The Dating Orange

Once you step through the door, what does the Irish swinging scene actually look like?

Episode 2 walks you through the basics: the clear line between quiet socials in public bars and full play parties, how people find events, and the unspoken ranking that decides who gets attention and who struggles. We look at verifications, filters, site supporters, the simple rules organisers stick to so things don’t go balls-up, and what a full weekend away in the Midlands really involves - cabins, communal breakfasts, playrooms and all.

Plus the public moments that spill into hotel bars, the different energies of different rooms, and why the better nights stay selective on purpose. This is the systems episode: how the scene tries to keep itself running, and keep people safe.

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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! 🍊

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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! 🍊

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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.

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Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Roisin from Daters Gonna Date.

This week we discuss the rest of the venues we both visited, vendors, music & entertainment options.

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! 🍊

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This week, the Orange sits down with Roisin from the Daters Gonna Date podcast to break down the reality of wedding venue hunting across Ireland.

From capacity caps and costs to barn setups, and mountain estates, they share the pros and cons of the spots they toured and why some fell flat. A must listen for any bride to be, so tell your friends who are engaged!

If you're enjoying this chat part two will be out exclusively for bonus members next Tuesday. 🍊

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

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Your friend was in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship, but five years later they’re still talking about him, looking for contact with him and his family, and searching for closure.

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This week's guest is Ross (@unsub1989), content creator, activist, accidental political commentator, and self-described 'Paddystinian.' His online journey is a funny one. He started off posting tasteful thirst traps on TikTok and somehow ended up talking about housing, healthcare, and government policy.

But today we are parking the politics, and we're getting into his dating life. Ross is bisexual, so he's seeing it from all angles. We talk about his disillusionment with hookup culture, how it's no easier dating men as a man, and some of the mad situations that he's found himself in over the years, including getting catfished on Craigslist and a date getting maximum financial value from him. Enjoy!

Find ross on TikTok @unsub1989

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.

Produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon.

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