Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn

When Leslie listened to a podcast that discussed the role of a death doula she was intrigued.  She was accustomed to the ins and outs of establishing an estate plan, but the work of a death doula was completely foreign. Is the concept new to you?

The Besties tuned in to a recent episode of Dr Joy Harden Bradford’s Therapy for Black Girls podcast and they learned about Alua Arthur and the company she founded Going With Grace. Ms Arth...

Ever wondered how you'll be spending your days when you're 90? Leslie was fascinated by The 90+ Study conducted at UC Irvine so in this episode the Besties went in. 

In 2003, investigators began to look at “the oldest-old” in one of the largest studies of this group of people ever conducted, to determine the factors contributing to longevity. One of the fascinating findings included a participant who was seemingly resistan...

When a friend confessed to not having a bucket list, it got us thinking – are we all wired to yearn for more to accomplish in our lives, or is there a hidden bliss in simply savoring the now and your already completed achievements? 

Leslie confessed that her bucket list sits prominently on her wall with the items waiting to be ticked off. Listen in on an insightful conversation with the Besties; they consider the concepts of persona...

Would you be able to describe your lifestyle as agile?  In other words, as your life stands right now, could you relocate within a short period of time in order to embrace a dream opportunity?  Most of us can not.  In this episode of Black Boomer Besties for Brooklyn, Leslie and Angella describe the recent changes in Angella’s life and discuss her process of simplifying things- letting go of “stuff” and instead embracing a more joy...

This episode was triggered by a post on social media entitled: For those who are 60 yrs and above, please read this. How could The Besties resist?

Ever wondered when's the perfect time to tap into those savings you've been squirreling away for the so-called 'golden years'?  But wait! The Besties aren’t even in agreement that the early 60s are yet golden. Nonetheless, this episode might just solve the mystery of w...

This episode is an intimate journal entry for The Besties where they discuss what happens when friendships become fractured. Leslie and Angella share an honest reflection on the complexities that come with nurturing friendships, understanding the pivotal role of communication in them, and the strength needed to weather misunderstandings.

Even when there is clarity of one’s intentions, it may be time to walk away from the effort to r...

After over 30 years of suburban living, Ange followed through on her desire to go back to urban living. Her Brooklyn-soul had been yearning for the energy of people moving about or at the bus stop, hearing familiar music coming from cars, walking to coffee and restaurants. 

Ange is admittedly nostalgic but also a realist. The mosaic of city life is not without its complexities, as the social intricacies of her new neighborhood unfol...

When the weight of the world felt too heavy, a beacon of hope and transformation emerged in our heartfelt conversation with Jennifer Campbell, CEO and founder of SoulStar.  Jennifer Campbell is a leader of leaders. Through her Systemic Leadership Summit, global leaders meet to create lasting shifts in how leadership is perceived and experienced, emphasizing holistic inclusivity, sustainability, and strategic diversity.

It has been h...

Although Black History month ended last week, we are keenly aware that Black History is every month and for everybody.  After all, Black history is American history. 

We bring you this week the lesser told stories of two African American pioneers: Pauli Murray and Bayard Rustin. They are two pivotal yet often unheralded champions of the Civil Rights Movement, whose legacies intertwine with the fabric of America's ongoing quest ...

Are you in your selfish season? Do you long to be? And do you have the courage to tell others exactly what it is that you need?   

In this, part 2 of the popular episode with Stephanie Perry, Besties Angella and Leslie continue their conversation exploring the societal norms around our work lives, burnout and the timing around retirement.  Stephanie offers her unique perspective on striving for a life of ease as she “bops ...

Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you've likely seen and heard about the public hearings of GA District Attorney Fani Willis. DA Willis is prosecuting the alleged Georgia election fraud trial of former President Trump and has found herself in her own legal entanglement. Willis is being accused of hiring a former romantic partner to gain financially from the prosecution. 

Regardless of which side you find yo...

“Waiting until retirement age to start living is a scam!” Well, that is guest  Stephanie Perry’s stance on why she has made it her goal to get Black women to “take career breaks, bop around the world, or move abroad all while embracing ease”

The Besties have mentioned her several times as a model of free-living, unapologetically choosing ease, and a window into the world of what she refers to as the “adult gap year”. 

Stephanie’s tra...

People don’t relish talking about pain. Valid. So let’s talk about pain relief.

Dana Karen (DK) Ciccone’s journey with pain started suddenly at age 13 while performing a solo in the musical Godspell at a local theater. It was her effort to seek (and find) relief that led to her commitment to help others move their bodies in order to “conquer chronic pain, increase stress resilience, and reclaim an active life”. 

DK found Pilates to b...

For several years Ange has adopted a daily writing practice that she attributes to changing her life.  

She describes this, now ritual, as a stream of consciousness style that strengthens her connection to God, answers questions, challenges assumptions, and allows her to be her most vulnerable, without judgment. Lately, she has opened her writing time for others to join to reap the benefits of their own practice. Leslie, o...

Katt Williams said whaaaat??? 

In his recent interview on Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharp’s popular online show, comedian Katt Williams almost broke the internet.  His nearly 3 hour appearance skyrocketed to 37 million views within hours. He had to “tell the truth couldn’t let the lies stand” after some fellow comedic contemporaries were earlier guests. And boy did he go all in. He had folks clutching their pearls! 

How long do you keep your clothing? If you’re anything like Leslie, decades; scores, even. Leslie admits that the sweater she is wearing was gifted to her by their dear friend (guest on S1E10), the actress Kim Coles nearly 30 years ago.  She worries that at this rate, her wardrobe will likely outlive her.  Angie calls her out and Leslie finally admits “I got too much” before her segue into the meat of the conversation - a new adult...

To hear these Besties talk, one would think that one of them is a doctor!  But all jokes aside, Leslie is not giving medical advice here. The Besties discuss a recent experience when faced with the high costs of prescription drugs and healthcare in general in America. Leslie’s in shock at learning that her new copayment will be for her migraine medication - several thousand dollars (her headache disappeared immediately!). 

We are to...

Are you OK with not being everybody’s cup of tea or do you prefer that everyone thinks you’re the bee’s knees? People pleasing may be just too much pressure for The Besties.   

So when Les asks: “Who wouldn’t want to be partnered with you [Ang]?”, a deep discussion ensues about how we bring our authentic selves to relationships with respect, grace, and truth as necessary components. With these in place, one becomes free to...

Hope your Christmas Day - if it’s your tradition - was everything you hoped.

Leslie struggles with this season and couldn’t be happier that January is almost here. No, she’s not particularly looking forward to starting a new year, rather she's thrilled that the Christmas season is drawing to a close.  In this episode Leslie explains to Angella  her “scrooge-esque” reticence to celebrate the joys of the season and why she thinks...