Shibari Study Podcast

EP 56: Laodai

Rope isn't just about knots—it's about connection, emotion, and the art of shared vulnerability. In this episode, Davide journey of finding purpose in rope, balancing aesthetics and safety, and embracing growth through introspection Davide, also known as Laodai, is a professional rigger and shibari artist with years of experience teaching, performing, and connecting through rope. He founded Studio K, the first shibari studio in Shanghai, and created Mainland China’s first public rope party. Through years of practice, study, and interactions with rope masters worldwide, Davide has refined a style rooted in emotional connection and meaningful experiences. He believes that deep, connective ropes are the most beautiful and fulfilling path to happiness, shaping his distinctive approach to shibari. His ties are clean, minimalistic, and purpose-driven, with the untying process serving as the climax of the connection. Inspired by the rope community around the world, Davide embraces the concept of “1 heart = 1 style.” Similar hearts may lead to similar styles, but every journey should ultimately reflect the individual. This philosophy has helped him embrace the diversity in shibari styles and practices, even those far from his personal vision. Davide sees shibari as fluid and dynamic, adapting his techniques to different people and contexts. Sometimes, this means exploring styles that differ from his usual approach. He continues to study and draw inspiration from the global rope community. Now based in Thailand but frequently traveling across Europe and Asia, Davide is open to collaborations and remains passionate about sharing the beauty of shibari with others. Feel free to contact him for performances, workshops, or artistic projects. Instagram: @laodai.shibari Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

• Transcript

EP 55: Supaku Sparks

"Every good story starts with a hardware store." Sparks shares his journey into shibari, from learning rope with his wife to studying under Kanna. He explores communication, consent, emotional connection, and creative sadism, offering personal insights into building meaningful rope experiences. Sparks began tying in early 2015. Learning quickly both locally and travelling interstate at every chance to further knowledge. Sparks began an educational role in 2016 and not long there after, began teaching and performing interstate. Rope has since carried through to teaching and performing internationally and travelling to Japan to further continue his education, achieving the position of deshi to Nawashi Akechi Kanna Sensei and recieved his teaching certificate in the style of KannaRyu. Running a studio locally in Adelaide (Shibari Adelaide) he takes pride in the joy of others and growth in the rope community, as well as continually looking for positive self development along the way. His early trouble shooting and un-canny memory enables him to modify and skillfully adapt ties to each model. The deep intimacy and connections conveyed through rope, along with a sadistic flavour, is what Sparks enjoys most about shibari. 'Rope is a tool used to play with your partner'. Instagram: @nawashisupaku X: @SupakuRope Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 54: Lavender

Lavender emphasizes breaking down barriers by sharing knowledge and creating inclusive spaces. She explores her journey into kink and rope, the value of emotional connection, dismantling gatekeeping, and building community through intentionality and shared experiences. Lavender is a rope bottom and PC gaming enjoyer. Other than rope she enjoys wax/knife play, whips and electricity. She continuously strives to connect with LGBTQA+ communities of color in their rope journey and doing knowledge/skill shares. Instagram: @fawntastiic_ Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 53: Gandalf

Gandalf discusses their unique approach to rope, exploring themes of memory, vulnerability, and connection. They share insights on teaching, the emotional impact of touch, and creating spaces for authenticity and intentionality in rope practice. Gandalf (they/them) is a shibari artist and educator based in Shanghai. They are the founder and organiser of Embodied Flow and the conductor of a local Playback Theatre group. Formerly a cognitive scientist, Gandalf is interested in exploring various forms of embodied thinking with rope being their main medium. Over the past three years, they have been teaching rope to a wide variety of demographics across China, aiming to radically diversify shibari and build safer and more conscious rope communities for queer and women. For them, rope teaches us about "being together". Drawing from their background in psychology and experience across various forms of theatre and dance, Gandalf's workshops often consist of equal measures of movement and rope exercises, and participants are invited to explore a variety of topics from consent, safety, tension, to wild journeys into the philosophy of meaning making, vulnerability, and care. Gandalf has also started the "Kinbaku Theatre" initiative, where they hope to further expand the potential of shibari performances through stage productions. Their writings and talks are featured on Contemporary Queer Chinese Art, DOMUS China, TEDx etc. Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 52: Hitchin Kitten

