Raising Kids & Loving Freely: Life After Monogamy | Ep. 105

Raising Kids & Loving Freely: Life After Monogamy | Ep. 105

Author: Karen Bigman August 5, 2025 Duration: 30:14

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Ariela Salinas Fiora. She’s an actor, writer, director, sex educator, and fierce advocate for fat, queer, and Latinx representation. But what really struck me was her deeply personal journey into ethical non-monogamy—especially within a decades-long marriage, while raising kids, and embracing her full identity as a woman over 50.

We talked about everything: how she and her husband first explored the “seven-year itch,” how their kids found out about their open marriage, what it means to be oriented toward multiple partners, and how she’s dealt with jealousy (hint: it’s not what you’d expect).

Ariela shares what it’s like to be affectionate, honest, and deeply committed in more than one relationship—and why she had to “come out” about it dramatically… onstage.

This episode is about expanding our definitions of love, sex, parenting, and what it means to live authentically in our relationships—at any size, at any age, and on our own terms.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + Meet Ariela Salinas Fiora

01:12 – How we met: SAR and sexual attitude reassessment

02:00 – Marrying young & the start of non-monogamy

03:28 – The “Seven-Year Itch” conversation in the car

05:05 – When kissing isn’t just kissing

06:32 – Realizing she’s always been non-monogamous

07:55 – Fat, queer, and rewriting representation

09:20 – Telling the kids about their open marriage

10:47 – Bringing partners home: How it works in real life

12:10 – Polycules, partners, and blended connections

13:40 – Boundaries, intimacy, and making it work

15:00 – Jealousy, priorities, and staying grounded

16:25 – Final thoughts on love, honesty, and self-trust

17:55 – Outro + Where to listen for more

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!

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



About the Guest:

Ariella Salinas Fiore is an actress, creator, director, death doula, and intimacy professional from Los Angeles. She was lucky enough to be born into a family of fierce and talented female artists who supported her by putting her on stage at every opportunity.  A first generation Nicaraguan/Panamanian American , she is passionate about increasing inclusivity for both Latinx and plus sized folks in entertainment.  Her first solo show, The Fat Girl's Guide To Life, Sex, and Everything In Between, premiered in 2024 at the Hollywood Fringe Festival and has since been welcomed in multiple venues around Los Angeles.

Connect with Ariella:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariellasalinasfiore

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

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.

Take control of your pleasure with my Pleasure Playbook, filled with tips to help you connect with your body and enhance intimacy. Download it now at www.taboototruth.com/pleasureplaybook.


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: 100

Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50
Podcast Episodes
The One Conversation That Will Change Your Sex Life | Ep. 161 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:13
If you want a better sex life, you need to learn how to talk about sex. In this episode, I break down why most couples avoid these conversations and how that silence creates distance, resentment, and confusion. I walk yo…
8 Things I Wish Every Man Knew About Menopause | Ep. 159 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:44
🚨 If you are a man navigating your partner’s menopause and feel lost, check out my NEW course ‘Men Meet Menopause’! AND to celebrate the launch, iI am giving you 20% off with code MMPLAUNCH20 https://bit.ly/MeenMeetMenop…
Why Couples Get Bored In Bed And How To Fix It | Ep. 157 (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
What do you do when the relationship is good, but the sex is boring?In part two of my conversation with clinical sexologist Dr. Stacey Friedman, we talk about what really happens to sexual relationships over time. We mov…
My Experience Taking Testosterone As A Woman | Ep. 158 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:16
In this episode, I share a personal story I have never told in detail before. It begins in my early 50s after separating from my husband of 25 years and rediscovering sex in a new relationship. My libido was strong, my e…
We Love Each Other But We Are Not Having Sex. Now What? (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:20
Are you ever going to have sex again?It is the question so many couples in midlife are quietly asking. Sex has become obligatory. Or it has disappeared. Hormones have shifted. Resentment has built. Communication has brok…