The Partnership Lab

The Partnership Lab

di Max & Roz
Stagione 1
"No Labels, No Pressure" with Lee
Esplicito
Girl Talk: No Labels, No Pressure In this episode, Roz sits down with Lee for a special Girl Talk conversation about finding the lifestyle, learning what feels right, and taking your time and letting the journey unfold. Lee shares how she and her husband discovered Desire, what it felt like to walk into a sex-positive resort for the first time, and why being surrounded by open-minded people changed the way she thought about her body, her marriage, and her sexuality. They also talk about the Women’s Retreat (see episodes 2&3), feminine energy, exploring attraction to women, the difference between curiosity and pressure, and why “friends first” feels more aligned than jumping straight into play. This conversation moves through trauma, purity culture, perimenopause, body image, erotic blueprints, nudity, desire, and the very real awkwardness of kissing someone new after twenty years with the same person. The biggest takeaway: you don’t have to rush. You don’t have to label yourself. You don’t have to perform. Sometimes the lifestyle starts with better conversations, more honesty, and taking your top off at the pool. Also in this episode: The Story of Lee and Mr. B’s entry into the lifestyle Why nudity can break down social barriers Exploring attraction without forcing a label Body image, being seen, and learning to believe your partner Music, mood, and setting the scene Resources mentioned Women's Anatomy of Arousal: https://a.co/d/0i3Honnr The Erotic Mind: https://a.co/d/09phmIib Sex God and the Conservative Church: https://a.co/d/07I5nfRn Naked Attraction: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/naked-attraction/7763c6ba-6237-4018-9e65-929ce18838b3 The Erotic Blueprint: https://missjaiya.com/ NIGHTSYN: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nightsyn/1835493175 Luxe Studios: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/luxe-music-studios/1887523053 Join the Conversation: Email: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @the_partnership_lab Disclaimer: These conversations reflect our personal experiences and are not professional advice.
TPL Book Club 1 ☕: Open by Rachel Krantz
Esplicito
For our first official book club episode, we’re discussing Open by Rachel Krantz — a memoir exploring consensual non-monogamy, power dynamics, abuse, freedom, jealousy, and self-discovery. What started as a book we expected to be erotic quickly turned into something much heavier and more emotionally complex. We talk about: the unequal power dynamics between Rachel and Adam gaslighting and manipulation emotional vs sexual jealousy why certain dynamics can feel exciting at first… and painful later how lifestyle spaces can accelerate emotional intimacy Disney princesses (yes, really) therapy, individuation, and personal growth inside relationships why the book still lands on a hopeful note despite everything Rachel went through We also share some thoughts on boundaries, communication, and why exploring relationships intentionally requires more emotional honesty than most people realize. In This Episode We Also Discuss Sexual language and boundaries during play Why lifestyle spaces can feel emotionally disarming “Enlightened” personalities (ie. assholes) in ENM spaces Kathy Labriola’s work on jealousy and how it's experienced Masculinity and emotional freedom Metamour friendships Future Book Club picks Resources Mentioned Open by Rachel Krantz - https://a.co/d/0ihlMCvD Kathy Labriola books/resources - https://www.kathylabriola.com/ Feel It All: A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship With Sex - https://a.co/d/0cZMVSQ2 The Other Significant Others - https://a.co/d/0e8gZJlJ Praise - https://a.co/d/07k3m8w7 Join the Conversation Have thoughts about the book? Agree with us? Completely disagree? thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com We’d also love recommendations for future Book Club episodes. Disclaimer These conversations reflect our own observations and experiences and are not professional or institutional advice.
Your Turn Ons? There's a Word for That 🤯
Esplicito
Protocol: What if the way you experience desire isn’t random—but actually follows a pattern? In this episode, we dive into the concept of Erotic Blueprints, a framework that helps explain how and why we experience arousal, connection, and pleasure differently. We break down all five blueprint types—Energetic, Sensual, Sexual, Kinky, and Shapeshifter—and share real-world examples of what each one looks like in practice. Then things get personal. We reveal our own results, unpack what surprised us, and explore how understanding our blueprints is already changing the way we communicate, connect, and experience intimacy. This conversation isn’t just about sex—it’s about language, self-acceptance, and realizing you might not be “weird”… just misunderstood. 🧪 In This Episode: What Erotic Blueprints are and why they matter The 5 blueprint types explained in real-world terms Our personal results (and what shocked us) The “shadow sides” that can block connection How understanding your partner’s blueprint changes everything 🔬 Resources Mentioned: Erotic Blueprint Quiz (via The Desire Lab) Sex, Love & Goop (Netflix) Monogamish Marriage podcast How to Build a Sex Room (Netflix) 📚 Next Episode: We’re starting our first Listener Lab Book Club with: Open by Rachel Krantz Read along—we’ll be breaking it down next episode. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s your blueprint? 📩 Email: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com 📱 Instagram: @the_partnership_lab Disclaimer: These conversations reflect our personal experiences and are not professional advice.
