Send us a textEpisode 124:Feeling Overwhelmed by Kink Exploration? Welcome to Kinkyville is Here to Guide You with Creator Emily BlakeIn this episode I have a conversation with Emily Blake, creator of the animated series 'Welcome to Kinkyville.' We discuss Emily's cautious exploration of kink and BDSM, her journey of healing from past trauma, and the importance of releasing sexual shame. Emily shares her insights into starting with kink safely, the creation of her animated series, and how ope...
Send us a textEpisode 123: Healing Power Dynamics, Overcoming Judgments and Building Authentic RelationshipsWinter is approaching in my corner of the world. Winter always has me slowing down and going into deep introspection.In this episode, I explore what’s most on my mind. This includes the themes of enemy perception, power dynamics, agendas in relationships, judgments, and the quest for community. Reflecting on my own experiences and observations, I discuss how societal and personal b...
Send us a textEpisode 122:What Monogamous Couples Can Learn from Swingers to Transform Love and Intimacy with Lauren HayesIn this episode, I interview lifestyle coach Lauren Hayes about her new book on the swinging lifestyle and what monogamous individuals can learn from non-monogamous relationships. Lauren shares her journey into the swinging lifestyle with her husband, the challenges they faced, and lessons they learned—ranging from the importance of self-expression and emotional sovereignt...
Send us a textEpisode 121: Break Free from Relationship Patterns: Tools for Deep Healing and Lasting Growth In this episode, I dive into how resurfacing patterns in relationships are opportunities for growth and healing. I share my personal experiences and introduce a four-step process to break free from autopilot reactions: pausing to notice, separating the past from the present, getting curious, and making conscious choices. With practical advice and self-ref...
Send us a textEpisode 120:Living More Consciously and Wisely in Your Relationships with Waking Youth’s Carlota GuedesIn this episode I welcome Carlota Guedes, an author and podcaster from Portugal, to discuss the concept of Novogamy—a new paradigm of relationships that encompasses intentionality and constant communication. The conversation covers Carlota's personal journey from a conventional monogamous background to exploring diverse relationship structures, influenced by questioning societa...
Send us a textEpisode 119Healing Sexual Shame to Transform Relationships with Flo OliveiraIn this episode, I speak with sex educator, therapist, and relationship coach Flo Oliveira about the impact of sexual shame on relationships. We discuss the origins and effects of sexual shame, the journey of healing, and the potential of BDSM and kink as tools for healing. Flo shares their personal story and professional insights, highlighting the importance of safety, vulnerability, and unlearning...
Send us a textEpisode 118:Let’s Be Real with Our Relationship Experiences: Wisdom from Evita Lavitaloca Sawyers In this episode, I have a rich discussion with Evita Sawyers, a black, queer, non-monogamous educator, speaker, coach, and author. The conversation sheds light on the importance of emotions and personal growth within diverse relationship structures. Evita shares her evolution from monogamy to non-monogamy, including her initial challenges and experiences with swingin...
Send us a textEpisode 117:Relationships are Political with Michelle Hy, Polyamorous While AsianIn this episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Michelle Hy, a second-generation Asian American and advocate for polyamory within the BIPOC community. We discuss the deeply political nature of relationships, how politics impact who and how we love, and the intersectional challenges faced by non-monogamous people of color. Michelle shares her personal journey into ...
Send us a textEpisode 116:Fear’s Role in Relationship Exploration and GrowthIn this episode, I explore the multifaceted nature of fear and its role in personal growth and relationship diversity. I discuss how fear can both protect and limit us, offering practical strategies for self-reflection and understanding our relationship with fear. I explore the questions: When should you push through the fear and when should you listen to it and pull back? Fear is a natural ...
Send us a textEpisode 115:Behind the Film, “Open: A Journey Through Love’ with Filmmaker Roderick Stevens II In this episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I talk with filmmaker Roderick E. Stevens II about his new documentary, 'Open: A Journey Through Love.' The film aims to de-stigmatize ethical non-monogamy and explore its positive impacts on individuals and relationships. Roderick shares his journey into the non-monogamous community, his filmmaking process, and the challenges...
