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.

🔽🔽🔽 SUPPORT AND SUBSCRIBE 🔽🔽🔽

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:

🔽🔽🔽 SUPPORT AND SUBSCRIBE 🔽🔽🔽

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)

Safe, Sane, Consensual: Safety in Play Starts Here

Today’s bonus episode is a foundational one. We’re talking about something that is absolutely essential in every corner of the kink world—Safety in Play.

This isn’t just about avoiding physical harm—although we’ll talk about that, too—it’s also about protecting your emotional and psychological safety. Because let’s be real: kink has the potential to be deeply healing or deeply harmful, depending on how we handle it.

So whether you’re brand new to this space or have decades of leather under your belt, I invite you to settle in and maybe even take some notes. Because today we’re talking about how to play smart, safe, and sexy.

In this bonus episode, I discuss:

• Quick Book Recs for the Curious Kinkster
• Trigger Warning
• Safety 101 – The Essentials
• Red Flags to Watch For

Kink isn’t just about domination, submission, or power. It’s about trust. Vulnerability. Intimacy. Transformation.

But none of that can happen without safety.

So here are a few journal prompts to reflect on after today:

• What does safety feel like in your body?
• What are your current boundaries—and do your play partners know them?
• What’s your plan for emotional safety—during and after a scene?

Grab my FREE ⁠Kink Play Safety Checklist⁠

Website: ⁠Kink Your Way

Benefits of Regular Check-In's

Regular check-ins are an essential practice within BDSM relationships that offer numerous benefits. Regular check-ins provide an opportunity to assess and address emotional well-being. Partners can openly discuss their feelings, concerns, and any emotional challenges they may be experiencing, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.

In this bonus episode, I discuss:

• Key Benefits of Incorporating Regular Check-Ins into your BDSM Dynamics
• FREE Discover the Secrets of Healthy BDSM Relationships

Every relationship is unique, and it's important to find rituals and routines that work best for you and your partner. The key is to prioritize and consistently invest in nurturing the D/s and intimacy in your relationship.✅ Grab your FREE Discover the Secrets of Healthy BDSM Relationships

✅ Check out my FREE Resources including 2 free BDSM Tests, Videos, Education, Links to Quality Educators, Recommended Books

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As a MyJoyToys Affiliate and Collaboration Partner, I earn commissions if you purchase from my affiliate link at no cost to you.Shop Now and Let the Fun Begin.

Risk, Kink, and BDSM: Embracing the Thrill While Staying Safe

Risk-taking plays a unique role in kink and BDSM. For many, the allure of exploring power dynamics, pain, and taboo activities comes with a thrilling sense of adventure. However, unlike reckless or impulsive risk-taking in other areas of life, BDSM encourages participants to approach risk with intentionality, communication, and care.

In this bonus episode, I discuss:

• What Role Does Risk Play in BDSM?
• Understanding Risk in BDSM: Key Concepts
• Examples of Risks in BDSM Activities
• How to Navigate Risk in BDSM
• Balancing Risk and Reward in BDSM

Risk is an inherent part of BDSM, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous or reckless. By embracing risk mindfully, you can enjoy the thrill of BDSM while ensuring safety and respect for all involved. Remember: risk-taking in kink isn’t about abandoning caution—it’s about navigating your desires with care and responsibility.If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out! Don't forget to check out the FREE and low-cost digital products available on my websites. Finding Resilience with Leann and Kink Your Way.

#risk #kink #bdsm #aftercare #trust #communication #safety

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You can grab my Masterclass Resource Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Intimacy Guide

You can grab my Masterclass FREE Resource - Discover The Secrets of Healthy BDSM Relationships