{"podcast":{"title":"Cocktales with Kiki","slug":"cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763","podcast_index_feed_id":543763,"rss_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/show/2818687/episodes/feed","website_url":"https://www.spreaker.com/show/cocktales-dirty-discussions","image_url":"https://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/54ba576a71579f952ff3855fa466c6dd.jpg","author":"Kiki Said So","episode_count":500,"summary":"Cocktales with Kiki is the place where cocktails meet candid conversation, hosted by Kiki Said So. What started with wild stories about sex, dating, and relationships has grown into something bigger: the kind of conversations you have over dinner with your girls, in the group chat at 2 a.m., or after somebody says, “Okay, but can I tell y’all what REALLY happened?” From love, friendship, and questionable decisions to pop culture, travel, internet rabbit holes, and whatever has Kiki curious this week, nothing is too random to make it to the table. Some weeks Kiki is riding solo, other weeks friends and guests pull up to add their own Cocktales to the mix. Expect laughs, unfiltered opinions, unsolicited advice, a little mess, a lot of curiosity, and of course, a cocktail or two. Because life gives us plenty to talk about, and around here, every sip has a story. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cocktales-with-kiki--2818687/support .","last_synced_at":"2026-09-20T18:18:21.331278+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763"},"episode":{"title":"EP. 478 The Leading Man: Mike Bless aka Michael Anthony on Healing, Dating, and \"The Gift\"","slug":"ep-478-the-leading-man-mike-bless-aka-michael-anthony-on-healing-dating-and-the-gift","published_at":"2026-02-05T18:03:23+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763/ep-478-the-leading-man-mike-bless-aka-michael-anthony-on-healing-dating-and-the-gift","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763","url":"https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-478-the-leading-man-mike-bless-aka-michael-anthony-on-healing-dating-and-the-gift--69814420","audio_url":"https://op3.dev/e/dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/claritaspod.com/measure/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/p5972/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/69814420/478_the_leading_man_ft_mike_bless.mp3","summary":"Actor and combat veteran Mike Bless joins the show to explore the male perspective on emotional healing, masculinity, and modern dating dynamics. The conversation dissects how men process heartbreak, navigate power dynamics in intimacy, and maintain boundaries in relationships.","meta_description":"Mike Bless discusses masculinity, the reality of male emotional healing, and the complexities of trust and power in modern dating and intimacy.","key_points":["Main idea: Men often process emotional trauma and heartbreak through quiet reflection rather than public expression","Practical takeaway: Establishing clear boundaries and non-negotiables early in dating prevents long-term compatibility issues","Failure mode: Using vulnerability as a weapon in arguments can destroy the foundation of trust in a relationship","Main idea: Healthy intimacy relies on a foundation of safety and consent, particularly regarding power dynamics","Practical takeaway: Giving partners space during the early stages of dating can foster healthier long-term connections"],"chapters":[{"start_ms":60000,"title":"The Leading Man Cocktail","summary":"Introduction to the episode's guest and the featured bourbon-based cocktail."},{"start_ms":420000,"title":"Dating Non-Negotiables","summary":"A discussion on personal boundaries, lifestyle compatibility, and the 'race' of modern dating."},{"start_ms":780000,"title":"The Importance of Space","summary":"Exploring why taking breaks and maintaining individual autonomy is vital in new relationships."},{"start_ms":1140000,"title":"Power, Trust, and Consent","summary":"A deep dive into the dynamics of leadership, submission, and safety within intimate connections."},{"start_ms":1500000,"title":"Modern Trends and Status","summary":"Reflections on fashion trends, wealth signaling, and the current state of the Atlanta dating scene."},{"start_ms":1860000,"title":"Male Logic vs. Emotional Processing","summary":"Analyzing the differences in how men and women approach emotional conflict and healing."},{"start_ms":2220000,"title":"The Instinct of Protection","summary":"Discussing the balance between strength and gentleness in masculine identity."}],"topics":["Masculinity","Modern Dating","Emotional Intelligence","Relationship Dynamics","Intimacy","Personal Growth","Mental Health","Communication"],"duration_seconds":4771,"processing_state":"processed","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763/episodes/ep-478-the-leading-man-mike-bless-aka-michael-anthony-on-healing-dating-and-the-gift/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions-543763/ep-478-the-leading-man-mike-bless-aka-michael-anthony-on-healing-dating-and-the-gift.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}