Practicing Polyamory Podcast

What is identity, and how do we define who we are? This week featured a bonus episode recorded on a Friday, with a pretty incredible guest out of Manhattan, NY. Dr. Dulcinea Pitagora is a queer, polyamorous, former sex-worker turned affirming therapist and their story is inspiring to say the least. If you are gender non-conforming, transitioning, or have otherwise struggled with who you are or who you present to the world, this episode is for you. Learn more about Dr. Dulcinea at www.dulcineapitagora.com or www.KinkDoctor.com and follow them on Twitter: @KinkDoctor

Today's show features a polyamorous attorney out of Austin Texas, and we get to dive into some really good discussion about polyamory and the law! But first, Stacey shares some details of her personal story, including some surprising details about her bonds with two partners! We talk about how relationship structures can vary from one person to the next, and how to reassure partners that they are loved for who they are. Tune in to hear some personal tips on managing relationships that move at different speeds, plus get some tips on how to legally protect your Chosen Family's future! For more, check out www.chosenfamilylawtx.com and follow Stacey on IG: @staceymclarty

This episode was filmed less than an hour after George Floyd's murderer was convicted, and I was super happy to have a voice of the Black community on the show to share her thoughts and experiences as a polyamorous Black woman. Kendal Edwards is a sex and relationship coach  out of Atlanta, Georgia, and in addition to answering some Polyam 101 questions from our live audience, we get into a discussion around the intersectionality of race and polyamory. Tune in to hear her story and get some great resources, too! Learn more at www.kendalsgarden.com or follow on IG: @_thekinkshrink

TW: Trans issues around pronouns and non-acceptance from family members. Water and I covered some really deep issues in this episode, as we searched for ways that people can embrace and find freedom in their truth. There were times when this conversation was really tough, and I felt the need to check my privilege and think hard about the message I want to send to our community. There was at least one big lesson for me in this conversation, which was that sometimes I need to let go of certain parts of my identity and that's okay. I'm not meant to be all things at all times. I hope you enjoy the show and learn more about Water Shepherd at www.thirdeyeintegration.com

Oregon attorneys Steven Mastanduno & Nate Jones talk with me today about how individuals and polycules can set themselves up for legal success when it comes to buying/selling property together, setting up terms for guardianship of dependents, and estate planning. There is a lot of room for improvement and growth in society with regard to law and polyamory, but unfortunately the law moves slowly and there is a huge void where the law doesn't conform to what people are doing. This begs the question, how many people are willing to contact their state legislature? What Polyamory Activism movements are out there?  Steve and Nate are doing everything the can to help the community work around some of the failings of the system and help polycules navigate proper planning. Tune in to learn more about polyamory and the law and check out Steve and Nate at www.mastandunolaw.com

Sex-Positive Therapist Christy Powell joins me today for fantastic conversation around sexuality through a secular/atheist lens and finding joy in the dating process. He reminds listeners to enjoy the moment and take things slowly, and we spend some time breaking down religious pillars around sexuality and coming to terms with our identity in spite of religious upbringing. I really liked this line from Christy: "Giving ourselves permission to build the best version of our lives not our best replication of somebody else's vision." Tune in and learn more about our guest at www.vcatx.com or follow him on IG/FB: @valencecounseling

This is among the most important conversations I feel like I've had on the show so far. Sex-Positive Psychotherapist Carling Mashinter joins me to open up the conversation around STIs, and we dive in head-first into stigma, societal trauma, treatment options, and likelihood of transmission. We all have a role to play in the destigmatization of folx living with STIs, and we all have the opportunity to be allies. Tune in to hear more, and learn about our Carling at www.relationshipmatterstherapy.com and follow her on IG/FB: @relationshipmatterstherapy

Are you on the fence about getting a therapist? This conversation with Kate McNulty dives into some things to help people discover what they might need to know prior to starting therapy, and some advice for beginning that journey. Additionally, we talk about dismantling the toxic masculinity trope regarding men's fear of emotions, why it's better for people to be honest and open about their desires to be with others rather than identity crises for lying about those desires, and taking care of each others' feelings during big conversations (listen for what we agree with from what the other person is saying, rather than preparing our arguments). So much good stuff!! Learn more about Kate at www.sexpositivetherapist.com

In this discussion with Poly Coach Laurie Ellington, we talk about strategies for managing emotions and she explains how, very often, the negative emotions we're feeling are our inner child's way of protecting us. Laurie talks about connecting with your inner child, often using internal family systems (think Pixar's Inside Out), and other emotion-management strategies like "The Bitch Book." We also get a quick refresher on somatics, and how it's tied in with the nervous system. Learn more about Laurie at www.poly-coach.com and follow on FB: @PolyamoryCoach

This episode's conversation with Radical Relating's Mel Cassidy covered a wide swath of topics. In digging into the Monogamy Hangover, we talked about the effects of patriarchal monogamy, what it means to be on the relationship escalator, how ancestral trauma and colonialism (including monogamy being forced on indigenous peoples) contributed to patriarchal aka toxic monogamy, somatics, and solo-open network poly. Wow!! So much valuable information packed into a 30-minute segment!  Learn more about Mel Cassidy at www.radicalrelationshipcoaching.ca and by following her on IG: @radicalrelating