Have you ever felt like the very job that's supposed to empower you is the one chipping away at your soul? Psychologist Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands joins The Besties to shed light on the harsh realities Black women often encounter in toxic work environments. Her journey from a stifling workplace to a thriving private practice is a testament to the resilience and fortitude it takes to reclaim one's professional life. In this week’s episode they delve into the tools and strategies she's developed to guide women towards careers that celebrate respect and personal fulfillment. Dr Kimani’s Job Liberation Virtual Summit May 18-19 and Black Women Healing from Toxic Jobs Coaching Program are beacons of hope, providing a roadmap for those ready to pivot away from negativity and towards a future work environment they deserve.In the usual Besties fashion, the conversation with Dr. Kimani goes beyond the surface, unraveling the psychological toll and the importance of recognizing the signs of an oppressive job. She shares actionable advice on crafting an exit strategy that doesn't just focus on leaving, but on landing safely—mentally and financially. It's a reminder that self-respect is non-negotiable and that empowerment begins the moment you start putting yourself first.This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

In the last episode of Season 7, the Besties and guest Carla Forte, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & IT Manager, are getting real about the intersections of identity, career, and the audacity to be our authentic selves. Carla's choice to rock her natural gray hair at the office after over 2 yrs of wigs & weaves, wasn't just about style—it was a bold declaration of self. Her story is emblematic of a journey many of us understand deeply.From her pivot from IT to social work and back again, Carla Forte's experiences unfold like a masterclass in adaptability, reminding us all that the paths we walk are rarely straight but often lead to profound destinations.Carla's self-acceptance and the wider implications on body awareness offer a refreshing perspective on the beauty of growing older and the importance of self-care. We're not just talking about surface-level changes; we're delving into the heart of what it means to align your work with your passion, to seek fulfillment beyond the paycheck, and to leverage support systems within our communitiesThis episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 Arthur is a Death Doula, a practitioner who honors the closing chapter of our lives by handling things that most people don't even realize (or pretend not to know)) is necessary.  Beyond having a will or an Advanced Directive, do your loved ones know your passwords to unlock your digital lives?   A Death Doula guides you through a journey that goes beyond the clinical, delving into cultural legacies and weaving a narrative that respects our final days while eliminating many of the burdens faced by surviving family members.Navigating the waters of end-of-life planning can be daunting, yet it's a journey we must all prepare for. A death doula may be your most lasting gift in death that you give to the living.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 resistant to the outward signs of Alzheimer's disease (e.g. memory loss, cognitive decline) even though his autopsied brain showed clear markers of the disease.The Besties discuss the likelihood that adoption of  Health 2.0 influenced behaviors described by Peter Attia proactive strategies for longevity, like planning for our future wellness, might be the best bet.  Imagine continuing the passions that color one's youth, all while staying cognitively resilient. That would indeed be something to look forward to. What’s the point of planning for living well into our next chapter while at the same time neglecting habits that lead to good health? This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 personal satisfaction and the judgments we have around having ambition or just plain  being satisfied with life. Perhaps this episode will leave you contemplating your own bucket list, or not even considering one. There’s no right answer in their book.This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 joyful lifestyle.  However, this conversation isn't just about finding joy; it's about recognizing the raw beauty in transformation and the contentment that follows when we dare to pursue the life we desire.Join them as they tackle the art of minimalism, sharing heartfelt feelings about downsizing and the sense of freedom that comes with shedding the excess. Living with less doesn't just clear our space, it clears our minds, giving us the agility to move through life with a newfound ease. But it's not all about tossing things away; they also honor the memories tied to their cherished belongings. Together, they navigate the emotional process of determining which mementos to hold onto and discover the liberating journey toward striking our natural balance with the possessions they actually choose to surround themselves with.This episode and all previous episodes are available on The Besties’ YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 whether that new car smell is really worth the withdrawal from your retirement account.Angella and Leslie discuss some of the other pearls gleaned from the piece so listen in for a shot of camaraderie and make sure you keep your health game strong, no matter what chapter of life you're jumping through.This episode and all previous episodes are available on The Besties’ YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 restore what used to be. Maturity dictates that one need not assign blame to any of the participants; rather self-discovery and the courage required to face personal growth head-on is its own reward.This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 unfold even in the first few days. Memories from college days at Penn where she was reprimanded for ‘self-segregating’ came flooding back as she reflected on her need to be in spaces where she was not a curiosity as a Black person.This episode is a candid look at the trade-offs of urban living, such as foregoing in-unit laundry for the conversations and connections in the local laundromat (Les thinks she has lost her mind on this one), and a commitment to plant roots here for at least a year until God shows her her next. Tune in for an intimate exploration of personal growth and taking steps towards however one finds joy. This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 her passion for almost 30 years and it brought her life to a screeching halt when a conflation of a few emotionally arresting moments forced her to face how utterly depleting her work had become.Change became a necessity and Jennifer did just that. But is this what is required for us to pay attention to our needs? Join the Besties for an engaging discussion about getting off the treadmill of life, re-invention (and more re-invention), and choosing a joy-centered life. This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Soul Star: Become the Most Fulfilled Woman You Have Ever BeenShonda Rhimes: My year of saying yes to everything | TED TalkSupport the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 for equality. In this episode Angella and Leslie discuss two screen depictions of the remarkable lives and contributions of these trailblazers, whose courageous battles against injustice were further complicated by their LGBTQIA+ identities. We highlight Pauli's visionary legal strategies that reshaped gender equality laws and Bayard's strategic genius in organizing the March on Washington, revealing a deeper understanding of their lasting impact on the world we live in today.My Name Is Pauli Murray - Official Trailer | Prime VideoBayard Rustin: The man who transformed the Civil Rights MovementThis episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 around the world” experiencing how other cultures prioritize restful living.Maybe it’s just time for a sabbatical or a career break.  Stephanie  shows us how to pivot into a restful period that can allow you to realign your priorities and identify what really matters to you most.Stephanie Perry - YouTubeVaycarious.comTrusted House SittersThis episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 yourself — whether you believe this is her personal business and not relevant to the prosecution case, or yes, she's guilty of inappropriate use of taxpayer funds and thus should be removed from the case, or even 'how dare she behave with such arrogance and disrespect on the stand — one thing is clear: the outcome will reverberate across America and the world.Besties Angella and Leslie have been consumed by the proceedings. In this episode they discuss the hearing from an African American cultural perspective by dissecting the trope of ‘Black Excellence’, that familiar category that (in Ange’s view) has present day adjacency to being/or not a ‘credit to your race’.Black folks are raised to internalize that we must be, act, dress, enunciate, and strive better than our peers as any mistake is often magnified and discredits the community as a whole by the white gaze. Even more so for Black women, who have the added burden of the judgment of race-agnostic sexism. What is clear is that Fani Willis is a skilled and successful prosecutor and litigator with a long list of accomplishments under her belt. Despite her being the victim of violent threats and vandalism of her home, she has brought an extraordinarily important charge to hold an election-stealing attempt to justice. As such, are we missing the forest for the trees?Mentioned:Full DA Fani Willis hearing testimonies - Fani Willis, her father John Clifford Floyd III, Nathan Wade, Robin YeartieThe Real Fani Willis The Standard of Proof podcastThis episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

