RadReads​ - Are we having an “intimacy crisis?”

As Salt N Pepa said, let’s talk about sex, baby.

Open relationships. Throuples. Polyamory. Swinging. Many (umm, most?) of us are conditioned with strong stereotypes of these words.

But there’s a whole map of “non-traditional” relationships.

5% of Americans are in open relationships, and it’s not just about the sex.

It gets into deep issues like communication, intimacy and trust.

This week on The Examined Life Podcast, we’re joined by serial entrepreneur (and repeat guest) Suzi Sosa.

We ask the question:

🎧 Or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

My top 3 takeaways

​

​
​Jealousy lies in the unknown

Porn is often blamed for our issues with sex and relationships. But just as our obesity epidemic reflects a broader dynamic around food, exercise and nutrition, an ecosystem of behaviors can expose our intimacy problems.

→ Watch the clip
​​

Our intimacy crisis has many layers

Porn is often blamed for our issues with sex and relationships. But just as our obesity epidemic reflects a broader dynamic around food, exercise and nutrition, an ecosystem of behaviors is at fault for our intimacy problems.

→ Watch the clip​
​

Our cerebral nature drives sexual numbness

Human bei ability to think and reason is what put us on top of the food chain. But it’s a double-edged sword. An inability to get out of our own heads can cause numbness and checking out of relationships.

→ Watch the clip​

From our sponsors:

​

My favorite quote: Did you choose monogamy or default to it?

Why this episode matters to me

I was uncomfortable asking Suzi many of these questions.

Not because of the conversation. But because her name will be on this episode forever.

(And her teenage kids — they and their friends can find the conversation on YouTube forever!)

My fear was fueled by the stigma of non-monogamy, and my conditioning about anything “non-traditional.”

Yet, as someone who has done a lot of inner work — I recognize that being free from jealousy, fully trusting and transparent are not things that come easily.

So these Ethical Non-Monogamists must be up to something…

If you want to dig deeper

​There’s a map that (hilariously) explains the non-monogamy terms we discussed. Determining your erotic blueprint helps you and your partner(s) achieve greater happiness. A way to ease into deeper relationship questions is with a card game.

Love letters from our fans

“I’m drawn to you because you do some of the things that I know I’m supposed to do. And whenever I interact with your content I feel a tugging to get out my head.”

(In response to the psychedelics episode)

Hope you enjoy the episode,

Khe

​Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn​