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]

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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]

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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

In this solo episode closing out Season 14, I'm sounding off on everything from chaotic reality TV to the very real "romance recession" y'all are living through.

Then we get into the good stuff:

💋 Love Island drama and the emotional chaos of bingeing 20+ episodes—why is everyone kissing everybody?! 🎤 Getting hyped for the Cowboy Carter concert and celeb beauty products that actually do what they say. 🧳 The struggle of packing. Because why does it take this much energy now?? 💔 The "romance recession"—a real convo about why so many women are tired of the dating scene.

And of course—I end with a major announcement: Boonie Live is BACK, baby! We're hitting multiple cities and the vibes are unmatched. Don't wait on tickets 👀

💜 Join Boonie over on Patreon for exclusive content and events here: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown

📢 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown to share your thoughts!

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📩 Have something to say? Send questions or comments via email to [email protected] or submit them here: www.thebooniebreakdown.com/contact

Chapters 0:12 Season 14 Finale 1:36 Sorority Shoutouts 3:02 Boonie 5 Spot Begins 8:38 Cowboy Carter and Hair Care 10:30 The Packing Struggle 14:39 The Romance Recession 17:29 Boonie Live is Back!

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Donna Oriowo—the brilliant therapist, dynamic speaker, and now author of Drink Water and Mind Your Business: A Black Woman's Guide to Unlearning the BS and Healing Your Self-Esteem. Known for her candid insights and unapologetic approach to mental wellness, Dr. Donna returns to break down what it really means to heal, unlearn, and radically embrace self-worth as a Black woman.

We dive deep into:

🧠 The difference between self-esteem and self-confidence—and why it matters 😞 How shame shows up in our lives and keeps us disconnected from ourselves 📝 The power of journaling, reflection, and doing the work beyond the page 💔 Why unlearning childhood conditioning is necessary for growth and freedom 🪞 How to stop confusing external validation with internal self-worth

Dr. Donna keeps it real as we unpack the ways the world teaches Black women to shrink—and how her book offers a roadmap to expand, heal, and thrive. If you've ever questioned your worth, struggled with shame, or felt stuck in a cycle of people-pleasing, this conversation is for you.

Follow Dr. Donna here: 📌 Instagram: @drdonnaoriowo 🔗 Website & Book: https://www.drdonnaoriowo.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 0:16 Welcome Back, Dr. Donna Oriowo 2:24 Housekeeping and Episode Feedback 4:01 Upcoming Events: Boonie Live 5:01 Journey to Self-Esteem 6:34 Love Island and Social Media Influence 9:58 The Concept of Self-Esteem 16:23 The Impact of Childhood on Self-Concept 18:42 Understanding Shame vs. Guilt 25:13 Breaking Down Self-Worth 35:53 The Role of Shame in Relationships 46:49 The Difference Between Loneliness and Alone 51:34 Quickfire Thoughts: A Final Breakdown

In this episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite guests—Brian, our problematic fav, and KG, our responsible fav—for a real, unfiltered conversation about dating in today's world. For the first time, we explore the game from both of their perspectives, diving into the chaos, calm, confusion, and comedy that comes with it.

We talk about the shift from "Brian-type" energy—thrilling but unstable—to "Kenny-type" stability and why so many women say they want the latter but still get caught up in the former. There are moments that left me speechless (literally) as we unpack the roles gender expectations, pop culture, and past relationships play in how we all show up in love.

We also discuss: 💥 Why some women aren't ready for "healthy" love 👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏽 Dating apps, emotional baggage & the illusion of high-value partners

Support The Boonie Breakdown: ✨ Join Boonie on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown 🛍️ Shop The Store: thebooniebreakdown.com/shop

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

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

Chapters 0:15 Welcome to Episode 271 3:06 Feedback from Last Week's Episode 4:09 Upcoming Live Show Announcement 5:29 The Drag of the Week 5:41 Introducing Our Guests 6:17 Perspectives on Dating 8:01 The Dating Gap 11:49 Accountability in Relationships 13:36 The Role of Friends in Dating 16:03 Navigating Modern Dating 17:57 The Reality of Sex in Relationships 23:06 Expectations from Dating Apps 28:36 Understanding the Good Men Out There 31:18 Baggage and Trust Issues 35:32 The Importance of Being Present 41:28 Insights on Long-Term Relationships 43:29 Advice for Daters 45:02 The Realities of Modern Dating 49:52 The Struggles of Relationships Today 56:59 The Impact of Social Media 1:00:52 Celebrating Fatherhood 1:01:42 Final Thoughts on the Episode