Podcast
Getting Older Podcast
Hosted by Ivory Fennell · EN
Getting Older with Ivory Fennell is a raw and relatable podcast about the awkward, hilarious, and painful realities of growing up. Host Ivory Fennell keeps it real on everything from career missteps and financial struggles to love, friendships, and mental health. Through personal stories and honest conversations, the show explores what it means to grow, heal, and figure life out—one messy step at a time.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Phoenix Shares Her Journey Through Anxiety, Assault, Self-Worth and Creative Healing as an Artist
3w ago01:12:19Tap to summarizeIn this deeply vulnerable episode of Getting Older, Ivory Fennell sits down with actress, movement artist, model, and creative director Phoenix for an honest conversation about identity, trauma, healing, creativity, and what it really means to grow through life instead of simply surviving it.From the very beginning, Phoenix opens up about being raised in Plainfield, New Jersey by two mothers in a home that constantly welcomed foster children, adopted siblings, and people searching for safety. She reflects on growing up as the only girl in a chaotic but loving household, navigating feelings of isolation, and struggling to understand where she fit in emotionally, culturally, and personally. What starts as a conversation about childhood quickly unfolds into a much deeper discussion about belonging, self-worth, and the emotional weight children often carry without realizing it.Throughout the episode, Phoenix shares how dance, acting, and movement became more than creative outlets. They became survival tools. Whether it was performing in school productions, finding confidence through theater, or eventually stepping into modeling and artistic direction, creativity gave her a place where she could finally express emotions she did not yet have the language to explain.The conversation also explores some of the most painful chapters of Phoenix’s journey. She speaks candidly about experiencing anxiety, depression, sexual assault, and the long-term emotional effects of trying to heal while still learning who she was. Instead of presenting healing as something linear or polished, both Phoenix and Ivory discuss the reality of what recovery actually looks like day to day. Some days are empowering. Other days are heavy. But through reflection, community, creativity, and self-awareness, Phoenix explains how she slowly learned to reconnect with herself in healthier ways.One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Phoenix discusses her relationship with her body and how figure modeling unexpectedly became part of her healing process. After years of feeling disconnected from herself, she describes how being seen as art instead of an object transformed the way she viewed her body, her presence, and her value. It becomes a larger conversation about vulnerability, trust, and learning to reclaim ownership over yourself after trauma.Ivory and Phoenix also dive into:Growing up in a foster household and the emotional impact of losing people you loveThe pressure of trying to fit into labels and identities that never fully felt rightLiving with anxiety and depression at a young ageUsing marijuana and self-medication as coping mechanisms during adolescenceThe importance of boundaries, self-reflection, and emotional accountabilityHow dance, theater, movement, and creative expression can become forms of healingThe complicated relationship many people have with body image and self-confidenceLearning how to give grace to your parents while still honoring your own painBuilding a healthier version of yourself through nature, art, community, and intentional healingWhat makes this episode especially powerful is the honesty both Ivory and Phoenix bring into the room. There is no pretending to have everything figured out. Instead, the conversation creates space for people who are still learning, still healing, and still trying to understand themselves while navigating adulthood.If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow Getting Older on all streaming platforms and subscribe for future conversations centered around mental health, healing, relationships, identity, and the realities of growing through life.
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Finding Your Voice While Healing: Queer Identity, Community, and Being Seen Fully
Apr 1601:21:10Tap to summarizeIn this deeply reflective episode of The Getting Older Podcast, host Ivory Fennell sits down with filmmaker, storyteller, and community builder Ronald Hinton for a conversation that explores identity, healing, and the power of telling your own story. From growing up in New York City public housing to creating a series that centers unapologetic queer voices, Ronald shares how his lived experiences shaped both his artistry and his purpose.This episode dives into the intersection of queerness, culture, and community, unpacking what it means to exist in spaces that don’t always reflect your full identity. Ronald opens up about being a queer, Afro-Puerto Rican creative, navigating environments where he felt both seen and unseen, and how that tension ultimately pushed him toward storytelling. What started as a childhood fascination with television evolved into a mission to create narratives that represent the complexities of real people, especially those often overlooked in mainstream media.Together, Ivory and Ronald also explore the emotional layers behind coming out, self-acceptance, and representation. They reflect on how media shaped their early perceptions of queerness, the pressure to fit into narrow stereotypes, and the internal conflict that comes with trying to define yourself outside of those boxes. Through vulnerability and honesty, this conversation highlights how healing is often tied to reclaiming your narrative and choosing to be seen fully.At the center of this episode is Ronald’s series Natives, a project rooted in authentic storytelling and lived experience. He breaks down the journey of bringing the show to life, from writing and crowdfunding to navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking. More importantly, he shares how the series became a form of healing, allowing him to reconnect with his roots and challenge the stigmas surrounding public housing and queer identity.Listeners will also hear a powerful discussion on burnout, hustle culture, and the reality of chasing creative dreams. Both Ivory and Ronald speak candidly about the pressure to constantly be productive, the toll it takes on mental health, and the importance of finding balance. This episode doesn’t romanticize the grind, it humanizes it, reminding listeners that success isn’t just about output, but about sustainability and self-awareness.Key moments from the episode include:- The origin story behind Natives and how real-life experiences shaped its characters and themes- Navigating queer identity in environments that don’t always feel safe or affirming- The realities of independent filmmaking, including funding, community support, and creative control- Unlearning hustle culture and prioritizing mental health while pursuing big dreams- The importance of representation and creating space for stories that reflect real, complex livesThis conversation is for anyone who has ever felt out of place, underestimated, or unsure of where they belong. It’s about finding your voice, honoring your truth, and understanding that your story matters, even when the world hasn’t made space for it yet.If you connected with this episode, make sure to follow The Getting Older Podcast for more conversations that explore the real, unfiltered experience of growing up. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and join the conversation by connecting with Ivory Fennell and the podcast on social media. Your support helps amplify these stories and keeps the dialogue going.
