Leslie has been feeling quite tired lately. Actually, she would say she was exhausted. It was so bad that for only the first time in more than 20 years she overslept for work.  For Leslie, an anesthesiologist, oversleeping means that there is a surgeon, staff of nurses and a patient being delayed and waiting for her.  She came up with what she saw as a simple solution- she would buy an alarm clock.  When her bestie Angella heard of this plan, she at first listened incredulously then burst out laughing.  While Leslie at first didn’t know what was so funny, the conversation that ensued turned quite serious and thought provoking. 

What if an alarm clock isn’t the answer to a chaotic schedule but instead requires a closer look at how you're managing a stressful time in your life?  The Besties’ banter, representing a nearly 50 year friendship, is more than just fun and games; it reveals the layers of support, grace and humor that keeps their friendship strong and resilient.  Their candid conversation highlights the importance of recognizing one's limits and the power of self-care, reminding us that rest and rejuvenation are not just luxuries, but necessities.

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What happens when your country’s political decision leaves you feeling anxious and uncertain? In this episode of Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn Angella and Leslie recount personal feelings of navigating the emotional aftermath of the 2024 US presidential  election. Angella describes how she found solace in the power of community, connecting with like-minded women through a chat group, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and honesty in maintaining supportive networks. 

Leslie shared that her voting strategy integrated consideration of the welfare of vulnerable populations, revealing how personal needs and preferences do not have to be divorced from what she believed to be her civic responsibility. During this particular time of stress The Besties discuss the transformative healing power of stepping out of comfort zones-to discover how small moments of joy and connection can be a lifeline amidst times and feelings of chaos.

Angella’s son Isaiah's insights on basketball serve as a metaphor for this being an opportunity for readiness and resilience, reminding us of the delicate balance between action and reflection. 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.

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Besties Angella and Leslie are outraged when they come across an image of a T-shirt worn by former Pittsburgh Steelers player Le’Veon Bell labeling Vice President Kamala Harris as a tramp.  They discuss this offensive wardrobe choice and how it serves as a disturbing reminder of the persistent stereotypes and unrealistic expectations placed on Black women. They unpack these issues, urging a re-examination of how character and values are portrayed, especially within our own communities. 

The conversation takes a deeper dive into the complexities and limitations of stereotypes, particularly those associated with Black women and political figures like Kamala Harris and how these stereotypes obscure the rich nuances of individual identities and perpetuate misleading narratives. It’s a rich conversation for sure, one that you’ll want to share with folks whose opinions  you care about.

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.

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What if you could start a life transformation by "dating a city"? Consider that intriguing idea inspired by The Exodus Summit, a virtual conference co-founded by Stephanie Perry and Rashida Dowe designed to empower Black women to embrace the possibilities of global living. In this episode of Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn, Angella shares her experience of attending this year’s Exodus Summit, and how the event sparked a reimagining for her of life living beyond the US borders. She speaks excitedly about some of the sessions she attended and introduced Leslie to the benefits of downsizing through Christine Platt's "The Afro Minimalist's Guide to Living with Less." With the arrival of her newest niece, baby Sonia Minnette, Angella describes the rich family legacy behind the name Minette, which links to her Costa Rican ancestry- providing further impetus for her to consider Costa Rica as a possible future landing spot. As the Besties approach their two-year podcast anniversary, they find themselves in a reflective mood, revisiting the themes of personal growth and intellectual curiosity that provided the impetus to starting the podcast in the first place.

Exodus Summit: Expert advice on moving abroad NOW! | Black Women Abroad

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Besties Angella and Leslie contrast recent interviews with authors Coleman Hughes and Ta-Nehisi Coates in which they discuss their respective books dealing with racial politics, racism and identity. 

In his 2024 book, The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America, Hughes discusses the possibilities and implications of a ‘colorblind’ America while in The Message, Coates describes his trips to three global regions and the chasm between written narratives and often harsh realities.

Angella and Leslie consider and contrast two recent interviews with these authors: One now viral one with Ta-Nehisi interviewed by CBS journalist Tony Dokoupil, the other was Coleman Hughes’ interview on the podcast On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti.

The episode underscores the benefit of framing questions with curiosity and respect, highlighting how the art of interviewing can either bridge or divide our grasp of contentious issues like racial and national identity or the legitimacy of political boundaries.

