Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It

Phoenix Shares Her Journey Through Anxiety, Assault, Self-Worth and Creative Healing as an Artist

In 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 love * The pressure of trying to fit into labels and identities that never fully felt right * Living with anxiety and depression at a young age * Using marijuana and self-medication as coping mechanisms during adolescence * The importance of boundaries, self-reflection, and emotional accountability * How dance, theater, movement, and creative expression can become forms of healing * The complicated relationship many people have with body image and self-confidence * Learning how to give grace to your parents while still honoring your own pain * Building a healthier version of yourself through nature, art, community, and intentional healing What 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.

Finding Your Voice While Healing: Queer Identity, Community, and Being Seen Fully

In 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.

Turning 29, One Year Sober, and Finally Facing Myself After Years of Avoiding It

In 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 birthday * Traveling to the Philippines and embracing new experiences * The reality of hitting one year sober and what changed mentally and emotionally * Confronting self-sabotage, anxiety, and avoidance patterns * Redefining what joy, balance, and healing actually look like As 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.

Letting Go, Leveling Up, and Loving Ourselves: Reflections from Three Men Turning 30

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.

The Power of Brotherhood: Healing, Patience, and Lessons From Life’s Wildest Nights Together

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.