DaBaddest Radio: “Enemies to Lovers with My Bestie, Nikki B”

Host: Bretman Rock (Dear Media)
Guest: Nikki B, with Ms. K
Date: November 6, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode is all about friendship evolution—specifically, the iconic “enemies to lovers” dynamic between Bretman Rock and his longest-standing best friend, Nikki B. They reminisce about their journey from rivals in school to inseparable besties, all while keeping it fun, authentic, and extremely relatable. The conversation weaves in themes of confidence, community, queer/trans identity in Hawaii, and the importance of staying grounded while chasing dreams.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Nostalgia

• Bretman introduces Nikki B as his “longest best friend forever,” referencing their 10+ years of friendship and instantly dropping inside jokes.
• Nikki recalls growing up in Ewa Beach, playing sports, studying in Oregon, and her ventures in jewelry-making, wedding planning, and managing a farmer’s market.
• Nikki is not “chronically online,” making her their first non-internet guest (00:34–02:08).

2. Aloha Friday & Catching Up

• The trio celebrates “Aloha Friday” with themed drinks, including Ms. K’s “take on a mango sticky rice” (04:32–07:08).
• They discuss past cooking/baking blunders, like the infamous “patis coffee latte” with too much fish sauce—“Never make that again, Kiefer!” (05:37–06:03).

3. Pop Culture & Life Updates

• Weekend movie tickets, excitement for the new “Wicked” film, and Halloween costumes are lively topics (06:49–10:45).
• Discussion shifts to Filipino heritage, with Bretman joking about resembling Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino hero (08:22–09:45).

4. Yearly Goals & Reflection (10:48–14:03)

• Bretman reads his 2025 checklist—citizenship, solo traveling, gardening, more hair deals, and embracing his “cutest” self.

  “Honestly, I’ve checked. This is the cutest I’ve ever been.” — Bretman, 13:56

• Ms. K celebrates getting a new car, starting her transition-related goals, and “focusing on myself. More love.”
• Nikki B highlights starting her business and moving back to Hawaii.

5. Tradition & Identity: Flower Placement & Meaning

• The crew explains the Hawaiian tradition of wearing a flower on a specific side (left = taken, right = single), with some cross-cultural twists (15:05–15:53).

6. Queer Friendships: Origins and Evolution (19:04–24:05)

“Enemies to Lovers” Friendship Lore

• How they met: Same grade, only openly gay kids, both Filipino, rivals in sports and leadership, often compared by teachers/classmates. “We definitely have the classic enemies to lovers...like love-hate relationship.” — Bretman, 21:10
• Bonding Moment: Middle school volleyball forced proximity turns rivalry into deep friendship.

  “Why the fuck are we competing? We could just join teams and make everyone’s life miserable.” — Bretman, 22:08

Ms. K Joins the Circle

• Connected to Nikki through hanging at Bretman’s house, and bonded over shared trans experiences and growing up in the same place.

7. Trans Identity & Dating in Hawaii (24:05–28:24)

• Ms. K and Nikki B reflect on being trans in Hawaii—it’s “easier than most places,” due to a strong community presence and cultural acceptance.

  “There were so many mahus women around us...we just never felt [like outsiders].” — Bretman, 24:43 “[Dating] was harder five years ago...but now it’s not too bad. It’s weird still.” — Nikki B, 26:19

• Both express that while men may be interested privately, public dating is rare.

  “A lot of men like the dolls in the closet, but they will never want to be seen with us”—Ms. K, 26:55

8. Games & Everyday Life Together (28:48–32:45)

• The friends bond daily over playing Smash Bros. (for hours!)—each has favorite characters, and “down-B Kirby mains” get roasted.
• Their casual time together emphasizes the normalcy and joy in their relationship.

