In this episode of The Boonie Breakdown, Boonie welcomes back friend of the podcast Ashley Cobb, who returns not just as a guest—but as a newly published author. The two dive into Ashley's debut book, Pleasure Please: The Black Woman's Guide to Unapologetic Pleasure and Confidence, and the journey that took her from podcast host to author.

The book's creative structure is built around the alphabet, with each letter representing a theme that invites readers to explore pleasure, confidence, relationships, and self-discovery in a way that allows them to jump around and engage with the content at their own pace.

A major part of the conversation centers around reclaiming pleasure and redefining the often-misunderstood concept of a "hoe phase." Ashley reframes it not as reckless behavior, but as a period of intentional self-exploration—one where women can learn their desires, establish boundaries, and build confidence in their sexuality.

Later in the episode, the conversation turns to sex, relationships, and responsibility. Ashley discusses her experiences with PrEP as a preventative measure for HIV and highlights the importance of having honest conversations about sexual health—particularly in cities with higher HIV rates like Atlanta. The two also explore ethical non-monogamy, communication in relationships, and how setting clear boundaries is essential for healthy partnerships.

This episode is an honest, empowering, and thought-provoking conversation about pleasure, confidence, sexual autonomy, and embracing your desires without apology.

We get into:

📚 Ashley Cobb's journey from podcast host to published author 🔥 Redefining the "hoe phase" as intentional self-exploration 💋 Pleasure, confidence, and sexual autonomy for Black women 🩺 Sexual health, PrEP, and responsible sexual freedom 💬 Ethical non-monogamy, boundaries, and communication in relationships

Learn More About Ashley Cobb

https://www.sexwithashley.com/ 📲 Instagram: (@sexwithashley)

Support The Boonie Breakdown

✨ Patreon (exclusive content & live show access): Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Merch: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Stay Connected

📲 Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected]

💬 Use #TheBoonieBreakdown and #PodIn to join the conversation and share what resonated with you.

Chapters 0:13 Welcome Back, Ashley Cobb 5:24 Boonie's Pick of the Week 5:24 Housekeeping Updates 5:38 Transition to Author Life 7:37 Writing Process Insights 11:40 The Whole Phase Explained 14:21 Navigating Dating Apps 17:27 Understanding Non-Traditional Relationships 20:22 The Complexity of Polyamory 23:30 Trust and Boundaries 28:25 The Importance of Safe Sex 35:53 The Power of Masturbation 41:35 Quickfire Breakdown 42:18 Book Promotion and Socials

In this episode, I catch up with my homie Shika for a candid conversation full of reflection, laughter, and realness. We talk about protecting your peace, finding joy in chaotic times, and how navigating life lately requires equal parts honesty, rest, and humor.

We also discuss: ✨ The importance of self-care, therapy, and emotional healing 🎶 Our appreciation for Jill Scott's artistic evolution and what it means to grow alongside the music 📺 Nostalgic pop culture moments, including America's Next Top Model and reflections on Tyra Banks 💬 Masculinity, emotional labor, and why care and effort shouldn't be gendered in relationships

This episode is part vent session, part healing circle, part pop culture recap—and a reminder that joy is still available, even in heavy seasons.

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon for exclusive bonus content & behind-the-scenes extras: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Let's Keep in Touch! 📲 Follow on Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Like on Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected] or submit comments at thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts!

Chapters 0:17 Introduction with Shika 5:58 Finding Joy Amidst Chaos 7:52 Dark Energy and Current Events 14:45 The Weight of Knowledge 14:55 AI and the Future of Work 17:19 The Disillusionment of Society 25:14 Reflections on Reality TV 29:54 Accountability and Fame 35:03 Jill Scott and Male-Centered Conversations 45:24 Decentering Men in Relationships 55:40 The Evolution of Women 1:06:33 Closing Thoughts and Merch Reminder

In this episode, I'm joined by our resident problematic fav Brian for a funny, honest, and low-key dragging conversation about the lie we tell ourselves every January: "New Year, New Me." We get real about why most resolutions flop, how self-awareness is the missing ingredient to growth, and what it actually looks like to hold yourself accountable instead of just talking about change.

From tech foolishness to internet culture rants, reality TV hot takes, and our very personal health and habit check-ins, this one is equal parts laughs and life lessons — with a little gym trauma sprinkled in for good measure.

We also discuss: 🎯 Why honesty with yourself is the first step to any real glow-up 🕶️ Brian's meta glasses and the unexpected (and questionable) possibilities 🚫 Brian's Dry January and what clarity without alcohol really feels like 🪞 Learning to check your own habits, vices, and excuses before life does it for you

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon for exclusive bonus content & behind-the-scenes extras: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Let's Keep in Touch! 📲 Follow on Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Like on Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected] or submit comments at thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts.

