Inside a 5-Year Open Relationship: What Nobody Tells You About Polyamory | Ep. 192 (Part 1)

Non-monogamy is one of the topics I get asked about more than almost anything else, so in this episode I sit down with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt to dig into what open relationships, polyamory, and relationship anarchy actually look like day to day — not the theory, the lived experience. We talk about how to know you're ready to open a relationship, the STI screening protocol that makes it work, how jealousy and compersion actually show up, and the moment a 35-year marriage nearly ended over what gets called "husband thievery." We also get into how an adult daughter found out her parents were non-monogamous in one short conversation, and how a "summer boy toy" earned a promotion to full-time boyfriend. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already living this life, this conversation is going to challenge some assumptions.

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In This Episode:

0:00 – Redefining Relationships in Midlife

0:28 – Welcome to Taboo to Truth

0:52 – Meet Susan Bratton & Karl Eberhardt

2:25 – Defining Non-Monogamy vs. Cheating: The Relationship Tree

7:29 – How Susan Knew She Was Ready to Open Her Marriage

8:25 – How Karl and Susan Met (The Pool Story)

12:02 – Why Karl Is "Well-Suited" for Polyamory

14:34 – The Non-Negotiable: STI Testing & Screening In

15:39 – "Polyamory Means Love Many": Susan's Two Love Relationships

17:27 – Karl's San Diego Girlfriend & Traveling as a Throuple

19:59 – What Is a "Bambi"? A Different Kind of Intimacy

21:26 – Susan's Young Lover & the Jealousy That Followed

23:57 – Karl's Turn: Facing Jealousy Over an Old Flame

26:29 – Compersion, Husband Thievery & Almost Losing Tim

29:44 – Telling Their Daughter Taylor

31:11 – From "Summer Boy Toy" to Full-Time Boyfriend

34:05 – Outro

To watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!

About The Guest:

Susan is a champion and advocate for all those who desire ageless intimacy.

She is a best-selling author and publisher of 44 books and programs including S*xual Soulmates, Relationship Magic, Revive Her Drive, Ravish Him and many more. She’s the official company spokesperson for GAINSWave® and The Dr. Joel Kaplan Company. She serves as Chief Advocacy Officer of ProDxHealth.org STI testing.

Susan has been a featured guest on over 1,000 podcasts and TV shows, including Diary of a CEO, You Are Not Broken, S*x with Emily, The Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey, Good Moms Bad Choices, Heal Thyself, IDIOT with Laura Clery, The Infamous “Clit Camp” Music Video, LuvBites with Dr. Tara, and The Chalene Show.

Her books and interviews have helped millions take control of their s*xual joy.

Her message resonates across gender and age because it’s rooted in agency, body literacy, and connection.

Connect with Susan Bratton:

Website: https://susanbratton.com

Mentioned in this episode: https://tenintimacy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanbratton

Karl Eberhardt is a nationally recognized New Car Owner Trainer on correct care of modern car paint finishes. Karl has a life long passion for design and is the brewer of beer//Cicerone CBS, and custom jewelry. He has built surfboards for 25+ years.

Connect with Karl Ebhardt:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karleberhardt_/

About The Host:

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

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