Listener Lab 1: 50 Questions Roulette 📖
Esplicito
Listener Lab: Real-time questions, honest answers, and figuring it out as we go What happens when you stop planning—and just start talking? In this episode of The Partnership Lab, we’re trying something new. This is our first Listener Lab: a more relaxed, real-time experiment where we use a few prompts and see where the conversation takes us. Using Fifty Questions to Ask Before Opening Your Relationship, we explore topics like jealousy, connection, communication, and why we’re even doing this in the first place. Some answers come easily. Others don’t. But that’s kind of the point. This isn’t polished. This is us thinking out loud. In This Episode Introducing Listener Lab: a more interactive, real-time format Reflecting on feeling “vanilla” and early in the journey Confidence, comparison, and supporting each other in imbalance Honesty, identity, and rebuilding as individuals Challenging traditional narratives and redefining connection Emotional vs sexual connection: do you need both? Apps vs real-life connection and building community Communication, reassurance, and “filling in the gaps” Growth, curiosity, and the idea of “more life,” not replacement Why this process is already improving our relationship Contact Contact us with comments, questions, stories, advice, encouragement, or whatever else you want to send: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com Suggested Resources Mentioned in the Episode 50 Questions to Ask Before Opening Your Relationship — Dr. Rachel Meyer Dr. Rachel's Naughty Gym Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naughty-gym-show-building-stronger-non-monogamous-relationships/id1701360007?i=1000735196506 Midwest Love Fest - https://lovefestevents.com/mwlf25/ We Can Do Hard Things Astrology Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/astrology-for-skeptics-sonya-renee-taylor-reads-our-charts/id1564530722?i=1000741471659 Open — Rachel Krantz (https://a.co/d/0cepjbvM) FUTURE BOOK CLUB EPISODE Erotic Blueprint Quiz — https://missjaiya.com/ Disclaimer These conversations reflect our own observations and experiences and are not professional or institutional advice. They do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of employers, family, or guests, nor imply their approval of the content shared.
Inside the Women's Pleasure Retreat: Fear, Desire, Firsts.... And a Pussy Snorkel??🤿
Esplicito
FIELD NOTES: What does it actually feel like to step into something new—for the first time, for real? In this episode of The Partnership Lab, the research phase turns into lived experience. Roz returns from a women’s pleasure retreat, and together we unpack what actually happened—not just the events themselves, but the emotional, mental, and relational impact of stepping outside the familiar. From fear and self-reflection to desire, communication, and first physical experiences, this episode captures what it looks like when theory becomes reality. Not perfectly. Not cleanly. But honestly. This isn’t the idea of it anymore. This is what it feels like. In This Episode Inside the women’s retreat: setting, structure, and first impressions Acknowledging fear—and what happens when you say it out loud Desire vs. anxiety: learning to listen to what you actually want Left brain vs. right brain: fear, control, and curiosity Using your inner critic as a tool instead of a barrier Consent frameworks (FRIES) and what “enthusiastic” really means Practicing “the ask” and how to clearly communicate desire First experiences: flogging, sensual touch, and group dynamics Overstimulation, boundaries, and learning your limits in real time Discovering unexpected turn-ons (and surprises along the way) What it felt like to be home vs. away—for both Roz and Max Jealousy, anxiety, and communication gaps from the partner perspective What we’d change next time (especially around communication) Contact us at with comments, questions, stories, advice, encouragement, or whatever else you want to send: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com Suggested resources mentioned in the episode: Expansive Connection — https://www.expansiveconnection.com/ Sapio Tours — https://sapiotours.com/ Monogamish Marriage Podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-monogamish-marriage/id1586549659 BDSM Test — https://bdsmtest.org/ How to Build a Sex Room — https://www.netflix.com/title/81220971 Erotic Blueprint Quiz — https://missjaiya.com/ Where Should We Begin? (ice breaker card game) - Esther Perel Beyond Anxiety — Martha Beck The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk Roz's Strappy Red Outfit from Garden Party (you're welcome) - https://a.co/d/0bnYwcer Disclaimer These conversations reflect our own observations and experiences and are not professional or institutional advice. They do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of employers, family, or guests, nor imply their approval of the content shared.
