviation history. In this episode of Bench to Bold, Denise joins Marnie and Alisa to walk through every moment: the hostile corporate merger that put her on that flight, the thunderous noise at 3,200 feet, her eerie calm while the cabin erupted in panic, the upside-down evacuation slide, pulling strangers from the icy Hudson, and a Today Show appearance she did in fireman's pants with no luggage, no ID, and no lipstick. More than a survival story, this is a masterclass in grace under pressure — and why Denise has spent the 17 years since fighting to make aviation safer for everyone. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00:07 — Meet Denise Lockie  Marnie 00:01:00 — Corporate Career & The Merger  Denise describes her high-flying sales career 00:05:34 — Seat 2C  Denise boards as the first passenger 00:07:34 — 3,200 Feet Over New York 00:10:52 — Mentally calculating whether she could survive in the water and what it would take 00:14:09 — Prepared for Death  Denise reaches a moment of total acceptance 00:18:05 — Down the Slide Into the Hudson 00:21:25 — Calling Her Sister From the Raft 00:28:34 — The Today Show, No Lipstick, and Fireman's Pants 00:42:20 — Closing Message ABOUT DENISE LOCKIE: Denise Lockie is a Charlotte, NC-based survivor of US Airways Flight 1549 — the "Miracle on the Hudson" — and one of the most active aviation safety advocates to emerge from that flight. Seated in 2C on January 15, 2009, she was among the 155 passengers and crew who survived after Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River following a catastrophic dual engine failure caused by a bird strike. In the years since, Denise has channeled that experience into tireless advocacy: she is the only woman currently working in aviation safety at her level, she is working with the FAA on ARC reauthorization, and she serves on the boards of multiple aviation safety organizations. She is a regular speaker at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte — where she appears in the museum's video and has donated personal artifacts from the flight — and is a member of the National Air Disaster Alliance. Most recently, Denise joined the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) in opposing FAA-approved cuts to minimum flight attendant staffing on widebody aircraft. She also mentors emerging professionals and continues to fly regularly — always in natural fibers, always paying attention to the exits. LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bench-to-bold-with-alisa-hood-and-marnie-schneider/id1833955403 Follow Bench to Bold on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benchtobold

    48 min

  2. MAR 18

    S2 Ep 2: The First Woman in the Dallas Cowboys Locker Room | Marjorie Herrera Lewis | Bench to Bold

    Send us Fan Mail Marjorie Herrera Lewis is a trailblazing sports journalist who became the first female beat writer to cover the Dallas Cowboys, and she brought her incredible energy and stories to Bench to Bold. From growing up in a sports-obsessed family in Santa Fe to accidentally almost becoming the next J.Lo (seriously!), Marjorie's journey is pure gold. She dives deep into her groundbreaking work covering the Cowboys during the Tom Landry era, her friendship with tennis legend Martina Navratilova, and how a random conversation at her allergy doctor's office led to her award-winning novel "When the Men Were Gone." Now she's launching the Global Pro Flag Football League as commissioner, because apparently breaking one glass ceiling wasn't enough. Plus, she reveals her latest obsession: bowling (and she's really good at it). This episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and the kind of stories that remind you why live sports hit different. GUEST BIO: Marjorie Herrera Lewis is the author of "When the Men Were Gone," a powerful novel based on the true story of a woman who coached football in Texas during World War II. The book was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of the best sports books of 2018 and has been optioned for film. At age 60, she made history again by coaching defensive backs at Texas Wesleyan University, making her the only female college football coach at any level that year. During her journalism career, she covered the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Mavericks, Wimbledon, and the Davis Cup. She's now the commissioner of the Global Pro Flag Football League set to launch in spring 2026. Marjorie co-hosts "Journey Through Sports and Life," a weekly television show streaming on DBTV. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 01:22 --- Sports DNA Deep Dive Marjorie talks about her sports-obsessed parents and how athletics shaped her life from day one 03:00 --- College Dreams & Career Moves From Arizona State broadcast journalism to making the bold decision to move to Dallas at 12 years old 05:11 --- Breaking Barriers The story of how she became the first female Dallas Cowboys beat writer and what that moment felt like 06:51 --- Tom Landry's Leadership How Coach Landry held a 15-minute team meeting about respecting the first woman in their locker room 07:32 --- Hall of Fame Era Being there during the transition from Tom Landry to Jimmy Johnson and covering future Hall of Famers 09:16 --- Coach Landry's Personal Side The surprising phone call from Tom Landry when Marjorie's daughter was born 09:45 --- When the Men Were Gone How a random comment at her allergy doctor led to discovering an incredible World War II story 13:28 --- Flag Ball Revolution Why Marjorie prefers "flag ball" over "flag football" and her vision for the sport's future 17:28 --- Summit Bowl Dreams The championship game vision for the Women's Flag Ball League 21:11 --- Life's Mission Discovered How sports became her life's work and why she never expected to be a league commissioner 22:29 --- The J.Lo Connection The incredible story of how neck surgery cost her a shot at the career Jennifer Lopez built 25:02 --- Bowling Obsession From tennis to pickleball to her current fanatical love affair with bowling 28:03 --- Tennis World Access Stories from covering Wimbledon and her friendship with Martina Navratilova 32:14 --- Women's Flag Ball League Where to find updates and how to get involved in the movement 34:24 --- Live Sports Magic Why sports create emotional connections that movies and Broadway shows can't match Learn more about Marjorie: Official Website: https://marjorieherreralewis.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/WhenMenGone Listen to Bench to Bold on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bench-to-bold-with-alisa-hood-and-marnie-schneider/id18339554

