
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
Lauren Hayes
Welcome to an evolved "The Examined Lives" podcast! What started as a deep dive into the drama of the The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality show has evolved into a bold exploration of modern love, non-monogamy, and its portrayal in mainstream media.
Join hosts Lauren, an ENM relationship coach and swinger, and Ben, an ex-LDS polyamorist, as they bring their unique perspectives to mainstream media’s portrayal of ethical non-monogamy. From dissecting TV shows to sharing their own insights and experiences, Lauren and Ben invite you to laugh, learn, and rethink what love can look like.
Whether you're here for the spicy stories, thought-provoking discussions, or just some good company, this podcast is your go-to for real talk about relationships that break the mold. Buckle up—it’s about to get real, raw, and a little rebellious!
Still, unofficially representing real communities sometimes misrepresented in media
Hosted by: Lauren Hayes, Swinging Lifestyle Coach & her poly friend, Ben
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Top 10 The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

We are Not in Utah Anymore
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
10/28/24 • 25 min
Listen in as Lauren and Ben talk about episode 7 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which all takes place in Sin City. The women are getting along better than ever (sans Whitney) but now the husband and boyfriend cause most of the drama. Sexy male strippers & gambling are the backdrop, and we’ll discuss oily bodies, toxic monogamy & relationship and also the question of what it looks like to truly support a friend (sometimes it’s not pretty).
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Seeking Pleasure Can Get Out of Hand
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
09/19/24 • 48 min
Lauren and Ben discuss the complexities of episode two from the series 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.' This episode, recorded 11 months post-Taylor's arrest, features Taylor's baby shower as a focal point.
The hosts examine themes including the empowerment of women as breadwinners, the impact of swinging on their brands, and the pervasive shame surrounding sex in conservative cultures, particularly within Mormonism. They also explore the dynamics of non-monogamous relationships, the importance of sex education, and the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst scandals.
Lauren and Ben highlight the contrasts in parental support, the necessity of open conversations about sex, and how the lifestyle community embraces both sex and pleasure in a unique way.
Learn more at https://www.swinginglifestylecoach.com
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Peach on the Beach and Cream Colored Jeans (E6)
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
10/18/24 • 28 min
In this spicy episode Lauren and Ben discuss labiaplasty, why no one does paintings of balls and whether rubbing oil on a Chippendale's chest will keep you out of (Mormon) heaven. Speaking of heaven, Ben describes the Mormon afterlife and spoiler alert: the most obedient people still might get to have sex.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Easy Does It: Open Marriage Gets Real on the Small Screen
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
11/26/24 • 30 min
Lauren and Ben are back with a fresh take on their podcast! Say goodbye to Mormon wife drama and hello to a spicier exploration of non-monogamy in mainstream media. In this episode, they dive into Netflix's "Easy," following the adventures (and misadventures) of Andy and Kyle - a power couple testing the waters of open marriage.
Our hosts break down the show's portrayal of non-monogamy with wit and wisdom. They share their expert insights on everything from the "30-minute threesome" (Lauren's next bestseller?) to the delicate dance of balancing multiple relationships.
They offer both laughs and legitimate advice on navigating ENM and the lifestyle. Whether you're curious about ethical non-monogamy or just enjoy candid conversations about relationships, this episode serves up realness with a side of humor.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Wanderlust, Winding Through ENM, & Wasted Ski Days
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
04/01/25 • 33 min
Lauren’s fresh off a very successful swingers’ trip (tan lines included!), while Ben’s still mourning a flat tire that ruined his ski plans. Ouch! They dissect Netflix’s Wanderlust, calling out TV’s obsession with simultaneous orgasms and the awkwardness of meeting your partner's other partners.
The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as they discuss the complexities of telling kids about polyamory, with Lauren and Ben sharing their personal experiences and the unexpected reactions from their children. They also ponder the cultural differences between the swinging and polyamorous communities, and whether "Wanderlust" is secretly a monogamy manifesto in disguise.
Expect playful jabs, surprisingly deep dives into poly vs. swinging, and a karaoke song recommendation you need to add to your repertoire. Plus, Ben bravely reviews Lauren's book (spoiler: he loved it!).
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

