Welcome to the first episode of The Getting Older Podcast in 2026—a special conversation that hits different. Host Ivory reunites with longtime friends Brandon Baker and Steven Brito for a full-circle moment, reflecting on how much life shifted in 2025 and what they're carrying—or leaving—into this new year.

If you've ever found yourself reevaluating friendships, setting boundaries, grieving old versions of yourself, or simply trying to figure out how to show up more honestly in your relationships, this episode will land with you. It’s honest. It’s healing. And it’s the kind of talk we rarely get to hear from men—especially men approaching 30, navigating adulthood, community, and identity with open hearts.

Ivory, Brandon, and Steven dig deep into how their past year unfolded—from internal growth to external changes. They get vulnerable about losing loved ones, navigating career pivots, finding their peace, and practicing presence through both discipline and discomfort. The conversation flows naturally from memories and milestones to moments of stillness, grief, and gratitude.

You’ll hear what they’re still quietly grieving, what boundaries they’re finally standing on, and what they’re no longer forcing. There’s a lot of honesty, a few hard-won lessons, and some surprisingly funny stories (like Ivory’s infamous boat moment in Colombia). But at the heart of it all is a shared commitment to becoming better men—not just for the world, but for themselves.

Key themes in this episode include:

• Letting go of old identities and unhealthy attachments

• Learning to say no without overexplaining

• Redefining what masculinity and friendship look like in adulthood

• Personal discipline through sobriety, fitness, and stillness

• Navigating grief after the loss of a parent

• Finding peace in patience—and discomfort in growth

• Reconnecting with community and protecting your energy

You’ll also hear how Steven is preparing for marriage, what Brandon is doing to reclaim his peace (and maybe his lover boy era), and why Ivory feels more grounded than he ever has—even while learning to accept praise, rest, and real connection.

As the trio looks back at where they started in 2025—especially that first episode, Break the Cycle—you’ll see the emotional and spiritual growth they’ve earned. It’s not just a recap. It’s a time capsule of transformation. Each of them gets real about the mental shifts, emotional pivots, and lifestyle changes that helped them navigate the past 12 months with more grace, even when it wasn’t always pretty.

They also open up about the pressures of being “the strong one” in their families and communities, and how that weight often goes unnoticed. From family estrangement to choosing yourself, they name what many feel but rarely say out loud.

Before wrapping, they each share:

• Their peak, pit, and plot twist of 2025

• One boundary they’re still working to protect

• What their 20-year-old self would say about the man they are now

• What kind of love—and life—they’re manifesting in 2026

Whether you're deep in your healing journey, trying to figure out your next move, or simply here for a real convo between friends, this episode brings warmth, depth, and clarity for anyone “getting older” and growing through it.

Want to connect with the podcast?

Subscribe to The Getting Older Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and wherever you tune in. New episodes drop regularly, featuring guests, community, and unfiltered conversations around mental health, healing, friendship, and growing up with grace.

Follow along for more on upcoming guests, behind-the-scenes stories, and ways to engage with the hosts. Got a topic you want to hear more about? Reach out to the show and let your voice be part of the conversation.

Let this episode be your gentle reminder: You don’t have to be perfect to be growing. And you’re not alone in figuring it out.

In this heartfelt and unfiltered Friendsgiving special of the Getting Older Podcast, Ivory brings together two of his longtime friends, Rai and Javier, for an open, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation about growth, healing, and the bonds that keep them grounded. What begins as a lighthearted Friendsgiving reunion quickly unfolds into an honest reflection on the highs, lows, and lessons that come with getting older and truly understanding oneself.

From the chaos of wild nights in Buffalo to the quiet moments of self-realization, this episode captures the balance between laughter and vulnerability. The three friends share how they’ve evolved—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—since their younger days, revealing how the meaning of friendship has transformed into something much deeper than shared memories or inside jokes. Each story becomes a reminder of how resilience and empathy are born through shared struggle.