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Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It
Apr 200:23:42Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal solo episode, Ivory Fennell returns to the mic after a brief hiatus to reflect on what has already been a transformative start to 2026. From celebrating his golden birthday to traveling across the world, this episode captures what it really looks like to grow through discomfort, sit with your emotions, and finally start choosing yourself.Ivory opens up about turning 29 and the complicated relationship he’s had with birthdays over the years. What should feel like celebration has often been tied to anxiety, pressure, and self-sabotage. Instead of forcing a perfect moment, he shares what it looked like to sit in those feelings, and how the love of close friends helped him shift his perspective and embrace the idea that getting older can actually be something to appreciate.The conversation then moves into one of the biggest highlights of his year so far: a life-changing trip to the Philippines. From the chaos and culture of Manila to the beauty and joy of Boracay, Ivory reflects on what it means to be fully present in new environments. More than just a vacation, the experience became a reminder of how much life exists outside of routine, and how important it is to allow yourself to feel joy without overthinking it.But at the core of this episode is something much deeper. With the help of his producer, Ivory opens up about reaching one full year of sobriety. He speaks honestly about his past relationship with alcohol, the ways he used it to avoid confronting his emotions, and what it took to finally sit with himself in silence. The journey wasn’t easy, and he doesn’t pretend that it was. Instead, he shares the small milestones, the internal battles, and the surprising clarity that came with choosing a different path.This episode is about more than milestones. It’s about identity, accountability, and growth. It’s about realizing that healing isn’t a straight line, and that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the moments you’d rather avoid. Ivory also touches on what it felt like to revisit alcohol after a year away, offering a grounded and honest perspective on what “balance” looks like for him now.Throughout the episode, listeners will find themselves reflecting on their own journeys, especially when it comes to self-worth, habits, and emotional honesty. Ivory’s storytelling remains raw, unfiltered, and relatable, reminding you that you’re not alone in the process of figuring life out.In this episode, we talk about:Turning 29 and navigating the emotions behind a golden birthdayTraveling to the Philippines and embracing new experiencesThe reality of hitting one year sober and what changed mentally and emotionallyConfronting self-sabotage, anxiety, and avoidance patternsRedefining what joy, balance, and healing actually look likeAs always, Getting Older Podcast is a space for real conversations about the highs and lows of growing up. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear it. You can stay connected with Ivory Fennell and keep up with new episodes by following the podcast on all major streaming platforms and social channels. Your support helps continue these honest conversations and reminds others that they’re not alone in their journey.
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Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Loving Ourselves: Reflections from Three Men Turning 30
Jan 801:48:34Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 attachmentsLearning to say no without overexplainingRedefining what masculinity and friendship look like in adulthoodPersonal discipline through sobriety, fitness, and stillnessNavigating grief after the loss of a parentFinding peace in patience—and discomfort in growthReconnecting with community and protecting your energyYou’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 2025One boundary they’re still working to protectWhat their 20-year-old self would say about the man they are nowWhat kind of love—and life—they’re manifesting in 2026Whether 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.
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The Power of Brotherhood: Healing, Patience, and Lessons From Life’s Wildest Nights Together
Nov 2701:33:37Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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The Power of Purpose: Joel Plummer on Teaching Truth, Mentorship, and the Art of Representation
Nov 1301:54:31Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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Dancing Through Doubt: Leslie Merced on Body Image, Burnout, and Finding Purpose Beyond Performance
Oct 2901:17:08Tap to summarizeWhat 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.
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Solo Trips, Soft Power & Sacred Boundaries: Skye Pasek on Healing, Friendship, and Growth
Oct 1501:34:22Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Luis Guzman on Overcoming Ego, Addiction, and Building a Creative Life with Integrity
Oct 201:44:00Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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How Keyshawna Johnson Built a Marketing Career by Breaking the Rules—and Trusting Her Own Voice
Sep 1101:00:09Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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