043. Inside The Play - Sex Parties, Consent & Erotic Art with Michael Hollis

Inside The Play: Sex Parties, Consent & Erotic Art with Michael HollisIn this episode of Sex Ritual Radio, Rose Heartsong sits down with Michael Hollis, founder and creative director of The Play LA, for a taboo-breaking conversation about sex parties, consent, erotic art, play communities, nervous system safety, and what it means to create a truly ethical erotic space. Michael shares the vision behind The Play LA, a sex-positive community that blends art, intimacy, play, performance, connection, and erotic expression in a way that feels intentional, creative, and deeply human. Together, Rose and Michael explore what makes The Play different from traditional sex parties, why consent education matters, how STI testing creates safer spaces, and why erotic environments can become powerful spaces for self-discovery, vulnerability, and transformation.This episode is for anyone who has ever been curious about sex parties, play parties, ethical non-monogamy, erotic community, or how to explore sexuality in a way that feels safer, more intentional, more artistic, and more connected. In This Episode, We Talk AboutWhat The Play LA is and how Michael created itWhy sex parties do not have to feel dark, unsafe, or disconnectedThe difference between a traditional sex party and an intentional play partyHow The Play blends sex, art, performance, creativity, and communityWhy Michael says, “You are not just the audience. You are the art.”How vulnerability creates deeper connectionWhy The Play has no phones, no money, and no hierarchyThe importance of STI testing and knowing your statusWhy condoms, barriers, lube, wet wipes, and sanitation stations matterHow The Play uses interviews, applications, and consent conversations to create safer spacesWhat enthusiastic consent looks like in a play party environmentHow to receive a “no” without making it personalWhy “thank you for taking care of yourself” can change the nervous systemThe six-foot consent rule and why watching requires consent tooThe power of eye gazing and nonverbal connectionDIBS: desires, intentions, boundaries, and sexualityWhy speaking your desires out loud can help them become realWhy boundaries are essential in erotic spacesHow play parties can support healing, liberation, exploration, and connectionWhy erotic expression can feel deeply relaxing when shame is removedHow The Play supports single women, couples, first-timers, and experienced playersWhy kindness is the currency inside The Play communityHow The Play creates events like Ren Fair, The Matrix, and Play CampWhy sex-positive community can become a powerful form of sexual education00:00 Introduction to Sex Parties and The Play LA01:30 Meet Michael Hollis03:00 The Vision Behind The Play05:30 Sex, Art, Vulnerability, and Connection08:00 Redefining What a Play Party Can Be10:00 No Phones, No Money, No Hierarchy12:30 What Makes The Play Feel Different15:00 Creating Safety Before the Party Begins17:00 Applications, Interviews, and Vetting19:00 STI Testing and Ethical Non-Monogamy22:00 Happy Hour, Closed Containers, and Nervous System Safety24:00 Consent Talk and Enthusiastic Yes26:00 How to Receive a No29:00 The Six-Foot Consent Rule31:00 Eye Gazing and Nonverbal Connection34:00 DIBS: Desires, Intentions, Boundaries, and Sexuality38:00 Speaking Desires Out Loud40:00 Boundaries, Trauma, and Transformation43:00 Why The Play Feels Safer Than a Bar46:00 Harm Reduction and Accountability49:00 Power Dynamics and Team Integrity52:00 Going to The Play as a Single Woman55:00 Erotic Art, Fantasy, and Live Experiences58:00 Coffee, Tea, Flogging, Fire, and Sensual Activations61:00 Upcoming Events: Ren Fair, The Matrix, and Play Camp64:00 How to Find The Play LA66:00 Closing ReflectionsMichael Hollis is the founder and creative director of The Play, an intentional play party and erotic arts community based in Los Angeles. Through The Play, Michael creates immersive experiences that blend sex, art, performance, vulnerability, connection, and consent-centered community. His work is rooted in creating safer erotic spaces where people can explore desire, boundaries, intimacy, creativity, and self-expression without shame. The Play is known for its intentional vetting process, STI testing requirements, consent education, artistic performances, immersive themes, and deeply welcoming culture.Website:https://www.theplay.la/Instagram: @theplay.laHost Info Rose Heartsong is a Sex, Love, and Intimacy Coach, Tantra and Kink Coach, and host of Sex Ritual Radio, where she explores sexuality, spirituality, vibrant health, nervous system regulation, taboo topics, and the conversations our culture often avoids.Website:https://www.roseheartsong.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/roseheartsong/Listen If You’re Curious AboutWhat happens at a sex party?What is a play party?How do I go to a sex party safely?What is The Play LA?How does consent work at a play party?What does ethical non-monogamy look like in practice?How do STI testing and barriers work in play spaces?Can sex parties be spiritual, artistic, and intentional?What does enthusiastic consent actually mean?How do I receive rejection without taking it personally?What are safer sex party rules?Can play parties help people feel more sexually free?What is erotic art?How can sex-positive community support healing and self-discovery?This episode contains adult conversations about sex parties, play parties, ethical non-monogamy, STI testing, consent, erotic art, kink, BDSM, group intimacy, and sexual exploration. This episode is for educational and personal reflection purposes only.✨ Resources & Special Offers ✨🌹 Explore more at www.roseheartsong.com🛏 Splash Blanket - 10% off with code ROSEHEARTSONG → https://splashblanket.us/