This is a replay to get the video version of the episode onto podcast apps that previously only had the audio version.

Season 6, Episode 746: From Threesomes to Non-Monogamy: One Man's Journey Beyond Jealousy and Shame with author Adam Darrow about his edgy, honest, and raw memoir "Seek the Risk" (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/3KrboVR

This was an enlightening conversation and one many should listen to. Expanding our boundaries may seem difficult, and it doesn't pan out for everyone, but either way, valuble lessons are learned about oneself, one's limitations become clearer when faced with new challenges, and what we are willing to do for love becomes obvious. A question to ask yourself, well, more than one, what cultural shame is holding you back? Why should we allow culture to decide what is acceptable and what isn't? Would you ever stare normalcy in the face and give it the finger and do what you want? Even if it cost you relationships? Can you withstand the heat of a cultural assault from a judgmental mob of societal norm enforcers? (even if they are your friends and family?) Or would you just stand up tall, point your chin up, and say FU and just do it?

When Adam Darrow met Jane at forty, he thought he was the adventurous one. After all, he'd spent his twenties competing in extreme sports and had explored threesomes—that made him pretty edgy, right? Then Jane, a PhD psychologist who spoke five languages, told him she didn't do boyfriends (and she meant it). Drawing from his background in extreme sports, Darrow spent two and a half years transitioning into non-monogamy, followed by three challenging years of emotional work before finding equilibrium.

The journey wasn't easy. He didn't think he could do it. When his partner Jane publicly announced their arrangement on Facebook in 2009, Darrow watched his life wildly transform. His best friend called him derogatory names. But over time, he discovered something unexpected: jealousy could be channeled into motivation to become a better partner. What initially felt emasculating became an opportunity to overcome deep-seated insecurities like imposter syndrome and validation-seeking.

His memoir chronicles this transformative experience through vulnerable storytelling that includes explicit extreme sexual details and uncomfortable emotional truths, as well as healing and growth. How did keeping emotions bottled up nearly break him? The book explores that question while advocating for moving beyond societal shame around sexuality, relationship conformity, and focusing on personal authenticity rather than rigid beliefs about relationships.

Estimated Timeline: Adam Darrow's Journey Into Non-Monogamy
00:03:40 - PhD Psychologist with Unconventional Past
00:06:43 - Extreme Sports Skills Applied to Non-Monogamy
00:09:13 - Separating Sex from Emotion in Relationships
00:19:57 - Managing Jealousy Through Don't Ask, Don't Tell
00:22:26 - From Jealousy to Compersion in Open Relationships
00:25:11 - Breaking Through Shame and Choosing Each Other
00:28:42 - Walking the Beach: Questioning My Limits, book excerpt
00:33:17 - Understanding Nesting Couples and Non-Monogamy
00:39:43 - Letting Go of Control in Relationships
00:46:22 - Vulnerability and Authenticity in Memoir Writing
00:51:51 - Writing the Book and Her Reaction
00:58:17 - Identity Beyond Sexual Acts, sexuality
01:06:44 - Overcoming Jealousy Through Personal Growth
01:11:27 - Healthy vs Unhealthy Jealousy in Relationships

Connect with Adam Darrow:

• Link to the books website www.seektherisk.net
• Substack seektherisk.substack.com
• Email for folks to contact Adam at adam@seektherisk.net
• insta: @seektherisk

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Season 6, Episode 745: Fated Mates and Spicy Scenes: A Deep Dive into Paranormal Shifter Romance Writing with Author Adeline Bryant, plus excerpt from Adeline's Book "Fated", narrated by podcast host and narrator Ruan Willow. The excerpt is at the end, but also it is its own episode on the podcast in episode 744.

Author Bio:

Author's website. https://addiewrotethat.com/ Get the book "Fated" (affiliate link) https://amzn.to/4uhcQvP

Adeline Bryant is an award-winning indie author of emotionally raw stories that explore identity, belonging, and the cost of choice. Armed with a doctorate in education and an endless supply of imagination, she's always been fascinated by the transformative power of stories and the bonds they create.

Adeline lives in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband and their two feline overlords. When she's not writing, she can usually be found devouring books, rocking her signature red lipstick, and shamelessly belting out Taylor Swift songs. She firmly believes that every great story deserves a bottle of wine and a healthy dose of magic (and smut)

Discussion Topics:

Romance Author, Indie Author, Honey And Jalapeno Book Fair, Minneapolis, Paranormal Romance, Fated Mates, Male-Male Romance, Book Excerpt, Character Development, World Building, Writing Process, Emotional Storytelling, Indie Publishing, Book Events, Creative Writing, Author Interviews, Writing Community, Smut In Romance, Character Arcs, Storytelling Techniques

Quotes from Adeline Bryant

"I think it's really healing for especially women to read these kinds of things."

"Just do things. Keep reading. Keep reading smutty books."

Summary:

Adeline discusses her debut novel, "Fated", a paranormal romance featuring wolf shifters and a spicy male-male love story between an alpha wolf and a beta. Discover what inspired her to transition from reading thrillers to writing romance, the importance of including sensuality in storytelling, and the challenges of indie publishing. Adeline also reveals her unique approach to world-building and how her characters came to life. She wrote a bible for the world the wolves live in!

As we prepare for the upcoming Honey and Jalapeno Book Fair in Minnesota, Adeline shares exciting details about her character-inspired candle collaboration and the immersive experience she aims to create for her readers. Enjoy the chat about the transformative power of stories, the joy of indie publishing, and the importance of embracing creativity. Just gotta dive in and write that book!

Ruan's Book:

Beach House Views: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/beachhouseviewsbook https://mybook.to/beachhouseviews

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