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.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to reinvent yourself after decades of sticking to the same roles and routines? Besties Angella and Leslie, inspired by Dana Findwell's compelling video, "Not Too Late to Start Over: Finding Purpose After 40, 50, 60, or at Any Age," walk you through the exhilarating yet challenging experience of embracing new things at any age.

The ladies  unravel some of the fears and anxieties that come with stepping into the unknown and encourage inquisitive older women to leverage their wisdom and skills as a springboard for new adventures.  The conversation touches on embracing change and finding joy by venturing into the unfamiliar with boldness and curiosity.

Juiced Smoothie Bar & Spoken Word

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Listener feedback from our YouTube channel to the Bestie’s previous episode on Colorism was so engaging that Angella and Leslie felt compelled to revisit their conversation and discuss a few of the online responses.  They dive deep into some of  the language around colorism, for example “fair-skinned”, “good-hair” and the “one-drop rule” and wonder if such terms unintentionally uphold harmful beauty standards.

The listener comments are provocative and lend themselves to an examination of cultural perceptions and how elements of colorism are varied across global contexts. This episode promises to inspire reflection and action, especially for those eager to understand the profound dynamics of race and identity.

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Angella has written a juicy and joyful eBook called “We’re Too Old for This Shit: The Inquisitive Older Woman’s Guide to More Joy’.

It begins with a bold reminder that older women are ready and the time to put joy front & center is now:

…as mature women, we literally are too old for some of the draining things we still allow to loom large in our life.

We’re too experienced, too accomplished, too wise, too evolved, and lived too much of our lives to tolerate another day of deferring our joy…

The Book is full of expansive yet practical tips for creating a life that centers the joy - the deep well of fulfillment and satisfaction - that we’ve earned.

Women often bear the weight of familial responsibilities while sacrificing personal happiness in the process. The Besties challenge the idea of sacrifice as a badge of honor and advocate for finding joy through self-awareness. By using techniques like the "five whys," they explore how to uncover the root causes of our actions and beliefs, leading to a more personalized approach to contentment. The episode wraps up with heartwarming stories about new friendships and the value of honesty and self-awareness in personal growth. Don't miss the heartfelt practical insights on living a joy-filled life.

Order here: We’re Too Old for This Shit: The Inquisitive Older Woman’s Guide to More Joy

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As a child, Leslie's great-grandmother habitually scrubbed the knees and elbows of her and her siblings at bathtime in hope of banishing the darker areas of their bodies. Ouch! and WTF!

Nana Lena, born in the early 1900s, experienced first hand the societal advantages of being a Black woman with a lighter skin tone. She believed it right and proper to afford her beloved great grands the same opportunities. Judge her as you may, she was a product of her lived experience and the societal hierarchy of the time.

In this episode, The Besties take a provocative look at colorism; challenging the definition itself and the appropriateness of their role - as two less melanated Black people - to critically discuss a system where their spot on the complexion spectrum is more privileged. Should this be rightfully left to folks on the darker, more negatively impacted, side of the gradient?

Referencing a YouTube video

https://youtu.be/6a1LuxEGl9o?si=nci8mbj3CzW2ySkB

Angella and Leslie draw attention to the complex relationship between colorism and racism. Is "we're all Black people" akin to “all lives matter”? While at the same time acknowledging both their privileged and painful personal memories from the characterization of the “redbone”, “light-skin”, “fair-skin” girl.

Join The Besties for uncommon candor about usually covert conversations about colorism.

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.

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The Besties take you on a journey back to a cherished time in their lives when they were children being doted on by their grandparents.  Leslie grew up in Brooklyn in a brownstone where up to five generations lived at one time whereas Angella recalls fond early years in Jamaica being loved and cared for by her grandparents.   This is a nostalgic episode full of funny memories, family dynamics and the budding cultural awareness of the 60s.  They even share stories about how they each were introduced to coffee.  

Angella and Leslie transition  to exploring the legacies that they may be leaving for future generations and how they might want to be remembered.  They conclude that as they themselves become elders they acknowledge their obligation to impart information, guidance, and pass on traditions to their families.

Oliver Samuels

Marcus Garvey

Black Power Movement

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.

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