The Dating Orange

Have you ever thought about how people actually find their way into Ireland’s swinging scene? In the series opener of Swing State, we start at the door.

My week-long experiment on Fab Swingers reveals a dramatic gender gap in attention. Origin stories from real-life swingers range from chance kitchen conversations and post-breakup curiosity to couples in long relationships deciding to explore together or trying to fix their marriage. Journalist Aoife Moore defines what swinging actually means in an Irish context, while people already inside share the gap between what they expected (alternative looks, pure porn, key parties) and what they found: ordinary people of all ages, strict-ish rules, and a lot more talking than outsiders in the 'vanilla world' assume.

First nights, first nerves, filters, free single women, and the quiet machinery that keeps the scene ticking over. Curiosity, apps, and a delivery of veg. This is how you get in.

To hear episode two of the series now become a member of HeadStuff+ to access early episodes of Swing State, bonus episodes and ad free listening. Just go to https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/
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Beyond the old myths of keys in a bowl and pampas grass lies a quiet but strong subculture operating right across Ireland.

Swing State is a new five-part investigative podcast series that takes an unvarnished look inside the country's swinging and alternative dating scene.

The series combines real-life stories, event insider perspectives, and a week-long app experiment that yielded 387 messages in just seven days. Over five episodes, we examine how people first find their way in, what the nights and systems actually look like on the scene, what this does to relationships, where it starts to go wrong, and what remains when someone decides to walk away.

Grounded, candid, and non-judgmental, Swing State cuts through the noise to deliver an honest look at Swing culture in Ireland today.

Episode one is out Tuesday the 27th of October!
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This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements, handling jealousy, and how clear communication keeps their relationship thriving.

To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at ⁠⁠https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/⁠⁠

This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🍊
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the orange is joined by Jenny for the first of a two-part bonus series. Jenny shares what life is really like living in rural Ireland in a poly household. Jenny opens up about sleeping arrangements, handling jealousy, and how clear communication keeps their relationship thriving.

To hear the full episode and unlock ad-free listening become a member at ⁠https://headstuffpodcasts.com/show/the-dating-orange/⁠

This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🍊

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the Orange co-hosted by friend of the show Justine Stafford sits down with creative director Hloni Coleman to explore alternative dating and break down how polyamory actually works.

Hloni shares his personal experiences with polyamorous relationships, setting boundaries, and managing jealousy. Plus, they react to real listener stories about alternative dating in Ireland and offer advice on navigating hierarchy in relationships.

To support the show and access ad-free listening and bi-weekly bonus content become a member at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠headstuffpodcasts.com/membership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This show is part of HeadStuff Podcasts.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices