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Carlneesha Robinson: Building Community & Breaking Boundaries

In this episode, Quincy, sits down with Carlneeha Robinson, an Air Force tech sergeant and proud queer black content creator. Carlneesha shares her journey of balancing a high-pressure military career with a vibrant online presence, emphasizing humor, honesty, and authenticity. She opens up about her personal milestones, the joy of community-building, and the search for intentional love. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on visibility, resistance, and the courage to choose yourself, all wrapped up with candid anecdotes and future aspirations!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Finding Love and Intentional Relationships

02:08 Building an Online Community

05:54 Navigating Identity and Public Perception

09:20 Military Service and Personal Journey

12:33 Discovering Sexuality and Personal Experiences

18:14 Balancing Online Presence and Military Life

21:16 Exploring Power Dynamics in Relationships

21:54 Height Preferences and Dating

22:33 Navigating Queerness in the Military

23:46 Military Dating Rules and DEI Changes

26:48 Life as an Optometry Assistant in the Military

29:32 Balancing Military Life and Social Media

38:19 Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

instagram.com/carlneesha

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What happens when a single swipe rewrites your entire future? Olivia and Kelly didn't just fall in love-they leapt headfirst, marrying only months after meeting online and choosing to share their story with the world.

In this conversation, we delve beyond social media fame and the age-gap curiosity to uncover the private truths and what it means to carry love in public, as well as how two women are reshaping what queer relationships look like.

This isn't just about a viral couple. It's about risk, resilience, and the radical act of loving out loud.

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Welcome back to Cocoon After Dark! Season two launches with reflections on the impact of sharing personal stories and the importance of community, resonating across 380 cities in seven countries. Host Quincy discusses the theme of 'starting deeper' in 2026, emphasizing growth, alignment, and genuine connections. Quincy also addresses the challenges of navigating friendships amid political divides and the unexpected friendships gained through the podcast. The episode delves into personal growth, parental experiences, and the transformative power of love. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for support and explore Quincy’s consulting venture, Dreamy Cocoon Sleep, aimed at bringing stability and peace to busy households. Stay tuned for more engaging stories and connections.

00:00 Welcome to Season Two!

01:52 Reflecting on Last Year

02:28 Embracing Growth in 2026

03:41 Navigating Friendships and Politics

06:31 Building New Connections

07:40 Parenting in Modern Times

08:47 Finding Love Again

11:53 Encouragement and Support

13:02 Introducing Tree Me Cocoon Sleep

14:24 Closing Remarks

Dreamy Cocoon Sleep Co. Website

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In this final episode of season one, we sit down with Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, for a conversation about power, responsibility, and the lives shaped in between.

We talk about what LA28 represents—not just as a global moment, but as a real opportunity for LGBTQ-owned businesses to finally be seen, supported, and included in meaningful ways. Stephen shares how access, procurement, and long-term opportunity can either open doors or quietly close them, especially in a city as vast and complex as Los Angeles.

We also step away from policy and into the personal: what it means to build a life as a gay man in public leadership, how hiking with his husband around the world keeps him grounded, and his very human vision of one day retiring surrounded by dogs, nature, and a little more quiet.

This is a conversation about leadership with heart — and what it means to hold power with care.

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In this engaging episode of Cocoon After Dark, we welcome Kathy Barron, a witty and resilient writer, editor, and the driving force behind 'Women Who Sarcast' and 'Women Who Podcast.' Together, we delve into Kathy's journey through humor and sarcasm as tools of survival and connection in a world that often misunderstands both. From her early days of adventure and sports to her impactful contributions through magazine and podcasting, Kathy shares the layers of humor, heart, and defiance. We also touch on the power of storytelling, the challenges faced by independent women podcasters, and the importance of community and resilience in today's political climate. Tune in to discover how complexity and wit can be a profound form of grace.