Throughout their talk, Ivory, Rai, and Javier revisit pivotal moments in their journeys—from career shifts and mental health challenges to personal relationships that forced them to grow. Together, they unpack themes like healing from trauma, forgiving oneself, and redefining masculinity through compassion and openness. It’s a raw, real, and sometimes chaotic dialogue that reflects the beautiful messiness of life in your twenties and beyond.

Listeners will find themselves laughing one moment and deeply reflecting the next. The Friendsgiving theme adds a warm layer of gratitude and nostalgia as they celebrate how far they’ve come—individually and collectively—while acknowledging how much further they still have to go. Their chemistry and candor make the conversation feel less like an interview and more like a seat at the table with three people who’ve seen each other through everything from heartbreaks to healing.

This episode stands out for its authenticity and relatability. Whether it’s discussing the struggle to let go of pride, the courage to seek therapy, or the power of patience in love and friendship, every moment offers an insight that lingers. They also explore how societal expectations—about success, masculinity, or timing—often create unnecessary pressure, and why letting go of perfectionism is an act of liberation.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Honest reflections on mental health, hospitalization, and recovery—and what true support looks like between friends.

• Personal stories of embarrassment and redemption, proving that humor can coexist with healing.

• Deep dives into forgiveness, growth, and learning to set boundaries after toxic relationships or unhealthy dynamics.

• Conversations about validation, purpose, and redefining what it means to “have it all together” as an adult.

• Insights on patience, communication, and emotional maturity in both friendships and romantic relationships.

By weaving humor with introspection, this Friendsgiving episode of Getting Older becomes a reminder that growing up doesn’t mean having it all figured out—it means learning to keep showing up, for yourself and for those who matter most. It’s a story about brotherhood, faith, and finding clarity in the chaos. The energy is warm and familiar, like an evening spent with old friends where the laughter is loud, the truths are raw, and the lessons hit home long after the conversation ends.

If you’ve ever questioned where you’re headed, struggled with self-doubt, or needed reassurance that healing is not linear, this conversation will resonate deeply. It’s an episode that honors imperfection, celebrates vulnerability, and reminds listeners that getting older isn’t about losing your spark—it’s about learning to love yourself through every version of who you’ve been.

Because at the end of the day, getting older isn’t about age—it’s about awakening, laughter, and learning to embrace the journey together.

In this powerful episode of the Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory Young sits down with Joel Plummer—a celebrated educator, author, journalist, and photographer—whose influence has transformed generations of students in Plainfield, New Jersey, and beyond. With over two decades in the classroom and a career built on truth-telling and cultural empowerment, Plummer opens up about his purpose, his teaching philosophy, and the lifelong impact of helping others discover who they are.

From his early years in Plainfield to teaching at Plainfield High School and Rutgers University, Joel Plummer has built a legacy centered on identity, education, and authenticity. He shares the defining moment that led him to teaching—a simple algebra lesson that sparked a lifetime of purpose. That experience revealed his mission: to educate not just through information, but through connection and empowerment.

Listeners will hear Plummer unpack the challenges of his first year in education, a time he describes as one of the hardest years of his life. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him, including those who taught him that you can’t teach strangers—you have to know your students. His wisdom on classroom dynamics, comparing teaching to the rhythm and flow of an emcee, captures what great educators truly do: inspire engagement, trust, and curiosity.

Throughout this intimate conversation, Ivory and Joel explore themes of race, purpose, and healing. Plummer recounts how his own schooling—despite being led by Black educators—taught him almost nothing about Black history. That realization fueled his dedication to teaching African American Studies and Latino History, where he helps students rediscover the narratives that history books have ignored. He describes his mission as that of a historical optometrist—helping people see their past, present, and future clearly through the lens of truth.

A major part of this episode dives into Plummer’s powerful book “Black Kid, White School: What They Don’t Teach Your Black Child.” Inspired by his own children, the book exposes the hidden lessons and erased stories that shape the Black experience in America. Plummer shares how he wrote the book as a legacy—something his children and future generations could hold onto if he weren’t here to teach them directly. The conversation explores how storytelling, identity, and education intersect to build confidence and cultural pride.

