EP. 478 The Leading Man: Mike Bless aka Michael Anthony on Healing, Dating, and "The Gift"
Thu Feb 05 2026
February looks a little different this year… because we are letting men take the mic.
To kick off our February Men’s Series, we are joined by actor, producer, veteran and content creator Mike Bless aka Michael Anthony. This conversation dives deep into dating, emotional healing, masculinity and the realities of modern relationships from a male perspective.
We talk about how men process heartbreak, the role of honesty in dating, why communication looks different for men, and the idea that many men heal quietly instead of publicly. Mike opens up about accountability, emotional vulnerability, dating expectations and the importance of being honest about intentions early.
Of course, we also get into power dynamics in relationships, monogamy vs honesty, the Atlanta dating scene, men wearing purses (yes, we went there), and why giving space in early dating might actually be healthy.
This episode kicks off a full month of real conversations with men about love, growth, healing and relationships — and we are listening.
Cocktail of the Week: The Leading Man
Ingredients
2 oz bourbon
1 oz blood orange juice
½ oz simple or honey syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel garnish
InstructionsAdd bourbon, blood orange juice, syrup and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.Stir for about 20–25 seconds until well chilled.Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in.
Sip, stare dramatically into the distance, and pretend you’re the main character.
🥃🍊
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February looks a little different this year… because we are letting men take the mic. To kick off our February Men’s Series, we are joined by actor, producer, veteran and content creator Mike Bless aka Michael Anthony. This conversation dives deep into dating, emotional healing, masculinity and the realities of modern relationships from a male perspective. We talk about how men process heartbreak, the role of honesty in dating, why communication looks different for men, and the idea that many men heal quietly instead of publicly. Mike opens up about accountability, emotional vulnerability, dating expectations and the importance of being honest about intentions early. Of course, we also get into power dynamics in relationships, monogamy vs honesty, the Atlanta dating scene, men wearing purses (yes, we went there), and why giving space in early dating might actually be healthy. This episode kicks off a full month of real conversations with men about love, growth, healing and relationships — and we are listening. Cocktail of the Week: The Leading Man Ingredients 2 oz bourbon 1 oz blood orange juice ½ oz simple or honey syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters Orange peel garnish InstructionsAdd bourbon, blood orange juice, syrup and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.Stir for about 20–25 seconds until well chilled.Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass.Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and drop it in. Sip, stare dramatically into the distance, and pretend you’re the main character. 🥃🍊 SPONSORED OFFERS FOR OUR LISTENERS For all promo codes and links for promotions in the episode and other current offers, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/cocktalesads ERIKALUST Check out ERIKALUST and use our promo code COCKTALES for 45% off! http://erikalust.com/ SOAKING WET FROM VBHEALTH Visit soakingwet.com and use code COCKTALES for 10% off! Contact Us! Advice: advice@cocktalespod.com Cocktales: cocktales@cocktalespod.com Weird Sex: weirdsex@cocktalespod.com Show Sponsorship: sales@cocktalespod.com Guest Request/ General Inquiries info@cocktalespod.com Get Your Merch & Order Your Card GamePurchase Merch And Card Game at www.imcurioustoknow.com Get Klassy Baste! Learn to Cook with Kiki www.klassybaste.com Join Kiki's Book Club www.patreon.com/kikisaidso Travel With Medinah! https://linktr.ee/MedinahMonroe Interested in sponsoring? Contact sales@cocktalespod.com today! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cocktales-dirty-discussions--2818687/support.