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 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 youth can provide lifelong strength, joy, and perspective. 

Join us for this celebration of friendship, diversity, and the enduring spirit of the Brooklyn Technites!

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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 the largest high school in the United States
• Brooklyn Tech has produced six Nobel laureates and numerous distinguished graduates
• Our high school friendships have endured for nearly five decades
• We’re grateful for listener support that keeps us motivated to show up weekly

Stay tuned for next week's episode where we'll bring you the joy and memories from our Class of 1980 reunion celebrations!

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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 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 between consumerism and finding contentment with less

• Finding value in emotional support, time, and care that money can't buy

We hope this conversation will cause you to think a little more deeply about what you're giving preeminence in your life, what you're expecting from others, and how to recognize the many forms of wealth that exist beyond one's bank account.

References mentioned in this episode:

Dr Kimani Norrington-Sands’ Job Liberation Summit

https://2025jobliberationsummit.heysummit.com/?ac=KmQBDvM5

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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 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

• Discomfort in conversations about race should be embraced rather than avoided as it's where growth happens

• Black professionals often face different expectations and must "over-perform" to receive equal respect

• Discomfort in conversations about race should be embraced rather than avoided as it's where growth happens

https://onbeing.org/programs/robin-diangelo-and-resmaa-menakem-towards-a-framework-for-repair/

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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 deliberate consumer choices and lifestyle decisions.  They are:

• Stepping back from news consumption and financial monitoring to protect mental health

• Boycotting certain retailers, despite inconvenience, to support businesses that align with their values

• Promoting the Job Liberation Summit for Black Women (May 16-18, 2025), a comprehensive program designed to help escape toxic workplaces. The sessions feature experts Dr.Kimani Norrington-Sands, Stephanie Perry and Roshida Dowe among others

2025 Job Liberation Virtual Summit for Black Women

Early Bird tickets as low as $99

Dr. Rebecca Eldridge's Black Boomer Besties episode on stress management tools:

Self-Care Tools for Troubled Times w/ Dr Rebecca Eldredge

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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 their reproductive purpose

• Many cultures including the Japanese, African, and Mayan societies celebrate menopause as a time for gaining wisdom and elevated social status

• Medical training historically provided minimal education about menopause, focusing only on biological aspects

• Western medicalization often creates anxiety that may worsen menopausal symptoms compared to cultures that embrace the transition

• The Year of Menopause series will continue breaking down menopause topics throughout 2025

Black Girl's Guide to Surviving Menopause

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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 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 patients

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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 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 opens up about her recent divorce and realized she was deserving of personal fulfillment in her marriage

• The liberation of taking time off work without apology and discovering nobody is indispensable

• The difference between fleeting happiness and deeper, more meaningful joy

• The most significant limitations on what we can do often come from our own minds

What are you restricting yourself from experiencing? What would bring joy to your life that you've convinced yourself isn't for you?

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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 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 romance

The play runs March 14-16, with Leslie and Angella appearing live for the Actor Talkback on March 15 after the 2:00 PM performance

Come see the play and join our conversation at the Kennedy Theater in the Martin Marietta Performing Arts Center in Raleigh!

• Angella shares about her spontaneous trip to Maui and her philosophy of "yielding to the river" of life

• The women are planning their 45th Brooklyn Tech High School reunion, overcoming venue challenges

The Old Settler (2001)-Directed by Debbie Allen, starring Phylicia Rashad, Bumper Robinson & Debbie

https://youtu.be/2l6K2O-Ly9U?si=zLufX0Z_FAT47Wsw

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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”

• Closing thoughts on embracing one’s identity and inviting feedback

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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 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

• Privilege and its role in personal responsibility

• Navigating emotional turmoil through understanding

• Workshops designed for resilience and community support

• The central role of joy in achieving overall well-being

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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 marriages' longevity and happiness

• Exploring the difficulty in defining love and expectations

• Reflecting on compatibility questions that matter in relationships

• Sharing personal insights on online dating and its challenges

Ep 36: Pop The Balloon Or Find Love | With Arlette Amuli
https://youtu.be/ir-HnZSAnIE?si=BDaAIzrH0Bkt2ZQz

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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 topic in medical education with an emphasis on community support and self-advocacy in healthcare.

New Jersey Black Women Physicians Association: https://www.njbwpa.com/

New Jersey Medical Association: https://njnma.org/

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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 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 enduring principles of love, mercy and unity they hold dear. Budde’s words of hope and guidance deserve to be heard in their entirety to appreciate the profound impact they can have.

"Have Mercy": Watch Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's Sermon Challenging Trump at Inaugural Service

https://youtu.be/gNfrbAztlcs?si=iyUWaprfPGP8fhZA

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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 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 to simplify their lives.