The First Look at The First Book of Taylor
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
09/12/24 • 41 min
In the inaugural episode of The Examined Lives of the Secret Wives , hosts Lauren and Ben dive into their review of the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives through the lens of ethical non-monogamy.
Lauren, a swinger, and Ben, who is polyamorous, set the stage by introducing themselves and sharing their frustrations with how the media often misrepresents their communities.
This episode explores key themes like Mormonism, ethical non-monogamy, and how religious upbringing can collide with alternative lifestyles. Lauren and Ben break down the crucial difference between ethical non-monogamy and cheating, emphasizing the importance of honesty, boundaries, and community support. They also dig into their personal experiences with addiction and discuss the concept of 'new relationship energy.'
Throughout the conversation, Lauren and Ben remain thoughtful and respectful, aiming to offer insightful, nuanced commentary while honoring the people featured in the show.
What You'll Learn:
- The difference between ethical non-monogamy and cheating
- How religious backgrounds influence alternative relationship choices
- The role of community and support in non-monogamous relationships
- Personal experiences with addiction and its intersection with lifestyle choices
- What 'new relationship energy' means and how it plays out in ethical non-monogamy
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button! We’ve got a lot more to unpack, and you won’t want to miss the upcoming episodes where we dig into the juicy details, tackle misconceptions, and share even more insights on non-monogamy, relationships, and reality TV. Make sure you're subscribed so you’re always in the loop!
Find Lauren at swinginglifestylecoach.com.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

A Love Story: A Professor, a Triad and a Super Hero
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
05/05/25 • 25 min
Lauren and Ben trip over pleasantries straight into naked hot tubs, Tropicana slander, and the dread of floppy poolside antics. On this episode they dissect a movie about a polyamorous relationship (in the 20's!) and Wonder Woman's kinky origins. Professor Marston and the Wonder Women gets a solid review, along with plenty of made-up speculation. There are tangents on power dynamics and why Ben shouldn't date Sabrina Carpenter. As usual, it makes zero sense and perfect sense!
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Topless Tastings & The ‘Book of Rumors’ Season Send-Off
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
11/01/24 • 28 min
In this episode, Ben shares his experience at a body-positive, topless whiskey-tasting party, and Lauren recounts a comedy competition where swinging humor sparked mixed reactions—and some unexpected misunderstandings. With Halloween, aka “Swingers’ Christmas,” approaching, Lauren and Ben discuss their costume collections and themed parties.
They recap The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives finale, covering Whitney’s departure from #MomTok, Jen and Zach’s uncertain future, and Taylor and Dakota’s new baby. Wrapping up, Lauren and Ben reflect on a previous discussion about which MomTokers they’d hypothetically date and tease future projects that promise a fresh look at non-monogamy.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Book of Broken Friendships
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
10/10/24 • 36 min
In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss friendship, ENM, stress, conflict and soda shops. While this episode focuses on the fracturing of the #MomTok gang, we discuss vulnerability and a different way to look at their conflict . We'll also discuss some Words of Wisdom in ENM / The Lifestyle as well as more on the LDS church. As always, join them for fun, silliness and a bit of education.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew

Garments, Drama, and Oh Boy, the Truth Box! (E4)
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
10/03/24 • 27 min
In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss Episode 4 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', sharing their personal updates before diving into THE key event, the “sh*t show” of the birthday celebration weekend. Ben educates us on the history and current use of Mormon garments, inspired by their favorite quote “Can we Door Dash garments?” The Truth Box serves its purpose at the party and certainly shakes things up within their friendships. Ben and I discuss it all, including their own answers to the Truth Box questions.
For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist
SwingingLifestyleCoach.com
Retreats:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swinginglifestylecoach
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingLifestyleCoach
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZR-9HggJ51NaJnXCnq0Ew
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) have?
The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) currently has 15 episodes available.
What topics does The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) cover?
The podcast is about Swinger, Relationship, Mormon, Podcasts, After Shows and Tv & Film.
What is the most popular episode on The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)?
The episode title 'Topless Tastings & The ‘Book of Rumors’ Season Send-Off' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)?
The average episode length on The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) released?
Episodes of The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) are typically released every 10 days.
When was the first episode of The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)?
The first episode of The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) was released on Sep 10, 2024.
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