The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) – Details, episodes & analysis

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Ben and Lauren kick off this week’s episode with a few spicy tales from her latest swinger shenanigans at a lifestyle resort- because why ease in when you can dive right in? It’s late October, which means it’s officially Swinger Christmas (aka Halloween), so the party-talk begins.

From there, they turn their attention to She’s Gotta Have It (2017), the bold, unapologetic series about Nola Darling - a free-spirited Black artist navigating love, sex, and identity as she dates three men and a woman. Lauren and Ben unpack the gender dynamics, power plays, and deeper layers that make Nola such a complex character - not just as a polyamorous woman, but as a whole human being.

With themes touching on women’s autonomy, sexual assault, body image, and self-expression, this lively conversation explores how She’s Gotta Have It dares to mix art, sex, and social commentary in ways that still feel fresh and provocative today.

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Lauren and Ben dive into Splitsville—the gloriously unhinged new movie where a handjob-fueled car crash leads to divorce, an “open marriage circus,” and a bro-fight so long it could’ve had intermission popcorn. Lauren actually saw the whole film (so you don’t necessarily have to), while Ben only managed the trailer—though that doesn’t stop him from handing out hot takes and wishing for raunchier American comedies.

Along the way, we get weekend updates: cozy threesomes, Billy Idol rocking shirtless at 69, and Ben sheepishly asking Lauren to boss him around more. The conversation hits all the messy intersections of monogamy and ENM—“no rules” hookups that go sideways, honesty that isn’t honest, and whether penises deserve serious actor cred.

It’s a roast of cinematic chaos, equal parts disaster and delight.

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

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 Lauren and Ben are back with their review and commentary on the rest of the Peacock series, Couple to Throuple. They'll break down the pairings, the swaps, and everything in between. Expect some drama, some laughs, maybe even a few tears—and of course, they’ll share their favorite contestants. Plus, stick around till the end for a fresh and funny take on the term compersion! 

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when The Bachelor meets ethical non-monogamy (ENM), here it is. Lauren and Ben dive into Couple to Throuple, the Peacock reality show that’s equal parts fascinating, cringe, and surprisingly educational. Spoiler: It’s not just about threesomes—it’s about feelings, boundaries, and the emotional ride of adding a third to your relationship.  

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

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Lauren and Ben are back with a fresh take on their podcast! Say goodbye to Mormon wife drama and hello to a spicier exploration of non-monogamy in mainstream media. In this episode, they dive into Netflix's "Easy," following the adventures (and misadventures) of Andy and Kyle - a power couple testing the waters of open marriage.
 
 Our hosts break down the show's portrayal of non-monogamy with wit and wisdom. They share their expert insights on everything from the "30-minute threesome" (Lauren's next bestseller?) to the delicate dance of balancing multiple relationships.
 
They offer both laughs and legitimate advice on navigating ENM and the lifestyle. Whether you're curious about ethical non-monogamy or just enjoy candid conversations about relationships, this episode serves up realness with a side of humor.

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

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In this episode, Ben shares his experience at a body-positive, topless whiskey-tasting party, and Lauren recounts a comedy competition where swinging humor sparked mixed reactions—and some unexpected misunderstandings. With Halloween, aka “Swingers’ Christmas,” approaching, Lauren and Ben discuss their costume collections and themed parties.

They recap The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives finale, covering Whitney’s departure from #MomTok, Jen and Zach’s uncertain future, and Taylor and Dakota’s new baby. Wrapping up, Lauren and Ben reflect on a previous discussion about which MomTokers they’d hypothetically date and tease future projects that promise a fresh look at non-monogamy.

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

Website: SwingingLifestyleCoach.com

Social Media
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Listen in as Lauren and Ben talk about episode 7 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which all takes place in Sin City. The women are getting along better than ever (sans Whitney) but now the husband and boyfriend cause most of the drama. Sexy male strippers & gambling are the backdrop, and we’ll discuss oily bodies, toxic monogamy & relationship and also the question of what it looks like to truly support a friend (sometimes it’s not pretty).

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Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

Website: SwingingLifestyleCoach.com

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In this spicy episode Lauren and Ben discuss labiaplasty, why no one does paintings of balls and whether rubbing oil on a Chippendale's chest will keep you out of (Mormon) heaven. Speaking of heaven, Ben describes the Mormon afterlife and spoiler alert: the most obedient people still might get to have sex. 

STD Hero: or use coupon code Lauren10 at checkout.

Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

Website: SwingingLifestyleCoach.com

Social Media
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

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In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss friendship, ENM, stress, conflict and soda shops. While this episode focuses on the fracturing of the #MomTok gang, we discuss vulnerability and a different way to look at their conflict . We'll also discuss some Words of Wisdom in ENM  / The Lifestyle as well as more on the LDS church. As always, join them for fun, silliness and a bit of education.

STD Hero: or use coupon code Lauren10 at checkout.

Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

Website: SwingingLifestyleCoach.com

Social Media
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

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In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss Episode 4 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', sharing their personal updates before diving into THE key event, the “sh*t show” of the birthday celebration weekend. Ben educates us on the history and current use of Mormon garments, inspired by their favorite quote “Can we Door Dash garments?” The Truth Box serves its purpose at the party and certainly shakes things up within their friendships. Ben and I discuss it all, including their own answers to the Truth Box questions. 

STD Hero: or use coupon code Lauren10 at checkout.

Retreats: https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com/inperson-retreats

Get my book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist

Website: SwingingLifestyleCoach.com

Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew