Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.

After years of working with families as a wealth advisor, I discovered the biggest lie we tell ourselves:

‘I’ll do that when I retire.’

I watched people postpone the meaningful parts of life — being present, making memories, pursuing what matters — in exchange for a future date they hoped they’d finally have time for. But life doesn’t always wait for us to get there.

That realization led me to create Retire Southern. It’s my reminder — and my invitation — that life’s too short to wait for ‘someday.’ Retire Southern helps people reconnect through authentic Southern experiences, culture, and character-driven storytelling that inspires purposeful living.

Through travel guides, long-form features, and conversations with remarkable Southern personalities, we bring to life the people and places that make the South unforgettable — and help our audience live fully, right now, in the Authentic South.

Because retirement isn’t the destination. Life is.

Meet the Team

James Lewis

Founder & Podcast Host
James Lewis has spent his life rooted in the charm, grit, and grace of the American South. Born in Louisiana and now calling Georgia home, he built a career in engineering and wealth management before discovering his true calling: inspiring people not to wait for retirement to start living.
Through Retire Southern, James helps others uncover authentic Southern experiences, build meaningful connections, and follow their inner compass. With a mix of travel stories, chef-driven guides, on-location conversations, and interviews with remarkable Southern Characters, he brings to life the people and places that make the South unforgettable.
His mission is simple: help people live fully — right now — in the Authentic South.
Mallory Boggs

Partner, Chief of Operations, & Contributor
As Partner, Chief of Operations, and Contributor at Retire Southern, Mallory Boggs brings over a decade of experience in brand building and team leadership, along with a lifetime spent exploring and appreciating the South. Mallory began her career at Jamestown Properties, where she developed a passion for crafting memorable brands and experiences that bring people together. At Retire Southern, Mallory works closely with the team to turn ideas into reality, helping quarterback new projects and ensuring that every concept reflects the core values of intentional and purposeful living.
Personally, Mallory is passionate about discovering new travel destinations and revisiting familiar Southern gems. As a Level 6 Local Google Guide, she’s often found capturing her experiences at restaurants, bars, and hiking trails, making sure “the camera eats first.” Through her work at Retire Southern, Mallory is dedicated to helping others embrace the richness of Southern living with intention and purpose.
Andrea Rizk

Partner & Contributor
Andrea Holland Rizk is a contributing writer at Retire Southern, where she utilizes her extensive experience in public relations to shape the platforms' brand and outreach strategies. With over two decades in the field, starting her career on Nashville's Music Row, Rizk has honed her skills in creating impactful publicity campaigns. She is also the Founder & CEO of Rizk Public Relations and produces podcasts. A Nashville native living in Brentwood, Tennessee with her family, she enjoys her role as a 'boy mom' and maintains a deep appreciation for music.
Jerry Payne

Sound Producer & Editor
Jerry Payne, Producer and Editor for the Southern Character podcast, is a lifelong Georgia resident. Born and raised in Marietta, Jerry has almost two decades of experience in radio and podcasting. He graduated from Kennesaw State University where he studied communications with a concentration in media studies. Jerry has worked at just about every radio station in Atlanta doing almost every job in the building. When Jerry isn’t talking into microphones or chopping up audio, he enjoys all things outdoors, competing in endurance events, volunteering at animal rescue shelters, and consuming as much good food and live music as he can get in and around Woodstock, Georgia.
Barbara Pinyan

Copy Editor
Born and raised in Warner Robins, Georgia, Barbara Pinyan has always been connected to the South. A lifelong Georgia resident, she currently calls Acworth home, where she lives with her husband, Scott, and their three children. An avid traveler, Barbara loves nothing more than cruising the Caribbean or immersing herself in the local culture of Mexico. Her passion for exploring authentic places ties perfectly to the Retire Southern mission—celebrating purposeful living and meaningful experiences.

With a background in marketing and over a decade of experience as a client coordinator, Barbara’s sharp attention to detail ensures that every word and message reflects the heart of Retire Southern. When she’s not editing or planning her next adventure, you’ll find her crafting delicious Southern meals for her family and dreaming up new travel experiences.

Barbara brings a keen eye and a love for storytelling, ensuring that the essence of the Authentic South shines through in everything we do at Retire Southern.
Harris Lowe

Contributor
Born and raised in St. Pete, Harris Lowe has a passport full of stamps and a stomach full of stories. A graduate of the University of the South, he’s fished in far-flung waters, cooked in countless kitchens, and eaten just about everything in between. (He’s yet to meet an oyster he didn’t like.) For Harris, variety isn’t just the spice of life—it’s the main ingredient.
Whether he’s casting a line, stirring a pot or chasing down his next great meal, you can bet it’s going to be forking ridiculous. Follow along on Instagram @forkingridiculous
Lauren Noble

Content Booker & Producer
Lauren Noble is our Booker and Producer for the Southern Character podcast, and loves all things radio and podcasting. Lauren grew up in Norcross, GA listening to Star94 and 99X and graduated from Clemson University, where she hosted a weekly radio show on 88.1 WSBF-FM Clemson. She brings three years of podcast expertise in research, writing, marketing, and booking. She spends her free time at concerts, hanging with her tuxedo cat Meena, or reading in her hammock with a big ol’ cup of sweet tea.