Chapters 0:10 Welcome to the Boonie Breakdown 0:46 Pick of the Week: Traders 2:27 Addressing Bias in Reality TV 3:12 Feedback from Episode 280 6:14 Housekeeping and Announcements 6:53 New Year, New You 7:48 Clarity in Sobriety 11:59 Health Journey Reflections 14:15 Self-Assessment and Honesty 22:17 Tech Gadgets and Tracking 28:02 Aging and Social Media 30:05 Validation and Self-Esteem 34:32 The Cost of Public Opinion 45:24 Hair Maintenance Conversations 52:05 Church and Distractions 58:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of The Boonie Breakdown, Boonie sits down for a powerful and necessary conversation with Jessica Guthrie, a dementia caregiving advocate and thought leader who shares her deeply personal journey as the primary caregiver for her mother, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's.

Jessica opens up about becoming a full-time caregiver at just 26 years old—uprooting her life, navigating grief in real time, and learning the realities of caregiving without a roadmap. Together, Boonie and Jessica unpack the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges caregivers face, particularly millennials and young Gen Xers who are often thrust into these roles unexpectedly.

Through shared experiences—including Boonie's own caregiving journey with her grandparents—this episode sheds light on the isolation, resilience, and advocacy required to care for loved ones, while offering practical guidance for anyone navigating or preparing for caregiving.

We get into:

🧠 Becoming a caregiver at a young age and what no one prepares you for 💔 The emotional and financial realities of caregiving—and the necessity of self-care 🏥 Navigating healthcare systems, bureaucracy, and learning to advocate fiercely 📋 The importance of routines, documentation, and sustainable caregiving practices 📑 Legacy planning, power of attorney, and having critical family conversations before crisis hits

This episode is both a resource and a reminder: caregiving is hard, often invisible work—but it matters deeply.

Follow & Learn More from Jessica Guthrie: 🌐 Website: www.jessicacguthrie.com 📲 Instagram: @Jessica_C_Guthrie

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Patreon (exclusive content & live show access): Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Merch: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Stay Connected: 📲 Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected]

💬 Use #TheBoonieBreakdown and #PodIn to share what resonated with you.

Chapters 0:09 Welcome to The Boonie Breakdown 4:57 Caregiving Realities with Jessica Guthrie 13:38 Finding Balance as a Caregiver 23:35 The Importance of Advocacy 29:01 Preparing for the Inevitable 40:03 Understanding Hospice Care 48:17 Planning for the Future

In this episode, Boonie returns from hiatus with laughs, honesty, and real conversation. I'm joined by influencer and comedian Kurvy Katie, whose evolution from plus-size fashion content creator to viral comedic voice has resonated across Instagram and TikTok. Together, we break down creativity, dating, self-worth, and the cultural shifts shaping how women—especially women in their 40s—show up online and in real life.

We get into:

🎭 Curvy Katie's journey from fashion influencer to comedy and what going viral really looks like behind the scenes 👗 The challenges plus-size creators face in fashion and media—and how representation (or the lack of it) impacts content 📚 Black BookTok, romance novels, and Katie's ambitious goal of reading 150 books in a year 💔 Dating in your 40s, modern dating fatigue, and why good conversation matters more than ever

Follow Kurvy Katie: 📌 Instagram & TikTok: @KurvyKatie

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join the Patreon for exclusive content & live show access: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop merch: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Stay Connected: 📲 Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected]

💬 Use #TheBoonieBreakdown and #PodIn to share your thoughts and favorite moments!

Chapters 0:18 Welcome Back from Hiatus 3:54 Fun with Kurvy Katie 12:33 Fashion to Comedy Journey 13:06 The Dating Dilemma 13:38 Discovering BookTok 21:17 Writing Aspirations 31:04 The Reality of Dating 44:38 Raising the Bar for Relationships 50:13 The Quickfire Breakdown

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shemeka Thorpe—award-winning sex researcher, Black feminist scholar, and sexual health expert—to break down the most urgent issues impacting Black women's sexual health in 2025. From HIV prevention to the "sex recession," we tackle the topics many communities aren't talking about but absolutely should be.

We get into:

🛡️ HIV & AIDS prevention for Black women and why proactive tools like PrEP for women matter now more than ever 📉 The rise of the sex recession and why younger generations are having less sex—or turning to more extreme sexual behaviors 😬 How COVID-19 disrupted sex education, creating new fears and gaps in safer-sex knowledge ❌ The decline in condom use and how shifting media narratives changed the national conversation 🩺 Dr. Shemeka's groundbreaking research on sexual pain disorders in Black women and the intersection with assisted reproductive technologies

Follow Dr. Shemeka Thorpe: 📌 Instagram: @drshemeka 🔗 Stay updated on her research: https://www.drshemeka.com/

Support The Boonie Breakdown:

✨ Join the Patreon for exclusive content & events: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop merch: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Stay Connected

📲 Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected]

💬 Use #TheBoonieBreakdown and #PodIn to share your thoughts!

Chapters 0:18 Welcome Back After Hiatus 5:27 Diving into HIV and Black Women 5:27 Conversations on Sex Education 27:04 Understanding the Sex Recession 33:27 Researching Pain and Pleasure 40:52 Quickfire Breakdown 42:09 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

In this solo episode, I'm sounding off on politics, burnout, and why I might be in my season of shedding. Boonie Live: New Orleans—new guests, new energy, and ticket price drops - get tickets here: thebooniebreakdown.com/live.