9. Best Memories & Inside Jokes (32:09–42:08)

• Hilarious and poignant stories:
  • Nikki’s infamous eighth-grade party and subsequent head-shaving punishment (35:00–36:55)
  • Bretman’s airport “sorbet” lactose incident (37:14–38:38)
  • The Seattle bonding trip for Ms. K & Nikki B (41:02)
  • Running group trip jokes: “Nikki’s trips always make it out of the group chat, but the friends never make it out of the trip!” — Bretman & Ms. K, 41:58
• The infectious laughter, inside jokes, and memories reveal the depth of their friendship.

10. Rapid Fire Bestie Questions (44:59–54:07)

• Fun, fast, revealing Q&A:
  • “Who eats the most?”
  • “Who’s most likely to laugh at something inappropriate in public?”
  • “Who gives the best advice?”

    “Just do it. What’s holding you back?” — Bretman, 46:54

• Unique habits exposed: Nikki points at her food when it’s good, double-fists beverages, and hates tomatoes; Ms. K needs textured things to sleep.

11. Friendship Lessons & Growth (58:38–62:15)

• Each shares a lesson learned from the others:

  “Confidence. These are the most confident people I know.” — Ms. K, 59:03 “Originality...you guys are so unique. Your lifestyle is also original.” — Nikki B, 59:52 “Every time I hang out with you guys, there’s a sense of humanity in it. You remind me of home, family, and the values I have.” — Bretman, 61:04

12. How They Realized They Were Best Friends (62:22–69:51)

• Reflecting on BFF “aha” moments:
  • For Ms. K: Nikki always answered her calls, judgment-free.
  • For Bretman: The “summer of 2017” solidified it—Nikki was always around, especially after college began.
  • For Nikki: Middle/high school track practice and leadership retreat were key.

  “We didn’t even realize we were hanging out every day.” — Nikki B, 69:47

13. Product of the Day, Plugs, & Sign Off (70:21–End)

• Nikki B: Shares her Tahitian pearl jewelry business, Sea Breeze Collective (@SEAVRZCollective).
• Ms. K: Shares her go-to hair slick essence.
• Bretman: Shouts out favorite gardening gear and social handles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bretman:

  “We definitely have the classic enemies to lovers.” (21:10)
  “Why the fuck are we competing? We could just join teams and make everyone’s life miserable.” (22:08)
  “This is the cutest I’ve ever been. Honestly.” (13:56)
  “Just do it. What’s holding you back?” (46:54)
  “You remind me of home, family, and the values I have.” (61:04)

• Nikki B:

  “Originality...your lifestyle is also original.” (59:52)
  “We might as well be friends, ‘cause like, we’re stuck in the same room.” (21:19)
  “I always know when a food is good—I’ll point at it.” (52:15)

• Ms. K:

  “A lot of men like the dolls in the closet, but they will never want to be seen with us.” (26:55)
  “Confidence. These are the most confident people I know.” (59:03)
  “If I have no one else to call, I’d literally call Nikki. She’d always answer, first ring.” (62:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:34 – Bretman introduces Nikki B as “longest best friend”
• 04:32 – Mango sticky rice “Aloha Friday” drinks
• 10:48 – Bretman reads and reflects on 2025 goals checklist
• 19:04 – Q&A: “Enemies to Lovers” friendship beginnings
• 24:05 – Being trans in Hawaii; dating in the islands
• 28:48 – Smash Bros. and everyday friend routines
• 32:09 – Favorite/funniest memories (Nikki’s party, Seattle trip)
• 44:59 – Rapid Fire Bestie Questions
• 58:38 – Life lessons learned from each other
• 62:22 – Realizing their “best friend forever” status
• 70:21 – Product of the Day and business plugs

Tone & Language

• The tone is playful, irreverent, deeply personal, and peppered with inside jokes and “Hawai’i local” and queer/Filipino cultural flavor.
• All attribution and quotes maintain the hosts’ authentic, unfiltered voices.

In Summary

This episode is a laughter-filled look at Bretman and Nikki B’s friendship history, with layers of sincerity around identity and self-acceptance. For both OG fans and newcomers, it’s a true celebration of chosen family, embracing your roots (and your weird habits), and building confidence by surrounding yourself with love and “the baddest” friends.