Q&A with Rich and Maya
How long have you and Maya been married?
25 crazy, beautiful years! We are real-life, high school sweethearts.
How long have y’all been in the Lifestyle?
16 years
How did you learn about the lifestyle?
Through acquaintances and mutual friends.
How long have you been playing at Lifestyle events?
I’ve been DJing in the Lifestyle for 16 years now.
How did you start DJing lifestyle events?
I was given the opportunity by the late Mr. Russ Thompson, “The King of Swing,” and the owner of the famous Freedom Acres in Southern CA. I had a 30-minute audition, which Russ forwardly told me, “If you can’t keep people on my dance floor for longer than 30 minutes, you would have to leave the club.” Long story short, the 30-minute audition became a 2-hour set, and Russ offered me to be his resident DJ. Soon after that, I became Freedom Acres's resident DJ for the next 9 years, while Maya was also a bartender there. Through networking and meeting various people in the industry, I started to DJ for other Lifestyle events and clubs all over the United States and internationally. This allowed us the pleasure of meeting Bob and Tess,who booked me to DJ my first Naughty Event- in 2017 for the “Naughty in L.A. Couples Cruise.” Bob and Tess also brought me along to DJ my first Naughty in Nawlins that same year! This instantly led to Naughty In Nawlins being one of our favorite lifestyle events!
What do y’all like to do for fun?
We love to travel and spend time with our 3 kids as often as possible despite our busy schedules. We enjoy all the beautiful states and countries we’ve been able to visit because of the lifestyle, along with the incredible people and friends we’ve made through these years. We both especially love music and are avid concert and music festival goers. Not only is Rich a lifestyle DJ, but he has been a house music/open format DJ since the 90s (vinyl days). He also loves to produce music, while Maya enjoys photography and capturing all the live moments of Rich packing the dance floor and being his personal hype woman while dancing to all his sets!
Where was your first event and experience?
Our first experience was at club Freedom Acres. We had no idea what to expect! We assumed it was going to be like a Ron Jeremy scene walking in where couples were just going to be going at it as soon as you walked in. It ended up being quite the opposite. We were given a tour of the club first, and then learned about the infamous play rooms-is where the real action happens. Everyone we met was personable, respectful, and very open to getting to know us. It was the first time we felt part of a completely different environment, but excited to be in it together.
What are your thoughts on the Lifestyle and how it has evolved through the years?
It’s definitely not for anyone who doesn’t have an open mind. It’s an environment where you can be sexually free with your partner and also a space where you don’t have to feel judged for being a freaky couple. You get to enjoy moments with like-minded individuals who sometimes even become some of your closest friends. It's evolved in many ways regarding couples being more comfortable and curious to see what it's all about. Every year, we meet a lot of first-timers who say they have had a positive experience so far and are enjoying it.
Anything you want to add?
We were shocked when our names were announced to be crowned King and Queen of Naughty Nawlins 2024, as we had no idea we were even considered. It was a wonderful surprise, and we feel so humbled to have shared that moment alongside Bob, Tess, and the past winners. It’s such an honor, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Bob and Tess and our lifestyle community! As Rich and Maya always say, "Can't wait for the next Naughty Nawlins!"
