What if the relationship model you’ve been taught your whole life… isn’t the only way to love?

In this eye-opening and deeply educational episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with sexuality educator, researcher, and author Jim Fleckenstein for a no-BS conversation about polyamory, swinging, open relationships, and the many forms of consensual non-monogamy. With over 20 years in the field, Jim shares the research, real-life experiences, and hard truths that challenge everything you think you know about love, sex, and commitment.

From breaking down the different types of non-monogamous relationships to busting seven of the biggest myths people still believe, Jim pulls back the curtain on what makes these relationships thrive—and where they fail. They explore the role of communication, boundaries, and self-awareness in creating healthy dynamics, plus why jealousy might not be the deal-breaker you think it is.

Whether you’re monogamous, curious about opening your relationship, or already exploring non-monogamy, this conversation will give you the language, insights, and confidence to navigate love on your own terms—without shame.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The difference between swinging, polyamory, and open relationships

• Why consensual non-monogamy is more common than you think

• How society stigmatizes non-monogamy—and why that’s changing

• The surprising research on relationship satisfaction in non-monogamous couples

• Understanding boundaries, agreements, and emotional safety

• Why women are often the ones initiating open relationships

• The truth about jealousy and how to manage it

• Common myths that keep people from exploring alternative relationship models

• What makes a non-monogamous relationship healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling

• How to talk to therapists, friends, and family about your relationship choices

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live, love, and thrive outside of monogamy, hit play, this episode might just change how you see relationships forever.

#SexAndBacon #JimFleckenstein #PolyamoryExplained #NonMonogamy #OpenRelationships #SwingingLifestyle #ConsensualNonMonogamy #RelationshipMyths #EthicalNonMonogamy #RelationshipAdvice #PolyamoryTips #HealthyRelationships #SexPositive #AlternativeRelationships #LoveOnYourTerms

We get into:

• 00:00 Intro

• 02:52 Jim's Journey into Non-Monogamy

• 04:57 Research on Non-Monogamy

• 13:51 Types of Non-Monogamous Relationships

• 14:31 Swinging and Polyamory Explained

• 19:04 Open Relationships and Their Challenges

• 23:44 The Intersection of Kink and Non-Monogamy

• 25:23 Addressing Stigmas and Misconceptions

• 35:06 Seven Common Myths About Non-Monogamy

• 43:57 Debunking Relationship Duration Myths

• 44:38 Intimacy as a Measure of Relationship Health

• 46:44 Generational Shifts in Relationship Norms

• 47:14 Authenticity in Relationships

• 48:47 Non-Monogamy and Jealousy

• 52:42 Therapy vs. Coaching for Relationship Challenges

• 54:26 Nine Polyamory Myths Debunked

• 58:35 Navigating Non-Monogamous Relationships

• 01:02:49 Inclusivity in the Polyamory Community

• 01:16:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Jim

• X: https://x.com/JimFleckenstein

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/affirmativeintimacy

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-fleckenstein-6936681/

• Website: https://www.affirmativeintimacy.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

What if the thing you’re most afraid of… is the very key to your healing?

In this powerful, raw, and eye-opening episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with Mistress Mia Payne—owner of Pain With Purpose—for a deep dive into the healing side of BDSM. Together, they explore how kink can be a therapeutic tool for trauma recovery, emotional release, empowerment, and reconnecting with the body after pain.

From confronting abuse triggers in a collar to understanding the difference between consensual pain and trauma reenactment, this conversation peels back the layers on what it really means to reclaim power through intentional BDSM. Mia shares the science behind “cellular memory,” the unexpected link between kink and spirituality, and how her clients—many of them high-powered men and trauma survivors—have transformed their lives through her work.

