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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 spent years searching for the right long-term living option for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When they couldn’t find a community that offered the independence and support their kids needed… they helped create one.

Enter Osprey Village — a first-of-its-kind community in South Carolina where adults with IDD can live in their own cottage, build friendships, access support, and experience independence in a safe, structured, and uplifting environment.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• ✨ What adulthood and independence really look like for special-needs adults
•  ✨ The gaps families face when searching for long-term living options
•  ✨ How Osprey Village is redefining community, safety, and support
•  ✨ What parents should look for when exploring housing opportunities
•  ✨ The emotional side of planning for the future — and the hope that comes with real solutions

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, sibling, educator, or simply someone who believes in inclusive communities, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a glimpse of what’s possible.

Listen, share, and help spread the word — because resources like this deserve to be seen.

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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 wellness
• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health
• The difference between grief and mental health challenges
• The role of meditation and self-care in mental health
• How to seek help and support

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome + Meet Dr. Tiffany Hall
 02:00 – Why mental wellness matters for everyone
 04:30 – How to check in with yourself and your emotions
 06:00 – Venting vs. problem-solving: knowing what you need
 08:30 – Coping tools that actually work
 10:45 – Meditation, mindfulness, and what to do if “quiet” doesn’t work for you
 13:00 – How to recognize when you need extra support
 16:00 – Understanding grief vs. mental health struggles
 21:00 – What to do when you don’t feel like yourself
 23:00 – Finding support and community
 25:00 – How social media affects your mental health
 30:00 – Why crying can be healing
 33:00 – Giving yourself permission to get help
 36:00 – Final thoughts and how to reach Dr. Hall

Dr. Hall also shares her personal story of how she found her calling in social work and offers practical advice for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being.

Connect with Dr. Tiffany Hall:
Email: [email protected]

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Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice on Bench to Bold.

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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 consistent — without the pressure of perfection. From at-home workouts to mindset shifts that stick, this conversation will inspire you to move in a way that feels good (and doable).

You’ll learn:

• How to stay consistent when life gets busy
• Simple at-home workouts that actually work
• What fitness looks like through every life stage
• How to build confidence and strength from the inside out

Tune in for practical, real-world fitness tips you’ll actually want to follow.

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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, she shares how simplifying your wardrobe can change how you show up in life.

💡 You’ll learn:

• How to decide what to keep, what to let go, and what to actually wear
• Why your closet might be full but still feels empty
• How to find clothes that fit your body and your lifestyle
• Paige’s no-stress packing tips for travel
• Why personal style is a form of self-care and confidence

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream your favorite shows.

#BenchToBold #PersonalStyle #ClosetEdit #Confidence #FashionTips #WomenWhoLead

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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 reminder that beautiful spaces build confidence, calm, and community.

You’ll learn:
✨ How Shelly turned her passion project into a full-time business
🏠 Tips for designing dorm rooms and small spaces that feel intentional and inspiring
🧺 Smart storage and organization tricks for creating calm in tight spaces
🎨 Budget-friendly design ideas that still look luxe
💭 The power of creating environments that support confidence and growth

Whether you’re a parent preparing for move-in day, a college student dreaming of your perfect space, or someone who simply loves a good reinvention story — this episode will leave you inspired to create beauty and purpose wherever you are.

🎧 Listen now and discover how design can help you (and your student) thrive.

#BenchToBold #DormDesign #CollegeLife #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorDesign #PersonalGrowth #MaryMargaretDesigns #Podcast

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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 your goals — this conversation will give you the mindset shift you’ve been waiting for.

Timestamps (Chapters)

00:00 – Welcome to Bench to Bold
01:00 – Christy’s journey from corporate success to burnout
03:00 – The moment she realized she was out of alignment
05:00 – Discovering personal fulfillment and self-awareness
07:00 – How Christy became a life coach (and what she learned along the way)
09:00 – The difference between a life coach, therapist, and motivational coach
12:00 – High performers vs. comfort seekers
14:00 – Why motivation fades — and what actually drives success
16:00 – The power of consistency and discipline
18:30 – Overcoming fear and the need for control
22:00 – The “Let Them Theory” and learning to release control
24:00 – What real leadership looks like (discipline, not perfection)
26:00 – Creating alignment and self-awareness in daily life
30:00 – How women can redefine success on their own terms
34:00 – Christy’s bold move: returning to the stage
36:00 – Building a life that feels right — not just looks right
41:00 – Lessons from Christy’s parents about work, integrity, and legacy
44:00 – What it really means to leave “nothing on the table”
47:00 – The power of environment and surrounding yourself with the right people
49:00 – Christy’s final message: courage, clarity, and choosing alignment
54:00 – Where to find Christy Kuhl and connect

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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 🍦).

Whether you’re resetting your wellness goals or just trying to stay consistent, this episode will remind you that health isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

👉 Subscribe for more honest conversations about life, wellness, and womanhood.
Follow us on Instagram: @BenchToBold

⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome! Fitness, health, and balance
01:00 – Elisa’s fitness journey: from childhood to bodybuilding
04:30 – From bodybuilding to cycling: learning to fuel properly
06:30 – Training for the NYC Marathon (and what she learned)
11:45 – Halloween candy & the New York City Marathon 🍬
14:00 – The sense of accomplishment after finishing the race
17:00 – Fit vs. healthy: what’s the difference?
18:30 – Elisa’s anti-inflammatory reset and nutrition tips
20:00 – Smart carbs, moderation, and the power of breakfast
22:00 – Post-meal walks & small daily changes that matter
25:00 – IV hydration, vitamins, and what actually works
27:00 – Sprouted walnuts, fiber, and clean eating habits
28:00 – Fitness myths: why cardio isn’t king anymore
29:30 – Strength training, bone density, and aging well
31:00 – Back to basics: simple habits that last
32:00 – Healthy fruits, carbs, and how to eat with intention
33:00 – Guilty pleasures: bread pudding, ice cream & moderation
36:00 – The psychology of cravings — and why the first bites count
38:00 – Wrapping up: balance, joy, and giving yourself grace 

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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 reality TV to trade shows to big-box shelves
• The real pros and cons of entrepreneurship (including being the last one paid!)
• Why legacy, family, and community fuel everything they do
• Their top tips for keeping your hair healthy, no matter your texture

✨ If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a business—or just want healthier hair—you’ll walk away with practical lessons and inspiration.

👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on resilience, growth, and sisterhood.

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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 avoid common skincare mistakes (like chasing every trend)
• Treatments worth considering at different stages of life
• Her honest take on what really works — and what doesn’t

Whether you’re curious about lasers, peels, Botox, or just want to know where to start, this episode will give you practical, science-backed advice you can use today.

✨ Your best skin isn’t about 15 steps — it’s about choosing the right ones.

Listen now and start building a routine that works for you. Also, you can watch this episode on YouTube.

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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 the challenges of limited marketing budgets, to creating shirts that combine style, function, and luxury.

✨ In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• How Adrienne turned her background in garment manufacturing into her own brand
• Why believing in yourself is just as important as having the right product
• The details that make a luxury brand stand out
• Practical insights for anyone dreaming of launching their own line

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from idea to execution in the fashion world—or in any entrepreneurial venture—this episode will leave you inspired to take your own bold step.