In this episode of The Idea Of..., Bassey holds it down while Mike’s away and welcomes the brilliant Kendra Linsdey — educator, author, and host of Midlife Flyness. Together, they dive deep into the intersections of hip hop, aging, womanhood, culture, and authenticity.

What starts as a headline about Drake and Kendrick Lamar turns into a rich, layered conversation about Black art, fame, and the responsibility that comes with cultural power. From the evolution of hip hop to the trap of “Black don’t crack,” Bassey and Kendra unpack what it really means to age gratefully — not gracefully — and to claim joy, beauty, and purpose as acts of resistance.

They talk Mad City and Madonna, midlife reinvention, Essence Fest, Aisha Curry, the myth of “having it all,” and the sacredness of community between Black women across generations. It’s equal parts cultural critique and auntie real talk — sharp, soulful, and funny as hell.

Guest Bio: Kendra Linsdey

Kendra Linsdey is an educator, author, speaker, and media voice expanding how we think and talk about aging. Through her acclaimed podcast Midlife Flyness, her social media presence, and her partnerships with top brands, she reimagines what it means to grow older — especially for Black women and others often left out of the narrative.

Her work bridges research and real life, reminding the world that aging is not decline, it’s depth — and that visibility and vitality don’t fade with age, they deepen. Whether she’s in front of a camera, behind a mic, or consulting in boardrooms, Kendra’s mission is simple: to center aging as a site of power, possibility, and truth.

Follow her:📸 IG: @kendralinsdey🎧 Podcast: Midlife Flyness (Season 6 returns in 2026)