The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes)
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
Episodes
21 episodes
Splitsville: Comedy Win, ENM Fail
Lauren and Ben dive into Splitsville—the gloriously unhinged new movie where a handjob-fueled car crash leads to divorce, an “open marriage circus,” and a bro-fight so long it could’ve had intermission popcorn. Lauren actually saw the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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23:21
Trigonometry & the Awkward Art of Adding a Third
Lauren and Ben kick off with Ben's hilariously mundane life updates - school stress and parties - while Lauren reveals about her French nudist swinger village jaunt, where badges are mandatory but clothing is not. This episode covers ever...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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29:07
Season 2 Trailer: The Examined Lives (ENM Vibes) has Evolved (as everyone should)
We started out as a reaction podcast to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives because we haaaate it when our community is represented by those who know nothing about our community. Well, we were fooled by the click-bait, and it had little to do with...
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Season 2
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1:36
Dying for Sex (and Lasagna)
One host just got back from a 2500-couple sex convention. The other is sleepy by 11 PM. Let the games begin. Lauren and Ben tackle the profound TV show Dying for Sex. But not before they workshop the best story for a sprained finger. The whole ...
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29:26
Compersion Season 2: ENM & The How Not To
Fresh from the dusty desert plains of a Burning Man-esque festival, a sleepy Lauren and Ben kick things off with tales of naked bike rides, spanking vs. stomach-raspberries (you'll have to listen to find out who chose what), and a goddess statu...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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30:28
Compersion Season 1: A (kinda) Cautionary Tale
Lauren kicks things off by humbling Ben’s enthusiasm—turns out she’s not soooo good, just “regular good.” From there, they dive into a lively pre-show chat that includes music festival misadventures and an unfiltered look at Lauren’s “...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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27:05
A Love Story: A Professor, a Triad and a Super Hero
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 origin...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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25:27
Wanderlust, Winding Through ENM, & Wasted Ski Days
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 a...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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33:12
Wanderlust is Not a Bust
Tune into "Examined Lives " where Lauren, the Swinging Lifestyle Coach, and her friend Ben dissect Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) in pop culture. This week, they discuss BBC's (now seen on Netflix) "Wanderlust", where a couple messily cheats their ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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30:15
Couple to Throuple Again and Part II
Lauren and Ben are back with their review and commentary on the rest of the Peacock series, Couple to Throuple. They'll break down the pairings, the swaps, and everything in between. Expect some drama, some laughs, mayb...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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33:46
Three's Company: Love, Drama, and Boundaries on Couple to Throuple
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when The Bachelor meets ethical non-monogamy (ENM), here it is. Lauren and Ben dive into Couple to Throuple, the Peacock reality show that’s equal parts fascinating, cringe, and surprisingly educational. Spo...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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29:26
Easy Does It: Open Marriage Gets Real on the Small Screen
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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30:54
Topless Tastings & The ‘Book of Rumors’ Season Send-Off
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 “Swin...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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28:37
We are Not in Utah Anymore
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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25:14
Peach on the Beach and Cream Colored Jeans (E6)
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 spoil...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:33
Book of Broken Friendships
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 disc...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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36:57
Garments, Drama, and Oh Boy, the Truth Box! (E4)
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 cu...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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27:37
Saints & Sinners - The Big Divide
In this episode, Lauren and Ben discuss Episode 3 of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', sharing their personal updates before diving into key events such as a potluck confrontation, a controversial graduation party, and the impact of breaking ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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53:16
Seeking Pleasure Can Get Out of Hand
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 in...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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48:38