Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

Most people don’t realize how easily they derail the conversations that matter most, until they learn what to look for.
In Part 2 of this series, we unpack the hidden patterns that quietly sabotage connection, like kitchen sinking, labeling, interrupting, blaming, mind reading, layering, and passive-aggressive habits. More importantly, we show you how to recognize these patterns in real time and shift them into clear, grounded, and effective communication.
We also explore how outside influences, like stress, emotional triggers, and past experiences can take over your conversations without you even noticing. From there, we guide you back to presence, empathy, and solution-focused dialogue using practical, easy-to-apply tools.
You’ll learn frameworks like Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and our Attunement Communication Method™, designed to help you move from conflict to connection, without losing your voice.
If you’re tired of feeling unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in the same arguments, this episode offers a clear path forward. Honest, effective communication isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s the foundation of strong, thriving relationships, especially in non-monogamous dynamics where trust and transparency matter deeply.
Whether you have a partner, dating or single, this episode will help you break negative cycles and build more authentic, connected conversations.
And if you want to go deeper, join T&A live for Deep Dive Thursdays at the Mermaid Lounge on May 14 at 8PM for a special talk: The Other Talk: Building Better Communication for Stronger Intimacy. More details and tickets available at: https://thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=697
Resources:
Get our free How to Shift From Destructive to Effective Communication Worksheet - https://worksheet.letstalkpolyamory.com/communicationworksheet 
Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠
New and looking to build a secure foundation including how to effectively communicate with your partners? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer 
Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ 
Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

It’s a quickie, but a good one! An unfiltered special episode recorded from our bed!
In it, we break down a real-life situation where things built up, our communication took a nosedive, and it felt like our communication went completely off the rails.
We take full ownership of the destructive patterns we fell into - practicing responses, layering/stacking, “yes, but”-ing, and how HALTA (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired & Anxious) was impacting us.
We walk you through exactly what happened, how it unfolded, and what we did to repair, pausing, resetting, and coming back to the conversation with intention.
And in Part 2, we go deeper into these patterns and show you how to shift them into more effective, connected communication + we'll share the worksheet we refer to at the end!
Show Resources:
Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠
New and looking to build a secure foundation including how to effectively communicate with your partners? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer 
Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ 
Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

Planning a trip and your'e non-monogamous?
Traveling comes with its own unique dynamics and things to plan for, whether you're heading out on a solo adventure or exploring with a partner or partners.
In this episode, we dive into what that really looks like, and how those experiences can expand not just your world, but your relationships too.
We talk about:
Traveling together vs. taking solo vacations

How (and where) you might meet people while away

What happens when you do meet someone you like

The conversations and agreements that matter, before and during your trip

How boundaries, expectations, and connection can shift when you're out of your normal environment

We also share our personal experiences and practical insights around communication, honesty, safety, and staying grounded in your relationships, no matter where you are in the world.
And of course, how we make traveling fun—because yes, you can have adventure and emotional security.
✈️ Your action list if you're planning travel:
Practice honest communication about travel plans and personal boundaries

Get clear on agreements, especially if they may shift while you're away

Prioritize safety and STI testing when meeting new partners

Stay open to spontaneity while staying aligned with your values

Make space for both connection and independence

Show Resources:
We love travelling using Home Exchange as it allows us to travel economically and stay in amazing places in exchange for our home - use this link to get 250 bonus points when you sign up (that's a 2 night stay in most places - ⁠https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=taraandandre-cbef0 ⁠
Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠
New and looking to build a secure foundation? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer 
Want to learn more about travel - Check out our episode we recorded while on our East Coast road trip: Carversations: Travelling When Polyamorous or Open - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KIL4RSyr4T7sZymJLjxbD?si=mZsxR5oiSyCE2iZRSIcTNA

Ever feel like the lifestyle has its own language? Well… you’re not wrong.
In this bonus T&A Alphabet Series episode, we’re breaking down some of the most common and less common terms used in swinging and the lifestyle, including:
What “the lifestyle” actually means—and the different names people use (like libertine)
Common roles and dynamics (hotwife, stag/vixen, unicorn, bull, OPP)
Types of play and what they involve (soft swap, hard swap, same room play)
Events, parties, and how people connect
Consent, communication, and safety language (hard & soft limits, full consent culture, aftercare)
Sexual and other terms (voyeur, DP, bukkake, “take one for the team”)
All of this is designed to help you feel more confident and informed as you explore—whether you’re brand new or already have some experience.
And as we’ve said throughout this series, it’s always important to ask people what their definitions are—because these terms can mean different things to different people.
Show Resources:
Contribute to our T&A Sex Clubs, Lifestyle Destinations & Communities Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing
Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠ 
Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠
Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠
The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world: ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠⁠
Episode 69: Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent is so Important - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RzCDuhK9yMM3GgkU5ebPg?si=ObHEGONiTCyFgCF6Q-oo7g  
Episode 64: K is for KINK, Kitchen Table Polyamory & Kissing - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FOrTjvfhxOB2Il9BLoNwc?si=GdwcjFa1Sn-qWcg2Ikspgw
Unicorns & Unicorn Hunting: Can it be Ethical? https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TI3NNE3H5JxlwzopWqM1Z?si=hRQsZ47bQASGDRf3KDCnFg

We are back with another instalment of our T&A Alphabet Series and this one is all about the letter S!
We give you: S is For Everything You Wanted to Know About Sexual Issues But Were Afraid to Ask!
Sexual issues are something so many people experience—but few people actually talk about.
In this episode, we open up the conversation around sex, desire, identity, and connection—sharing both insights and our own real-life experiences along the way.
We cover:
✨ What sexual apathy actually is—and why low desire isn’t always a problem ✨ The many emotional, physical, and relational factors that can impact sex drive ✨ Desire discrepancies in relationships and how to navigate them collaboratively ✨ The spectrum of sexual identity, orientation, and expression ✨ Why sexual health matters ✨ Common causes of sexual anxiety and how communication can shift everything
Sexuality isn’t one-size-fits-all—it exists on a spectrum, and what feels right will look different for everyone.
As always, we come back to one of the most powerful tools in any relationship:
💬 Talk about it.
Open, honest communication—with your partners and with professionals—can change everything.
If something in this episode resonates with you and you want support navigating it, you’re always welcome to reach out. We’re here to help you take your next step. Links below to connect.
Show Resources:
Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠ 
Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠
The Cervix Wand - for vaginal de-armoring and anal massage, cervical and g-spot stimulation.  ⁠https://waands.com/products/cervix-wand?ref=taraandandre⁠ - use code TARALYNNEFRANCO to get 10% off or use this link for any item in the store - ⁠https://waands.com/discount/TARALYNNEFRANCO?ref=taraandandre⁠
Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠
The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world: ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