Listeners will also discover another side of Plummer—the artist. As a professional photographer, he views art as resistance and storytelling as liberation. His camera becomes a tool for justice, capturing overlooked moments and elevating unseen voices. His reflections on art, culture, and representation reveal how creativity continues his lifelong mission of empowerment.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• Joel Plummer’s origin story and how mentorship shaped his purpose.

• His most difficult teaching years and what they taught him about perseverance.

• The creation and message behind “Black Kid, White School.”

• How art and education unite as forces for truth and change.

• Insightful lessons on mental health, balance, and boundaries in education.

• The importance of representation, legacy, and knowing your “why.”

By the end of this conversation, listeners will be reminded that teaching is more than a job—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, patience, and truth. Plummer’s story embodies what it means to lead with heart, educate with purpose, and build bridges between generations through honesty and love.

If you’ve ever searched for meaning, struggled with burnout, or needed encouragement to stay true to your purpose, this episode will resonate deeply. It’s a testament to how one person’s dedication can ripple outward and change countless lives.

To connect with Joel Plummer, visit joelplummer.com or follow him on Instagram at @profplummer. His book “Black Kid, White School” is available at Sindell’s Bookstore and Amazon.

What does it really take to dedicate your life to dance—and what happens when life throws you off rhythm?In this deeply candid anniversary episode of Get In on This, host Ira sits down with longtime friend and artist Leslie Merced for a conversation that blends friendship, vulnerability, and unfiltered honesty about what it means to heal in public. From growing up dancing in her aunt’s dining room in Plainfield, New Jersey, to gracing the stage with the Long Island Nets, Leslie’s journey is one of quiet strength, relentless determination, and rediscovering self-worth through movement.But this episode is about more than dance. It’s about identity, pressure, and the difficult question every creative faces: Who am I when I’m not performing? Leslie opens up about navigating a career-ending injury that wasn’t the end, dealing with body image in an industry obsessed with perfection, and how her ACL tear led to unexpected revelations about rest, rebirth, and redefining success on her own terms.Whether you're a dancer, a dreamer, or simply someone in transition, this episode offers the kind of grounded perspective that reminds us healing isn’t linear—and it’s rarely glamorous.In this episode, Leslie and Ira discuss:The early days of dance training, including tap, ballet, jazz, and her first studio at age 2.5How growing up Latina shaped her experience in competitive dance and pageantryWhat it felt like to win National American Miss New Jersey and how that influenced her confidenceThe internal conflict between making family proud and staying true to a creative pathWhy middle school was the turning point when she realized dance was more than a hobby—it was her callingThe emotional toll of being judged by appearance, and how Leslie fought back against industry biasHer decision to pursue dance at SUNY Purchase, and how her time there deepened her understanding of performance, sacrifice, and staminaThe power of studying abroad in South Korea and how it expanded her worldview as both a dancer and educatorHer honest experience with post-graduation burnout, working a 9-to-5 job, and questioning her identity outside of movementThe unexpected ACL tear that changed everything—and how Leslie is rebuilding herself physically and emotionallyWhy Pilates has become not just a recovery tool, but a new chapter in her professional lifeWhat it means to lead, teach, and make space for joy in a discipline that often emphasizes painAnd finally, how she’s embracing vulnerability, building a digital community, and preparing for her comeback—on her own termsThroughout the episode, Ira and Leslie reflect not just on personal milestones, but on what it means to keep going when things fall apart. Their back-and-forth is warm, grounded, and packed with insights for anyone learning to hold space for both ambition and self-compassion.Who should listen to this episode?This one’s for the:Creatives and artists navigating setbacks or burnoutDancers and athletes recovering from injuryMillennials rethinking identity, purpose, and hustle cultureAnyone exploring healing through movement, therapy, or storytellingListeners looking for real conversations around body image, worthiness, and joyLeslie doesn’t just talk about resilience—she lives it. Her story is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t come after success; it often shows up in the middle of our hardest moments. And sometimes, the greatest performances aren’t the ones we rehearse—they’re the ones we live through.If you’ve ever felt like you were starting over, or if you’ve ever asked yourself, "What now?"—this episode is for you.Want more from this episode?Follow Leslie Merced on Instagram: @les_loves_lifeCheck out her Pilates content and classes at @leslatespilatesKeep up with Get In on This by subscribing on your favorite streaming platformLeave us a review—it helps more people find these conversationsKnow someone who needs to hear this? Share the episode and start a conversation.

