Kink, Community, & Conference Life: The World of Smut Lovers

In this fiery and inspiring return episode, host Leann welcomes back USA Today Best-Selling Romance Author Nikki Rome to discuss how she transformed her passion for steamy, kink-positive romance into a thriving, inclusive empire: Smut Lovers.

Nikki shares the journey behind Smut Lovers: The Community, The Podcast, and The Conference, revealing how her frustration with the lack of accurate kink information for writers sparked a movement. Smut Lovers has become a vibrant hub where authors and readers can learn, explore, and celebrate the intersection of kink, romance, and storytelling.

We discussed:

• The evolution of Smut Lovers from idea to full-blown brand.

• What sets the Smut Lovers community apart from typical romance reader groups.

• Surprising lessons Nikki has learned while expanding her brand.

• Behind-the-scenes insights into Smut Lovers: The Conference—who it's for and why it matters.

• Demo dungeon experience.

• Representation gaps in the genre and what readers are craving now.

• The role of kink-aware communities in normalizing sexual exploration.

• A major myth about smutty romance Nikki is ready to debunk.

• What’s next for Nikki and the Smut Lovers universe.

This episode is a celebration of storytelling, sex-positivity, and the power of building spaces where kink, curiosity, and community thrive.

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Nikki Rome:

Websites: https://smutlovers.org/

https://smutsource.com/

https://nikkirome.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmutLovers

Smut Lovers: The Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/475F4uepDq05D3kUF9Kcvf?si=6b24670a07af4e99

Leann Herron:

Kink Your Way

Website: https://kinkyourway.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kinkyourway

🆓 FREE Kink Play Safety Checklist - FREE PDF https://findingresiliencewithleann.com/digital-products/ols/products/kink-play-safety-checklist

📲 You can access the audio version on your favorite podcast platforms: IHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, and Audible (just search Kink Your Way)

#romancereader #bookcommunity #romanceauthor #womenwhowrite #authorinterview #smutlovers

Living Authentically Kinky: The Journey of HiThereCatsuit

What happens when a lifetime of hidden desires meets a microphone, a spandex suit, and 35 years of broadcasting experience? In this powerful episode of Kink Your Way, host Leann welcomes Jon—known in the kink world as HiThereCatsuit—for an inspiring and deeply human conversation about kink awakening, vulnerability, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Jon is the creator and host of Authentically Kinky (formerly What Women—and Other Wonderful Humans—Want), a podcast with nearly 300 episodes that has become a cornerstone in the kink community. With seven Emmy Awards and a TEDx talk to his name, Jon brings professional polish and heartfelt curiosity to every conversation he hosts—but this time, he’s the one opening up.

We discussed:

Breaking down perceptions and stigmas through TEDx education.

How his background in media shaped the respectful, nuanced tone of Authentically Kinky.

His childhood fascination with Catwoman and how it hinted at deeper desires.

The challenges of navigating kink while in a long-term vanilla marriage.

The power of words.

The beginning of HiThereCatsuit.

No doubts, 100% in his personal truth, after a lifetime journey to self.

Kindness classes at relationship conferences - Are you ready to be seen?

Leann's story of starting over, finding her identity, and finding kink and BDSM.

The emotional journey of stepping into his kink identity publicly—with a spandex suit and a mic.

Who do you see when you look in the mirror?

Nice guys do finish last.

Teaching kindness.

What it means to “reclaim your desires” later in life, and his message to others feeling unsure or afraid to explore their own. "Don't dream it, Be it. Give yourself the permission to be the person you always wanted to be" - HiThereCatsuit

Above all, Jon's story is a celebration of self-acceptance, transformation, and the courage to live your truth—no matter when you start.

🖤 Listen to this episode to hear how one man turned personal liberation into a platform for community connection, one respectful, real conversation at a time.

Episode Resources:

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Jon aka HiThereCatsuit:Podcast:

Authentically Kinky https://authenticallykinky.wordpress.com/the-show/ Authentically Kinky on YouTube: YouTube.com/@authenticallykinkypodcast Email: authenticallykinky@gmail.com

FetLife, X, Bluesky, Instagram - HiThereCatsuit

Kink Your Way:

Subscribe for more great content: @kinkyourway

Website: https://kinkyourway.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kinkyourway

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannherron/

🆓 FREE Discover the Secrets of Healthy BDSM Relationships https://kinkyourway.com/discover-the-secrets

📲 You can access the audio version on your favorite podcast platforms: IHeart, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, and Audible (just search Kink Your Way)