Shows
Black Boomer Besties from BrooklynHot Flashes and Heart Attacks: The Menopause Conversation Women Aren’t HavingBesties Angella and Leslie bring you another episode in The Year of the Menopause series with the return of Dr Toni Otway, a Board Certified OB/GYN physician. She discusses that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet the connection between menopause and heart health remains dangerously under-discussed. Dr. Otway explains how dropping estrogen levels during menopause dramatically increase women's heart disease risk.• Estrogen protects cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels flexible, reducing inflammation, and helping manage cholesterol• Women's heart attack symptoms often differ from men's clas...2025-07-0141 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynSlaying Dragons: How Negative Words Became Fuel for SuccessAngella and Leslie explore how negative influences from their past unexpectedly became catalysts for success and personal growth. They reflect on how criticism and doubt from authority figures and partners shaped their determination rather than diminishing their spirit.References mentioned in this episode:Someone’s Thunder PodcastAngela Pierce and Stephanie Klapperhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/angella-fraser-leslie-osei-tutu-of-black-boomer/id1551193017?i=1000614949405Get Angie’s eBook: We’re Too Old for This Shit! The Inquisitive Older Woman’s Guide to Joy http://joystrategy.co/ebookFOLL...2025-06-0338 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynA Reunion Story: High School Bonds Beyond DifferencesLeslie and Angella take you through their emotional journey at the Brooklyn Technical High School 45th reunion. This isn't just any school gathering – it's a celebration of one of America's premier STEM education institutions and the diverse bonds that have endured nearly half a century.The most remarkable aspect? Watching a room filled with people from different racial, cultural, and political backgrounds leave their differences at the door and simply celebrate their shared history. This heartwarming episode reminds us all that while time marches forward and our numbers gradually diminish, the connections formed in our yout...2025-05-0641 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynThe Currency of Friendship: How Two Black Boomer Besties View MoneyAngella and Leslie explore how our relationship with money evolves over time and how true wealth extends beyond financial success to include joy, freedom, and meaningful connections.• Money as just one form of currency in our lives• How entrepreneurship offers freedom beyond financial gain• The shift in perspective that comes when basic financial needs are met• Cultural expectations around money, especially for Black women• Redefining generosity and learning to receive as well as give• The tension...2025-04-2240 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynThe Only One in the Room: Navigating Predominantly White SpacesLeslie shares a recent experience of being the only Black person at two separate events—a Staten Island sports bar and a New Jersey fundraiser with over 300 attendees. This prompts a revealing conversation about racial segregation in America and the imbalance of cultural immersion between white and Black Americans.• Black Americans constantly "swim in white waters" while white Americans rarely need to navigate Black spaces• The myth of equivalence in self-segregation ignores power dynamics and demographic realities• White people with only one Black friend often make that person the spokesperson for all Black people•...2025-04-1540 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynTrust your gifts: When a bold decision saved a lifeBeing a physician is Leslie’s calling; a gifting.In this episode, she recounts a whirlwind weekend trip where she visited a recovering friend, and was reminded of a time years ago when she saved a friend’s life through medical intervention and advocacy.Angella and Leslie emphasize the importance of knowing your gifts and using them to help others.The conversation highlights the critical need for medical self-advocacy, especially for Black patientsFOLLOW BLACK BOOMER BESTIES FROM BROOKLYN PODCAST:2025-03-2527 minBlack Boomer Besties from Brooklyn“I could never do that!” The bold-face lies we stopped telling ourselvesLeslie and Angella dismantle the myth that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" by sharing powerful personal revelations about self-imposed limitations they've overcome in their decades-long friendship.• Leslie shares how she loved convertible cars for years but never thought she could own one until a lightbulb moment changed everything• The hosts discuss how we restrict ourselves from joy by assuming certain things aren't "for us"• Angella reveals her journey to setting boundaries in friendships that don't align with her values• Leslie o...2025-03-1840 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynJoin Us in Real Life in RaleighBesties Leslie and Angella share exciting news about their upcoming live event in Raleigh, North Carolina, where they'll host a community conversation after a performance of "The Old Settler," a play originally performed by Felicia Rashad and Debbie Allen.• Angella is the wig designer for the production directed by actor and author Moses T Alexander Greene.• The play explores themes of love, survival and family dynamics in 1943 Harlem• Leslie and Angella have different opinions about a key part of the play involving a May-December romance2025-03-1132 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynWe’re “a lot”! How to embrace being “extra”The episode discusses the complexities and beauty of being "a lot" in our lives and relationships. Angella and Leslie share personal experiences and insights into how this trait can be perceived both positively and negatively.• Introduction to the theme of being “a lot”• Exploration of personal definitions and meanings of being “a lot”• Sharing experiences with friends and family regarding being “a lot”• Conversations on the impact of being a lot in romantic relationships• Reflections on societal views of “a lotness”...2025-03-0338 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynSelf-care with Tools for Troubled TimesLove and compassion guide the conversation as Besties Leslie and Angella explore mental well-being with Dr. Rebecca Eldridge. Dr. Eldridge emphasizes that joy is not just a luxury but a critical component of well-being, especially in a time when many feel the emotional weight of societal issues.This week’s discussion focuses on how to maintain emotional health amid political and social chaos, while emphasizing practical tools and mindfulness techniques.• Importance of intentional news consumption• Effects of societal pressures on mental health• Privileg...2025-02-2556 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynPop the Balloon: Do New Ways of Dating Work for Older Women?From the intriguing show "Pop The Balloon and Find Love" to the traditional practices of arranged marriages, Besties Angella and Leslie discuss romantic relationships. They interject their own stories, and skepticisms, and challenge the notion that longevity equals happiness while examining the impact of true love versus societal obligations. The conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of compatibility and how profound questions can sometimes be answered in the most unexpected moments. • Discussing the new dating show and its intriguing premise• Comparing arranged and love marria...2025-02-1751 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynThe Full Body Impact of Menopause (and why you should care at any age)This episode of Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn features two guests who offer insights into the often-misunderstood topic of menopause. Besties Angella and Leslie introduce Dr. Toni Otway and Dr. Damali Campbell, two physicians who recognized the need to dispel myths and challenge societal misperceptions around menopause. They conceived The Year of the Menopause- a series of lectures and webinars designed to provide education, awareness and a safe space for discussion of this often misunderstood life cycle. The Year of The Menopause will address the influences of patriarchal societies and historical neglect of the to...2025-02-1143 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynBishop Mariann Edgar Budde is a BalmCould a 15 minute sermon provide a balm for our politically divided times? Besties Angella and Leslie believe it just might. The Besties explore Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's courageous message delivered during this year’s presidential inaugural prayer service. Her sermon was a rallying call for unity and her deep reflections on the teachings of Jesus Christ struck a powerful chord with Angie and Lez, even as they sparked criticism from the incoming president and many of his followers. They believe Bishop Budde's sermon, dismissed and mischaracterized by some, stands as a testament to the...2025-02-0418 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynDownsizing with Heart and HumorIn this week’s episode, The Besties discovered that a new, yet unused, yellow Schwinn bike harbored a lesson about life's unexpected attachments and the difficulty of letting things go. It was Leslie’s turn to attempt the difficult task of decluttering and emptying her storage unit so she solicited Ange’s help. Afterall, Angie had just cleared out her unit so who would be better to show Les how it was done. And it wasn’t easy. With Angella's stern but pragmatic approach, and unwavering support, the ladies balance fond memories with the practical need...2025-01-2736 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynWhy I Took a Break from a Job I LoveLeslie woke up one morning, went in to work and said to her boss, “I need a break, I’m going to take several months off”. As a full time anesthesiologist she put aside concerns of what her absence would do to the busy OR schedule or the pinch her colleagues would experience being on call. What she knew (for sure) was that she was fatigued, her mind was distracted, her body was rebelling and she had never taken an extended break from work in her over twenty year career. In this episode of Black Boomer Besties...2025-01-1422 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynThe LA House & Pet Sitting Update: Is It Worth It?Angella dishes about her recent “date”, her house-sitting adventure in Los