Getting Older Podcast

Ivory Fennell

Getting Older with Ivory Fennell is a raw and relatable podcast about the awkward, hilarious, and painful realities of growing up. Host Ivory Fennell keeps it real on everything from career missteps and financial struggles to love, friendships, and mental health. Through personal stories and honest conversations, the show explores what it means to grow, heal, and figure life out—one messy step at a time.

  1. What Growth Really Looks Like: Burnout, Healing, Identity & Getting Older

    6d ago

    What Growth Really Looks Like: Burnout, Healing, Identity & Getting Older

    In this special check-in episode of Getting Older, Ivory Fennell welcomes back two familiar voices, **Skye and **Paul, for an honest conversation about what life has looked like since their original episodes aired. A lot can change in a year. Priorities shift. Identity evolves. Healing takes unexpected forms. And sometimes the person you become looks completely different from the person who first sat down behind the mic. This episode is about what happens after the breakthrough moments. Together, they reflect on the realities of getting older while navigating careers rooted in care, education, creativity, and service. From personal transformation to collective exhaustion, this conversation explores what it means to continue showing up for others while also learning how to show up for yourself. Skye opens up about receiving life-changing clarity through an autism and ADHD diagnosis, what it meant to finally understand parts of herself that never quite made sense before, and how sobriety, therapy, and intentional self-care have reshaped the way she experiences life. Her reflections on being present in her own body, giving herself grace, and redefining healing offer an honest look at what growth can really feel like. Paul shares his own evolution over the past year, including conversations around self-image, transformation, and learning to move through life without shame. From changing perspectives on identity and confidence to reflecting on relationships, divorce, and accepting that life is made up of checkpoints rather than destinations, he offers a vulnerable perspective on releasing timelines and trusting your own process. The three also revisit each other’s original episodes and talk about the impact those stories had long after recording stopped. They reflect on audience responses, meaningful moments that stayed with them, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe enough to speak openly about the things that usually stay hidden. As educators, mentors, and caretakers in different forms, the conversation expands into something even bigger. What does it mean to guide young people through uncertainty when you’re still figuring things out yourself? How do you stay hopeful when the world feels overwhelming? How do you protect your peace without disconnecting from reality? This episode explores the emotional weight of modern life, burnout, economic pressure, social responsibility, and the challenge of raising and supporting the next generation while carrying your own experiences and struggles. Topics explored in this episode include: Mental health, healing, and emotional resilience Autism, ADHD, and neurodivergent experiences Sobriety and self-discovery Identity, relationships, and personal growth Education, mentorship, and supporting young people Burnout, purpose, and finding balance Community care and radical empathy Growing older without rushing the process At its core, this episode is a reminder that growth rarely happens in straight lines. Sometimes healing looks like asking for help. Sometimes growth looks like changing your mind. Sometimes progress looks like simply staying present. And sometimes getting older means realizing that becoming yourself is a lifelong process. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a rating and review, and join the conversation in the comments. Follow Getting Older to stay updated on new episodes and behind-the-scenes moments, and connect with Ivory Fennell and the community across social platforms to continue these conversations beyond the podcast. Thank you for listening and for growing with us.

    1h 29m
  2. Growing Up Together: Brotherhood, Identity, Love & Becoming Men in Real Time

    Jun 11

    Growing Up Together: Brotherhood, Identity, Love & Becoming Men in Real Time

    On this episode of Getting Older, Ivory Fennell sits down with someone who has been part of his life for more than a decade — his best friend, Brandon Baker. What starts as a conversation between two longtime friends quickly turns into something deeper: an honest reflection on brotherhood, identity, family, relationships, masculinity, and what it actually means to grow up while still figuring yourself out. For over 12 years, their friendship has survived changing seasons of life, shifting priorities, career goals, heartbreak, personal growth, and becoming different versions of themselves. But this episode is less about the history of their friendship and more about understanding who Brandon is beneath the titles, routines, and expectations. Brandon opens up about growing up in a Jamaican household, what family looked like for him as a child, and the values that shaped him early on. He reflects on being raised by parents who prioritized education, responsibility, and character while also creating a home filled with culture, music, discipline, and love. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Brandon shares the story of his father’s deportation and how that experience shifted his understanding of responsibility, independence, and becoming a man before he felt fully ready. Together, Ivory and Brandon unpack what happens when life changes unexpectedly and how those moments can quietly influence the way we move through adulthood. The conversation also explores how we build our identities from the people around us and how relationships with parents continue shaping us long after childhood. As the episode unfolds, the conversation moves into the realities of becoming an adult and the lessons that come with it. They talk about: Growing up in a Jamaican family and navigating cultural expectations Friendship and maintaining meaningful relationships through different stages of life Fatherhood, family dynamics, and processing change Mental health, emotional resilience, and self-awareness Masculinity and defining manhood for yourself Dating, relationships, boundaries, and modern connection College experiences, independence, and personal identity Turning 30 and learning who you are in real time Ivory and Brandon also get candid about dating in adulthood and how their perspectives have evolved over time. They talk about being transparent with intentions, understanding personal needs, choosing peace over pressure, and questioning timelines around love, marriage, and success. This episode doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, it sits in the middle of the questions many people quietly carry: What parts of ourselves came from our families?How much of adulthood is actually unlearning?What does healthy masculinity look like?Can relationships work without losing yourself?What does getting older mean when you’re still becoming who you are? There are moments in this conversation that are funny, reflective, uncomfortable, thoughtful, and deeply human. If you’ve ever looked at your life and realized adulthood feels less like arriving somewhere and more like discovering yourself in real time, this episode will probably feel familiar. Whether you’re navigating friendships, questioning your identity, healing from family experiences, dating intentionally, or simply trying to understand the person you’re becoming, this conversation offers space to reflect without pretending growth is linear. If this episode resonates with you: Subscribe to Getting Older wherever you listen to podcasts Leave a rating and review to help more people find the show Share this episode with someone who would connect with the conversation Comment your thoughts and tell us what part of the episode stayed with you Follow Ivory Fennell and Getting Older for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, future episodes, and more conversations about life, healing, relationships, and everything that comes with getting older.

    1h 33m
  3. Phoenix Shares Her Journey Through Anxiety, Assault, Self-Worth and Creative Healing as an Artist

    May 14

    Phoenix Shares Her Journey Through Anxiety, Assault, Self-Worth and Creative Healing as an Artist

    In this deeply vulnerable episode of Getting Older, Ivory Fennell sits down with actress, movement artist, model, and creative director Phoenix for an honest conversation about identity, trauma, healing, creativity, and what it really means to grow through life instead of simply surviving it. From the very beginning, Phoenix opens up about being raised in Plainfield, New Jersey by two mothers in a home that constantly welcomed foster children, adopted siblings, and people searching for safety. She reflects on growing up as the only girl in a chaotic but loving household, navigating feelings of isolation, and struggling to understand where she fit in emotionally, culturally, and personally. What starts as a conversation about childhood quickly unfolds into a much deeper discussion about belonging, self-worth, and the emotional weight children often carry without realizing it. Throughout the episode, Phoenix shares how dance, acting, and movement became more than creative outlets. They became survival tools. Whether it was performing in school productions, finding confidence through theater, or eventually stepping into modeling and artistic direction, creativity gave her a place where she could finally express emotions she did not yet have the language to explain. The conversation also explores some of the most painful chapters of Phoenix’s journey. She speaks candidly about experiencing anxiety, depression, sexual assault, and the long-term emotional effects of trying to heal while still learning who she was. Instead of presenting healing as something linear or polished, both Phoenix and Ivory discuss the reality of what recovery actually looks like day to day. Some days are empowering. Other days are heavy. But through reflection, community, creativity, and self-awareness, Phoenix explains how she slowly learned to reconnect with herself in healthier ways. One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Phoenix discusses her relationship with her body and how figure modeling unexpectedly became part of her healing process. After years of feeling disconnected from herself, she describes how being seen as art instead of an object transformed the way she viewed her body, her presence, and her value. It becomes a larger conversation about vulnerability, trust, and learning to reclaim ownership over yourself after trauma. Ivory and Phoenix also dive into: Growing up in a foster household and the emotional impact of losing people you loveThe pressure of trying to fit into labels and identities that never fully felt rightLiving with anxiety and depression at a young ageUsing marijuana and self-medication as coping mechanisms during adolescenceThe importance of boundaries, self-reflection, and emotional accountabilityHow dance, theater, movement, and creative expression can become forms of healingThe complicated relationship many people have with body image and self-confidenceLearning how to give grace to your parents while still honoring your own painBuilding a healthier version of yourself through nature, art, community, and intentional healingWhat makes this episode especially powerful is the honesty both Ivory and Phoenix bring into the room. There is no pretending to have everything figured out. Instead, the conversation creates space for people who are still learning, still healing, and still trying to understand themselves while navigating adulthood. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow Getting Older on all streaming platforms and subscribe for future conversations centered around mental health, healing, relationships, identity, and the realities of growing through life.

    1h 12m
  4. Finding Your Voice While Healing: Queer Identity, Community, and Being Seen Fully

    Apr 16

    Finding Your Voice While Healing: Queer Identity, Community, and Being Seen Fully

    In this deeply reflective episode of The Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory Fennell sits down with filmmaker, storyteller, and community builder Ronald Hinton for a conversation that explores identity, healing, and the power of telling your own story. From growing up in New York City public housing to creating a series that centers unapologetic queer voices, Ronald shares how his lived experiences shaped both his artistry and his purpose.This episode dives into the intersection of queerness, culture, and community, unpacking what it means to exist in spaces that don’t always reflect your full identity. Ronald opens up about being a queer, Afro-Puerto Rican creative, navigating environments where he felt both seen and unseen, and how that tension ultimately pushed him toward storytelling. What started as a childhood fascination with television evolved into a mission to create narratives that represent the complexities of real people, especially those often overlooked in mainstream media.Together, Ivory and Ronald also explore the emotional layers behind coming out, self-acceptance, and representation. They reflect on how media shaped their early perceptions of queerness, the pressure to fit into narrow stereotypes, and the internal conflict that comes with trying to define yourself outside of those boxes. Through vulnerability and honesty, this conversation highlights how healing is often tied to reclaiming your narrative and choosing to be seen fully.At the center of this episode is Ronald’s series Natives, a project rooted in authentic storytelling and lived experience. He breaks down the journey of bringing the show to life, from writing and crowdfunding to navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking. More importantly, he shares how the series became a form of healing, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and challenge the stigmas surrounding public housing and queer identity.Listeners will also hear a powerful discussion on burnout, hustle culture, and the reality of chasing creative dreams. Both Ivory and Ronald speak candidly about the pressure to constantly be productive, the toll it takes on mental health, and the importance of finding balance. This episode doesn’t romanticize the grind, it humanizes it, reminding listeners that success isn’t just about output, but about sustainability and self-awareness.Key moments from the episode include:- The origin story behind Natives and how real-life experiences shaped its characters and themes- Navigating queer identity in environments that don’t always feel safe or affirming- The realities of independent filmmaking, including funding, community support, and creative control- Unlearning hustle culture and prioritizing mental health while pursuing big dreams- The importance of representation and creating space for stories that reflect real, complex livesThis conversation is for anyone who has ever felt out of place, underestimated, or unsure of where they belong. It’s about finding your voice, honoring your truth, and understanding that your story matters, even when the world hasn’t made space for it yet.If you connected with this episode, make sure to follow The Getting Older Podcast for more conversations that explore the real, unfiltered experience of growing up. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and join the conversation by connecting with Ivory Fennell and the podcast on social media. Your support helps amplify these stories and keeps the dialogue going.

