Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

We’re back with another episode in our T&A Alphabet Series! Many earlier episodes were originally delivered as live trainings inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community. This one is a freshly re-recorded instalment — updated, expanded, and shaped by listener requests. In this episode we are diving into the letter N with The Nine N Words You Need to Know!We explore key “N” words that often come up in non-monogamous relationships. We talk about non-negotiables, the meaning and impact of names and titles, necrophilia, and neediness in relationships—when it can be a call for support and when it might negatively impact the connection. We also cover nesting partners, the importance of the word no and recognizing both verbal and body-language cues, and what it looks like to normalize non-monogamy in everyday life. Plus, we touch on numbers (a.k.a. body count of sexual partners) and nudism, and why these conversations matter.This is a fun, thoughtful, and wide-ranging episode we know you’ll enjoy!Want to hear T&A live? Join them on December 10, 2025 for Reconnect Wednesday at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto. Information about the Mermaid Lounge at https://mermaidlounge.ca/. Tickets at https://thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452. 📖 Episode Chapters:00:00 - Introduction 01:38 - Exploring Non-Negotiables in Relationships03:56-  Names and Titles in Non-Monogamous Relationships05:46 - Understanding Necrophilia 10:30 - Navigating Neediness 12:11 - Nesting & Nesting Partners13:08  - Nipples and Nipple Play15:45 - No when shared verbally or through body language17:53 Normalization of Non-Monogamy21:21 Nudism and Naturism24:25 Discussing Numbers in RelationshipsShow Resources:Join the waitlist and be the first to find out when our Little Book of Poly Love is out with all the HOT words from A-Z! ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠Necrophilia image and article - https://www.vice.com/en/article/yvxem5/the-little-death-living-and-loving-as-a-necrophiliac-51Relationship Burnout: How to Make LRE Feel Like NRE Again podcast episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ujeot4xkUKWwZCPClzVDt?si=T0BytQblSUGqLyiqj7494Q Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent is So Important podcast episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RzCDuhK9yMM3GgkU5ebPg?si=cg7CPN_yTXSkmTlsRchq0w Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

We’re back with another episode of our T&A Alphabet Series!These episodes were originally delivered as live trainings on Mondays inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community, and over the last few months we’ve been uploading them to all major podcast platforms.Today’s episode is all about the letter M — and it’s a good one.We’re diving into: M is for the 5 Ways to Make Sure Your COMMUNICATION Isn’t MISCOMMUNICATION.In this episode, we explore:The core components of successful communication.How to break old or unhelpful communication habits and replace them with patterns that actually work.Why getting “heated” or “upset” is valuable information — uncomfortable, yes, but often pointing us toward something meaningful to unpack after the moment passes.Active listening: how to become better listeners and how to recognize when we aren’t.Communication models we love, including the Interactional Model.Practical, real-life examples of how to become a clearer, more effective communicator.How to approach more challenging conversations and invite true dialogue.The importance of being clear, honest, and direct.What happens when we hold things in instead of expressing them.How trust and rapport are built through communication.How your beliefs, interpretations, and assumptions shape the way you show up in conversation.Progressive Communication: what it is, and how to use it to move conversations forward instead of repeating the same loops.What to do when someone comes into a conversation already feeling defensive.And how to use “breaks” effectively.We also share an analogy that highlights the difference between genuine communication and miscommunication, plus a personal example of a moment between us where emotions were high and things got a little “heated” — and what we learned from it.Want to hear T&A live?Join us on December 10, 2025 for Reconnect Wednesday at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto. Learn more about the Mermaid Lounge at mermaidlounge.ca. Grab tickets at thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452Show Resources:Feeld Dating Site - https://feeld.co/ Dr. Amy Corey - Evolution of Human Communication - From Theory to Practice - article - https://www.scribd.com/document/535619793/Communication-By-Dr-Amy-M-CoreyLooking for support working through your communication patterns or other issues?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

Consent isn’t just about saying yes or no, it is much more complex than that. In this episode, Tara and André discuss and explore the nuances of consent in intimate interactions, emphasizing that consent is not a one-time agreement but an active, ongoing conversation that involves both people every step of the way.They unpack what enthusiastic consent really means, how it plays out in different settings like dates, parties, and clubs, and why the idea of “ongoing consent” or “ask once” don’t apply. Instead, consent is a living, dynamic process — one that deepens trust, connection, and genuine desire. And each person plays an active role and responsibility  in ensuring mutual comfort.You’ll also hear about some of the most common frameworks used to understand consent — from FRIES (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific, developed by Planned Parenthood) and CRISP (Considered, Reversible, Informed Specific, Participant) to frameworks used in the kink community such as  SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) and RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink). As well as the Yes, No, Maybe List. Each of these helps shape awareness, yet none replace real-time communication.Tara and André share examples of what consent can sound like in the moment even in non-sexual environments - for example a recent example where Tara asked someone - Would you be open to me giving you a compliment?”, why asking builds connection rather than killing the mood, and how saying — or hearing — a clear no can be just as sexy as an enthusiastic yes.And finally they talk about consent and law.This conversation reminds us that consent is the heartbeat of healthy intimacy — an evolving, mutual agreement that requires awareness, communication, and care.Want to hear T&A live? Join them on December 10, 2025 for Reconnect Wednesday at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto. Information about the Mermaid Lounge at https://mermaidlounge.ca/. Tickets at https://thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452. 📖 Episode Chapters:3:07 Understanding Consent6:07 Ongoing Consent: Myths & Realities12:21 Consent Frameworks23:14 The Nuances of Consent34:25 Navigating Compliments & Consent40:20 Consent in Different Scenarios55:50 The Legal Landscape of ConsentShow Resources:K is for Kink, Kitchen Table Polyamory, Kissing + Other K Words Episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FOrTjvfhxOB2Il9BLoNwc?si=ihdSbNg2RSaxlE24TjOPgA Cup of Team Consent Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQbei5JGiT8 Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠Looking for therapy or coaching?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