"Rope should be taught as a series of decisions rather than patterns," Hitchin Kitten suggests, emphasizing dynamic choices over rigid forms. In this episode, they discuss playful, movement-centered rope, grounding in intuition, and fostering inclusive, identity-based communities. HitchinKitten (she/they/it) is a kitten-ish rope witch and sadomasochistic switch that likes her kink to be whimsically delicious. Her kink is connection, and rope is the path she takes to get there. Her approach to rope focuses on movement, foundational concepts, and functionality to encourage accessible, connective, and collaborative improvisation in rope practice and beyond. HK is also the facilitator of Hitchin’ Bitches PDX (Portland, Or, USA), and provides private and group rope instruction, as well as tastings at events. Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 51: Dual Demons

Devon and Cass discuss their evolving experiences with rope bondage, chronic pain, and navigating personal trauma. They explore communication, consent, and collaboration in kink, offering insights into how pain and power dynamics shape their connection both on and off stage. Dual Demons are two non-binary, trauma-informed BDSM + kink educators and performers specializing in rope suspension and the development of Queer, anarchist spaces. Devon (they/them) and Cass (they/she) are two silly little chaos gremlins based in Santa Cruz, California. They fundamentally believe in the dichotomy of kink through finding Queer joy and silliness while simultaneously curating an intimate, sadomasochistic experience. Instagram: @dual_demons Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 50: Axel

"I can't wait to learn what my rope style is!" Axel discusses her journey into kink, navigating whitewashed kink spaces, the emotional depth of rope bottoming, and the personal growth she’s experienced through self-tying and exploring the intersection of mental health and kink. Axel’s pleasure is through pain. As a masochist, Axel joined the kink community when she began exploring different methods of energy release. Through Axel’s journey, she has gained a thriving passion for helping others find identity through kink, self-love, and expression, as well as creating safe spaces that allow knowledge of kink to flow thoroughly. Axel is a switch that enjoys rope, impact play, power exchange, and service. Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 49: Yana

Good relationships are all about connection. Wren and Yana dive into the nuances of fulfilling intimacy, consent, and navigating dynamics in relationships. They discuss overcoming personal hang-ups, redefining pleasure, and the importance of open communication in both kink and vanilla spaces. Yana Tallon-Hicks, LMFT (she/her), is a relationships therapist and sexuality writer + educator living in Western Massachusetts. Her work has specialized in queer, kinky, and non-monogamous relationships for over a decade. Her book Hot and Unbothered: How to think about, talk about, and have the sex you really want is available wherever you buy books. Instagram: @the_vspot Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 48: Shay Tiziano

No one's ever died from futo! Shay Tiziano discusses transitioning from LARPing to kink, exhibitionism, incorporating camp into performances, and the importance of active bottoming. They also cover event production, teaching rope, and their upcoming book. Shay Tiziano (she/her or they/them) is a dynamic presenter and self-suspender renowned for their innovative, acrobatic bondage performances and friendly, attainable, and risk-mitigation-focused approach to kink education. She is the author of Tying & Flying, the first-ever book about self-suspension, and Creating Captivating Classes, a guide for kink and sexuality educators. Based in San Francisco, Shay is the stages & entertainment co-lead for the Folsom Street Fair and produces the acclaimed bondage and fetish performance event Twisted Windows. She hosts events including BENT, Rope Lab, and Friction, as well as curating performance showcases for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival Aerial & Bondage Stage, Tethered Together, Ropecraft, and San Francisco Pride’s Leather Alley. Instagram: @shaytiziano Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 47: LOOM