In this deeply honest and wide-ranging episode of the Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory sits down with longtime friend and dynamic guest Skye Pasek—a birth doula, parent educator, and full-spectrum creative with a heart that knows no limits. What unfolds is a conversation that blends vulnerability, wit, and wisdom in equal measure.Ivory and Skye first crossed paths over a decade ago at Montclair State, and from dorm elevators to late-night talks about life, their friendship has seen it all. In this episode, they unpack everything from childhood identity and growing pains to what it means to show up for yourself when the world gets heavy.Skye opens up about being a mixed-race Black woman, growing up in a musical, faith-centered household, and how her perspective on race, identity, and belonging has evolved with time. Her reflections on not fitting neatly into one category—and why that’s perfectly okay—hit home for anyone navigating their own self-definition.But the episode goes far beyond identity. Skye shares how she's learned to enforce boundaries, protect her peace, and embrace solo experiences—from karaoke nights alone to a spontaneous solo trip to San Francisco that turned into a turning point.This conversation is a lesson in soft power, self-awareness, and the art of self-rescue. Skye doesn’t just talk about healing—she embodies it. And while her strength is undeniable, she’s refreshingly honest about the cost of always being strong.Topics explored in this episode include:Navigating life as a biracial woman with a Black mother and white fatherChildhood joys, loneliness, and the beauty of growing up in a musical householdThe realities of being an empath and the cost of people-pleasingLetting go of FOMO and learning to enjoy your own companyWhat it means to do the “hard healing” that’s not always Instagram-worthyWhy solo trips can be sacredBalancing ambition with softness, and independence with the desire for partnershipLater in the episode, Skye opens up about her journey to becoming a doula—a role that bridges her passion for service with her roots. In a powerful moment, she shares how her great-great-grandmother was a midwife, and how that ancestral connection helped guide her into this work. Through intimate birth stories, hospital sprints, and high-emotion deliveries, Skye offers a front-row seat to the raw beauty of birth, womanhood, and care work.But the emotional core of the episode arrives with the story of Malachi Archibald, a student Skye worked with as a paraprofessional. Malachi, battling a brain tumor, became her close companion during his senior year. The story of their bond—and his passing—offers a profound reminder of the fragility and beauty of life. It’s tender, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.As the conversation comes full circle, Ivory and Skye reflect on the evolving meaning of friendship, love, ambition, and what it truly means to keep going when life tests your limits. It’s not about having the answers—it’s about choosing to move forward anyway.Whether you’re in your healing era, questioning your life path, or simply craving a meaningful conversation with heart, this episode delivers. Skye’s voice is both a balm and a mirror—offering comfort, truth, and a reminder that you’re not alone.Connect and Engage:Want to keep up with Skye’s journey?Follow her doula and wellness work at Sky Who Serves on Instagram: @skyewhoservesFor her personal updates: @skye.well

In this episode of Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory welcomes Luis Guzmán, the creator and host of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman. Known for his ability to bridge artistry and entrepreneurship, Luis sits down to share his powerful journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation. From growing up in Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, to chasing his first passion in music, to finding clarity in business and faith, his story is both raw and inspiring. This conversation dives deep into themes of ego, addiction, therapy, creativity, and what it truly means to stay authentic in a world obsessed with image and numbers.Luis opens up about his early years and the influence of his single mother who raised him in the face of poverty and adversity. He describes how music became his first passion, a creative outlet that allowed him to turn pain and insecurity into art. His rap career led him to create independent albums, sell CDs by hand at Jersey Gardens Mall, and even collaborate with Noriega. But despite moments of recognition, he admits how jealousy, comparison, and burnout pushed him away from music. The lessons he learned from those years set the foundation for the creative philosophy he carries today.One of the most striking parts of Luis’s story is his candid reflection on ego. He explains how ego can build walls that block growth, relationships, and true opportunities. For him, learning to “check the ego at the door” became essential, not only in content creation but in life. By asking himself “Who am I?” in moments of self-importance or selfishness, Luis has been able to reset, focus on service, and stay connected to humility.The episode also explores Luis’s battles with addiction and weight. At one point, he weighed over 330 pounds and leaned heavily on food as a coping mechanism, tied to his childhood experiences of being comforted with meals after punishment. Later, weed became another escape, turning from a social pastime into a daily habit that spiraled into dependence. He shares how a pivotal moment with his wife, coupled with watching Bohemian Rhapsody, convinced him to quit smoking in 2018. The withdrawal was painful, but on the other side came growth: marriage, fitness, therapy, and a renewed sense of purpose.Luis doesn’t shy away from discussing mental health. He acknowledges his struggles with body dysmorphia, self-criticism, and the fear of losing everything. Therapy, faith, and discipline—like his rigorous 4 a.m. workouts—help him navigate those challenges. He emphasizes that doing hard things, even when they suck, creates resilience and helps dismantle ego.The discussion highlights the values behind I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman. For Luis, artistry is about integrity, passion, and intention, while salesmanship often carries a negative stereotype of manipulation. He believes it is possible to sell without selling out, to build something sustainable while staying aligned with one’s values. That means saying no to opportunities that compromise authenticity, even if they promise quick money or visibility.By the end, both Ivory and Luis circle back to the same core message: stay true to yourself, embrace the journey, and don’t sell out your integrity for short-term gain. Their dialogue is filled with vulnerability, wisdom, and encouragement for anyone building a creative career, battling personal struggles, or searching for meaning.Engage with Us:We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Share what resonated with you, what inspired you, or what challenges you’re currently facing in your own creative or personal journey. Subscribe to Getting Older Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio to stay updated on new episodes. Leave a rating and review to help us grow, and join the conversation by commenting on the platforms where you listen. For more inspiring stories and behind-the-scenes content, follow Ivory and the podcast community online and become part of the journey.

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, host Ivory sits down with longtime friend and powerhouse marketing consultant Keyshawna Johnson for a real conversation about ambition, reinvention, and why she walked away from agency life to build her own consultancy: Scale with Key.From performing arts school to leading marketing departments for some of the top agencies in New York and Miami, Keyshawna has taken a nontraditional path to building a career she loves—one rooted in strategy, creativity, and helping brands scale with intention.But the journey hasn’t been linear.They talk about everything from:Growing up in a Caribbean-American household with a strong focus on education and excellenceNavigating rejection after applying to top conservatories like Juilliard and TischDiscovering a passion for media and marketing through unexpected college coursesHosting her own radio show at Rutgers (Brown Sugar Radio!) and how it shaped her voiceThe hard decision to pivot from a lifelong dream of acting to a strategic career in brandingBuilding confidence as the youngest department head in her agency—and the challenge of gaining respect as a young Black woman in leadershipLiving in Miami, working with high-growth DTC brands, and building a life she loves on her termsBut this episode goes way deeper than the resumé stuff.Keyshawna opens up about the pressure to succeed, the weight of expectations from family and mentors, and the moment she realized that choosing financial stability wasn’t giving up on herself—it was honoring her journey.Key Takeaways:“Discipline from the arts translates into business.” How acting school taught her to listen deeply—a skill she now uses in consulting and leadership.“Your marketing strategy can’t stop at Instagram.” Why most founders are missing massive retention opportunities.“Sometimes the data proves the creativity.” How she combines gut instinct with test-driven growth to deliver results for clients.“Being good at your job is only half the battle. The other half is being seen.” How she carved space in the room—and then built her own table.Keyshawna also shares her viral “STEMI Sale” campaign, which generated nearly half a million dollars in just a few days for a DTC brand—and how that one spontaneous idea reminded her why she’s made for this work.Scale with Key, her consulting brand, was built to help ambitious founders who’ve already found product-market fit and revenue traction—but don’t have the systems to scale sustainably. She walks us through her ideal clients, the gaps she helps brands fill, and the #1 misconception most small businesses have about marketing strategy (spoiler: it’s not all about paid ads).She also talks candidly about the politics of agency life, why she ultimately walked away, and how she’s building a more values-aligned business by choosing projects, people, and partnerships that energize her.You’ll also hear real talk on:Moving to Miami solo and what surprised her most about the cultureBeing an empath and how she manages emotional boundaries in businessOutgrowing people-pleasing and embracing a “tunnel vision” mindset.Want to connect with Keyshawna or work with her?🌐 Website: www.keyshawnaj.com📧 Email: keyshawna@scalewithkey.com📱 Instagram: @scalewithkeyLove this episode? Here’s how you can support the show:Subscribe wherever you’re listeningShare it with someone who needs to hear itLeave a rating or review to help us growFollow us on Instagram @gettingolderpodcast for updates and behind-the-scenesThank you for being here—and remember: be kind to each other, and also to yourself.