We Haven't Done Anything Yet... So Why Does This Feel So Hard 😏
Esplicito
PROTOCOL ENTRY: What does it actually look like to prepare—mentally, emotionally, and relationally—before taking your first step into something new? In this episode of The Partnership Lab, we’re in the research phase. Before anything happens, before any lines are crossed, before any real-world experiences—we’re doing the work. Roz is preparing for a women’s retreat focused on pleasure, desire, and self-discovery, and together we walk through what that preparation actually looks like in real time. From homework assignments and self-reflection exercises to a live hall pass conversation, this episode captures the questions, boundaries, and emotions that come up before taking a first step. This isn’t a recap. This is the lead-up. In This Episode What we’ve been up to since Episode 1 Roz’s upcoming women’s retreat and what drew her to it The “homework” assignments leading up to the retreat Erotic blueprints and BDSM test results A real-time hall pass conversation (before anything happens) Boundaries, communication, and how we’re approaching this intentionally Excitement, fears, and what we’re both feeling going into it Contact us at with comments, questions, stories, advice, encouragement, or whatever else you want to send: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com Suggested resources mentioned in the episode: Expansive Connection - https://www.expansiveconnection.com/ Sapio Tours - https://sapiotours.com/ Monogamish Marriage Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-monogamish-marriage/id1586549659 BDSM Test - https://bdsmtest.org/ How to Build a Sex Room - https://www.netflix.com/title/81220971 Erotic Blueprint Quiz - https://missjaiya.com/ Roz's Walk-On Music:https://music.apple.com/us/album/stand-out/1452864288?i=1452864786 https://music.apple.com/us/album/high-hopes/1361152002?i=1361152303 Max's Walk-On Music (Secret Show Note Easter Egg):https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-man/1440900336?i=1440900406 Disclaimer These conversations reflect our own observations and experiences and are not professional or institutional advice. They do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of employers, family, or guests, nor imply their approval of the content shared.
From "I'd Be Too Jealous" to "Let's Make a Podcast!" 🎙️
Esplicito
How does a long-term, monogamous relationship turn into a conversation about opening up? In this first episode of The Partnership Lab, we share how we got here - from growing up with traditional views on sex and relationships, to reconnecting after years together, and beginning to explore consensual non-monogamy .... before anything has actually happened. We talk about the messages we were given about sex, what out early relationships looked like, and how a single conversation eventually turned into months of reflection, research, deeper intimacy and communication. We're still in the "research phase", and that's exactly the point. This podcast is about exploring our relationship, and how we relate with others, in real time. We'll share what we're learning along the way with curiosity, communication, and intention. In This Episode How we met and built our 20+ year relationship together What we were taught (and not taught) about sex, monogamy, and relationships How life's stressors weakened our connection, and how we've recaptured that spark The first conversation about opening up, including whose first reaction was "I'd be too jealous", and how their perspective shifted over time What we're exploring next Contact us at with comments, questions, stories, advice, encouragement, or whatever else you want to send: thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com Suggested resources mentioned in the episode: The Monogamish Marriage - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-monogamish-marriage/id1586549659 Naughty Gym - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/naughty-gym-show-building-stronger-non-monogamous-relationships/id1701360007 Hacking Love - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hacking-love-deepening-commitment-through-open-relationships/id1770657936 Disclaimer These conversations reflect our own observations and experiences and are not professional or institutional advice. They do not reflect the thoughts or opinions of employers, family, or guests, nor imply their approval of the content shared.
The Lifestyle Glossary Pt. 1 🤓
Bonus
Esplicito
What exactly is a soft swap? What’s the difference between a hotwife and a stag/vixen dynamic? And why does everyone keep talking about unicorns? In this bonus episode, we start building a shared vocabulary for the lifestyle by breaking down some of the most common terms you’ll encounter in swinging, ENM spaces, dating apps, and lifestyle communities. Using our best understanding (and a healthy amount of curiosity), we walk through: soft swap vs full swap same room vs separate room play parallel play hotwife dynamics stag/vixen relationships cuckolding bulls and unicorns We also talk about why communication matters so much, how different communities use these terms differently, and why learning the language can make exploring these spaces feel a lot less intimidating. This isn’t meant to be the definitive dictionary—just two curious scientists trying to make the terminology a little less overwhelming. And yes… somehow we also end up talking about Love Is Blind. Resources Mentioned: Feeld glossary - https://feeld.co/glossary Polyamory For Dummies - https://a.co/d/0gHXL7DA Join the Conversation Got a term we should cover next? Think we butchered one of these definitions?thepartnershiplabpodcast@gmail.com