Send us a textEpisode 114:Decolonizing Relationships: BIPOC Perspectives with Dr. Badiee, PolyTherapistIn this episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I have a profound conversation with Dr. Badiee, a polytherapist and professor of psychology at California State University. We discuss the complexities faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships within the context of white supremacy. Dr. Badiee shares her personal ...
Send us a textEp. 113: Polyamory on Purpose: 4 Pillars to Thrive in Your Relationships with Chaneé Jackson-KendallIn this episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I welcome Chaneé Jackson Kendall, a polyamorous educator and activist. We discuss Chaneé's journey into polyamory, her work in polyamorous education and activism, and her concept of 'intentional polyamory.' The conversation delves into Chaneé's four pillars of intentional polyamory - self-work, relational culture, informa...
Send us a textEpisode 112: Relationship Diversity: A Crash CourseIn this episode, I celebrate my 2nd anniversary and the return of the Relationship Diversity Podcast with a special crash course on relationship diversity. I dive into the various relationship structures including soloamory, monogamy, open relationships, and polyamory, emphasizing the importance of knowing oneself and creating unique, conscious relationships that evolve over time. I highlight the value of going beyond socie...
Send us a textEpisode 111: Self-Care as a From of Self-AdvocacyIn this episode I discuss the essential practice of self-care, emphasizing its role as a form of self-advocacy. I share my personal journey of integrating a daily self-care practice, advocating its importance for maintaining balance and well-being. I offer practical suggestions for incorporating simple self-care rituals into daily life and discuss how self-care can extend to advocating within relationships and the wider commu...
Send us a textEpisode 110:Is There a RIGHT Way to do Non-Monogamy? with Emma and Finn from Normalizing Non-MonogamyIn this episode, I have an enlightening conversation with my friends, Emma and Fin, the hosts of the Normalizing Non-Monogamy podcast. They discuss the endless possibilities of relationship structures, their personal journey into non-monogamy, and the lessons they've learned from interviewing hundreds of people over the years. The episode emphasizes the impo...
Send us a textEpisode 109:The Mono/Poly Relationship: Challenges and Solutions with Dr. Elisabeth Sheff In this episode I speak with my friend, renowned researcher and coach Dr. Elisabeth Sheff returns to discuss the mono-poly relationship dynamic. We explore the challenges, misconceptions, and potential strategies for making such relationships work, emphasizing the importance of meeting partners' needs, effective communication, and mutual understanding. Dr. Sheff shares insights from he...
Send us a textEpisode 109.5:Is Polyamory an Identity or a Lifestyle Choice? With Rich and Siobhan of The Poly (Pod) Cast In this episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I have an inspiring conversation with Rich and Siobhan, the hosts of The Poly (Pod) Cast, to talk about some big discussions present in non-monogamous communities. We discuss the significant topic of whether non-monogamy and polyamory are lifestyle choices or identities and tackle common myths and judgme...
Send us a textEpisode 107:Healing a Sexless Relationship: Rebuilding Trust and Emotional Intimacy with Katie ZiskindIn this episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I talk with holistic marriage and family therapist Katie Ziskind about the challenges and solutions for couples facing sexual avoidance and emotional disconnection. Katie, an expert in addressing high-conflict cycles and intimacy issues, shares insights into understanding attachment styles, the importance of emotional intima...
Send us a textEpisode 107:From Monogamish to Somatic Therapy: A 2024 Mid-Year Podcast ReviewIn this mid-year review episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast, I provide a comprehensive overview of the first 25 episodes of 2024, covering a wide array of topics related to relationship diversity. These include somatic therapy, overcoming rejection, non-monogamous relationship structures, and the importance of community and authenticity in diverse relationships. I also reflect on key mileston...
Send us a textEpisode 106:Finding Tenderness While Facing Relationship Challenges with Molly ReaghIn this episode, I welcome relationship coach and associate social worker, Molly Reagh. We discuss the intricacies of how relationships act as mirrors and messengers for personal growth. Molly shares insights on differentiating between pain and suffering and emphasizes the importance of tenderness towards oneself during challenging periods. The conversation delves into the value of parts work, un...