Open relationships get a bad reputation. People hear "ethical non-monogamy" and assume it's a free pass to cheat, or a fantasy dressed up with a fancier name. I sat down with Ali Imperiale, who documents her open relationship and sex-positive travels for her audience, and she walked me through what actually happens when two people agree to rewrite the rules together.
We get into the real version of ethical non-monogamy: the renegotiating, the boundary that got crossed, the sex therapist she called in, and the moment she developed feelings for someone outside her primary relationship and had to figure out what that meant. Ali is candid about the difference between a fantasy threesome and an actual one, including her first experience and the surprise threesome she planned for her partner's birthday..
This conversation strips the shame off every part of it: the labels, the logistics, the awkward moments. If you have ever been curious about non-monogamy, polyamory, or what a threesome actually looks like, this episode gives you the plain, unfiltered picture. Part two is coming, so stay close.
NOTE: Due to technical difficulties during recording, the audio and video quality in this episode may vary from our usual standard. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the conversation nonetheless.
In This Episode:
0:00 – Open Relationships Aren't a Free Pass to Cheat
0:30 – Meet Ali Imperiale: Sex-Positive Storyteller
1:11 – Talking About Sex Without Being Explicit
5:04 – From Monogamous to Ethically Non-Monogamous: Ali's Story
7:22 – Meeting Gab and Opening Up Together
10:15 – Values Over Rules: Renegotiating as a Couple
13:19 – Lessons Learned: Communication and Sex Therapy
17:36 – When Feelings Get Complicated
19:44 – Polyamory, Labels, and Loving More Than One Person
22:44 – The Nitty Gritty: Her First Threesome, a Viral Hawaii Story
28:58 – Gab's First Threesome: A COVID Birthday Surprise
30:35 – Setting Boundaries and Performance Anxiety
34:11 – Why Aftercare Matters
36:43 – Wrap-Up: Part Two Is Coming
To watch the video version of this episode, head over to YouTube!
About The Guest:
Ali is a content creator, sex education student, and host of a YouTube channel exploring sex, relationships, pleasure, intimacy, and alternative lifestyles. Through candid conversations, travel experiences, and educational content, she helps normalize discussions around sexuality while encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and self-discovery. Her work focuses on reducing shame, challenging assumptions, and creating space for nuanced conversations about pleasure, relationships, and the many ways people choose to live and love.
Connect with Ali Imperiale:
Website: https://aliimperiale.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliimperiale
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aliimperiale
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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