Whether you’re kink-curious, healing from trauma, or just ready to ditch shame and explore your full self—this episode offers a radically safe space to reimagine what power, submission, and self-trust can look like.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• How trauma lives in the body—and why kink can help release it

• The difference between abuse and consensual BDSM (and why consent is everything)

• What “titration” is and how it helps retrain your nervous system safely

• Why dominant men often crave submission—and what it reveals emotionally

• Using pain as a spiritual tool for rites of passage, transformation, and clarity

• The psychology of humiliation, degradation, and praise in therapeutic sessions

• What submissives really get out of being “controlled”—and it’s not what you think

• How Mistress Mia’s clients overcame anxiety, depression, and trauma (and yes, one got off antidepressants!)

• Why shame is the true block to pleasure—and how to leave it at the door

Hit play if you’re ready to heal your body, your beliefs, and your boundaries—one consensual, empowered session at a time.

#SexAndBacon #MistressMiaPayne #BDSMHealing #TraumaRecovery #KinkTherapy #PainWithPurpose #RitesOfPassage #DominatrixWisdom #EmotionalRelease #ShameFreeLiving #FemininePower #SafeKink #SexPositiveHealing #AlternativeTherapy

We get into:

• 00:00 Intro

• 04:48 Understanding the Healing Benefits of BDSM

• 08:12 Rites of Passage and Spiritual Practices

• 11:08 Client Experiences and Transformations

• 17:02 Tools and Techniques in BDSM

• 22:03 The Therapeutic Impact of BDSM

• 29:31 Introduction to Therapeutic BDSM

• 30:17 Challenges and Misconceptions

• 31:00 Coming Out and Acceptance

• 32:47 Sex Positivity and Personal Growth

• 37:03 Session Costs and Customization

• 40:19 Boundaries and Limits

• 44:22 Client Relationships and Communication

Connect with Mia Payne

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleaburke

• Links: https://beacons.ai/michelleaburke

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

What if your biggest heartbreaks, failures, and messy breakdowns weren’t the end of your story—but the beginning of your magic?

In this bold, beautiful, and brutally honest episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with Michelle Burke—author of Hot Mess Magic—for a heart-opening conversation about owning your chaos, finding power in your pain, and learning how to rise without needing to be "put together" first.

From losing her dad and grandma within weeks to screaming grief into the sand on a frozen Jersey beach, Michelle shares the raw truth behind what it means to discover the magic in your mess. They explore what “dark feminine energy” really looks like (spoiler: it’s not about manipulation—it’s about unapologetic power), why emotional availability in dating starts with self-honesty, and how sitting in discomfort is the only way to truly heal.

If you've ever felt like a disaster in lipstick—or worried you’re too broken to find love, success, or peace—this one’s your reminder that messy doesn’t mean unworthy. It means you’re mid-alchemy.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• What “dark feminine energy” really means—and how to embody it with confidence

• Why your mess might be your greatest teacher (and how to reframe your pain)

• The truth about emotional unavailability—his, and yours

• Releasing rage and grief through physical movement, not emotional bypassing

• How to date with power—even if your life feels like a chaotic dumpster fire

• The magic of mirror work, solo dates, and becoming the love you seek

• Setting boundaries, letting go of friendships, and outgrowing your old self

• Why vulnerability is the portal to deeper connection, healing, and community

🎧 Hit play if you're tired of pretending you're fine, and ready to feel powerful because of your mess—not in spite of it.

#SexAndBacon #HotMessMagic #DarkFeminineEnergy #HealingEra #FeelYourFeelings #SelfWorthJourney #DatingWhileHealing #EmotionalAvailability #ReclaimYourPower #MessyHealing #UnfilteredFeminine #PersonalAlchemy

We get into:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:02 What is “dark feminine energy,” really?

• 02:25 Why women put others first—and how to stop

• 03:56 The birth of Hot Mess Magic and the story behind the book

• 07:13 Finding magic during grief, chaos, and emotional breakdowns

• 09:04 “Show me the truth”—the mantra that changed everything

• 10:56 Don’t bypass the pain: feel it, but don’t become it

• 12:00 Rage, grief, and kickboxing as therapy

• 14:52 What emotionally unavailable actually looks like in men (and women)

• 17:32 Dating during a hot mess—what to do, what not to

• 18:56 Becoming the love you want: solo dates, mirror notes, and self-devotion

• 21:34 Letting go of people you’ve outgrown—and the guilt that comes with it

• 24:26 You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with

• 25:42 Learning to receive instead of chasing in relationships

• 26:55 The art of not settling—and how to hold your standards

• 28:44 What kind of man are you actually calling in?

