Bench To Bold with Alisa Hood and Marnie Schneider

Bench to Bold with Alisa and Marnie
  • 5.0 (18)
  • 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. 1D AGO

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

    Send us a text 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

  2. JAN 21

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

    Send us a text 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

  3. JAN 14

    Ep 22: Own the Room: Confidence, Grit, and Building a Bold Career

    Send us a text What does it really take to build a bold life—and keep building when life gets messy? In this episode of Bench to Bold, we sit down with Jennifer Torney, Global Vice President at TAPFIN (a ManpowerGroup company), to talk about the moments that shaped her confidence, career, and leadership style. Jennifer shares how a major family shift during college forced her to grow up fast, how sales taught her to bet on herself, and why her mom’s advice—“People will fire somebody to hire you”—changed the way she walks into every room. We also talk about competitive figure skating, the discipline behind success, modern career advice (including why the trades are booming), and what it’s like raising a daughter in today’s social media world. If you’ve ever had to pivot, rebuild, or take a step back just to move forward—this one will hit. In this episode, we cover: How Jennifer went from college uncertainty to corporate leadershipConfidence lessons that change how you show up in interviewsThe discipline and mindset behind high performanceMom guilt, work travel, and choosing what matters mostParenting and protecting kids in a social-media-first worldCareer advice for young adults: AI, tech skills, and the tradesA real “bench to bold” story about being sued, laid off, and bouncing back🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a woman who needs a confidence reset. Chapter Markers  00:00 – Welcome + meet Jennifer Torney  00:45 – What TAPFIN does (in plain English)  02:00 – The moment Jennifer had to “buck up” in college  03:10 – Why grit + resilience are the real success formula  05:00 – From California to Chicago: taking the leap  05:45 – “People will fire somebody to hire you” (confidence mindset)  07:00 – What Jennifer actually does as a global VP  08:00 – Why she loves solving problems + winning  08:45 – Competitive figure skating + discipline  10:50 – Moving to Charlotte: family, lifestyle, and priorities  14:05 – How she decompresses + staying grounded  16:00 – Parenting an only child + being present in the pre-teen years  17:40 – Social media, personal brand, and the scary part for kids  21:00 – What’s next: career growth, leadership, and mom guilt  24:15 – Advice for young adults: tech/AI + consider the trades  28:45 – Jen’s “bench to bold” moment: sued, laid off, humbled—and rebuilt  31:00 – Closing thoughts + thank you

    32 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    Ep 21 - The Bold Mindset: How Resilient Women Build Confidence After Adversity

    Send us a text What does it really take to live a bold life—especially after setbacks, loss, and moments that could have kept you stuck on the sidelines? In this episode of Bench to Bold, we sit down with Alvina Alston, a media powerhouse whose life story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and courage. From growing up in a single-parent household to navigating profound personal loss, career pivots, and being unexpectedly benched, Alvina shares how she learned to keep moving forward—without letting fear define her future. This conversation goes far beyond motivation. We talk honestly about: How adversity shapes confidence and leadershipWhy letting go can be the boldest decision you makeWhat resilience really looks like behind the scenesHow to stop ignoring red flags and start trusting yourselfWhy your past doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares youIf you’re navigating change, rebuilding after disappointment, or wondering how to step fully into your next chapter, this episode is for you. This is a powerful reminder that bold living isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, self-trust, and choosing yourself again and again.

    37 min

  5. 12/29/2025

    Ep 20 - From HBCU to the Dallas Cowboys: Timmy Newsome on Discipline, Opportunity, and Longevity

    Send us a text 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 Carolina, earning a scholarship to an HBCU, being drafted into one of the most iconic franchises in sports, and ultimately transitioning into a successful career in technology after football. Along the way, he reflects on the values instilled by his parents, the lessons learned from elite coaches, and why preparation off the field matters just as much as performance on it. This conversation is about more than football. It’s about: Turning opportunity into longevityLeading with integrity under pressurePreparing for life after your “peak moment”Using discipline and mindset to build a bold second actWhether you’re an athlete, a student, a professional navigating career transitions, or someone figuring out what’s next, Timmy’s story is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t limit where you can go. Tune in for an honest conversation about grit, growth, and what it really means to live a bold life—on and off the field. Episode Chapters 00:00 – From North Carolina roots to HBCU beginnings   04:10 – Earning a scholarship at Winston-Salem State University   08:45 – From HBCU to the Dallas Cowboys: getting drafted   13:30 – Discipline, leadership, and NFL expectations   20:05 – Preparing for life after football   26:40 – Transitioning into a career in technology   32:10 – Lessons athletes (and professionals) can apply to any career

    7 min

  6. 12/17/2025

    Ep 19: Why Women Feel Exhausted, Foggy, and Off—and What to Do About It

    Send us a text 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 can actually help. We cover: Why exhaustion, brain fog, mood changes, and low motivation are so commonThe difference between “normal aging” and treatable hormonal shiftsPerimenopause, menopause, and why symptoms look different for every womanHormones, peptides, NAD, and preventative care—without the hypeHow to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s officeSmall, practical steps women can take now to feel betterThis conversation is empowering, informative, and reassuring—especially if you’ve ever thought, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?”

    35 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Ep 18 - Inside Charlotte’s Real Estate Boom: How Abigail Hines Miller Built a Luxury Brand From the Ground Up

    Send us a text 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 level up your career. You’ll learn:  • What’s actually happening in the Charlotte real estate market right now • How to know whether it’s the right time to buy or sell • The interior design trends buyers are paying attention to • How to recover when you feel “benched” professionally • How Abigail built one of Charlotte’s fastest-growing luxury brokerages • Why partnerships and relationships matter more than ever Plus — an inside look at The Agency’s partnership with the Carolina Panthers and what it means for the future of Charlotte’s luxury scene. Whether you’re a homeowner, an agent, an entrepreneur, or a fan of bold women doing big things, this episode gives you real, usable perspective. Tags: Charlotte real estate, The Agency Charlotte, luxury real estate, Carolina Panthers, entrepreneurship, women in business, real estate trends, interior design trends, home buying tips, home selling tips, career growth, mentorship, Abigail Hines Miller

    38 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Ep 17 - Matchmaker to the Stars: Samantha Daniels on Dating Smarter, Not Harder

    Send us a text 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 helped high-profile clients find love, build confidence, and navigate dating with clarity and intention. Today, she’s sharing the same wisdom with us. We talk about:  ✨ Why asking for what you want is the biggest act of courage ✨ The 85% Rule — and why it changes everything ✨ How to raise strong, confident daughters ✨ What most people get wrong about dating (this one is big!) ✨ Social media’s impact on modern love ✨ How Samantha built a 25-year business in an unpredictable industry ✨ The power of connection, affection, and being seen ✨ When to keep going… and when to walk away This episode is packed with takeaways about confidence, communication, dating with intention, and living boldly in every season of your life. Follow Samantha: 📌 Instagram: @SamanthaDanielsOfficial 📌 Website: samanthastable.com Watch Bench to Bold on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BenchToBold If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share. Your support helps more women step off the bench and into their boldest season. 💛

    58 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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