Wren and LOOM delve into the complexities of Shibari, exploring Loom's evolution from technical proficiency to prioritizing art and meaningful connection. They discuss the ego death brought on by COVID, and the challenge of balancing artistry with authentic human interaction in rope practice. LOOM (he/him) is a rope artist, photographer, and educator based in the Pacific Northwest. For him, rope is more than a passion project; it's an all-consuming obsession rooted in artistic expression, intimacy and catharsis. Over the past seven years, LOOM has presented and performed in many rope spaces and conferences throughout North America. Currently, he actively teaches private lessons at his home studio in Bellingham, WA. Instagram: @jloomphoto Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 46: Red Lily

Let’s learn the rules, then create ties. Beatrice shares her journey from shibari educator to relationship coach, exploring how to navigate relationship dynamics, challenge traditional roles, and harness the transformative power of open communication in kink and beyond. Red Lily (she/her) is an Italian queer feminist, intimacy and relational coach based in Copenhagen. As norm critical educator, with 15 years of experiences of performing and teaching shibari and kink, she’s creating safe(r) spaces for exploration of ropes and its power and shaping experiences with re-creative approach. Instagram: @redlily_dk Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 45: Oji Pan

According to Oji Pan, it’s essential to give people the space to authentically manifest their values. In this episode, Oji Pan discusses the art of rope, its history, and the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability. He also highlights the Devil Mask Society’s inclusive approach, exploring themes of shame, ego, and deeper connections through rope practice. Oji Pan (he/him) has been involved in kink and BDSM, in one form or another, for over adecade. He has rigorously been studying rope for over 10 years and his work is heavily influenced by the work of Akechi Denki, Nawashi Kanna, and Hajime Kinoko. Instagram: _oji_pan_ Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 44: Ivy Limieux

One of Ivy's mission is to give people the freedom to find out who they are in rope. Join Ivy Limieux as they share their kink journey, explore community inclusivity, and discuss challenges faced by marginalized groups in alternative spaces. Gain insights on creating welcoming environments and fostering genuine connections. Ivy Limieux is a sWitchy Sadistic VoxFox, joining the rope community in 2016. She believes that rope is as fluid and adaptable as the people who choose to participate, and that every desire to learn should be met with the opportunity to do so. She has taught/performed for organizations such as Twisted Windows, Dark Odyssey, Obsidian_LA, Black Rose Education, and Kink.com and is the co-producer of Folsom Street Faire's Rope Bondage Stage. Ivy is the currently retired founder and host of Kinky, Colorful, Conscious, a kinky POC roundtable, POC play party, SOUL and KinkPOC BAy Area Happy Hour. Find her on IG and FL @ivylimieux. Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 43: GoodMostTimes

Leading questions prime the person being asked to agree! Melissa chats about active bottoming, the importance of reflection and feedback for rope bottoms, and the challenges in class settings. She also talks about the opening of Devil Mask Studio in Los Angeles. GoodMostTimes AKA Melissa (she/her) started her rope education, as a bottom, in early 2012. She has since been expanding her knowledge as a switch and loves to share new techniques from both sides of a tie. Fortunate to be based in Los Angeles, CA, she has happily been part of the Devil Mask Society since its inception. She is now one of the lead instructors for their Cell (topping) and Cell X (bottoming) classes and the driving force behind many of their local events. She has moderated annual rope bottoming panels at her local dungeon and helped produce Ropenspace LA, NARIX 2016, and Kinoko’s Los Angeles Cyber Rope performance. Melissa has studied with various visiting international and domestic instructors and cites Hajime Kinoko, Nawashi Kanna, and Wykd Dave and Clover as major influences. She has also performed locally and at Folsom Street Fair and taught at Ropecraft NOLA, BED (Dallas and Denver), FapCon 2018, and at weekend intensives across the US and Canada with her partner, Ojipan. Instagram: @goodmosttimes @_oji_pan_ @ordinals_ @devilmaskstudio @devilmasksociety Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 42: Mya & Fox (from Rope Podcast)

Emphasizing authenticity over universal appeal, Fox and Mya aim to attract like-minded listeners who appreciate their genuine approach. Together, they share their rope journey with us, discussing the challenges of producing their long-running podcast, the balance between creativity and consistency, and their insights on integrating values and philosophy into their practice. Fox (a rope top) and Mya (a rope bottom) have been rope partners for 8 years, and since 2017 have explored their passion for the psychology and motivations behind the topic on the Rope Podcast. Instagram: @ropepodcast Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 41: Natalie Rose