    1h 21m
  5. Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It

    Apr 2

    Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It

    In this deeply personal solo episode, Ivory Fennell returns to the mic after a brief hiatus to reflect on what has already been a transformative start to 2026. From celebrating his golden birthday to traveling across the world, this episode captures what it really looks like to grow through discomfort, sit with your emotions, and finally start choosing yourself. Ivory opens up about turning 29 and the complicated relationship he’s had with birthdays over the years. What should feel like celebration has often been tied to anxiety, pressure, and self-sabotage. Instead of forcing a perfect moment, he shares what it looked like to sit in those feelings, and how the love of close friends helped him shift his perspective and embrace the idea that getting older can actually be something to appreciate. The conversation then moves into one of the biggest highlights of his year so far: a life-changing trip to the Philippines. From the chaos and culture of Manila to the beauty and joy of Boracay, Ivory reflects on what it means to be fully present in new environments. More than just a vacation, the experience became a reminder of how much life exists outside of routine, and how important it is to allow yourself to feel joy without overthinking it. But at the core of this episode is something much deeper. With the help of his producer, Ivory opens up about reaching one full year of sobriety. He speaks honestly about his past relationship with alcohol, the ways he used it to avoid confronting his emotions, and what it took to finally sit with himself in silence. The journey wasn’t easy, and he doesn’t pretend that it was. Instead, he shares the small milestones, the internal battles, and the surprising clarity that came with choosing a different path. This episode is about more than milestones. It’s about identity, accountability, and growth. It’s about realizing that healing isn’t a straight line, and that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the moments you’d rather avoid. Ivory also touches on what it felt like to revisit alcohol after a year away, offering a grounded and honest perspective on what “balance” looks like for him now. Throughout the episode, listeners will find themselves reflecting on their own journeys, especially when it comes to self-worth, habits, and emotional honesty. Ivory’s storytelling remains raw, unfiltered, and relatable, reminding you that you’re not alone in the process of figuring life out. In this episode, we talk about: Turning 29 and navigating the emotions behind a golden birthdayTraveling to the Philippines and embracing new experiencesThe reality of hitting one year sober and what changed mentally and emotionallyConfronting self-sabotage, anxiety, and avoidance patternsRedefining what joy, balance, and healing actually look likeAs always, Getting Older Podcast is a space for real conversations about the highs and lows of growing up. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. You can stay connected with Ivory Fennell and keep up with new episodes by following the podcast on all major streaming platforms and social channels. Your support helps continue these honest conversations and reminds others that they’re not alone in their journey.

    24 min
  6. Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Loving Ourselves: Reflections from Three Men Turning 30

    Jan 8

    Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Loving Ourselves: Reflections from Three Men Turning 30

    Welcome to the first episode of The Getting Older Podcast in 2026—a special conversation that hits different. Host Ivory reunites with longtime friends Brandon Baker and Steven Brito for a full-circle moment, reflecting on how much life shifted in 2025 and what they're carrying—or leaving—into this new year. If you've ever found yourself reevaluating friendships, setting boundaries, grieving old versions of yourself, or simply trying to figure out how to show up more honestly in your relationships, this episode will land with you. It’s honest. It’s healing. And it’s the kind of talk we rarely get to hear from men—especially men approaching 30, navigating adulthood, community, and identity with open hearts. Ivory, Brandon, and Steven dig deep into how their past year unfolded—from internal growth to external changes. They get vulnerable about losing loved ones, navigating career pivots, finding their peace, and practicing presence through both discipline and discomfort. The conversation flows naturally from memories and milestones to moments of stillness, grief, and gratitude. You’ll hear what they’re still quietly grieving, what boundaries they’re finally standing on, and what they’re no longer forcing. There’s a lot of honesty, a few hard-won lessons, and some surprisingly funny stories (like Ivory’s infamous boat moment in Colombia). But at the heart of it all is a shared commitment to becoming better men—not just for the world, but for themselves. Key themes in this episode include: Letting go of old identities and unhealthy attachments Learning to say no without overexplaining Redefining what masculinity and friendship look like in adulthood Personal discipline through sobriety, fitness, and stillness Navigating grief after the loss of a parent Finding peace in patience—and discomfort in growth Reconnecting with community and protecting your energy You’ll also hear how Steven is preparing for marriage, what Brandon is doing to reclaim his peace (and maybe his lover boy era), and why Ivory feels more grounded than he ever has—even while learning to accept praise, rest, and real connection. As the trio looks back at where they started in 2025—especially that first episode, Break the Cycle—you’ll see the emotional and spiritual growth they’ve earned. It’s not just a recap. It’s a time capsule of transformation. Each of them gets real about the mental shifts, emotional pivots, and lifestyle changes that helped them navigate the past 12 months with more grace, even when it wasn’t always pretty. They also open up about the pressures of being “the strong one” in their families and communities, and how that weight often goes unnoticed. From family estrangement to choosing yourself, they name what many feel but rarely say out loud. Before wrapping, they each share: Their peak, pit, and plot twist of 2025 One boundary they’re still working to protect What their 20-year-old self would say about the man they are now What kind of love—and life—they’re manifesting in 2026 Whether you're deep in your healing journey, trying to figure out your next move, or simply here for a real convo between friends, this episode brings warmth, depth, and clarity for anyone “getting older” and growing through it. Want to connect with the podcast? Subscribe to The Getting Older Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you tune in. New episodes drop regularly, featuring guests, community, and unfiltered conversations around mental health, healing, friendship, and growing up with grace. Follow along for more on upcoming guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and ways to engage with the hosts. Got a topic you want to hear more about? Reach out to the show and let your voice be part of the conversation. Let this episode be your gentle reminder: You don’t have to be perfect to be growing. And you’re not alone in figuring it out.

