In this engaging discussion, Meshai, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with expertise in Trauma and Sex Therapy, joins Fin, a seasoned relationship coach. They tackle listener questions with sincerity while sharing personal experiences in the coaching world. The conversation dives into how to effectively communicate about non-monogamous practices, the significance of empathy in relationships, and they even debate the cheeky criteria for being part of an orgy. Humor and valuable insights make for a lively exchange!
Flexibility in understanding different relationship models is essential for cultural enrichment and individual fulfillment in non-monogamy.
The hosts illustrate their personal journeys into relationship coaching which emphasize curiosity and personal growth as transformative tools for connection.
Effective communication about values and boundaries is crucial when engaging with non-monogamous individuals to foster ethical and meaningful relationships.
Deep dives
Embracing Relationship Diversity
Flexibility in thought around sexuality and relationships is emphasized as vital for cultural flourishing and personal happiness. Historical evidence suggests that societies that embrace diverse relationship models tend to thrive and create environments where all members, especially children, are better supported. Acknowledging that everyone experiences life differently is crucial for understanding relationship dynamics. The podcast aims to normalize discussions about non-monogamy and relationship diversity, encouraging individuals to explore their true selves without shame.
Personal Journeys in Coaching
The hosts share their unique pathways to becoming coaches in the field of relationships, reflecting on their motivations and experiences. One host's early fascination was sparked by watching Dr. Ruth on television and her journey through conservative upbringing to exploring diverse relationship models in academia and advocacy. Meanwhile, the other host recounts transitioning from an engineering career to coaching after realizing that fixing people's problems did not foster genuine connection. Their stories underline the importance of curiosity and personal growth in shaping their coaching practices.
Curiosity as a Driver for Learning
Curiosity is highlighted as the main catalyst for pursuing a career in relationship coaching and understanding diverse relationship dynamics. Both hosts agree that an insatiable desire to learn and engage with different perspectives is essential for personal development and facilitating connections. Interacting with other coaches and exploring individual passions allows for better understanding of nuanced relationship models. This emphasis on curiosity serves as a reminder that the journey toward deeper knowledge and growth is continuously evolving.
Effective Communication in Non-Monogamous Relationships
The hosts discuss key questions to ask when navigating connections with non-monogamous individuals to ensure compatibility with one’s own values. Open-ended inquiries about their approach to non-monogamy, as well as boundaries and agreements, foster ethical communication. It is crucial to be aware of individual definitions of non-monogamy, emphasizing the significance of personal values in these discussions. By providing specific examples and allowing for curiosity-driven dialogue, individuals can create safe containers for connection.
Defining Orgies and Ethical Participation
A playful yet insightful discussion around the definition of orgies reveals the need for clarity in expectations and ethical participation. The hosts explore whether participation requires engaging with multiple partners and emphasize that sexual engagement can vary widely. They propose that individuals bring their own definitions and experiences to such gatherings, which may include energetic participation or simply being present. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of communication and consent in understanding personal boundaries within group dynamics.
Meshai and Fin team up together to answer amazing listener questions every fourth Friday of each month!
Today we are answering questions from our virtual community... We get a bit personal and talk about our own journeys into the world of coaching and working with people in sex-positive and non-monogamous spaces. We also talk about when and how to have conversations with new potential connections about their approach to non-monogamy and... We make an official ruling on what counts as being in an orgy!
Meshai is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and is certified in both Trauma Therapy and Sex Therapy, and she is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Learn more about Meshai and all of her work over at expansiveconnection.com!
You likely know me (Fin) from over 300 episodes of Normalizing Non-Monogamy. Just in case you don't, I cohost the podcast with my partner Emma and we have been in an open relationship together for over 15 years. I also completed a sex and relationship coaching program through the Somatica Institute in March 2024!