• 29:51 The masks we wear—and how isolation keeps us stuck

• 31:00 Releasing shame around money, failure, and public messiness

• 33:02 The power of safe community, storytelling, and permission

• 34:44 Final thoughts: give yourself permission to want more—and go for it

Connect with Michelle

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleaburke

• Links: https://beacons.ai/michelleaburke

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

What if everything you believed about love, sex, and marriage was built on shame—and it nearly destroyed you?

In this raw, rebellious, and soul-awakening episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with Carolee and Britton—former devout Mormons turned sexual freedom seekers—for an unfiltered conversation about unlearning religious programming, healing from infidelity, and discovering the power of sex magic.

They dive into how growing up Mormon created deep repression, guilt, and silence around sexuality—and how it all came to a head in their marriage through betrayal, disconnection, and years of internalized shame. But instead of falling apart, Carolee and Britton chose the path of radical self-responsibility, spiritual awakening, and shadow work (with a few smashed picture frames and moonlit rituals along the way).

From smashing purity culture to manifesting their dream home mid-orgasm, this episode is a masterclass in rewriting the rules—and reclaiming your body, your voice, and your pleasure.
🔥 This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt broken by belief systems, but still dreamed of rising whole.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• How religious shame shapes our sexuality—and what it takes to unlearn it

• The silent toll of purity culture on women’s bodies, desire, and confidence

• Infidelity, emotional immaturity, and the deeper wounds underneath cheating

• Why healing together sometimes means burning everything down first

• What “sex magic” actually is—and how it can transform your life

• The power of psychedelic medicine, astrology, and conscious co-creation

• How Carolee and Britton rebuilt a marriage on truth, not tradition

🎧 Hit play if you’ve ever questioned the beliefs you were raised with—or wanted a relationship that’s wildly more aligned, embodied, and soul-fueled.
#SexAndBacon #DeconstructingReligion #SexualLiberation #MormonDeconstruction #InfidelityRecovery #SexMagic #HealingTogether #ConsciousRelationships #ShadowWork #DivineFeminine #MarriageRebirth #ReclaimYourPower #UnlearnAndRebuild

We get into:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:52 Growing Up Mormon

• 03:55 Sexual Repression and Infidelity

• 04:25 Carol Lee's Perspective on Sexual Shame

• 10:56 Early Marriage Challenges

• 25:56 Infidelity and Its Impact

• 34:32 Therapy and Healing

• 38:29 Leaving the Mormon Church

• 42:52 Magic Reenters Our Lives

• 43:04 Emotional Healing and Sound Therapy

• 43:36 The Journey of Reeducation

• 45:33 Facing Betrayal and Healing

• 47:13 Rage and Release Rituals

• 51:51 Redefining Relationships

• 56:59 Sex Magic and Manifestation

• 01:07:44 Overcoming Judgment and Shame

• 01:17:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Britton and Carolee

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themagicalstoryofus/

• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aiuVvWeplDXFJOmTFpwqc

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themagicalstoryofus

• Website: https://themagicalstoryofus.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

What if every guy you dated turned out to be a walking red flag—disguised as Prince Charming?

In this hilarious, unfiltered, and deeply relatable episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with Steph V—author and host of Dating Dicks—to unravel the art of dating emotionally unavailable men, how we ignore red flags on purpose, and why we sometimes mistake chaos for chemistry.

Steph shares jaw-dropping stories (one involves being ditched at a party... for her own guest), outrageous moments of heartbreak, and the hard-won wisdom that comes from being a self-proclaimed “serial dictator.” Together, Sarah and Steph explore why women stay, what keeps us hooked, and how to break free from toxic patterns that feel way too familiar.