    37 min

  3. MAR 11

    S2 Ep 1: New Studio, New Season & The Real Work Nobody Sees | Marnie & Alisa | Bench to Bold

    Send us Fan Mail Season two of Bench to Bold is officially here — and Marnie and Alisa are back with a brand new studio, a lot more to say, and zero plans to slow down. In this season premiere, the co-hosts reflect on a whirlwind trip to Super Bowl Media Row (yes, Cam Newton recognized them), share major updates on Marnie's MLB licensing deal and upcoming Baseball Billy books, and pull back the curtain on what it actually looks like to build something from scratch — from Alisa hand-writing labels in her car to Marnie lugging books to the post office every Tuesday. They also talk about how they met through the Ronald McDonald House, why giving back changes everything, and what "Bench to Bold" really means when life gets messy. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 — Welcome to Season 2 & the New EVRYBDY Studio  Season 2 launch and what's new for Bench to Bold03:00 — Super Bowl Media Row: Celebrity Petting Zoo & Cam Newton  Behind the scenes at Super Bowl Media Row — and how Cam Newton recognized Marnie06:00 — NFL Off the Field Wives Event, Ashanti & Raising Real Money  An inside look at the NFL Off the Field Wives' 25th year event and the power of women supporting women07:00 — How Marnie & Alisa Met: The Ronald McDonald House Story  The event neither of them wanted to attend — and how it changed everything10:30 — Marnie's MLB Deal: Baseball Billy & the Yankees and Phillies Books  Marnie's Major League Baseball licensing deal and the Baseball Billy book series launching end of March14:00 — Women's Flag Ball League Plans  Plans for an affordable, family-friendly women's flag ball league15:30 — Alisa Lux Beauty: Launching a Full Makeup Line in Three Months  What it actually takes to build a product business solo — from the bedroom distribution center to handwriting labels in the car19:00 — The Real Back Office: Entrepreneurship Isn't Glamorous  The unglamorous back office reality every entrepreneur knows but rarely talks about22:00 — Scorekeeping, Partnerships & What Makes Relationships Work  Why scorekeeping is the enemy of great relationships — in business and in life24:00 — Giving Courtside Seats Away & Why Generosity Pays Off  Giving courtside Hornets seats to Ronald McDonald House families and why giving back changes the dynamic of everything28:00 — Season 2 Goals & What "Bench to Bold" Really Means  What being on the bench really

    37 min

  4. MAR 5

    Ep 28 - Stop Talking to Yourself Like That: From Self-Doubt to Self-Compassion — with Colleen Odegaard