Ever wondered what it’s really like to go to a sex or lifestyle club for the first time — and what to do to prepare? Or maybe you’ve been before and the experience wasn’t what you hoped?In this special episode Tara is live on location at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto, Ontario, joined by Event Host Amy,!Together, they explore what to expect when visiting a lifestyle space — from atmosphere and etiquette to safety, consent, and connection.You’ll get an insider tour of the newly renovated Mermaid Lounge and adjoining X-Club and hear practical guidance for what to do before, during, and after your visit to spaces like these so the experience feels positive, secure, and aligned with your personal values and boundaries.Included in this discussion is how to plan before the event with a partner — including what scenarios you’re open to exploring and how you’ll check-in throughout the visit and communicate if one of you feels uncomfortable or needs support once you’re there. Even with the best planning, emotions can arise, so having a shared plan for navigating them helps everyone feel safe and connected.Whether you’re curious, nervous, or simply exploring new sides of your sexuality, this episode will help you feel prepared and confident.🎧 Tune in for:A guided tour of the Mermaid LoungeTips for your first (or next) lifestyle club experienceConsent, communication, and aftercare insightsHow to plan ahead, check in, and debrief after attendingDetails on T&A’s live talk on December 10: The 7-Step Securely Non-Monogamous FrameworkShow Resources:Mermaid Lounge hours, facilities, tickets and info available at: https://mermaidlounge.ca/Join us for our LIVE Talk December 10 for Reconnect Wednesday - info & Tickets at: -https://www.thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452 Podcast Episode: H is for Sexual Health & Hair: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nOEQfbBcH8EXx1XItHdKF?si=wAnUraOnQAKffvD8kkXCKw Podcast Episode: STI Testing and Acceptable Risk - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qjpsoc3tY2Ea1lE4yaLVE?si=JqmlxdQ4QLW2eZVvSbNRWwAdd clubs you've visited to T&A's Sex Clubs and Destinations Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing

In Part 2 we continue our deep dive into the complex world of sex, relationships, and the taboos that shape them. We explore what makes certain topics so charged, how our personal experiences influence what we consider “off-limits,” and why breaking taboos can lead to more honest and connected relationships.💬 In this episode:What Are the Biggest Taboos Around Sex & Relationships? We examine the issues people still hesitate to talk about — and how these silences affect connection and trust.Personal Perspectives on Breaking Taboos - we share our own stories on what it means to confront stigma, challenge assumptions, and choose openness over secrecy.Community Reflections - Drawing from listener and community feedback, we discuss the taboos that continue perpetuate — and why some conversations still feel risky to have, even in open-minded circles.Why is Breaking Taboos Important ? Finally we explore why taboos should be broken and whether some taboos might serve a purpose — creating mystery, excitement, or deeper meaning — and how to balance curiosity with respect, consent, and intention.It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about where our edges come from, how they evolve, and why it’s worth questioning them in pursuit of deeper authenticity and connection.✨ Catch us live!We will be at Booth 322 at the Toronto Taboo Show, October 17–19, 2025. We will be giving seminars Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 8:30 PM on Non-Monogamy Essentials: Making it Secure, Satisfying, and Sexy!📖 Episode Chapters:00:00 — Breaking Taboos in Sex and Relationships05:20 — Exploring Non-Monogamy and Its Misunderstandings10:48 — Personal Experiences with Sexuality and Openness16:37 — Addressing Common Taboos and Myths in Non-Monogamy25:08 — Navigating Relationship Taboos29:14 — The Complexity of Secret Partners31:55 — Reprioritizing Partners in Non-Monogamy36:21 — Challenging Myths About Polyamory38:58 — Sexual Health and Multiple Partners40:40 — Consent and Altered States41:43 — The Pressure of “Best” Sex44:11 — The Importance of Breaking TaboosShow Resources:Taboo Show - https://tabooshow.com/ Me B4 We Intimacy Coaching - https://linktr.ee/meb4wePoly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