Rachel Krantz

Career Evolution: From Media Innovator to Narrative Pioneer

• 2013-2016: Co-founded Bustle, shaping its voice as Senior News Editor and later Senior Features Editor
• 2017-2019: Investigative reporting on mental health and social justice for YR Media (Peabody Award 2018)
• 2020-Present: Book authorship and senior editorial role at Sentient Media focusing on ethical journalism

Defining Works: Three Pillars of Impact

After Eight Years of Sex Parties and Swinging, I Fell in Love With Just One Great Guy

This 2024 Bustle essay exemplifies Krantz's ability to reframe cultural conversations through personal narrative. By detailing her transition from polyamory to monogamy, she challenges binary thinking about relationship structures. The piece stands out for its:

• Nuanced examination of "relationship escalator" theory
• Data-driven references to Kinsey Institute studies on sexual fluidity
• First-person analysis of attachment theory in non-traditional dynamics

"What began as a quest for sexual liberation became a masterclass in understanding my own boundaries - the ultimate feminist act turned out to be claiming my right to change."

Rachel Krantz’s New Book ‘Open’ Breaks the Glass Wall of Taboo

This 2022 interview in The Times of Israel showcases Krantz's scholarly approach to memoir writing. The discussion reveals:

• Original research synthesizing 50+ academic studies on non-monogamy
• Innovative journalistic methodology combining audio diaries with therapy session transcripts
• Critical analysis of gaslighting patterns in alternative communities

Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Liberation, and Non-Monogamy

Krantz's 2022 memoir redefined the boundaries of personal journalism through its:

• Pioneering use of "embedded journalism" in relationship reporting
• Integration of DSM-5 criteria with personal abuse narratives
• Groundbreaking discussion of cannabis use in trauma recovery

Strategic Pitching Guide

1. Mental Health Frameworks in Alternative Lifestyles

Krantz consistently explores how non-traditional relationships intersect with mental health management. Successful pitches might examine:
- Emerging therapies for consensual non-monogamy practitioners
- Comparative analysis of attachment styles across relationship structures
Example: Her Bustle piece references 3 therapeutic modalities used during her transition to monogamy.

2. Historical Context of Relationship Norms

She frequently contextualizes modern trends through anthropological lenses. Strong angles include:
- Cross-cultural analysis of polyamory acceptance rates
- Evolutionary biology research challenging monogamy assumptions
Example: Her book cites 12 historical societies with institutionalized non-monogamy.

3. Journalism Ethics in Personal Storytelling

As a pioneer of reported memoirs, Krantz welcomes pitches about:
- Trauma-informed interview techniques
- Legal considerations when writing about intimate partners
Example: She discusses release forms used for recording personal interactions in her Times of Israel interview.

Awards and Industry Recognition

• Peabody Award (2018): For investigative podcast series exposing abuse in agricultural industries, notable for its innovative use of undercover audio documentation
• Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (2017): Recognized groundbreaking work on mental health disparities in LGBTQ+ youth communities
• Edward R. Murrow Award (2019): Awarded for multimedia series combining data visualization with first-person narratives about urban isolation