Cocoon After Dark

By Quincy Tessaverne

There’s a certain kind of story we only tell in the dark.

The kind that lingers. The kind we’ve carried in silence. The kind that needs soft lighting, no interruptions, and someone w

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FAQs about Cocoon After Dark:

How many episodes does Cocoon After Dark have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.

Cocoon After Dark episodes:

January 21, 2026 Queer, Black, Social Media Influencer, and Tech Sargent in the Army: Carlneesha
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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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45min
January 15, 2026 Love at First Swipe: Olivia and Kelly Unfiltered
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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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1h 2min
January 07, 2026 Solo with Quincy Season 2 Launch: When Silence Costs You People-and Love Finds You Anyway
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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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15min
December 31, 2025 Immigrant roots and queer identity in rooms of real power. Stephen Cheung: Inside the Rooms Where LA Decides
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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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56min
December 25, 2025 Shattering Ceilings: Kathy Barron on Propelling Women Podcasters Forward
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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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1h 2min
December 17, 2025 Not a Man. Not a Woman. Beyond the Binary with Joy Matthews
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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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1h 1min
December 10, 2025 Against the Current: Keala Kennelly's Championing of Diversity in Surfing
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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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1h 10min
December 04, 2025 Fun, Fierce, and Fearless: Eboné Bell Gets Real!!
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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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58min
December 03, 2025 Season One: Damn That Was A Good Season
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In this heartfelt episode, Quincy, the host, reflects on the incredible journey of season one, sharing lessons learned about recording, editing, and deep, meaningful conversations. Expressing deep gratitude to listeners for their support and engagement, the host also sets the stage for the upcoming season with promises of even deeper connections and more vulnerable dialogues. Listeners are encouraged to contribute their ideas and stories to shape the future content. The episode closes with personal reflections on goals for the next year, the importance of showing up authentically, and a hopeful outlook for the future.
00:00 Reflecting on an Incredible Season
01:03 Gratitude and Acknowledgements
02:17 Looking Ahead: Season Two Plans
03:34 Personal Aspirations for the Future
04:50 A Promise for the Next Year
05:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Apply to be on the show at INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/cocoonafterdark/
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7min
November 27, 2025 Pleasure is a Language: Listening to Your Body with Whitni Miller of BDE Moves
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In this enriching episode, we dive deep with Whitni Miller from BDE Moves, exploring the intricate realms of desire, intimacy, and queerness. Whitni empowers women, queer folks, and anyone feeling out of sync to reclaim their erotic voice with presence rather than performance. Through candid conversations, discover how Whitni's personal and professional journeys have shaped their understanding of sexual health, legacies of trauma, and the importance of play in desire. Learn practical tips for fostering intimacy, from mirror games to maintaining eroticism in long-term relationships, and why understanding oneself is paramount to connecting with others. Ideal for those exploring their sexual identity, dealing with perimenopausal changes, or simply looking to deepen their relationship dynamics.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Bio
00:51 Diving into Kinks and Vulnerability
02:50 Exploring Desire and Arousal
04:08 Dating and Sexual Compatibility
14:40 Understanding Queerness and Late Blooming
22:27 Navigating Kink Spaces
35:41 Intimacy and Playfulness in Relationships
42:34 Exploring the Power of Intimacy
43:13 Teaching Intimacy to Couples
45:30 Addressing Sexual Trauma and Trust
48:43 Porn Literacy and Sexual Education
50:32 The Role of Sexual Intimacy Coordinators
53:54 Encouraging Self-Pleasure and Masturbation
01:04:26 Navigating Queer Relationships in Public
01:11:52 The Importance of Stillness and Self-Connection
01:16:14 Conclusion and Retreat Information

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bde.moves/

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1h 19min

FAQs about Cocoon After Dark:

How many episodes does Cocoon After Dark have?

The podcast currently has 41 episodes available.