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Description There’s a voice most of us carry around all day. It comments on what we eat, how we look, what we said in that meeting last week. It’s constant. It’s cruel. And most of the time — we don’t even notice we’re doing it. Colleen Odegaard has spent 30 years on live television, interviewing A-list celebrities and Charlotte’s most compelling stories. But behind the camera, she’s been doing a very different kind of work — the kind that doesn’t show up on a highlight reel. In this episode, she opens up about the unexpected divorce that blindsided her after 23 years, the self-compassion practice that carried her through, and why she believes the way we talk to ourselves is the most important thing we’ll ever change. She and Alisa and Marnie get into radical acceptance, the comparison trap, letting go of control with adult kids, and the ego she caught running the show — even at 55, when she bought her first solo home. This one is honest, warm, and full of moments you’ll want to sit with. Show Notes — Key Timestamps (Approximate) 00:00 — Welcome + Meet Colleen Odegaard01:30 — The real reason she got into broadcast journalism (it wasn’t noble)08:30 — Feeling benched in a cutthroat industry11:00 — Why growth isn’t about age — it’s about what you do with the time13:00 — The divorce she didn’t see coming after 23 years15:30 — How she got through it: therapy, dharma talks, nature, and friends17:00 — Radical acceptance: what it actually means vs. resignation18:30 — Letting go of control — especially with adult kids25:00 — Self-compassion vs. self-esteem: why compassion has to come first27:30 — Buying her own condo at 55 and the ego check that came with it40:00 — The self-talk we normalize without realizing it41:30 — Why doing something kind for someone else is actually self-care

    44 min

  5. MAR 5

    Ep 27: Love Without Borders: Patty Shropshire on Adoption, Faith & Building a Multicultural Family

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to open your heart and your home to children from across the world? In this deeply moving episode of Bench to Bold, Alisa and Marnie sit down with Patty Shropshire, a teacher-turned-realtor, adoptive mother of two, and one of the most quietly bold women we've ever had on the show. Patty's adoption story is actually two stories and they couldn't be more different. First, the miraculous journey that brought five-month-old Kaya home from Korea, complete with a divine sign from the neighbors next door. Then, the unexpected path to adopting 14-year-old Josh from Ethiopia a trip that started as a missions visit and ended with a family. In this episode, we cover: • How Patty felt called to adopt long before she was married — and how that calling eventually became reality • The Korean neighbors who appeared in her front yard on the exact day the agency called — and why their names changed everything • What it's really like to adopt a 14-year-old with trauma — and the two years of counseling that helped Patty become the parent Josh needed • The beauty and challenge of raising a multicultural, multiracial family • Identity, abandonment, and the emotional layers adopted children carry — and how to meet them with love • Seven trips to Ethiopia, reconnecting with Josh's birth family, and why Patty keeps going back • Patty's second bold act: leaving 30 years of teaching to become a top realtor with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International • What she'd say to anyone considering adoption: just do it — but go in with open eyes Whether you've thought about adoption, are in the middle of a bold reinvention of your own, or just need to be reminded that love is bigger than borders — this episode is for you. Connect with Patty: • Instagram: @pattyshropshirerealty • Facebook: @shropshirerealty • Brokerage: Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Bench to Bold on Apple Podcasts, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

    29 min

  6. FEB 19

    Ep 26: From Bench to Bold: Tiffany Blackmon on Breast Implant Illness, Reinvention at 60, and Building a Life You're Proud Of

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to reinvent yourself — not once, but over and over — and come out stronger every time? In this episode, Marnie and Alisa sit down with the incredible Tiffany Blackmon: chef, content creator, podcast host, and certified Renaissance woman. Tiffany shares the full arc of her journey — from culinary school and competing in the fitness world, to building a thriving multi-platform brand at 61, to her deeply personal experience with breast implant illness that doctors dismissed for years as "just menopause." Her story is one of resilience, radical honesty, and the power of using your platform to help other women feel seen. In this episode, we cover: • How Tiffany pivoted from TV and radio to podcasting and content creation during the pandemic • Her journey with breast implant illness — the symptoms, the dismissals, and the surgery that changed everything • Building a content brand with five pillars: fashion, beauty, fitness, food, and wellness • Why the 50s and 60s are some of the most productive years of a woman's life • The power of choosing your friends intentionally as you get older • Tiffany's go-to wellness habits: sleep, non-toxic products, and joy • Fort Worth's biggest event of the year — the Stock Show & Rodeo — and her viral rodeo fashion content Whether you're navigating a health journey, questioning your next chapter, or just looking for a woman who will speak the truth without apology — Tiffany Blackmon is your person. Connect with Tiffany: • Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest & YouTube: @TiffanyCBlackman • Podcast: My So-Called Fabulous (available on all platforms) 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Bench to Bold on Apple Podcasts, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.