This isn’t just girl talk—it’s a deep dive into self-worth, healing, and learning to spot the dicks before they ruin your mascara.

💥 If you've ever fallen for potential instead of reality—or if you’re just here for the wildly entertaining stories—you’re going to love this one.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Why smart, self-aware women keep dating emotional toddlers

• The truth about “fixing him” (and why it never works)

• How we confuse comfort with compatibility

• Learning to balance heart and logic in relationships

• Spotting red flags early—and actually listening to them

• Navigating dating apps without losing your damn mind

• Why Steph launched Dating Dicks—and how it’s helping women heal through humor

🎧 Subscribe, share, and don’t forget: you deserve the dick, not the dicks.

#DatingPodcast #ToxicRelationships #SexAndBacon #DatingDicks #DatingRedFlags #FunnyDatingStories #FemaleEmpowerment #EmotionalUnavailability #DatingDisasters #WomenSupportingWomen

We get into:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 02:02 Crazy Dating Stories: The Christmas Party Incident

• 05:19 Another Dick Story: The Boutique Birthday

• 11:17 Patterns and Lessons in Dating

• 15:11 Heart vs. Logic in Relationships

• 21:56 Navigating Online Dating

• 23:04 The Vulnerability of Online Profiles

• 24:11 Strategies for Online Dating Success

• 25:41 Exploring Offline Dating Options

• 30:25 Speed Dating Experiences

• 36:01 Catfish Encounters

• 42:30 Sharing Stories and Building Community

Connect with Steph

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datingdicks_inc/

• Book: https://shorturl.at/AnjI9

• Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dating-dicks--6495398

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

What if the person you trusted most turned out to be living a double life?

In this gripping, raw, and deeply courageous episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with Amanda Quick—author of The Sex Trafficker’s Wife—to unravel the unthinkable: what happens when the man you married, the father of your children, is arrested for trying to purchase underage girls.

Amanda shares her story with jaw-dropping honesty, walking us through the emotional rollercoaster of betrayal, trauma bonding, courtroom battles, and reclaiming her voice after years of manipulation and gaslighting.

This isn’t just true crime—it’s a masterclass in resilience, motherhood, and choosing yourself when the world expects you to stay quiet.

💥 If you’ve ever questioned your instincts, felt stuck in a toxic relationship, or needed proof that healing is possible—this episode is for you.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• What it’s really like to discover your partner’s darkest secrets

• The truth about trauma bonding—and why it’s so hard to leave

• How Amanda fought a high-conflict custody battle against a convicted sex offender

• Why the system often fails survivors—and how she found loopholes to protect her kids

• The emotional toll of keeping the family together at all costs

• How one psychic session changed everything

• Reclaiming identity, sexuality, and joy after betrayal

• Why Amanda wrote The Sex Trafficker’s Wife—and what she wants every woman to know

We get into:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 00:47 The Night Everything Changed

• 01:52 The Shocking Arrest

• 03:36 Unraveling the Truth

• 07:14 The Aftermath and Legal Battles

• 11:42 Struggling with Reality

• 17:07 A New Beginning

• 26:34 Custody and Conflict

• 36:49 Signs of Danger

• 37:59 Reporting the Incident

• 40:27 The Rock Bottom Moment

• 42:06 Seeking Unconventional Help

• 48:15 A Renewed Sense of Purpose

• 51:14 Legal Battles and Final Decisions

• 53:30 Life After the Divorce

• 57:30 Healing and Moving Forward

• 01:12:55 Raising Awareness and Final Thoughts

Connect with Amanda

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaquickhealing/

• TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXSgN-AqMzk

• https://www.thesextraffickerswife.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

Is reading smut mental cheating? Or is it the secret weapon to a more empowered, pleasure-filled life?
In this juicy, no-holds-barred episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah sits down with erotica author and podcaster Ruan Willow to explore the world of erotic romance, female desire, and why stories that turn women on are about so much more than sex.

