I know I’m way late to the party, but I finally sat down and watched Fifty Shades of Grey for the first time—and I’ve got some thoughts. Big ones.

The BDSM community loves to drag this movie, calling it abusive, unrealistic, or just plain harmful. But my take? It’s not the floggers or the contract that bothered me. The real issues are communication gaps, experience imbalances, and the one subplot that truly is dangerous: Christian’s grooming backstory.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why the real power imbalance isn’t money, but experience.

• How the movie does show negotiation, safewords, and even aftercare (just not the way you’d expect).

• Why trauma doesn’t “explain kink,” but it does explain Christian’s walls in relationships.

• And the biggest red flag of all: the Mrs. Robinson subplot, and why it’s the most harmful part of the story.

At the end of the day, Fifty Shades is fiction—not a field manual. So let’s talk about what it got wrong, what it surprisingly got right, and what lessons kinksters and vanilla folks alike can take away from it.

🎙️ Unmasking Kink is here every Friday—subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

This week on Unmasking Kink, Nova Monroe explores one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in the kink world: the Yes/No/Maybe List. Whether you’re brand new to BDSM or just looking for a better way to communicate with partners, this little checklist can make all the difference.

Nova breaks down what it is, why it matters, and how to use it—without overthinking or overcomplicating. Plus, a special milestone: the podcast has officially hit 200 downloads!

Tune in for practical tips, a bit of personal reflection, and a preview of Nova’s printable Yes/No/Maybe List that will soon be available on Etsy.

✨ Clearer communication, safer play, and more fun—that’s the power of Yes/No/Maybe.

In this episode of Unmasking Kink, I share my first experience attending a munch! What it's like, how to prepare and what you can expect when you walk into your first one.

We'll cover everything from event descriptions and table markers to conversation starters, group dynamics and what organizers really want you to know. Plus, I are tips on preparing ahead, how I accidentally stumbled into mine, and the lessons I walked away with.

Whether you're brand new to kink, or looking for community, this episode breaks down the who, what, when, where, why and how of munches in a way that's welcoming, real and a little bit personal.

Recourses mentioned - Show Notes – Unmasking a Munch

Finding Events & Munches

• FetLife – Events Search
• BDSM Events Calendar

Understanding Munches & Etiquette

• Wikipedia – “Munch (BDSM)”
• Threshold Society – Munch Etiquette
• EhBC – Munch Tips

For Newcomers to Kink & Events

• Kink Academy – “What to do when you’re new.”

Find all I’ve got going on at the website

• Unmaskingkink.com

Not every episode needs to be loud to hit hard.

This week, I’m exploring the very first kink I ever recognized in myself, masochism. What draws someone to enjoy pain? Is it something to worry about, or something worth understanding on a deeper level? I’m breaking down common misconceptions, unpacking the psychology, and tackling the big question: is masochism a mental disorder, or just another way humans seek sensation, control, and connection?

It’s a slower, more thoughtful vibe, but worth every second.

Articles referenced: Definition How to Tell if I have Self Defeating Personality Disorder What is a Masochist.

In this episode of Unmasking Kink, we delve into the tension between authenticity and acceptability in the kink community. Inspired by insightful posts from FetLife users Tittan and Vampyre, we explore the implications of sanitizing BDSM for mainstream comfort.

We'll discuss personal boundaries, the importance of consent, and the value of embracing the raw, unfiltered aspects of kink.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the scene, this conversation invites you to reflect on the true essence of kink and the importance of preserving its integrity.

Featured FetLife Writers:

• Tittan – “When Kink Gets Tamed: The Dangers of Vanilla-fying BDSM”

• Vampyre – “BDSM Isn’t About Making Outsiders Comfortable”

You’ve probably asked yourself:

“Am I kinky? Or just curious?” “Does liking [insert thing here] make me into kink?” “Do I have to pick a side?”

The answers? Could be both, possibly, and absolutely not.

In this episode, I give my take on what it means to be kinky or vanilla, or somewhere in between. We’ll talk about how those labels aren’t fixed, what actually “counts” as kink, and how to start exploring.

Topics include:

• The difference between kink and vanilla

• Why “what counts as kink” depends on who you ask

• Where to look for real, respectful information

Whether you're seasoned, curious, or still figuring it out—you belong here.

Resources mentioned:

• FetLife: https://fetlife.com

• Chief’s Sex Menu: https://kinkyevents.co.uk/sex-menu

• Shibari on YouTube (my favorite video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTnFlfm04uk

• Local classes and munches: Search via FetLife or reach out to event organizers

More: https://unmaskingkink.com

Description:

In this debut episode of Unmasking Kink, Nova Monroe breaks down what kink actually is—and what it isn’t. We talk about the difference between kink and BDSM, explore how kink doesn’t always have to be sexual, and tackle the question: Is this normal? (Spoiler: yes.) Whether you’re curious, questioning, or just here to learn, this episode gives you a shame-free, honest look at how broad and human kink really is.

Show Notes & Resources:

Articles & Resources Referenced:

• Healthline – What Is Kink?
• Business Insider – List of Kinks, According to Experts
• Verywell Mind – Understanding Sexual Kinks and Fetishes
• Kinkly – Kink Glossary & Psychology of Kink
• National Coalition for Sexual Freedom – https://www.ncsfreedom.org
• Focus on the Family – Sexual Behavior Outside of God’s Design
• Institute for Family Studies – Sexual Liberation Is Not Sexual Freedom
• Covenant Spice – Christian sex-positive resource: https://covenantspice.com

Connect with Nova:

Website: unmaskingkink.com

Submit questions, sources, or feedback via the contact form!

Welcome to Unmasking Kink! Let me start by introducing myself, and give you the low down on what to expect from Unmasking Kink and the community we're going to build together!