In our modern world, we are taught that pain is a "glitch" — something to be numbed, avoided, or fixed. But as a Professional Dominatrix (and a pure bred Sadist), I have found that for many, structured, consensual pain is actually a profound portal to relief.

For Living Room Lectures, we’ll be taking S&M out of the dungeon and place it into its historical context. We’ll explore why ancient cultures used pain rituals for transcendence, and why modern, high-functioning adults often find their deepest peace on the other side of a sting.