Swing State: The People

In the last episode we looked at the systems that keep the swing scene running. This time we go to the people inside it.

What happens to your confidence when strangers desire you — or your partner? How do couples handle jealousy when it inevitably appears? What does it feel like to experience compersion for the first time? And where’s the line between treating swinging as a fun hobby you can pick up and put down, and treating it as something closer to a lifestyle?

We hear from people who found unexpected self-worth, couples who hit the jealousy wall and found different ways through it, the unusual friendships that form in rooms where half the people have it all on show, and what the scene can do (for better and for worse) to a long-term relationship.

This is the human side of Irish swinging.

To hear the next unreleased episode 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/

Sources:

• Young et al. (2023) – ADHD and sexual interests/practices

• Walsh-Adams et al. (2026) – Autistic traits and consensual non-monogamy

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