Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn
This is what the world needs now: two free-thinking “seasoned” Black women speaking their truth and inspiring others to do the same. Shaped by 45 years of friendship that began at the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School through the Ivy League, medical school, marriages, divorces, triumphs, parenting queer children, life-threatening illness and many many amazing adventures. Each week, besties Leslie Osei-Tutu and Angella Fraser will push against boundaries in love, culture, careers, faith, politics and out-dated assumptions about women of a certain age. Remember, you’re never too old to change your mind…or your hair! (but more on that later :-)All views are our own and do not reflect the views of our institution/company. Information provided is not intended to serve as medical advice.
Episodes
131 episodes
The Joy of Motorcycle Life: Black Women Who Bike
Two longtime friends, Lenora Norman & Tiffany Knotts share how they built an unexpected sisterhood through motorcycle riding and the creation of Smok’n Jewl’z Motorcycle Club. Their journey reveals how finding your passion can lead to de...
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Season 13
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Episode 10
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41:38
Slaying Dragons: How Negative Words Became Fuel for Success
Angella 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...
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Season 13
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Episode 9
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38:34
Beyond the Tip: Discovering the Full Anatomy of Female Pleasure in Our 60s
The Besties are still on their vacay so here’s another blast from the past. Originally aired in October 2023, our guestDr. Maria Sophocles, a Board-Certified OB-GYN and Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton,...
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Season 13
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Episode 8
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53:36
Extraordinary Female Friendships with Kim Coles
Did you know that the Besties have another Bestie? It’s actor, comedian, author and coach Kim Coles. As the dear friend she is, she came onto Black Boomer Besties from Brooklyn podcast when we were wee podcasters. So in celebration of her...
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Season 13
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Episode 7
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43:25
Your Job Shouldn't Cost You Your Health
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands returns with co-host Social Worker Marissa Price to discuss their annual Job Liberation Summit, a virtual event designed to help Black women escape toxic workplaces on their own time...
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Season 13
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Episode 6
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43:20
A Reunion Story: High School Bonds Beyond Differences
Leslie 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 bo...
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Season 13
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Episode 5
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41:56
Our 45th High School Reunion Countdown
We're together in person for this impromptu episode during our busy "Gala Week." Despite exhaustion, we're sharing updates as we prepare for our upcoming 45th Reunion from Brooklyn Technical High School.Brooklyn Tech is th...
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Season 13
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Episode 4
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11:44
The Currency of Friendship: How Two Black Boomer Besties View Money
Angella 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 l...
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Season 13
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Episode 3
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40:14
The Only One in the Room: Navigating Predominantly White Spaces
Leslie 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 ...
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Season 13
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Episode 2
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40:16
Boots on the Ground: How These Black Boomers Navigate Political Anxiety
In this episode, The Besties share their strategies for managing political anxiety through intentional actions rather than constant news consumption, discussing how they've transformed feelings of helplessness into empowerment through delibe...
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Season 13
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Episode 1
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27:46
The Year of Menopause Session 2: Cultural Manifestations of Menopause
The Year of Menopause returns with Dr. Toni Otway as she joins the Besties to explore different cultural ideologies of menopause. • Western societies often frame menopause as women being "put out to pasture" after serving ...
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Season 12
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Episode 9
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38:16
Trust your gifts: When a bold decision saved a life
Being 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 ...
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Season 12
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Episode 8
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27:28
“I could never do that!” The bold-face lies we stopped telling ourselves
Leslie 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 sh...
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Season 12
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Episode 7
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40:15
Join Us in Real Life in Raleigh
Besties 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 an...
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Episode 6
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32:06
We’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.•...
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Season 12
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Episode 5
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38:06
Self-care with Tools for Troubled Times
Love 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 ...
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Season 12
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Episode 4
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56:41
Pop 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 relationshi...
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Season 12
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Episode 3
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51:32
The 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 ...
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Season 12
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Episode 2
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43:14
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is a Balm
Could 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 pre...
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Season 12
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Episode 1
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18:09
Downsizing with Heart and Humor
In 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 difficu...
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Season 11
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Episode 9
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36:08
The Surprising Benefits of Starting a Podcast or YouTube channel in Your 60s
Starting a YouTube channel in your 60s might sound daunting, but what if it could lead to newfound freedom and self-discovery? The Besties encourage older folks to start a podcast or YouTube like this 62 year old did
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Season 11
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Episode 8
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25:45
Why I Took a Break from a Job I Love
Leslie 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 th...
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Season 11
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Episode 7
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22:56
The 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 ...
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Season 11
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Episode 6
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33:37
Why & How to Financially Plan your Escape from a Toxic Job
Get 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 u...
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Season 11
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Episode 5
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48:17
Why Malcolm Gladwell’s apology for stop & frisk isn't enough
Imagine 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 thro...
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Season 11
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Episode 4
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42:49