Podcaster Spotlight: Authentically Kinky with Jon (HiThereCatsuit)
Jon (HiThereCatsuit) has been the originator and host of Authentically Kinky Podcast for the past six years. The show began as "What Women* (*and other wonderful humans) Want" for its first three and a half years before evolving into the long-form interview series it is today. A damsel who loves to connect with people on an energetic level, Jon is an educator who has taught all over the world — from NY to Atlanta to Chicago to Athens, Greece — and is most proud of the positive impact they've been able to make in people's lives as they find their Authentically Kinky life.
How did you first get involved in kink, and what made you start the podcast?
I have been kinky since I was 3 years old watching Batman in its original airings and was obsessed with the traps, Catwoman and Batgirl. When I entered puberty, I didn't know what was happening but I knew something came out of my penis when I was watching any of the catsuited women or Batman in peril. By the time I knew what an orgasm was, I was already trying on tights and tying myself up. It was so much a fetish that I hoped my dates would be wearing tights or hose so I could have something to help me get aroused.
My first practicing of kink came late in my former marriage when I would go to kink parties on my own and had my first scenes. When I moved to Cleveland, I was able to go to weekly parties and found my true love of kink as a single human.
I started the podcast after I wrote a column wondering why men send unsolicited dick pics, and the podcast was born — first as a way to discover how kinky people connect, but soon evolved into telling the stories of people in the kink and fetish community.
After attending my first Fetishcon and meeting so many of my guests for the first time, the pod took off. I was named the official podcaster of the event and started to get some amazing guests from all over the world. I wanted to do the podcast because I was a sportscaster for 35 years and I was missing interviewing people. So I combined my love of interviewing with my love of kink, and here we are!
What is Authentically Kinky about, and what makes it different?
The podcast is a series of long-form interviews with personalities in the kink and fetish world. Through off-the-top-of-the-head questions, we use active listening to determine the way we discover the stories of so many amazing humans.
While a lot of the guests tend to be ProDommes and content creators these days, I am expanding the people I ask into lifestylers, submissives, authors and entertainers in the kink space. It is very much a femme-friendly space as I have always been an advocate for women, and honor their place in this world.
We treat our guests as humans and not characters or objects. The amount of guests who are amazed that I didn't ask any gotcha questions, or obsess with the sexual aspect of who they are (sometimes never mentioning sex), and that I did not proactively ask them about their personal lives, gave me a reputation for being someone awesome to interview with. I hold that reputation dearly and it makes a difference in who comes on the show — they feel safe in doing so.
Any favorite or unforgettable episode?
I will always go back to the interview I did with Brooke Wilkes aka Hudsy Hawn. She was a pro domme with many media appearances who would sing at Disney during the day and domme at night. She moved to be with her love in Europe during covid, and proceeded to lose it all. She started over by cleaning houses back in the states, and rediscovered herself. She is now a well-known singer on the Vegas strip and was just named as an honored guest at this year's Domcon.
Each show I love for so many reasons — from Lady Vi sharing her infamous story from New Orleans, to international dommes introducing themselves to the American market, to Mistress Baton, a well-known actress turned Dominatrix who took her power back when she was blackmailed and now is known for how awesome she is, and not for being an outcast.
How do you tackle sensitive or tricky topics?
I ask the questions that come from listening. I will read a bio and might even listen to a podcast with them, but everything comes from my mind based on what they talk about. I don't deal in salacious questions, and if they have been involved in controversial things, I ask them how they want to deal with it before we start.
I fully admit that the show has not gone viral because we age-restrict all the shows and have disclaimers at the start... but we don't hold back on the conversation. It means I can't monetize, but I want the authentic story to my audience and that means more to me.
I want to thank Clips4Sale for being our sponsor as they pay for the expenses and allow these stories to be shared. That being said, I usually spend about 3-5 thousand dollars more than they give me because I believe in the message so much.
Are there common myths you like to address?
I want to end the stigma of kink, but there are a few things in particular. I love to present ProDommes as the humans they are and not the character they are seen as. This means that I will discover the kindness and gentleness of many of them.
But the most important thing I want people to know is that kink is not sex. People talk about kinky sex all the time, but the fact is that kink can be beautiful moments, therapeutic situations, anxiety chasers, and wonderful energetic connections wrapped up with rope and floggers. I want to be in the moment, and kink is what gives me those gifts more than just getting off does — so I honor what it can do for our soul more than our sex drives.
How do you connect with your listeners?
I am always shocked when people come up to me at conventions and events and tell me they listen to the show. It has happened literally all over the world. I get notes from people through our website or FetLife telling me what a difference the show has made to them.
I have an avid listener in Germany who messages me all the time telling me they are looking forward to one guest or how they were moved by the show. I am so lucky to have established relationships with many of my guests and will talk live with many of them no matter if they are in the States or overseas.
But the biggest thing I know — we seem to be the podcast that industry people listen to for stories of people who they admire, are friends with, or wish they could meet. We call ourselves the show the pros listen to.
Any podcasts, books, or resources you recommend?
I was inspired by Off the Cuffs without a doubt. I love Pink Kink and Sage Advice. I love any podcast that can tell a good story.
Nick Tanek does his show called Your Kinky Friends. It's funny because Nick and I have shared many guests, and get two different sides out of them. He loves to talk about what they do, and I am about who they are. It's nice to hear about both sides, but the human side of things will always be what I am most curious about.
What's coming up next?
I have done many shows on location and I love doing them! I ask the guest to pick some locations and scenarios that show off what they love. This may, if they want to, include tying me up, having me attached to a piece of equipment while interviewing them, distracting me with scene-like motions that sometimes make me forget what I was asking. All in all, they are super fun interactions where we get into the most interesting conversations.
I have some bucket-list guests coming up this summer, and can't wait to be back at Fetishcon for some red carpet and special interviews.
A piece of advice you live by?
Love. Each. Other. Always.
Each word is a reminder to me.
Listen to Jon (HiThereCatsuit) on Authentically Kinky Podcast on THE CAGE.