What does it really mean when we say chosen family?

In this deeply moving live episode, Lady Lioness sits down with co-host Nicholas Tanek to talk about what happens when the BDSM community shows up in real life—not just in scenes, not just online, but in moments of loss.

Last week, Nicholas experienced the sudden passing of his father. What followed was an outpouring of care, messages, check-ins, and love from our kink community. This episode centers the truth many of us know in our bones: sometimes the acceptance, safety, and support we find in BDSM spaces goes deeper than what we’ve received from our families of origin.

This is a raw, honest conversation about grief, vulnerability, emotional consent, and the power of community care.
This is about how we take care of each other.

🖤 If this episode resonates, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share The Growl Podcast here on YouTube to help keep these conversations alive.

Supporting Nicholas

If you feel moved to support Nicholas directly as he navigates sudden family expenses following this loss, contributions are welcome via CashApp:
$YKFtanek

There is no obligation—presence, care, and community matter most.

Mental Health & Grief Support

This episode includes a discussion of grief and loss. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone.

If you’re in the U.S., you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org
— free, confidential, 24/7 support.

If you’re outside the U.S., please seek local crisis or grief support resources in your country.

The Growl Podcast
Raw conversations on kink, consent, power exchange, and the human truths beneath them.
Live every Monday night at 8pm.

🖤 We see you.
🖤 We hold each other.
🖤 We are stronger together.