Rope Podcast

Thank you to listener MoonBunny5 for sharing a difficult and vulnerable question. After experiencing a very negative interaction with a rigger, she now struggles to even look at rope without feeling disgusted. She wants to know whether it's possible to return to rope after an experience like this, and if so, how. While neither Mya nor Fox are therapists, this episode explores some of the concepts that may be helpful when approaching recovery from rope-related trauma. Topics include: • Why trauma can occur in rope communities more often than many people realise • The role of nervous system regulation and emotional safety • Understanding the difference between thoughts and feelings • Using free writing to process difficult experiences • Exploring alternative contexts and associations • Reintroducing rope slowly, beginning with rope as a simple object • The principles behind exposure therapy • Practising self-compassion throughout recovery • Creating safe environments for trauma work Important note: We strongly encourage seeking support from a qualified therapist where available. The ideas discussed in this episode are intended as general discussion and are best explored alongside professional support.

Simple in structure but rich in potential, the Waitress tie is a versatile classic often seen in power exchange rope- but that’s only the beginning. In this episode, Fox and Mya dive into the layers of this tie: • Fresh, less gendered names and interpretations • What makes up the tie (and some fun variations to try) • Contexts where it shines—from sensual play to practical restraint • The sensations it can evoke • Key risks and safety considerations • Personal stories of how Fox and Mya have used and adapted it Discover why this understated tie deserves a place in your rope toolkit.

Claire, a Filipino strength and conditioning coach and exercise physiology researcher based in Thailand, brings a fresh, evidence-informed perspective to rope bottoming. Fascinated by how the body responds to rope—physically and psychologically—she’s exploring how strength, conditioning, and awareness can deepen your connection to your own body in rope. Her approach couldn’t be more different from Mya’s ‘just turn up’ style, so the hosts sat down with her to unpack how labbing, movement, and mindful training can transform the rope experience. In this episode, they discuss: • What “labbing” as a rope bottom really means • How to use labbing to discover your body’s strengths and weak spots • Understanding your body’s physical and emotional responses to rope • Overcoming mental and physical challenges through labbing • Handling surprises and unmet expectations • How rope shapes—and is shaped by—the body • Why yoga with rope feels so different from yoga without it • Using rope as a tool for body awareness and self-connection • The three key questions Claire asks before every session • Simple exercises to prepare for rope and tune in afterward Expect a thoughtful conversation at the intersection of science, embodiment, and rope. Do you lab your ties as a bottom? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Workshops aren’t just about what you pack-they’re about the mindset you bring with you. In this follow-up to Part 1, Fox and Mya dive into the mental and emotional side of preparing for a rope workshop, so you can show up curious, confident, and ready to grow. In this episode, they explore: • Handling different values between you and your educators • Why curiosity, respect, and an open mind matter most • How to set yourself up for learning success • Giving and receiving feedback effectively • Strategies to get the most from every learning opportunity • Being a rope magpie vs. following a single rope guru • Capturing and retaining your learnings • Asking great questions (without hogging the floor!) • Supporting your educators and helping create a great class • Navigating safety, consent, and peer pressure in workshops • Making the most of the social side of workshops

Whether or not you think that there is a higher incidence of neurodiversity in the kink scene, research shows that around 6% of adults are affected by ADHD, which means over a rope career if you interact with different partners, at some point you’re likely to tie with someone with the condition. In this episode, we ask listeners to share their lived experience of ADHD, to better understand the potential symptoms, and how it might affect rope - whether you are a top, bottom or self-tier. As ever, we remind us all that individual differences are stronger than group differences, and just because something applies to one person with ADHD, does not mean it applies to another person - the best way to understand your rope partner is to talk to them.

Bayowolf and Wolfspearl have been married for 42 years and partners in kink for the last 13. Shibari has become a central part of their journey over the past six years, deepening both their connection and their creativity. About a year and a half ago, with open communication and a deep commitment to their marriage, they chose to begin tying with other people—an experience that has expanded their skills and enriched the bond they share. Both live with autoimmune diseases and actively pursue health and strength through clean eating and an intense fitness regimen, showing that resilience, love, and rope can go hand in hand. In the episode Mya and Fox explore with this delightful couple: • Why they decided to tie with other tops and bottoms • How they explored and agreed what rope with others would look like • Their limits and boundaries to ensure they protect their relationship • What the most challenging topics of discussion were in that conversation • The ways in which they built trust in each other and relaxed some of their boundaries over time • The benefits gained and learnings through tying outside their marriage • Differences between tying with each other versus other people • Being each others’ cheerleaders • Integrating into the rope community as a rope top and rope bottom in their sixties • ‘Onboarding’ new rope bottoms safely • Their perspective on why there are so few rope bottoms over 35 in the community • Tips for older rope bottoms and tops integrating into a new rope community • And plenty more

In this episode Fox and Mya discuss how you might successfully combine rope play with a very popular form of BDSM activity, wax play! This is usually pouring or dripping molten wax over the skin of a play partner, in this case, while they are also tied up. The hosts explore in the episode: • Wax and rope aesthetics • Types of scene you can use wax within • Safety and risks and possible mitigations for these • Considerations for choice of position and tie • Wax removal • Challenges of clean up • Plus hear all about one of Fox’s ‘hottest’ ever scenes…