February 10, 2026

In our modern world, we are taught that pain is a "glitch" — something to be numbed, avoided, or fixed. But for many, structured, consensual pain is actually a profound portal to relief. In this lecture, we'll take 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.

Priestess Francesca is a Brooklyn-born Sexologist, Professional Dominatrix, and host of the Gutter Wisdom podcast, dedicated to deconstructing the psychology of kink and power for a modern audience.