Ride or Lie

Ride or Lie

Ride or Lie started as a rideshare storytelling podcast where wild journeys met unexpected twists. Now, we’re switching lanes and taking on a new ride: Modern Dating.  But why? Because somewhere along the way, we realized we wanted to tell a different story—our own. So now, we’re navigating the world of modern dating, taking you along on the ride and sharing with you what has, and hasn’t worked for us.   From swipes to situationships, red flags to green light moments, we realized that modern dating has been its own kind of journey— crazy, beautiful, unpredictable, and oftentimes, frustrating.   It’s all about facing the hard truths and calling out the lies society—and even we—keep telling ourselves. Because in love and life, you’ve got two choices: Ride or Lie. Welcome to the Ride or Lie Podcast

  1. Jul 15

    The Great Dating Divide: One of Us Paused Dating. The Other Won't Stop.

    Is social media helping us date better... or making it harder to trust ourselves? In this honest conversation, Shan and CoCo explore how today's relationship advice culture, "car therapists," and endless online opinions are shaping the way we think about love, dating, and ourselves. While CoCo has intentionally stepped away from dating to focus on healing, regulating her nervous system, and finding balance, Shan has embraced dating as a season of growth, curiosity, and rediscovering herself after divorce. The two compare their very different approaches to the same stage of life, proving there's no single "right" way to navigate relationships. They also dive into how childhood experiences, father wounds, vulnerability, and personal transformation influence the way we love today. Whether you're actively dating, taking a break, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder to quiet the outside noise and trust your own journey. In this episode, we discuss: - Why relationship advice on social media can create confusion instead of clarity - The influence of "car therapists" and dating influencers on modern relationships - Dating yourself vs. dating others—what does that really mean? - Why CoCo pressed pause on dating to prioritize healing and balance - Why Shan is fully embracing dating after years of long-term relationships and divorce - How childhood experiences and father wounds shape adult relationships - The difference between dating for connection versus dating for distraction - Building meaningful experiences beyond dinner dates - Protecting your peace without isolating yourself - Learning to trust your own instincts over internet opinions - Why two healthy women can choose completely different dating paths—and both be right **Question of the Week:**   Are you in a season of dating, healing, or both? We'd love to hear how you're protecting your peace while staying open to connection. Follow us on social and join the conversation. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's trying to navigate modern dating on their own terms.    Connect with us on socials @rideorliepodcast | theblinknetwork@gmail.com

  2. Jun 10

    Crazy Beautiful: Love, Lust, & Algorithms

    Can AI replace human connection, or is it simply changing the way we seek it? In this episode, Shan and Coco explore the growing influence of AI on modern relationships and ask a question that feels more relevant every day: Can technology enhance human connection, or are we slowly replacing it? From AI-generated dating profiles and relationship advice to virtual companions and emotionally intelligent chatbots, the conversation dives into how people are using artificial intelligence to navigate love, communication, loneliness, and self-discovery. The ladies share their own experiences using AI as a tool for dating, personal growth, and understanding relationship dynamics while debating where the line should be drawn. They also tackle the rise of AI companions, robotic technology, and whether consistency, validation, and emotional support from artificial intelligence could ever compete with genuine human connection. In This Episode: Using AI to improve dating profiles and online presence Why more people are turning to ChatGPT for relationship advice The difference between using AI as a tool versus a replacement AI companions, virtual partners, and the future of dating The importance of prompting and getting meaningful feedback from AI Can artificial intelligence help us communicate better? The emotional risks of becoming too dependent on technology House robots, Waymos, and how comfortable we really are with the future Whether AI can truly satisfy emotional needs Ride or Lie: AI Dating Edition Questions We Explore: Would you let AI write your dating profile? Could AI ever replace a romantic partner? Is emotional intimacy with AI crossing a line? Are people seeking connection or simply consistency? What happens when technology gives us everything we say we want? As AI becomes more integrated into our everyday lives, one thing remains clear: humans are still searching for connection, understanding, and love. The question is whether technology will help us find it or redefine what it looks like altogether. 🎙️ Ride or Lie Podcast Real conversations. Real perspectives. Real life. 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @rideorliepodcast 📧 Business Inquiries, Collaborations & Listener Feedback: theblinknetwork@gmail.com #RideOrLiePodcast #LoveLustAndAlgorithms #ModernDating #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #DatingCulture #RelationshipTalk #DatingInTheDigitalAge #PodcastLife #LoveAndTechnology #AICompanions #EmotionalIntelligence

  3. Apr 22

    Charmers, Sugar Daddies & Grown Woman Standards

    This week, Shan and CoCo are keeping it real about dating then vs. now… and how much (or how little) has actually changed. From joking about sugar daddies to questioning whether spinning the block is ever worth it, the conversation takes a deeper turn into how women evolve in what they want, what they tolerate, and what they’re no longer falling for. They reflect on high school dating experiences, the types of men they used to entertain, and how maturity, self-awareness, and life responsibilities have reshaped their standards. And then there’s “Todd.” Inspired by their new micro-drama series Circles of the Ridge, they break down the classic “charmer” archetype… the smooth-talking, overly polished guy who knows exactly what to say and do. The question is: are women still falling for that? Or have we finally learned to see through it? This episode dives into: The idea of “spinning the block” and when (if ever) it makes sense Why charm alone doesn’t hit the same anymore The difference between validation vs. genuine connection How self-awareness impacts the type of partners we attract What actually matters now vs. what used to It’s funny, honest, and a little nostalgic… but ultimately about growth. Because at some point, it’s not about who looks good on paper… it’s about who actually adds value to your life. 📲 Stay Connected Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @rideorliepodcast Email: theblinknetwork@gmail.com