“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 transformation started when she gave herself free time, through travel, to find the part of herself that she might not have allowed to surface otherwise. Your value, she says, is in who you are, not in what you do. Especially for Black women who carry the weight of the stress of so many societal “isms”The Besties couldn’t get enough of Stephanie Perry, creator of the popular YouTube channel, a full time house-sitter, creator of House Sitter School, co-creator with Roshida Dowe  of ExodUS Summit and just all around cool sister-friend.  So make sure you tune in next week for Part 2 of one of their most riveting conversations thus far.https://exodussummit2023.heysummit.com/Rest is Resistance: A ManifestoLegacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine (HC) (2024)Stephanie Perry - YouTubeVaycarious.comThis episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 be quite helpful, leading her to later become a certified Pilates instructor with specialized training in pain reprocessing therapy. Her work with clients also uncovers their fears and personal narratives around movement and healing. After the body repairs the physical injury, she discovered that stress and anxiety from potential pain can itself become a source of prolonged disability. You’re Meant to Move is the title of DK’s empathetically written, medically sound, and action-based new book.  Think pain is normal as we age? The Besties addressed this common belief once before with guest Chesha Hodge, MPA, RDN (Embrace Healthier Nutritional Choices). These two experts challenge this myth.Learn more about DK’s work at  Movement RemediesAs mentioned: Train with JoanThis episode and all previous episodes are available on The Besties’ YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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, on the other hand, is in awe, believing its power but convinced she could never do it. The Besties have an unguarded discussion about possible reasons for Leslie’s resistance. Is it fear, and if so, fear of what? Join Ange’s writing group here and learn more about her gifts-centered coaching for independent women here.The Artist’s Way This episode and all previous episodes are available on The Besties’ YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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! The Besties (esp. Ang) were hooked and share their candid opinions in this episode. This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 party game called “Am I Trippin”. Creator Reecie Colbert, a no holes barred Black radio host & commentator, presents controversial realistic scenarios that demands partygoers take sides. And the Besties do just that with all the humor and smarts for which they are well-known.This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 told that America has the best medical care but what about those who don’t have financial or digital access? There are so many countries, even “poor” ones that provide universal healthcare to their populations. Hmmm, perhaps the Besties will consider moving abroad like the ExodUS Summit encourages. It’s a virtual conference for Black women  planning a sabbatical, expat move, or nomadic life abroad. Co-founders Stephanie Perry and Rhoshida Dowe have been advocates for living outside of the US and they’ve caught Ange’s attention. Stay tuned for updates.This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

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 choose how to adapt to make partnerships work well. Love can be a powerful motivator for change. This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Support the Show.Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.