280 - Becoming a Caregiver at 26: Alzheimer’s, Advocacy, and Fighting Broken Systems with Jessica Guthrie
Release Date: 01/26/2026
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 ...
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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....
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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...
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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 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 millennials and young Gen Xers who are often thrust into these roles unexpectedly.
Through shared experiences—including Boonie’s own caregiving journey with her grandparents—this episode sheds light on the isolation, resilience, and advocacy required to care for loved ones, while offering practical guidance for anyone navigating or preparing for caregiving.
We get into:
🧠 Becoming a caregiver at a young age and what no one prepares you for
💔 The emotional and financial realities of caregiving—and the necessity of self-care
🏥 Navigating healthcare systems, bureaucracy, and learning to advocate fiercely
📋 The importance of routines, documentation, and sustainable caregiving practices
📑 Legacy planning, power of attorney, and having critical family conversations before crisis hits
This episode is both a resource and a reminder: caregiving is hard, often invisible work—but it matters deeply.
Follow & Learn More from Jessica Guthrie:
🌐 Website: www.jessicacguthrie.com
📲 Instagram: @Jessica_C_Guthrie
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