  4. Mar 4

    We Weren’t Taught How to Date: How Black Upbringing Shapes Modern Relationships

    Were we ever actually taught how to date, or just how to avoid getting “messed up”? In this layered conversation, Shan and CoCo unpack how black family, culture, generational trauma, and “crisis prevention” shaped what many of us learned about love. Joined by licensed clinical social worker Miesha Rice and Atlanta dating host Vanessa, the group explores why courtship can feel foreign, how dating apps changed accountability, and what it takes to build healthier connections when nobody handed you the blueprint. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why so many of us were taught what not to do (don’t get pregnant, don’t ruin your future) instead of how to build a healthy relationship How family history, long-term stress, and generational patterns can show up in adult dating choices The “connection vs protection” gap: what was missing from the conversations we needed A real talk breakdown of ghosting, fading out, and the lack of accountability in modern dating The “date them all” debate: keeping options open, communicating expectations, and avoiding rose-colored glasses Why singles mixers and in-person events are trending again (and what they offer that apps can’t) A powerful case for therapy early, including the idea of moderated conversations at the start of dating The Clip That Sparked the Conversation Shan brings in a viral-style perspective on how Black communities are socialized differently around dating, courtship, and “pair bonding,” than their White counterparts sparked by a video that a friend shared with her from @bunmisupreme on Instagram. The conversation expands the idea by adding emotional availability, family modeling (even in two-parent homes), and the long shadow of cultural and historical trauma. Key Takeaways If your only relationship education was avoidance, it makes sense that adult dating can feel confusing, anxious, or high-stakes. “Serious” isn’t assumed anymore. Clarity comes from direct conversations about what dating means to each person. Apps can encourage low-effort behavior. In-person spaces often create more accountability and real chemistry checks. Emotional intelligence matters early. Look for it before you’re already invested. Healing isn’t just personal, it’s cultural. Therapy and guided conversations can help you build a new script. Guest Info Vanessa (Dating Host) Company: Jigsaw Dating (app) Instagram: @popupwithvaness Promo code: VanessaHost10 (10% off first ticket) Miesha Rice, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW CEO/Founder: Whole Family Healing Group Therapy for individuals and families (ages 6+) Website: www.wholefamilyhealinggroup.com Clip Credit: @bunmisupreme on Instagram What did you learn about dating growing up: connection, protection, or nothing at all? And how is that showing up in your relationships right now? If this episode made you think, send it to a friend who’s “tired of the apps” and trying to date with intention. And connect with us: @RideOrLiePodcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

  5. Feb 11

    Why Are We Really Doing This? Purpose, Mental Health & Choosing Yourself

    In this episode of Ride or Lie, Coco and Shan step away from surface-level conversations and get honest about the question that shapes everything: Why are we really doing this? This is a reflective, vulnerable conversation about purpose, evolution, mental health, and the courage it takes to choose yourself, especially when life doesn’t look the way you imagined it would. Shan opens up about how her “why” has shifted over time, from ambition and entrepreneurship to motherhood, healing, and stability. She shares how becoming a mother reshaped her priorities around mental health, financial security, emotional safety, and self-preservation. This season of her life is about being whole so she can show up fully, not just for her child, but for herself. Coco shares a deeply personal reflection on her own journey, stepping back from distractions, reassessing dating, and choosing alignment over noise. Her “why” is bigger than relationships and external validation. It’s about safety, creativity, integrity, and being able to say, at the end of the day, “I’m proud of myself.” Together, they unpack:  • Mental health and emotional regulation  • Personal growth through pain and transition  • Letting go of distractions that no longer align  • Redefining success beyond relationships and timelines  • What it means to evolve without abandoning who you are The conversation also touches on current events and culture, including reflections on media coverage, loss, and visibility. They reference the public attention surrounding Savannah Guthrie and how empathy, access, and attention show up differently in national news. This episode lands during Black History Month, grounding the discussion in awareness, reflection, and community responsibility. Coco and Shan also acknowledge recent loss in the culture, including the passing of DJ Young Slade, the son of Lil Jon. Connect with us anytime @rideorliepodcast

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ride or Lie started as a rideshare storytelling podcast where wild journeys met unexpected twists. Now, we’re switching lanes and taking on a new ride: Modern Dating.  But why? Because somewhere along the way, we realized we wanted to tell a different story—our own. So now, we’re navigating the world of modern dating, taking you along on the ride and sharing with you what has, and hasn’t worked for us.   From swipes to situationships, red flags to green light moments, we realized that modern dating has been its own kind of journey— crazy, beautiful, unpredictable, and oftentimes, frustrating.   It’s all about facing the hard truths and calling out the lies society—and even we—keep telling ourselves. Because in love and life, you’ve got two choices: Ride or Lie. Welcome to the Ride or Lie Podcast