Inside Open Relationships: Respect, Boundaries & Emotional Growth | Ep. 119 (Part 2)

In Part 2 of my conversation with Ally Iseman, (ICF certified relationship coach and erotic event producer) we dive deeper into the real work behind healthy, ethical nonmonogamy. Alley shares personal stories that reveal the emotional intelligence, honesty, and respect it takes to navigate multiple relationships — from processing breakups to setting boundaries and supporting each other through vulnerability.

We also bust common myths about open relationships, explaining how communication and consent are key whether you’re monogamous, polyamorous, or somewhere in between. Then, we take you inside the world of kink and play parties, exploring what really happens, how to approach these spaces safely, and why curiosity (not pressure) is the foundation of all exploration.

This episode is as much about self-awareness and personal growth as it is about relationships — proving that being “open” starts with how we communicate, not who we sleep with.

If you haven't listened to Part 1, go back and start there, because you will want the full story!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Beyond the Myths of Open Relationships

02:10 – Communication, Boundaries & Mutual Respect

05:20 – Processing Emotions and Breakups in Open Relationships

08:00 – Monogamy vs. Ownership: Redefining Partnership

10:40 – Kink, Curiosity & What Really Happens at Play Parties

13:50 – Finding Community and Safer Spaces

16:30 – How to Start Exploring (Responsibly)

18:50 – Final Thoughts: Openness Starts With Conversation

19:51 – Final words

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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

About the guest:

Ally Iseman is a writer, consultant, ICF Certified Relationship Coach, NCSF-registered Kink Aware Professional (KAP), and the Founder of the inclusive relationship resource platform Passport2Pleasure.com. ​Sitting on numerous advisory boards in NED roles for brands in the sex tech and relational wellness spaces, she has been a speaker, erotic event producer, and non-monogamy educator and practitioner since 2016. A sought after podcast guest, Ally is also a featured subject matter expert for publications like The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Romper, PureWow, and Yahoo! among others, and is a contributing writer and educator for the leading industry publication Sexual Health Magazine as well as brands like Arya and Afterglow. As a certified consent and communication specialist, she uses inclusive relationship design to teach busy couples around the world the tools and skills they need to build the relationships they want and deserve.

Connect with Ally Iseman:

Substack https://allyiseman.substack.com/

ENM 101 https://www.passport2pleasure.com/a/2148080202/xuzLqM2k

The Jealousy Toolkit https://www.passport2pleasure.com/a/2148080203/xuzLqM2k

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

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

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.