Cheating Isn't About Sex — Here's What It's Really About | Ep. 181

Cheating Isn't About Sex — Here's What It's Really About | Ep. 181

Author: Karen Bigman June 19, 2026 Duration: 7:03

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In this episode, I'm tackling the topic nobody wants to bring up at dinner: cheating. Whether you've been cheated on, you've done the cheating, or you've just thought about it (and most of us have), this conversation is for you. I'm breaking down what infidelity actually is, why it shows up so often in midlife, and whether it's ever justified. I get into the messy truth that affairs are rarely about sex — they're about disconnection, unmet needs, and the stories we tell ourselves instead of having hard conversations. I'm not excusing cheating. I am asking you to understand it, because understanding is the first step toward preventing it, surviving it, or having the honest conversation you've been avoiding.

In This Episode:

00:00 - Sponsor: Aria Intimacy Membership

00:48 - Welcome to Taboo to Truth

01:10 - Introduction: Talking About Cheating Like Adults

01:30 - What Actually Counts as Cheating?

02:15 - Why Cheating Happens More in Midlife

02:50 - Is Cheating Ever Justified?

03:55 - Are We Even Wired for Monogamy?

04:40 - Open Relationships vs. Cheating: Where's the Line?

05:10 - What to Do If You've Been Cheated On

06:05 - How to Prevent Infidelity Before It Happens

06:45 - Final Thoughts: Choosing Honesty

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!

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

DISCLAIMER: 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.

This content is created for educational and informational purposes only. It is designed to provide viewers with knowledge and insights about intimacy, relationships, communication, and sexual wellness. This video does not depict or promote sexual acts for the purpose of sexual gratification. All discussions are conducted in a respectful, professional, and sex-positive context to encourage healthy, safe, and informed conversations.

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In a culture that often whispers about aging and ignores the sexuality of older adults, Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50 speaks in a clear, confident voice. Hosted by certified sex educator and coach Karen Bigman, this podcast transforms hushed conversations into open, honest dialogue. Karen’s straightforward and candid approach dismantles the stigma surrounding midlife intimacy, creating a vital space for education and support. Each episode explores the intricate, real-life experiences of dating, relationships, and physical connection after fifty. You’ll hear practical insights on navigating sex post-divorce, the triumphs of rediscovering desire, and the unique challenges that come with these transformative years. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s grounded conversation about the evolving landscape of pleasure, health, and partnership. By diving deep into topics often left unspoken, the show provides both reassurance and actionable guidance. Whether you’re seeking to understand your own journey or to simply listen and learn, this podcast meets you with expertise and empathy. Karen Bigman ensures every discussion moves from societal silence toward personal truth, making Taboo to Truth an essential listen for anyone redefining what life and intimacy mean in the second half.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50
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