Ep. 137: 50 Shades of Play: Unmasking BDSM

Today we will delve into the intriguing and often misunderstood world of BDSM. Whether you are a seasoned kinkster or just a curious cat, this episode will unravel the mysteries behind bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism. 

We will bust myths, explore its historical roots, discuss the importance of consent, and even take a look at pop culture’s take on kink. Tune in for a fun, enlightening, and respectful conversation that might just spark your curiosity and help you understand the true essence of BDSM. 

Dr. Kanwal Bawa is America's favorite sex doctor, and the host of America's number one sex podcast, Dr. Sex Fairy. She is Cleveland Clinic trained, and a pioneer in the fields of sexual wellness, skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. She has a state-of-the-art practice in Boca Raton, Florida called Bawa Medical. She earned the moniker Dr. Sex Fairy due to her incredible advances in the field of intimate and sexual wellness. She has even given a TEDx Talk titled "How to Biohack Your Sex Life."

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Transcript

Welcome to Dr. Sex Fairy, America's top rated sexuality podcast. I am Dr. Kanwal Bawa, and I am here to transform your life. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave a review no matter where you are listening or watching. I read all your reviews, all your comments, all the emails you send, and they fill my cup. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s often whispered about in hushed tones but is far more popular than you might think—BDSM. Now, before you clutch your pearls or shake your head, let’s unravel the mystery of BDSM, and see what lies behind the curtain. So, whether you’re a seasoned kinkster or just a curious cat, stick around. You might just learn something new, and hey, you might even have a little fun along the way.

BDSM stands for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism. It is a spectrum of consensual activities that involve power dynamics, physical restraint, and erotic pain. Contrary to popular belief, it is not all about whips, chains, and Fifty Shades of Grey—though we’ll get to that in a minute.

Let’s start with some basics. According to a 2017 survey by the Kinsey Institute, about 22% of Americans have experimented with BDSM at some point in their lives. That’s nearly a quarter of the population! Clearly, there’s a lot of curiosity out there. So, what exactly does BDSM entail?

Bondage involves the use of restraints to limit a partner’s movement, ranging from simple handcuffs to elaborate rope bondage. Discipline refers to the set of rules and punishments agreed upon by the participants. Dominance and Submission are about the power dynamic where one person takes control and the other gives it up. Lastly, Sadism and Masochism involve deriving pleasure from inflicting or receiving pain, respectively.

BDSM isn’t a modern invention. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Experts aren't exactly sure when the Kama Sutra was written, but it’s said to have been around 2000 years ago, and includes passages about consensual spanking. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and we find the flagellants—religious zealots who whipped themselves for penance. BDSM, as we know it today, began to take shape in the 20th century.

Speaking of literature, let’s address Fifty Shades of Grey. E.L. James’s steamy trilogy sold over 150 million copies worldwide and brought BDSM into the mainstream like never before. While the BDSM community has mixed feelings about it, there is no doubt that it sparked curiosity and open discussions about not just BDSM but also the topic of consent.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the scenes from "Fifty Shades of Grey." Remember the infamous "Red Room?” Christian Grey’s secret playroom, filled with various BDSM tools and equipment, is a significant part of the story. The detailed portrayal of items like floggers, whips, and cuffs sparked widespread interest and curiosity about BDSM. There was also ice play which is more mainstream in today's day and age.

One of the most talked-about scenes involves Christian introducing Ana to the concept of a contract, outlining limits and boundaries. Another notable scene is when Christian uses a spread bar to restrain Ana during one of their sessions. This tool, which keeps the legs apart, is a popular item in BDSM play for its combination of restraint and accessibility.  

And let’s not forget the TV show **Billions**. One of the main characters, US Attorney Chuck Rhoades, has a secret BDSM lifestyle. It is a fascinating look at how BDSM can coexist with a high-powered, public life.

One of the most important aspects of BDSM is safety. Unlike what you might see in movies or read in books, BDSM isn’t about inflicting harm without regard for the other person’s well-being. It’s about trust, communication, and mutual pleasure… at least technically.

A key element in BDSM play is the use of safe words, something we also saw in Fifty Shades of Grey. These are pre-agreed words or signals that participants use to slow down or stop the activity if things get too intense. The most common safe words are "red" for stop, "yellow" for slow down, and "green" for keep going. It is crucial that everyone involved respects these signals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of misconceptions about BDSM. One of the biggest myths is that BDSM is abusive. Let’s be clear—BDSM is about consensual activities. Both parties agree to the

roles they will play, the boundaries they will set, and the limits they won’t cross. It is not supposed to be about one person having power over another in a harmful way.

Another misconception is that those who enjoy BDSM are psychologically damaged. In reality, people from all walks of life enjoy BDSM, from lawyers to teachers and artists. Many find it empowering and a way to explore their sexuality in a safe and consensual environment.

The psychological aspects of BDSM are fascinating. For some, BDSM is a way to release stress and let go of control. For others, it’s about exploring deep-seated fantasies and desires. Studies have shown that BDSM can lead to increased intimacy and trust between partners. In fact, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that people who practice BDSM are just as psychologically healthy as those who don’t, and in some cases, they report higher levels of well-being.

Let’s talk about toys... and tools. The BDSM world is filled with a variety of them designed to enhance pleasure and play. From blindfolds and handcuffs to floggers and paddles, there’s something for everyone. One popular BDSM tool is the rope, used in various forms of bondage like Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage. Shibari isn’t just about restraint; it’s also about the aesthetic beauty of the ties and the connection between the people involved. But it didn't start out that way. It was originally a wait to tie captives and even torture people.

Floggers, whips, and paddles can be used to deliver impact play. These tools vary in intensity, so it’s essential to start light and communicate with your partner about what feels good and what doesn’t. Remember, BDSM is supposed to be about mutual pleasure. While some people find pain pleasurable, you must respect boundaries.

And let’s not forget the more advanced toys like electrostimulation devices, which use mild electrical currents to create sensations ranging from tingling to more intense stimulation. Or even the less high-tech but equally thrilling feather ticklers, which can drive your partner wild with anticipation and sensation.

BDSM involves various roles and dynamics. Some people identify as Dominants or Dommes (for females), who take control during play. Others identify as Submissives or Subs, who relinquish control. There are also switches, who enjoy both roles depending on the situation. Within these roles, there are more specific identities like Masters, Mistresses and slaves, each with their own set of rules and expectations. I find some aspects of BDSM extremely disturbing, but I guess, to each their own.

As I mentioned earlier, negotiation is a crucial part of establishing these roles. Before any play begins, partners discuss their limits, boundaries, and safe words. This negotiation helps build trust and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

If you are interested in exploring BDSM, joining a community can be a great way to learn and connect with others. There are numerous online forums and local events where you can meet like-minded individuals. FetLife is one of the most popular social networking sites for the BDSM community. It’s like Facebook for kinksters, where you can join groups, attend events, and find resources.

In-person events like munches, which are casual social gatherings for people interested in BDSM, and play parties provide safe spaces to explore BDSM in a supportive environment. These events often include workshops and demonstrations, so you can learn new skills and techniques.

Here’s a fun story for you. As I was researching this topic online for today's episode, I came across a couple who have been practicing BDSM for years. They met at a munch in New York City and bonded over their mutual love of... rope bondage! Over the years, they’ve built a strong, trusting relationship through their shared kink. They even teach rope bondage classes together now, helping others explore this beautiful form of connection.

You may be interested in a form of BDSM but are wondering how to broach the topic with your partner. Well, introducing BDSM into a relationship can be a delicate process. Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about your interests and boundaries. It is essential to approach this conversation without judgment and to listen to your partner’s feelings and concerns.

Begin with light activities and gradually explore more intense forms of play as you both become more comfortable. Remember, the goal is to enhance intimacy and trust, not to pressure anyone into something they don’t really want to do.

One way to introduce BDSM is to start with sensory play. This can involve blindfolding your partner and using different textures, temperatures, and sensations to arouse and tease them. Remember the ice cube scene in 50 Shades of Grey? Feathers, and warm oil can all be part of this sensual exploration. In fact, this may well be the extent of your benign foray into this world.

Finally, let’s name-drop a bit. The Society of Janus is one of the oldest and most respected BDSM organizations, offering education and support for people interested in kink. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Rihanna have openly discussed their interest in BDSM, helping to normalize it in the public eye.

If you’re looking for a BDSM-friendly vacation, check out San Francisco, known for its vibrant kink scene, or Berlin, home to the legendary KitKatClub, which hosts BDSM nights. Another hotspot is New York City, which has a thriving BDSM scene with clubs like The Eagle and Paddles.  

Did you know that the world's largest BDSM and fetish event is the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco? Held annually, it attracts over 250,000 people who come to celebrate leather, fetish, and kink. It started in 1984 and is a vibrant, inclusive event that showcases the diversity of the BDSM community.

Another fun tidbit: there's a town in Germany called Freiburg, which is known for its BDSM-themed hotel called Hotel Fetish Academy. Guests can stay in rooms equipped with all sorts of BDSM furniture and accessories, giving a weekend away new meaning.

For those considering exploring BDSM, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Start Slow: Begin with light bondage or sensory play before moving on to more intense activities. This allows both partners to get comfortable and build trust.

2. Educate yourself about it: Read books, attend workshops, and join online forums to learn more about BDSM practices and safety. 

3. Communication is key: Always discuss boundaries, limits, and safe words before engaging in any BDSM activities. Continuous communication during play is also crucial to ensure that both partners are comfortable and enjoying the experience.

4. Afterplay or in this case…Aftercare: After a BDSM session, engage in aftercare, which involves comforting and caring for each other. This can include taking care of any physical pain, cuddling, discussing the experience, and ensuring that both partners feel emotionally supported.

5. Respect and Consent: BDSM is built on a foundation of mutual respect and consent. Always respect your partner's boundaries and never push them to do something they're not comfortable with.

So there you have it, folks—a comprehensive, fun, and hopefully enlightening look at the world of BDSM. Whether you are completely uninterested personally, or are curious, cautious, or completely captivated by the idea, remember that BDSM is about consensual exploration and mutual pleasure. It is a journey of trust, communication, and discovering new dimensions of your sexuality.

Thank you for joining me on this kinky adventure. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to reach out. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Dr. Sex Fairy Podcast, and leave a review. Share this episode with your partner and friends whether you are watching it on YouTube, or listening on one of many podcast apps like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. To learn more about my work in the world of sexual medicine, wellness and aesthetics, not to forget my cutting-edge treatments from BawaBig non-surgical penis

enlargement to non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation and mommy makeovers, and hormone balancing, go to drsexfairy.com. I treat people from around the US and even world and do virtual and in-office consultations and phone calls at Bawa Medical, in Boca Raton, Florida. There are many ways to contact me, follow me on my various social media channels, and purchase my US-made and pharmaceutical grade Dr. Sex Fairy supplements in the podcast description below. You can even call me at 1-877-DRSEXFAIRY.

Remember to keep it safe, sane, and consensual. Until next time.