262 - Why Modern Dating Feels Broken with Naza Shelley
Release Date: 03/10/2025
280 - Becoming a Caregiver at 26: Alzheimer’s, Advocacy, and Fighting Broken Systems with Jessica Guthrie
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode of The Boonie Breakdown, Boonie sits down for a powerful and necessary conversation with Jessica Guthrie, a dementia caregiving advocate and thought leader who shares her deeply personal journey as the primary caregiver for her mother, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Jessica opens up about becoming a full-time caregiver at just 26 years old—uprooting her life, navigating grief in real time, and learning the realities of caregiving without a roadmap. Together, Boonie and Jessica unpack the emotional, financial, and systemic challenges caregivers face, particularly...
info_outline
279 - Romance Novels, Red Flags, and Real Life with Kurvy Katie
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, Boonie returns from hiatus with laughs, honesty, and real conversation. I’m joined by influencer and comedian Kurvy Katie, whose evolution from plus-size fashion content creator to viral comedic voice has resonated across Instagram and TikTok. Together, we break down creativity, dating, self-worth, and the cultural shifts shaping how women—especially women in their 40s—show up online and in real life. We get into: 🎭 Curvy Katie’s journey from fashion influencer to comedy and what going viral really looks like behind the scenes 👗 The challenges plus-size...
info_outline
278 - Raw & Real: HIV, Condoms, and the Sex Recession with Dr. Shemeka Thorpe
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shemeka Thorpe—award-winning sex researcher, Black feminist scholar, and sexual health expert—to break down the most urgent issues impacting Black women’s sexual health in 2025. From HIV prevention to the “sex recession,” we tackle the topics many communities aren’t talking about but absolutely should be. We get into: 🛡️ HIV & AIDS prevention for Black women and why proactive tools like PrEP for women matter now more than ever 📉 The rise of the sex recession and why younger generations are having less sex—or turning to more extreme...
info_outline
277 - Shedding, Shifting, and Skipping Christmas
The Boonie Breakdown
In this solo episode, I’m sounding off on politics, burnout, and why I might be in my season of shedding. Boonie Live: New Orleans—new guests, new energy, and ticket price drops - get tickets here: thebooniebreakdown.com/live. Then we get into The Boonie Five Spot: 🌿 A Season of Shedding 🎄 Cancel Christmas? 💄 Celebrity Product Push Fatigue 📚 Thought Leaders or Thought Leeches? 🤝 What Support Really Looks Like It’s honest, funny, and full of reflection as I navigate change and peace in real time. 💜 Join Boonie over on Patreon: 📢...
info_outline
276 - Swipe Right on Maturity: Inside the Fox Hunters Club with Brownie Marie
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I sit down with Brownie Marie, the visionary founder of Fox Hunters Club, a groundbreaking dating app created for millennial women seeking serious, intentional relationships with Gen X and Baby Boomer men. Tired of the superficial swiping and the transactional vibes found on most dating platforms, Brownie set out to build a space that centers authenticity, maturity, and connection—without the sugar daddy stigma. We dive deep into: 💘 The inspiration behind Fox Hunters Club and why it’s not your typical age-gap app 💬 How intentional dating can transform your mindset...
info_outline
275 - Trick-or-Treat and Tryna Survive with Shika
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I catch up with my homie Shika for a free-spirited, unfiltered conversation — classic Boonie Breakdown energy. We dive into everything from the government shutdown to pop culture moments that have us in our feelings (and our opinions). We also discuss: 💼 The real impact of the government shutdown and job uncertainty 🎃 Our hilarious and unconventional childhood Halloween memories 🎤 The brilliance of D’Angelo and our mixed thoughts on Megan Thee Stallion’s new track 🤖 Our love-hate relationship with technology and how AI is shaping everyday life Plus, I...
info_outline
274 - The Complexity of Attraction with Brian
The Boonie Breakdown
🛍️ Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: Let’s Keep in Touch! 📲 Follow on Instagram: 📘 Like on Facebook: 📩 Email: or submit comments at 💬 Use the hashtag #TheBoonieBreakdown and tag #PodIn to share your thoughts. Chapters Welcome to the Final Season Dating Dynamics: Ugly vs. Pretty Housekeeping and Future Plans Kicking Off with Brian The Challenge of Attraction Drag of the Week: Government Shutdown Social Media's Impact on Self-Image Celibacy vs. Abstinence Intentions in Dating Final Thoughts on Relationships Closing Remarks and Thank You ...
info_outline
273 - Ratchet Reflections with Boonie
The Boonie Breakdown
In this solo episode closing out Season 14, I’m sounding off on everything from chaotic reality TV to the very real “romance recession” y’all are living through. Then we get into the good stuff: 💋 Love Island drama and the emotional chaos of bingeing 20+ episodes—why is everyone kissing everybody?! 🎤 Getting hyped for the Cowboy Carter concert and celeb beauty products that actually do what they say. 🧳 The struggle of packing. Because why does it take this much energy now?? 💔 The “romance recession”—a real convo about why so many women are tired of the dating scene....
info_outline
272 - Unlearning the BS with Dr. Donna Oriowo
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Donna Oriowo—the brilliant therapist, dynamic speaker, and now author of Drink Water and Mind Your Business: A Black Woman’s Guide to Unlearning the BS and Healing Your Self-Esteem. Known for her candid insights and unapologetic approach to mental wellness, Dr. Donna returns to break down what it really means to heal, unlearn, and radically embrace self-worth as a Black woman. We dive deep into: 🧠 The difference between self-esteem and self-confidence—and why it matters 😞 How shame shows up in our lives and keeps us disconnected from ourselves...
info_outline
271 - Why You’re Not Ready for the Love You Say You Want with Brian & KG
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I’m joined by two of my favorite guests—Brian, our problematic fav, and KG, our responsible fav—for a real, unfiltered conversation about dating in today’s world. For the first time, we explore the game from both of their perspectives, diving into the chaos, calm, confusion, and comedy that comes with it. We talk about the shift from “Brian-type” energy—thrilling but unstable—to “Kenny-type” stability and why so many women say they want the latter but still get caught up in the former. There are moments that left me speechless (literally) as we unpack...
info_outlineIn this episode, Naza Shelley, CEO and founder of Carpe Diem Dating, breaks down the biggest frustrations in modern dating—especially for Black women. As an attorney-turned-matchmaker, Naza shares her journey in building a dating app that prioritizes meaningful connections over endless swiping.
We dive into the realities of online dating, ghosting, and the disconnect between what dating apps promote versus what users actually want. Naza offers expert insights on navigating today’s dating scene, including how to approach dating with confidence and clarity.
Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for making real-life connections, setting clear relationship expectations, and shifting their dating mindset to attract better matches.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone tired of the dating games and looking for real love.
Follow Naza Shelley here:
Instagram: @carpedmboss & @carpedmdating
Website: https://www.carpedmdating.com/
A transcript of the full episode is available here.
Join Boonie over on Patreon for exclusive content and events here: Patreon.com/TheBoonieBreakdown
The hashtag for the podcast is #TheBoonieBreakdown. Share with others using #PodIn.
Shop The Boonie Breakdown Store: www.thebooniebreakdown.com/shop
Follow The Boonie Breakdown on Social Media:
IG: @TheBoonieBreakdown
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBoonieBreakdown
Have something to say? You can ask your questions or send comments via email to thebooniebreakdown@gmail.com or submit them here: www.thebooniebreakdown.com/contact.