Inside a 5-Year Open Relationship: What Nobody Tells You About Polyamory | Ep. 192 (Part 2)

In part two of my conversation with Susan Bratton and Karl Eberhardt, we go even deeper into what actually holds a non-monogamous relationship together. We talk about why communication can make or break an open relationship, what Karl learned about himself after six years of practicing polyamory, and the concept they call "Team Sweetie" — showing up for each other through illness, grief, and everything in between. Susan shares her free "Alchemy of Intimacy" guide for couples considering this kind of relationship, and we get into the practical side of staying safe: their fluid-bonded screening process, the STI most people have never heard of, and why standard insurance testing doesn't catch everything. We close with what it really means to love your partners through their mistakes.

In This Episode:

0:00 – Welcome Back: Picking Up Where We Left Off

0:24 – Intro: Redefining Life & Sex After 50

0:46 – Why Good Communication Makes (or Breaks) an Open Relationship

3:35 – Six Years In: What Polyamory Taught Karl About Himself

4:59 – "Team Sweetie": Showing Up for Each Other Through Crisis

7:15 – Susan's Advice: The Alchemy of Intimacy & 10 Rules for Success

8:45 – Karl's Advice: Build the Framework Before You Open Up

10:23 – The Screening Document: Where New Partners Start

11:07 – Inside the STI Testing Protocol: Mycoplasma, Incubation Periods & Protex Health

14:00 – Nobody's Perfect: Loving Your Partners Through Mistakes

15:08 – The Testing Gap: Why Insurance Won't Screen for Herpes

17:09 – Final Takeaways

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

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📩 Want more real talk on sex, dating, and relationships after 50 delivered straight to your inbox? Join my newsletter: https://www.taboototruth.com/subscribe

About the Guests:

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

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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