Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose.

At Retire Southern, we believe life’s richest chapters are meant to be lived right now. Our community of Southern Characters aren’t sitting on the porch waiting for the years to pass—they’re gathering at tailgates, casting lines off the coast, savoring low-country boils with friends, and chasing stories that make the South unforgettable. They know what matters most: authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and living with intention. They’ve embraced the idea that you don’t wait for retirement to start living—you create your best life in the present, one memory at a time.

Whether you’re drawn to travel, storytelling, or simply slowing down to savor the moment, Retire Southern has a place for you. Our podcast conversations, lifestyle features, and travel insights uncover the heart of the Authentic South while helping you discover your most authentic self. Be inspired by the voices and adventures of Southern Characters who are writing their own stories—and join us in proving that retirement isn’t the destination. Living fully is.

Meet the Team

James Lewis

Founder & Podcast Host
James Lewis, Founder and host of the Retire Southern podcast, has spent his life rooted in the charm, grit, and grace of the American South. Born in Louisiana and now calling Georgia home, James made it his mission to help others uncover authentic experiences, build lasting connections, and redefine what fulfillment looks like in life’s next chapters. After a successful career in engineering, construction, and wealth management, he found his true calling: inspiring people not to wait for retirement to start living.
Retire Southern was born from that passion—to celebrate the richness of Southern life while encouraging intentional living. Through travel stories, lifestyle content, and conversations with remarkable Southern Characters, James brings to life the people and places that make the South unforgettable. As a storyteller and guide, he helps his community follow their inner compass, embrace purposeful living, and discover that retirement isn’t a finish line—it’s an invitation to 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.
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.
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.