00:00 Introduction to Cocoon After Dark

00:17 Meet Kathy Baron: The Woman Behind the Wit

01:12 Kathy's Journey: From New York to Podcasting

04:11 The Role of Sarcasm in Kathy's Life

09:47 The Birth of the Magazine

13:11 Challenges and Triumphs in Podcasting

24:01 Supporting the Next Generation

28:34 Reflecting on Childhood and Parental Influence

29:27 Visibility and Representation in Schools

33:57 Challenges and Support for the Trans Community

42:47 Podcasting and Community Building

44:43 Women Who Podcast Magazine

49:45 Future of Podcasting and Collaboration

53:21 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhopodcastmagazine/

and: https://www.instagram.com/womenwhosarcast/

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In this episode of 'Cocoon,' we sit down with Joy Matthews, a black queer health educator and volunteer coordinator at Together for Mental Wellbeing in the UK. Joy shares their journey of navigating complex relationships with their family, overcoming trauma, and redefining their mental health. They discuss the importance of community care, empathy, and a holistic approach to mental wellbeing. Joy reflects on their identity, experiences of dysmorphia, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures. Join us for an enlightening conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of care.

00:00 Introduction to Joy Matthews

01:34 Joy's Relationship with Parents

02:12 Overcoming Childhood Trauma

03:37 Navigating Mental Health and Identity

05:29 Reconnecting with Family

11:12 Stereotypes and Self-Discovery

14:08 Gender Identity and Body Image

24:07 Challenges in the Mental Health System

26:41 Daily Work and Mental Health Coaching

33:43 Facing Fears and Social Conventions

34:17 Understanding and Empathy in Trans Experiences

34:54 Personal Reflections and Advice to Younger Self

37:17 Family Acceptance and Personal Identity

39:31 Spirituality and Mental Health Journey

42:44 Embracing Opportunities and Personal Growth

54:07 Navigating Relationships and Social Perceptions

59:29 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections

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In this compelling podcast episode, the host, recording from a cabana in Hawaii, dives into an intimate conversation with Keala Kenley, a trailblazing surfer who defied stereotypes and broke barriers in the world of professional surfing. Keala recounts her childhood challenges of being perceived as different, her struggle with gender norms, and her relentless pursuit to be accepted and respected in a male-dominated sport. The discussion explores her time on the professional tour, the immense pressure to conform to traditional feminine images, and her groundbreaking achievements, including pioneering big wave surfing for women. Despite facing significant setbacks, discrimination, and financial instability, Keala’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. This episode is a powerful testament to her legacy and an eye-opening narrative on the intersection of sports, identity, and cultural change.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:09 Acknowledging Kayla's Impact

02:19 Kayla's Early Life and Gender Identity

05:07 Navigating Gender Expectations

09:08 Discovering Surfing and Seeking Acceptance

12:16 Struggles with Sexual Identity

15:49 Life on the Pro Surfing Tour

27:45 Coming Out and Living Authentically

34:30 Self-Work and Healing

35:16 Struggles with Bipolar Disorder

35:33 Tour Challenges and Suicidal Ideation

36:41 Support from Family

37:31 Leaving the Tour and HBO Opportunity

46:16 Transition to Free Surfing

48:28 Financial Struggles and Industry Bias

52:54 Breaking Barriers in Big Wave Surfing

01:05:39 Recognition and Continued Challenges

01:07:16 Final Thoughts and Call for Justice

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Join us for a profound conversation with Eboné Bell, a pioneering voice in representing queer women and non-binary individuals. From founding Tag Magazine to breaking stereotypes in leadership, Eboné shares her journey of creating spaces of inclusivity and authenticity. Discover her personal stories, the impact of her work, and insights on allyship, belonging, and leading with empathy. Don't miss this engaging and inspiring discussion on the importance of representation and living authentically.

00:00 Introduction to EA Bell

01:34 Holiday Plans and Traditions

04:42 Family Background and Upbringing

08:08 College Experiences and Challenges

12:55 The Power of Authenticity

18:22 Creating Tag Magazine

22:51 Reclaiming Personal Narrative

26:35 Exploring Music and Leadership

27:17 Challenging Leadership Norms

29:57 Empathy and Social Awareness

33:14 Travel Experiences and Cultural Insights

39:31 Misconceptions and Identity

45:10 Evolving Beliefs and Spirituality

53:39 Future Aspirations and Legacy

Find Eboné on Insta:https://www.instagram.com/ebone.bell/

Webiste: https://www.ebonebell.com/

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