It's actually a crossing knot, not a Munter hitch! In this episode, Natalie Rose discusses their rope journey, the dynamics of being in a property-owner relationship, and the significance of communication and platonic kink in their practice. Natalie Rose (they/she) is a lifestyle coach and kink educator dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals to explore their interests in rope bondage. Their practice centers around platonic kink, with a particular passion for rope suspensions. With over a decade of experience, they offer exclusive tying sessions and private tuition in a discreet rope space located in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. https://www.natalieroserope.com/ Instagram: @natalierose_fet Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 40: Colette Pervette

Colette Pervette's mission is to eradicate shame and teach people how to play again. In this episode, they dive into kink, ego dissolution, and intentional play, highlighting negotiation tips and the importance of curiosity in BDSM. Colette is a professional Dominatrix of 18+ years. In her journey as a Domme, she spent the first decade of her career going deep into the art and practice of BDSM. Then she spent the last 8 years going inward and contemplating the theory behind the practice of BDSM and has since developed an alchemical philosophy and spiritual approach to the art of kink that she shares through her work. As an Educatrix, Colettes teaches the art and practice of FemDom and BDSM to women and couples. She holds a PhD in Education from UC Berkeley, where her research focuses on misconceptions and conceptual change. Through her teaching and writing, she dispels misconceptions about kink, sex work and alternative sexuality. She guides women and femmes to find and cultivate their personal power by learning how to play with it in the bedroom, dungeon and beyond. Colette teaches an online Dominatrix training course called MistressClass, where she takes you on an immersive journey where she shows you every step it takes to become a Dominatrix and come into your full power. She has guided and trained hundreds of women and femmes to become the Dominatrix of their vision. https://www.pervette.com/ Instagram: @colettepervette Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 39: Shannonagannery

Embrace the unexpected with Shannonagannery! Host Wicked Wren explores Shannon's 'yes, and' approach to life, discussing authenticity, joy, and creativity in kink. In this episode, the playful integration of clowning, negotiation, and the pursuit of genuine happiness are highlighted. Shannonagannery is a Portland-based, rope-loving clown human. Active in public kink community since 2019, she has be seen clowning in and out of rope at such events as the Seattle Erotic Arts Festival, KinkFest, Folsom Street Fair, and more. She wants you to stop and contemplate the important things in life like is a hotdog a sandwich, and how many clowns can fit in your car? Instagram: @shannonagannery Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 38: Nawa Musubi

Jake and Laced, also known as Nawa Musubi, discuss their approach to shibari and teaching philosophies. They emphasize the importance of communication and adaptation in their practice, highlighting personal growth, inclusivity, and the evolving recognition of models in the community. Nawa Musubi is the partnership of Jake and Laced. It was formed in April 2018 when Jake was officially certified by Hajime Kinoko as an instructor of his style of shibari. Jake and Laced are passionate rope educators, with a strong emphasis on the education of the rope model as much as that of the rigger. They regularly hold workshops and performances across Australia and the Oceania region, including Japan, as well as collaborations with musicians and artists on their projects. Instagram: @nawa_musubi Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858

EP 37: Vex Murmur

Join Vex Murmur as they share their journey from Mormon upbringing to rope bondage, highlighting artistic expression, technical challenges, and self-care in self-suspension. They stress self-awareness, communication, and starting with floor work for safe exploration, promoting individualized approaches. Vex is a self-suspension rope enthusiast, where they use the forms of their body as a medium of expression with rope and self-portraits. They pull from interests in suffering and how to suffer better where they proclaim to be a disciple of suffering, and how this manifests as part of their human experience in and outside of rope. Instagram: @vexmurmur Explore 800+ high-quality rope bondage tutorials taught by world-class instructors: https://shibaristudy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibari.study/ X: https://x.com/shibari_study YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShibariStudy Fetlife: https://fetlife.com/users/856858