Their humorous stories underline the importance of small steps and the value of seeking help to get unstuck. Through laughter and shared experiences, they hope to inspire you to not only  break free from clutter—both physical and financial—but to embrace the changes that promise a brighter, more organized future.

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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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

Take My Journey

Starting a YouTube Channel at 62. Am I Crazy!

https://youtu.be/-ROSryh65XE?si=QHGuKjilCB9nu55N

Here are 5 positive things The Besties’ learned: 

1. Things are gonna be scary until you try them
2. Being bold in one area of your life will impact other areas
3. It takes time and money
4. It’s an opportunity to leave a legacy
5. It’s a labor of love

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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 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 from Brooklyn Leslie describes to her Bestie Angella what it felt like to direct her caring spirit inward- to wake up late without her usual to-do list, spend time with friends and loved ones, travel and contemplate what retirement might actually feel like.On her first day back to the operating room Leslie immediately felt back at home and recalled why medicine is truly  her calling.  Her time away from the demands of doctoring showed her that she really missed being away and that balancing a busy career with personal well-being is not only possible but essential.  She could certainly see herself moving toward retirement- just no time soon.

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.Get Angie’s eBook: We’re Too Old for This Shit! The Inquisitive Older Woman’s Guide to Joy

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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 adventures.

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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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 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 independence.

The conversation is sprinkled with the usual Besties humor as the guests peel back the layers of identity intertwined with careers, exploring how societal pressures keep many Black women tethered to jobs that drain rather than sustain and empower.

The Masterclass is a two day (Jan 8 & 9) online webinar that will leave you ready and prepared to face the challenges of managing your money while you contemplate a career change.

This week’s episode is a treasure trove for anyone ready to reclaim their narrative, prioritize well-being, and embrace the power of financial liberation.

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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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 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 between 2003 and 2013, over 100,000 stops were made per year. It became the subject of a racial-profiling lawsuit because 90% of those stopped were Black & Latino.  In his talk, Gladwell admits that his prior comments about the policy were wrong and offers an “apology”.

Besties Angella and Leslie dissect the components of an apology and critique the common tendency to prioritize self-justification over genuine remorse. They examine their own relationship and appreciate the supportive environment they’ve cultivated over 46 years.

The Tipping Point I Got Wrong | Malcolm Gladwell | TED

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Get 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 some of the benefits that come with it- cultural immersion, living like a local and saving on the cost of luxury accommodations.

As usual, the Besties discussion turns comedic as Leslie recalls some of her international ‘adventures’- a terrifying horseback ride up a volcano in Guatemala and a recent trip to a rainforest in Costa Rica where she described thumb sized beetles flying around her head.

With plenty of humor, curiosity, and a touch of wanderlust, this episode is a vibrant invitation to consider the enriching world of house-sitting and the friendships it may forge along the way.

TrustedHousitters

Exodus Summit

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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 smaller spaces that path may be made clearer.

Angella also gives us an update on an exciting house sitting opportunity that she is about to begin.  She sees this trip as an opportunity to ‘date’ a new city in her quest to travel around and possibly relocate abroad.

The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living With Less by Christine Platt

TrustedHousesitters

ExodUS Summit

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Besties 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 gives rise to a  mental heaviness and unease.

As usual, the Besties weave a poignant conversation with a humorous one as they consider a “Marie Kondo” style purge to tackle the clutter they’ve accumulated over the years. They describe resisting thrift store temptations and the reality check of necessary financial restraint. They resolve to clear the physical and mental clutter that bogs them down and look forward in the next episode to a deeper examination of the psychology of consumerism, accumulation and collecting and why they find it so difficult to live a more minimalist existence.

They really did Angi very wrong! Bolton Estate Cleanout & Sales
The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living With Less by Christine Platt
ExodUS Summit 2025 - The Path Abroad for Black Women
Glamazini: How I plan my year

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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 the internal conflict between staying in the US to fight for change and seeking refuge in simpler, less pressured environments abroad. 

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/06/40-acres-and-a-lie/

Their reflections touch on the symbolism of displaying the American flag, exploring the tension between having a sense of patriarchal ownership and the exhaustion of resistance. This episode and all previous episodes are available on YouTube.
 
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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 funny, the conversation that ensued turned quite serious and thought provoking. 

What if an alarm clock isn’t the answer to a chaotic schedule but instead requires a closer look at how you're managing a stressful time in your life?  The Besties’ banter, representing a nearly 50 year friendship, is more than just fun and games; it reveals the layers of support, grace and humor that keeps their friendship strong and resilient.  Their candid conversation highlights the importance of recognizing one's limits and the power of self-care, reminding us that rest and rejuvenation are not just luxuries, but necessities.

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