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," and how the way we show up in fitness is the way we show up in life. Whether you're feeling stuck, searching for purpose, or just need a reminder that it's never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step.

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 prognosis, Dr. Ross turned her pain into purpose, discovering the power of lifestyle medicine. Since 2012, she has successfully reversed her own symptoms, proving that while genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

In this candid discussion, Dr. Ross shares her non-negotiable pillars for reclaiming health and vitality. She details why standard blood work is often incomplete and how her approach can spot potential illnesses, like cancer, decades before they become critical. She also outlines her daily routine for fighting inflammation, which includes the critical role of cold plunges and infrared saunas, and emphasizes the absolute necessity of eliminating sugar and toxic seed oils from your diet.

A deep dive into the mind-body connection is central to her message, where she discusses the link between unaddressed emotional trauma (from stress, divorce, or loss) and the onset of chronic disease. She shares her transformative experience at a 10-day silent meditation retreat (Vipassana) and underscores the importance of healing the emotional body alongside the physical one. Dr. Ross addresses the topic of navigating menopause, discussing how she managed surgically induced menopause at 23. Dr. Cindy Ross offers listeners a crucial reminder: It is never too late to take control of your health. Tune in for an episode that will change how you view sickness and wellness forever!

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!