Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn Angella Fraser & Leslie Osei-Tutu

Have you ever felt like the very job that's supposed to empower you is the one chipping away at your soul? 
Psychologist Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands joins The Besties to shed light on the harsh realities Black women often encounter in toxic work environments. Her journey from a stifling workplace to a thriving private practice is a testament to the resilience and fortitude it takes to reclaim one's professional life. In this week’s episode they delve into the tools and strategies she's developed to guide women towards careers that celebrate respect and personal fulfillment. 
Dr Kimani’s Job Liberation Virtual Summit May 18-19 and Black Women Healing from Toxic Jobs Coaching Program are beacons of hope, providing a roadmap for those ready to pivot away from negativity and towards a future work environment they deserve.
In the usual Besties fashion, the conversation with Dr. Kimani goes beyond the surface, unraveling the psychological toll and the importance of recognizing the signs of an oppressive job. She shares actionable advice on crafting an exit strategy that doesn't just focus on leaving, but on landing safely—mentally and financially. It's a reminder that self-respect is non-negotiable and that empowerment begins the moment you start putting yourself first.
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In the last episode of Season 7, the Besties and guest Carla Forte, Licensed Clinical Social Worker & IT Manager, are getting real about the intersections of identity, career, and the audacity to be our authentic selves. 
Carla's choice to rock her natural gray hair at the office after over 2 yrs of wigs & weaves, wasn't just about style—it was a bold declaration of self. Her story is emblematic of a journey many of us understand deeply.
From her pivot from IT to social work and back again, Carla Forte's experiences unfold like a masterclass in adaptability, reminding us all that the paths we walk are rarely straight but often lead to profound destinations.
Carla's self-acceptance and the wider implications on body awareness offer a refreshing perspective on the beauty of growing older and the importance of self-care. We're not just talking about surface-level changes; we're delving into the heart of what it means to align your work with your passion, to seek fulfillment beyond the paycheck, and to leverage support systems within our communities
This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
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When Leslie listened to a podcast that discussed the role of a death doula she was intrigued.  She was accustomed to the ins and outs of establishing an estate plan, but the work of a death doula was completely foreign. Is the concept new to you?
The Besties tuned in to a recent episode of Dr Joy Harden Bradford’s Therapy for Black Girls podcast and they learned about Alua Arthur and the company she founded Going With Grace. Ms Arthur is a Death Doula, a practitioner who honors the closing chapter of our lives by handling things that most people don't even realize (or pretend not to know)) is necessary.  

Beyond having a will or an Advanced Directive, do your loved ones know your passwords to unlock your digital lives?   A Death Doula guides you through a journey that goes beyond the clinical, delving into cultural legacies and weaving a narrative that respects our final days while eliminating many of the burdens faced by surviving family members.

Navigating the waters of end-of-life planning can be daunting, yet it's a journey we must all prepare for. A death doula may be your most lasting gift in death that you give to the living.
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Ever wondered how you'll be spending your days when you're 90? Leslie was fascinated by The 90+ Study conducted at UC Irvine so in this episode the Besties went in. 
In 2003, investigators began to look at “the oldest-old” in one of the largest studies of this group of people ever conducted, to determine the factors contributing to longevity. One of the fascinating findings included a participant who was seemingly resistant to the outward signs of Alzheimer's disease (e.g. memory loss, cognitive decline) even though his autopsied brain showed clear markers of the disease.
The Besties discuss the likelihood that adoption of  Health 2.0 influenced behaviors described by Peter Attia proactive strategies for longevity, like planning for our future wellness, might be the best bet.  Imagine continuing the passions that color one's youth, all while staying cognitively resilient. That would indeed be something to look forward to. What’s the point of planning for living well into our next chapter while at the same time neglecting habits that lead to good health? 
This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
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Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

When a friend confessed to not having a bucket list, it got us thinking – are we all wired to yearn for more to accomplish in our lives, or is there a hidden bliss in simply savoring the now and your already completed achievements? 
Leslie confessed that her bucket list sits prominently on her wall with the items waiting to be ticked off. Listen in on an insightful conversation with the Besties; they consider the concepts of personal satisfaction and the judgments we have around having ambition or just plain  being satisfied with life. 
Perhaps this episode will leave you contemplating your own bucket list, or not even considering one. There’s no right answer in their book.
This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Support the Show.
Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.

Would you be able to describe your lifestyle as agile?  In other words, as your life stands right now, could you relocate within a short period of time in order to embrace a dream opportunity?  Most of us can not.  In this episode of Black Boomer Besties for Brooklyn, Leslie and Angella describe the recent changes in Angella’s life and discuss her process of simplifying things- letting go of “stuff” and instead embracing a more joyful lifestyle.  However, this conversation isn't just about finding joy; it's about recognizing the raw beauty in transformation and the contentment that follows when we dare to pursue the life we desire.

Join them as they tackle the art of minimalism, sharing heartfelt feelings about downsizing and the sense of freedom that comes with shedding the excess. Living with less doesn't just clear our space, it clears our minds, giving us the agility to move through life with a newfound ease. 

But it's not all about tossing things away; they also honor the memories tied to their cherished belongings. Together, they navigate the emotional process of determining which mementos to hold onto and discover the liberating journey toward striking our natural balance with the possessions they actually choose to surround themselves with.

This episode and all previous episodes are available on The Besties’ YouTube. Please join our Besties Quad Squad as a Patreon subscriber at the $5 or $10 monthly level. You'll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Support the Show.
Visit Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn website for behind-the-scenes extras.