    37 min

  7. FEB 6

    Ep. 25: Finding Real Love: Matchmaker Julie Ferman's 35-Year Journey & Dating Secrets

    Send us Fan Mail Join Marnie and Alisa as they sit down with Julie Ferman, a professional matchmaker with 35 years of experience who has helped create over 1,400 successful couples. Julie shares her unique origin story—meeting her husband while signing up for his dating service—and reveals the insider secrets of the matchmaking industry. In this candid conversation, Julie discusses: - Why traditional matchmaking services primarily serve high-net-worth men - The biggest mistakes both men and women make in dating - The "Adam Sandler Effect" and why women develop attraction differently than men - How to identify trustworthy partners beyond superficial criteria - The importance of "turning the cab light on" to signal approachability - Why online dating is losing steam and what to do instead Julie offers practical dating advice for everyone, from those who can afford private matchmaking to people navigating online dating on their own. Her service-oriented approach to matchmaking in Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and Denver focuses on building genuine connections based on character, shared values, and authentic attraction. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or just curious about the dating industry, this episode is packed with wisdom about finding love in today's world. Connect with Julie Ferman at Cupid's Coach and check out The Cupid's Coach Podcast for more dating insights.

    28 min

  8. JAN 21

    Ep. 23: Protect Your Loved One: What Families Must Know Before Choosing a Nursing Home

    Send us Fan Mail Choosing a nursing home or rehab facility can happen fast—and families are often handed a short list and told to “pick one.” In this episode of Bench to Bold, we sit down with Erin Stuckey, a South Carolina attorney who has seen this system from both sides: she previously defended hospitals and nursing homes in malpractice cases, and now represents patients and families when negligence occurs. Erin shares practical, empowering guidance to help you make informed decisions before placement, ask the right questions during tours, and advocate for your loved one after admission. We talk staffing ratios, preventable falls, pressure injuries, readmission rates, wound care concerns, care plan meetings, and why “being visible” as a family member can truly make a difference. If you have aging parents, a loved one heading to rehab after a hospitalization, or you simply want to be prepared before a crisis hits—this is your checklist episode. Key topics we cover: How families can research facilities using Medicare’s Care Compare website (star ratings, staffing, inspections, quality measures)What to look for during an in-person facility tour (and why your gut matters)The most important questions to ask: staffing ratios, physician coverage, transport, rehab expectations, and care planningPreventable risks like falls, pressure ulcers, infections, and wound complicationsHow to advocate effectively without being confrontational (and why showing up at varied times helps)Planning ahead: healthcare power of attorney, advance directives, and hard conversations before urgency🎧 Listen and share this episode with anyone caring for an aging loved one—it could prevent heartbreak later.

    39 min
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About

Life isn’t a spectator sport—and this podcast is your invitation to get off the bench and into the game. Welcome to Bench to Bold—a show for anyone who's ready to stop sitting on the sidelines and start living life like they mean it. Hosted by dynamic duo Alisa Hood, fashion and lifestyle entrepreneur, and Marnie Schneider, author, speaker, and football legacy, the podcast brings together inspiring guests, bold conversations, and a sprinkle of sports energy to help you own your moment—on your terms. Each episode features real, unfiltered stories from bold individuals across industries—leaders, founders, creatives, and changemakers. Whether they were born bold or had to grow into it, these are people living with intention, taking risks, and showing up fully in their lives. With Alisa’s polished edge and Marnie’s infectious energy, Bench to Bold is equal parts motivational and relatable. Grounded in their personal love of sports (Alisa is a competitive tennis player; Marnie is the granddaughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose), the show uses a sports metaphor as a powerful lens for personal growth. Because life isn’t about watching from the sidelines—it’s about becoming the main character and making bold moves, whatever that looks like for you. From the sidelines to center court—this is Bench to Bold.

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