    1h 49m
  7. The Power of Brotherhood: Healing, Patience, and Lessons From Life’s Wildest Nights Together

    11/27/2025

    The Power of Brotherhood: Healing, Patience, and Lessons From Life’s Wildest Nights Together

    In this heartfelt and unfiltered Friendsgiving special of the Getting Older Podcast, Ivory brings together two of his longtime friends, Rai and Javier, for an open, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation about growth, healing, and the bonds that keep them grounded. What begins as a lighthearted Friendsgiving reunion quickly unfolds into an honest reflection on the highs, lows, and lessons that come with getting older and truly understanding oneself. From the chaos of wild nights in Buffalo to the quiet moments of self-realization, this episode captures the balance between laughter and vulnerability. The three friends share how they’ve evolved—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—since their younger days, revealing how the meaning of friendship has transformed into something much deeper than shared memories or inside jokes. Each story becomes a reminder of how resilience and empathy are born through shared struggle. Throughout their talk, Ivory, Rai, and Javier revisit pivotal moments in their journeys—from career shifts and mental health challenges to personal relationships that forced them to grow. Together, they unpack themes like healing from trauma, forgiving oneself, and redefining masculinity through compassion and openness. It’s a raw, real, and sometimes chaotic dialogue that reflects the beautiful messiness of life in your twenties and beyond. Listeners will find themselves laughing one moment and deeply reflecting the next. The Friendsgiving theme adds a warm layer of gratitude and nostalgia as they celebrate how far they’ve come—individually and collectively—while acknowledging how much further they still have to go. Their chemistry and candor make the conversation feel less like an interview and more like a seat at the table with three people who’ve seen each other through everything from heartbreaks to healing. This episode stands out for its authenticity and relatability. Whether it’s discussing the struggle to let go of pride, the courage to seek therapy, or the power of patience in love and friendship, every moment offers an insight that lingers. They also explore how societal expectations—about success, masculinity, or timing—often create unnecessary pressure, and why letting go of perfectionism is an act of liberation. Highlights from this episode include: Honest reflections on mental health, hospitalization, and recovery—and what true support looks like between friends. Personal stories of embarrassment and redemption, proving that humor can coexist with healing. Deep dives into forgiveness, growth, and learning to set boundaries after toxic relationships or unhealthy dynamics. Conversations about validation, purpose, and redefining what it means to “have it all together” as an adult. Insights on patience, communication, and emotional maturity in both friendships and romantic relationships. By weaving humor with introspection, this Friendsgiving episode of Getting Older becomes a reminder that growing up doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means learning to keep showing up, for yourself and for those who matter most. It’s a story about brotherhood, faith, and finding clarity in the chaos. The energy is warm and familiar, like an evening spent with old friends where the laughter is loud, the truths are raw, and the lessons hit home long after the conversation ends. If you’ve ever questioned where you’re headed, struggled with self-doubt, or needed reassurance that healing is not linear, this conversation will resonate deeply. It’s an episode that honors imperfection, celebrates vulnerability, and reminds listeners that getting older isn’t about losing your spark—it’s about learning to love yourself through every version of who you’ve been. Because at the end of the day, getting older isn’t about age—it’s about awakening, laughter, and learning to embrace the journey together.

    1h 34m
  8. The Power of Purpose: Joel Plummer on Teaching Truth, Mentorship, and the Art of Representation

    11/13/2025

    The Power of Purpose: Joel Plummer on Teaching Truth, Mentorship, and the Art of Representation

    In this powerful episode of the Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory Young sits down with Joel Plummer—a celebrated educator, author, journalist, and photographer—whose influence has transformed generations of students in Plainfield, New Jersey, and beyond. With over two decades in the classroom and a career built on truth-telling and cultural empowerment, Plummer opens up about his purpose, his teaching philosophy, and the lifelong impact of helping others discover who they are. From his early years in Plainfield to teaching at Plainfield High School and Rutgers University, Joel Plummer has built a legacy centered on identity, education, and authenticity. He shares the defining moment that led him to teaching—a simple algebra lesson that sparked a lifetime of purpose. That experience revealed his mission: to educate not just through information, but through connection and empowerment. Listeners will hear Plummer unpack the challenges of his first year in education, a time he describes as one of the hardest years of his life. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, including those who taught him that you can’t teach strangers—you have to know your students. His wisdom on classroom dynamics, comparing teaching to the rhythm and flow of an emcee, captures what great educators truly do: inspire engagement, trust, and curiosity. Throughout this intimate conversation, Ivory and Joel explore themes of race, purpose, and healing. Plummer recounts how his own schooling—despite being led by Black educators—taught him almost nothing about Black history. That realization fueled his dedication to teaching African American Studies and Latino History, where he helps students rediscover the narratives that history books have ignored. He describes his mission as that of a historical optometrist—helping people see their past, present, and future clearly through the lens of truth. A major part of this episode dives into Plummer’s powerful book “Black Kid, White School: What They Don’t Teach Your Black Child.” Inspired by his own children, the book exposes the hidden lessons and erased stories that shape the Black experience in America. Plummer shares how he wrote the book as a legacy—something his children and future generations could hold onto if he weren’t here to teach them directly. The conversation explores how storytelling, identity, and education intersect to build confidence and cultural pride. Listeners will also discover another side of Plummer—the artist. As a professional photographer, he views art as resistance and storytelling as liberation. His camera becomes a tool for justice, capturing overlooked moments and elevating unseen voices. His reflections on art, culture, and representation reveal how creativity continues his lifelong mission of empowerment. Key highlights from this episode include: Joel Plummer’s origin story and how mentorship shaped his purpose. His most difficult teaching years and what they taught him about perseverance. The creation and message behind “Black Kid, White School.” How art and education unite as forces for truth and change. Insightful lessons on mental health, balance, and boundaries in education. The importance of representation, legacy, and knowing your “why.” By the end of this conversation, listeners will be reminded that teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, patience, and truth. Plummer’s story embodies what it means to lead with heart, educate with purpose, and build bridges between generations through honesty and love. If you’ve ever searched for meaning, struggled with burnout, or needed encouragement to stay true to your purpose, this episode will resonate deeply. It’s a testament to how one person’s dedication can ripple outward and change countless lives. To connect with Joel Plummer, visit joelplummer.com or follow him on Instagram at @profplummer. His book “Black Kid, White School” is available at Sindell’s Bookstore and Amazon.

    1h 55m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Getting Older with Ivory Fennell is a raw and relatable podcast about the awkward, hilarious, and painful realities of growing up. Host Ivory Fennell keeps it real on everything from career missteps and financial struggles to love, friendships, and mental health. Through personal stories and honest conversations, the show explores what it means to grow, heal, and figure life out—one messy step at a time.

You Might Also Like