Cocoon After Dark

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 who won’t flinch. Welcome to Cocoon After Dark—I’mQuincy Tessaverne, and this is a space for truth-telling that’s tender, textured, and unapologetically queer. Each week, we sit with voices—mostly Black, brown, LGBTQ+—who’ve lived through things that don’t always fit into polite conversation. We talk identity, pleasure, boundaries, grief, reinvention, and the moments that changed everything. This isn’t small talk. It’s soul talk. So take what you need. Leave what you don’t. And listen with your whole body.

  1. 6D AGO

    Not a Man. Not a Woman. Beyond the Binary with Joy Matthews

    Send us a text 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 Support the show https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark

    1h 1m
  2. DEC 10

    Against the Current: Keala Kennelly's Championing of Diversity in Surfing

    Send us a text 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 Support the show https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark

    1h 10m
  3. NOV 27

    Pleasure is a Language: Listening to Your Body with Whitni Miller of BDE Moves

    Send us a text 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/ Support the show https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark

    1h 18m
  4. NOV 19

    From Dryness to Delight: Transforming Vaginal Health with Hormones with Kate Wells

    Send us a text Hot, Sassy, and Science-Backed: Unleashing Midlife Power with Kate Wells In this fiery episode of 'Cocoon After Dark,' host Quincy gets candid with Kate Wells, hormone expert and co-founder of the audacious brand Parlor Games. Kate dives into the science and sass behind Silky Peach, a vaginal estriol cream designed to combat menopause symptoms. They explore the intricate relationship between hormonal changes and sex life, demystify bioidentical hormones, and share cheeky anecdotes about breaking medical taboos. From boosting libido to tackling incontinence, this episode is a no-holds-barred celebration of female empowerment and sexuality in midlife. 00:00 Introduction to Cocoon After Dark 00:55 Kate Wells on Menopause and Relationships 04:05 Building a Business Rooted in Vagina Sass and Science 09:44 The Sexy, Sassy Sisterhood Community 11:47 Transformative Stories and Product Impact 25:29 Understanding Bioidentical Hormones 34:24 Understanding Estriol Absorption 34:48 Using Estriol Cream in Different Ways 35:35 Estrogen in Face Creams 37:56 Menopause and Healthcare Challenges 41:09 The Benefits of DHEA Cream 46:22 Progesterone and Its Importance 49:11 Chaos Calmer: Anti-Anxiety Cream 54:26 Reclaiming Vitality and Health 01:00:49 Final Thoughts and Resources LINKS: Silky Peach: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/SPCMASTER.html Vibrant Third: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/Vibrant-Third.html Rebounce Cream: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/ReBounce.html Chaos Tamer: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/Chaos-Calmer.html More Wow: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/MoreWOW.html Last but NOT least the LUBE: https://www.parlor-games.com/shop/BNL.html Support the show https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark

    1h 3m

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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 who won’t flinch. Welcome to Cocoon After Dark—I’mQuincy Tessaverne, and this is a space for truth-telling that’s tender, textured, and unapologetically queer. Each week, we sit with voices—mostly Black, brown, LGBTQ+—who’ve lived through things that don’t always fit into polite conversation. We talk identity, pleasure, boundaries, grief, reinvention, and the moments that changed everything. This isn’t small talk. It’s soul talk. So take what you need. Leave what you don’t. And listen with your whole body.

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