Angeles. She and her adventurous sister swapped plans for a trip to Mexico for a local escapade instead, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life in a beautiful home and area of LA with a sweet dog (it was all love!) She described the transformative potential of house-sitting as a way to experience life in new places, both locally and abroad. The TrustedHousesitters app provides a gateway to affordable travel, new experiences and an unconventional way to embark on global...2025-01-0733 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynWhy & How to Financially Plan your Escape from a Toxic JobGet ready for a Master Class that is perfectly timed to position you for financial success in the new year. This week Besties Angella and Leslie introduce you to two guests who bring a dynamic thought-provoking discussion about their upcoming webinar. Drs. Kimani Norrington-Sands and Rosche Brown are psychologists who lead the charge for Black women against toxic work environments by unlocking the secrets to financial and emotional freedom. Their upcoming Masterclass promises to arm you with tools, information and strategies to tackle the fear of leaving toxic jobs, craft personalized financial exit plans, and stride confidently toward in...2024-12-3148 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynWhy Malcolm Gladwell’s apology for stop & frisk isn't enoughImagine navigating almost five decades of friendship without needing to explicitly say "I'm sorry". Besties Angella and Leslie give you a view of their unique connection where grace and understanding have forged a path through conflicts without the need for conventional exchange of apologies. Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell's TED Talk, "The Tipping Point I Got Wrong," they reflect on the art of apologizing and how it intertwines with accepting responsibility for being wrong. Gladwell’s talk centers on his previous endorsement of the former NYC Police Department policy referred to as Stop and Frisk where...2024-12-2442 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynAngie Swipes Right to Date a City: LAGet out your travel docs because the Besties are taking you on a trip. Angella is beginning to realize her travel dreams of circling the world and ‘dating a city” by accepting a house-sitting opportunity on the West coast. Inspired by the Exodus Summit community and the chance to “bop around the world” (as Stephanie Perry puts it), she explains her excitement around using house and pet sitting as a chance to explore remote locations and scope out her future life living abroad. In this episode Angella and Leslie discuss the logistics of such a move and s...2024-12-1723 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynCan Afrominimalism be the answer to living with less?In her enlightening book The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less, Christine Platt invites us to imagine a world in which we curate a life of intention free of clutter and chaos (but not the monochromatic, rigid guidelines often linked to the Euro-centric minimalism) This week, Besties Angella and Leslie consider the question of whether embracing Afrominimalism could transform not just their living spaces, but their entire perspectives on their lives. They wonder if, as Platt suggests, downsizing may provide a path to deeper understanding and cultural empowerment and that by moving to smal...2024-12-1031 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynThe Emotional Toll of Emptying Your Storage UnitBesties Angella and Leslie wonder why they hold on to things they don’t actually need. All the ‘stuff’ that fills their homes, their closets and too often their expensive storage units. Angella describes her painful experience with downsizing and ultimately losing items that once anchored her and her family. Leslie, on the other hand, is at the beginning of that very journey - trying to navigate moving about in multiple locations while also saying goodbye to a larger more accommodating home. They speak of the emotional toil created by the over abundance of physical possessions and how it often...2024-12-0345 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynAmerica: Should we stay or go?How do you reconcile feelings of belonging and alienation in a country that seems to shift beneath your feet? This week, Besties Angella and Leslie are joined by guest Elizabeth Jenkins - the most recent honorary Bestie - as she opens up about the emotional turmoil of recent political events and the deep impact this climate has had on her mental health. The ladies mull over the complexities of identity and the quest for peace in a society that often feels oppressive and unrelenting. They wrestle with the emotional strain of constantly being on guard, weighing th...2024-11-2642 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynGirl, You’re Doing Way Too Much!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 fun...2024-11-1924 minBlack Boomer Besties from BrooklynLive: The Day After 2024 US Presidential ElectionWhat 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...2024-11-121h 06Black Boomer Besties from BrooklynSmh! If you can’t beat her, call her a tramp?!?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 wome...2024-11-0524 min