Then we get into The Boonie Five Spot:

🌿 A Season of Shedding 🎄 Cancel Christmas? 💄 Celebrity Product Push Fatigue 📚 Thought Leaders or Thought Leeches? 🤝 What Support Really Looks Like

It's honest, funny, and full of reflection as I navigate change and peace in real time.

💜 Join Boonie over on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📢 Use #TheBoonieBreakdown to share your thoughts! 🛍️ Shop: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop 📲 Follow: @TheBoonieBreakdown on Instagram & Facebook 📩 Email: [email protected]

Chapters 0:15 Solo Reflections 4:27 Shedding Season 12:03 Christmas Contemplations 15:39 Celebrity Fatigue 18:31 Thought Leader Tiredness 22:25 Support Redefined

In this episode, I sit down with Brownie Marie, the visionary founder of Fox Hunters Club, a groundbreaking dating app created for millennial women seeking serious, intentional relationships with Gen X and Baby Boomer men.

Tired of the superficial swiping and the transactional vibes found on most dating platforms, Brownie set out to build a space that centers authenticity, maturity, and connection—without the sugar daddy stigma.

We dive deep into:

💘 The inspiration behind Fox Hunters Club and why it's not your typical age-gap app 💬 How intentional dating can transform your mindset (and your love life) 🚫 Why it's time to ditch the "casual only" culture on mainstream apps 🤖 How AI is shaping the future of modern dating—without replacing real human connection

Brownie keeps it real about creating a community that values substance over swipes, shares how the app is expanding into the DMV area, and gives tips for overcoming dating fatigue while staying true to yourself. Whether you're curious about dating older partners or just tired of the same old dating app nonsense, this convo offers a refreshing, grown-woman perspective on love and connection in 2025.

Follow Brownie Marie here: 📌 Instagram: @browniemarie 🔗 Learn more about Fox Hunters Club: https://www.foxhuntersclub.com

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon for exclusive content & events: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Let's Keep in Touch! 📲 Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected] or visit thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts!

Chapters 0:12 Introduction to Brownie Marie 7:20 The Fox Hunters Club Concept 9:15 Preference for Older Men 11:35 Vetting Process for the App 15:55 Dating Fatigue and Niche Apps 22:25 Intentional Connections vs. Hookup Culture 25:21 The Role of AI in Dating 28:53 Feedback from Users 34:06 Red Flags in Dating Profiles 39:09 Cultural Perspectives on Marriage 42:26 The Value of Dating Apps 45:23 Closing Thoughts and Promotions

In this episode, I catch up with my homie Shika for a free-spirited, unfiltered conversation — classic Boonie Breakdown energy. We dive into everything from the government shutdown to pop culture moments that have us in our feelings (and our opinions).

We also discuss: 💼 The real impact of the government shutdown and job uncertainty 🎃 Our hilarious and unconventional childhood Halloween memories 🎤 The brilliance of D'Angelo and our mixed thoughts on Megan Thee Stallion's new track 🤖 Our love-hate relationship with technology and how AI is shaping everyday life

Plus, I share updates on our upcoming New Orleans live show, our new partnership with One Condoms, and reflect on how we're all just trying to grow, adapt, and laugh through it all. Get tickets here: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon for exclusive bonus content & behind-the-scenes extras: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Let's Keep in Touch! 📲 Follow on Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Like on Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected] or submit comments at thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts!

Chapters 0:13 Welcome to This Week's Episode 7:16 Halloween Reflections 34:34 Megan Thee Stallion's New Release 37:54 Remembering D'Angelo 50:52 AI and Its Implications 1:07:06 Final Thoughts and Farewells

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In this episode, I sit down with our resident problematic fave for a hilarious, honest, and reflective conversation that kicks off the final season of The Boonie Breakdown! We unpack everything from the chaos of modern dating to personal growth, self-reflection, and what it really means to evolve in real time.

We also discuss: 💔 Why we're drawn to specific physical "types" in dating 👀 The mess and magic of dating within your "attractiveness bracket" 🙏🏾 The difference between abstinence and celibacy—and why it matters

Of course, we had to keep it fun — the Drag of the Week is back, and we're calling out the systems that keep playing in our faces. This one's full of laughs, vulnerability, and that signature mix of ratchet and refined you've come to love.

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon for exclusive bonus content & behind-the-scenes extras: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

Let's Keep in Touch! 📲 Follow on Instagram: @TheBoonieBreakdown 📘 Like on Facebook: facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 📩 Email: [email protected] or submit comments at thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts.

Chapters 0:16 Welcome to the Final Season 0:51 Dating Dynamics: Ugly vs. Pretty 2:21 Housekeeping and Future Plans 6:02 Kicking Off with Brian 11:36 The Challenge of Attraction 16:30 Drag of the Week: Government Shutdown 17:39 Social Media's Impact on Self-Image 27:28 Celibacy vs. Abstinence 44:10 Intentions in Dating 59:59 Final Thoughts on Relationships 1:08:45 Closing Remarks and Thank You