In this powerful and emotional episode of Getting Older, host Ivory Fennell sits down with twin flames Keisha and Janine—registered nurses, spiritual healers, and hosts of Truth Be Told Conversations—for a transformative crossover experience centered around truth, trauma, and healing.

What begins as a planned business collaboration turns into something much deeper: Ivory’s first quantum healing hypnotherapy session at Uplift Vibrational Wellness Center. The experience cracks open long-buried emotions tied to childhood, identity, and self-worth—and sparks a spiritual breakthrough that he never saw coming.

Ivory opens up about the shame and self-hate that followed him for decades—growing up Black and gay in a world that told him he wasn’t enough. Despite success and therapy, he still carried invisible wounds. In this session, he’s confronted with the root of that pain—and with the help of Keisha and Janine, begins the journey of letting it go.

Through conversation, the trio explores how trauma embeds in the subconscious, how it impacts our relationships and self-image, and how spiritual healing can unlock peace. Keisha and Janine explain the tools they use in their work—like quantum hypnotherapy, past life regression, energy healing, and Akashic Records—and how they guide people to reconnect with their true selves.

The episode also digs into the concept of twin flames. Keisha and Janine share how their own unexpected journey toward each other helped awaken their spiritual gifts and purpose. They talk about leaving behind traditional structures, embracing their calling, and the importance of doing “shadow work” to raise your vibration and live in alignment.

Ivory shares excerpts from his hypnotherapy session and talks about what it was like to surrender to something bigger than himself. From emotional releases to divine messages, he emerges from the experience with more clarity, softness, and self-forgiveness than he’s ever known.

This episode explores:

• What quantum healing hypnotherapy actually is

• The root causes of self-sabotage and repeating cycles

• How religion and spirituality can coexist

• What it means to raise your vibration and heal karmic wounds

• Twin flames, spiritual contracts, and why you were sent here

• The importance of self-trust, grace, and forgiveness

Keisha and Janine remind us that healing is a process—but it’s also your right. You don’t have to stay in pain. You don’t have to keep playing small. And you’re not alone.

Ivory's journey is a mirror for anyone who’s ever struggled to believe they are enough. His vulnerability in this conversation is raw, honest, and a powerful reminder that the road to healing doesn’t start with perfection—it starts with truth.

This episode will move you, challenge you, and hopefully inspire you to look inward with compassion. Because growth isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.

Featured Guests:
Keisha & Janine – Twin flames, registered nurses, intuitive healers, and hosts of Truth Be Told Conversations. Founders of Uplift Vibrational Wellness Center in New Jersey.

Topics Covered:

• Hypnotherapy and emotional release

• Spiritual awakenings and downloads

• Inner child and identity trauma

• Twin flame dynamics and soul growth

• Religion vs. spirituality

• Vibration, karma, and soul alignment

Connect with Truth Be Told Conversations:
Instagram: @truthbetoldconversations
YouTube: Truth Be Told Conversations
Website: upliftvibrationalwellnesscenter.com

Follow Getting Older Pod:
Instagram: @gettingolderpod
YouTube: @GettingOlderPod
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