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What exactly is the "Old Guard" in leather culture? It's a question that sparks heated debates, reverent whispers, and sometimes bitter divisions within our community. This episode cuts through the mythology to reveal surprising truths about leather history and traditions.

Dr. Ty, clinical sexologist and leather title holder, joins Edge to share groundbreaking research from his dissertation defining the Old Guard. Rather than simply referring to the original leathermen of the 1950s, the term has evolved to describe a style of play centered on "obedience, structure and protocol." Most surprisingly, Dr. Ty's research reveals there was never a singular "way" of Old Guard practice—different cities developed different traditions long before national leather organizations formed.

The conversation challenges common assumptions about mentorship in leather communities. Despite the perception that Old Guard practitioners had formal mentoring structures, Dr. Ty's research found no statistical difference between how Old Guard and New Guard approached mentoring. This finding has inspired his work developing a more accessible mentoring program, addressing a critical gap for newcomers seeking guidance.

We also explore the often-conflated relationship between leather and kink identities, title holding traditions, and practical resources for those seeking knowledge. Dr. Ty shares details about his Kinky Book Club, which provides a non-sexual space for exploring leather history through literature and other media.

The episode concludes with an all-Texas edition of Ask Edge, featuring questions about advice for younger selves and the challenges of properly vetting title holders in today's community. Whether you're a leather veteran or just curious about these traditions, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on how we understand our shared history and build a more inclusive future.

Useful links:

• Dr. Ty on Instagram
• Kinky Book Club
• Playing Well with Others

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Ask Edge! Go to https://www.speakpipe.com/LTHREDGE to leave ask a question or leave feedback. Find Edge's other content on Instagram and Twitter. Also visit his archive of educational videos, Tchick-Tchick.

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The whispered allure of "bound and gagged" has been etched into our cultural consciousness, but what makes gags such a powerful element in power exchange? In this deep dive into the world of gag play, Edge explores the intricate psychology, diverse varieties, and crucial safety aspects that every kinkster should understand.

Gags create an unparalleled psychological impact by removing one's ability to speak—transforming a person through objectification and control. Beyond just silencing, they serve to dehumanize in the most erotic way, shifting headspace and reinforcing power dynamics with remarkable efficiency. Yet contrary to what many assume, the purpose isn't silence at all. The muffled moans and desperate sounds that emerge around a properly placed gag create an auditory landscape that heightens arousal for everyone involved.

From traditional ball gags and equestrian-inspired bit gags to impromptu solutions like bandanas and clothing, the world of gags offers endless possibilities to explore. Edge covers luxury options like Silencilicone alongside DIY alternatives, explaining how different materials create distinct sensations and psychological effects. The discussion doesn't shy away from practical concerns—exploring the four primary safety considerations (vomiting, breathing, saliva management, and muscle soreness) while offering concrete strategies to minimize risk through positioning and communication.

Whether you're a seasoned player or curious newcomer, this comprehensive guide provides both technical knowledge and psychological insight. Edge's personal journey with gags adds nuanced perspective, revealing how preferences evolve and acknowledging that while gags occupy an iconic place in BDSM imagery, they remain entirely optional. Discover how this seemingly simple tool creates profound experiences of submission, control, and sensory delight when wielded with knowledge and care.

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Ask Edge! Go to https://www.speakpipe.com/LTHREDGE to leave ask a question or leave feedback. Find Edge's other content on Instagram and Twitter. Also visit his archive of educational videos, Tchick-Tchick.

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The long-awaited return of Full Cow kicks off Season 4 by diving into the most popular topic from previous seasons—chastity—but with a revolutionary twist. Host Edge challenges the widespread misconception that chastity belongs exclusively to submissives, arguing instead that it's a powerful tool available to everyone, regardless of where they fall on the dominance spectrum.

Drawing from his extensive personal experience, Edge shares his journey through various chastity devices, from early struggles finding the "perfect" cage to his current appreciation of an exquisitely crafted Steelwerks Extreme device. Rather than focusing solely on the mechanics, he reveals how his relationship with chastity shifted when he began viewing the device as a symbol of commitment rather than just a physical restraint.

The heart of the episode explores specific ways dominants can incorporate chastity into their practice: to better understand submissives' experiences, build anticipation before scenes, create higher stakes within encounters, and foster deeper connections beyond genital pleasure. "If I'm taking my cock off the table," Edge explains, "I am necessarily more focused on the intimacy." This perspective transforms chastity from a limitation into an enhancement of dominance—a way to sharpen focus, intensify desire, and amplify control.

A fascinating new "Makers" segment introduces us to Christopher from Steelwerks Extreme, whose journey from jeweler to chastity device craftsman highlights how these objects transcend mere functionality to become wearable art. The episode concludes with thoughtful relationship advice for a listener navigating complicated feelings for a close friend.

Ready to challenge your assumptions about power dynamics? Listen now and discover how restraint can actually amplify your dominance. Subscribe to catch future episodes, which will be released organically rather than on a fixed schedule as Edge embraces a more sustainable approach to podcasting.

Support the show

Ask Edge! Go to https://www.speakpipe.com/LTHREDGE to leave ask a question or leave feedback. Find Edge's other content on Instagram and Twitter. Also visit his archive of educational videos, Tchick-Tchick.