262 - Why Modern Dating Feels Broken with Naza Shelley
Release Date: 03/10/2025
283 - Your Pleasure Era Starts Now with Ashley Cobb
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode of The Boonie Breakdown, Boonie welcomes back friend of the podcast Ashley Cobb, who returns not just as a guest—but as a newly published author. The two dive into Ashley’s debut book, Pleasure Please: The Black Woman's Guide to Unapologetic Pleasure and Confidence, and the journey that took her from podcast host to author. The book’s creative structure is built around the alphabet, with each letter representing a theme that invites readers to explore pleasure, confidence, relationships, and self-discovery in a way that allows them to jump around and engage with the...
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282 - Finding Joy in the Chaos with Shika
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I catch up with my homie Shika for a candid conversation full of reflection, laughter, and realness. We talk about protecting your peace, finding joy in chaotic times, and how navigating life lately requires equal parts honesty, rest, and humor. We also discuss: ✨ The importance of self-care, therapy, and emotional healing 🎶 Our appreciation for Jill Scott’s artistic evolution and what it means to grow alongside the music 📺 Nostalgic pop culture moments, including America’s Next Top Model and reflections on Tyra Banks 💬 Masculinity, emotional labor, and why care...
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281 - Discipline Over Vibes with Brian
The Boonie Breakdown
In this episode, I’m joined by our resident problematic fav Brian for a funny, honest, and low-key dragging conversation about the lie we tell ourselves every January: “New Year, New Me.” We get real about why most resolutions flop, how self-awareness is the missing ingredient to growth, and what it actually looks like to hold yourself accountable instead of just talking about change. From tech foolishness to internet culture rants, reality TV hot takes, and our very personal health and habit check-ins, this one is equal parts laughs and life lessons — with a little gym trauma...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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: 📢...
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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...
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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...
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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_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
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