From reclaiming "dirty" words to using fiction as foreplay, Ruan breaks down how smut, sensual stories, and sex-positive conversations can actually heal shame, unlock confidence, and transform relationships.

Whether you're new to erotic lit or a longtime lover of open-door romance, this episode is a spicy invitation to rethink what turns you on—and why that’s more powerful than you’ve been told.

💥 If you've ever felt guilty for what you like, or wondered if you're "too much"—this one is for you.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• Why reading smut isn’t mental cheating—and might actually save your sex life

• The difference between porn and erotic romance (and why women crave the latter)

• How erotica helps women reclaim pleasure, power, and their own damn fantasies

• The healing power of fiction for trauma, shame, and even religious conditioning

• What most men misunderstand about women’s desires

• Why sexual empowerment is mental health, period

• Consent, kink, and the truth about ethical non-monogamy

• Ruan’s top writing tips—and how her characters lead the story (and the sex)
  
  

We get into:

• 00:00 Introduction

• 00:50 Ruan Willow's Journey into Erotic Romance

• 01:55 Debunking Myths About Erotic Romance

• 04:32 Writing Explicit Content: Challenges and Creativity

• 16:01 The Healing Power of Erotic Literature

• 21:51 Exploring Pseudo Incest in Literature

• 23:40 Family Reactions to Writing Romance

• 24:19 Diving into the 'Oh Fuck Yeah' Podcast

• 27:48 Impact of Podcasting on Writing

• 28:54 Writing About Non-Monogamous Relationships

• 32:54 Upcoming Erotic Romance Projects

• 35:06 Normalizing Sexual Conversations

• 39:21 Connecting with Fans and Final Thoughts

Connect with Ruan

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruanwillowauthor/

• X: https://x.com/ruanwillow?lang=en

• Podcast: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/oh-fck-yeah-with-ruan-willow-1592675

• Books: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com

Most men think they’ve got sex all figured out… but what if that confidence is exactly what’s keeping them from mind-blowing connection?

In this candid and wildly eye-opening episode of the Sex and Bacon podcast, Sarah is joined by Dallas Bluth, founder of Black Box Dating, to explore why so many men misunderstand what truly turns women on—and how they can flip the script for good.

From porn culture and rushed foreplay to emotional unavailability and outdated masculinity myths, this convo dives into the core of male sexuality, desire, and how to create actual intimacy (that leads to the hottest sex of your life).

💥 If you’ve ever thought “I’m doing everything right… so why isn’t it working?” — this one’s for you.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

• The biggest mistakes men make in bed

• Why slowing down changes everything

• What women actually mean when they say they need to feel safe

• The #1 mindset shift that makes sex hotter

• How porn rewires expectations and performance

• The real role of emotional intimacy in physical pleasure

• Tangible ways men can step into secure, grounded masculinity
  
  

We get into:

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

• 00:58 Defining Really Hot Sex

• 02:14 Male vs. Female Perspectives on Sex

• 02:40 Understanding Male Sexuality

• 06:07 The Importance of Emotional Connection

• 16:27 Foreplay in Relationships

• 20:38 Acts of Service and Masculinity

• 34:19 Setting Standards in Relationships

• 46:20 The Impact of Pornography on Relationships

• 48:18 Desensitization and Addiction

• 49:47 Emotional and Sexual Escalation

• 50:42 The Importance of Non-Sexual Intimacy

• 55:06 Communication and Vulnerability in Relationships

• 58:18 Challenges in Married Life

• 01:01:32 Reigniting Passion in Long-Term Relationships

• 01:04:40 The Role of Masculine Energy

• 01:16:25 Creating Lighthearted and Carefree Experiences

• 01:26:59 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Dallas

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallas.bluth/

• Website: https://dallasbluth.com/

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourerotic

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexandbacon1065

• Email us: sexandbacon1@yahoo.com