Sex, Consent & Connection: How Non-Monogamy Really Works | Ep. 122 (Part 2)

Sex, Consent & Connection: How Non-Monogamy Really Works | Ep. 122 (Part 2)

Author: Karen Bigman October 24, 2025 Duration: 18:05

In this follow-up to Part 1, I continue my candid conversation with licensed professional counselor and AASECT-certified sex therapist Kelvin Pace, diving even deeper into what consensual non-monogamy really looks like in practice. From swinging to polyamory to kink, we unpack the myths, labels, and lived realities behind open relationships. Kelvin explains why communication and consent—not structure—define success, and why non-monogamous relationships can often be just as loving and committed as traditional ones. We also explore the overlap between kink and CNM, how the military became part of swinging lore, and the importance of sex-positive therapy that challenges bias instead of pathologizing pleasure.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome back & why you should listen to Part 1 first

00:58 – Do open marriages usually end?

02:03 – Swinging vs. polyamory: orientation or play?

04:25 – The many forms of consensual non-monogamy

06:10 – How kink overlaps (and doesn’t) with CNM

08:02 – The biggest myths about non-monogamy

10:10 – Therapy, bias, and the importance of consent

12:05 – Parenting and openness about sexuality

14:00 – Did swinging really start in the military?

15:22 – Kelvin’s quick-fire questions: definition, orgasm, fantasy

17:00 – Where to find Kelvin

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:

Kelvin Pace graduated with a master’s in clinical psychology from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2009. He is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor.

He is the owner of KpaceCounseling, LLC in Anchorage, Alaska. Kelvin works with couples and individuals dealing with sexual or relationship issues that include low desire, anxiety surrounding sex, and infidelity. His current focus is on mindfulness-based interventions to manage sexual concerns, working with individuals and couples either in or looking to explore non-traditional relationship orientations such as consensual/ethical non-monogamy.

Connect with Kelvin Pace:

Website: kpacecounseling.net

Instagram: @kpace37

Facebook: @kpacecounselingLLC

Phone: 907-519-2989

Email: kpacecounseling@gmail.com


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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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.
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Taboo to Truth: Life & Sex After 50
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