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.