In this episode of Desire and Power, Mira Salem unpacks the psychology behind manipulation, insecure attachment, and power dynamics in relationships. Drawing from psychological research and lived experience, this conversation explores how fear-based strategies develop, why understanding isn’t the same as accountability, and how real security is built through self-trust, emotional regulation, and learning to love yourself well enough to feel safe. This is a grounded, honest look at what it actually takes to move toward secure attachment, without blame, and without bypassing the work.

For more essays and deep dives into erotic psychology, shadow work, and desire, you can find everything here:

👉 https://linktr.ee/velvetvenenum

In this episode of Desire and Power, I sit down for a long-form conversation with a dominant to explore what dominance actually means beyond stereotypes, fantasy, and misinformation.

We talk about the psychology of dominance, the level of responsibility it requires, and why real power in BDSM has nothing to do with abuse and everything to do with consent, accountability, emotional intelligence, and care. We explore how power is exchanged rather than taken, why many highly intelligent and neurodivergent people are drawn to kink, and what it truly means to hold space for another human being.

This conversation offers a grounded, honest look at dominance as a form of leadership: one rooted in communication, humility, and devotion to a partner’s safety, pleasure, and autonomy.

For more essays and deep dives into erotic psychology, shadow work, and desire, you can find everything here:

👉 https://linktr.ee/velvetvenenum

In this episode, I explore the psychology of submission. Not as weakness or pathology, but as selective, embodied surrender. Through a short interview with a man who submits only to women he experiences as truly “superior,” we unpack why submission feels empty when it’s disconnected from meaning, and deeply fulfilling when it’s aligned with safety, presence, and discernment. This is a conversation about desire, power, nervous-system trust, and what happens when surrender is chosen rather than compulsive.

For more essays and deep dives into erotic psychology, shadow work, and desire, you can find everything here:

👉 https://linktr.ee/velvetvenenum

Content note:This episode explores power and submission from a psychological and consensual lens. It is intended for adult listeners and discusses erotic dynamics in a reflective, non-instructional way.

If this podcast lit a spark, consider subscribing for more deep dives!