Relationship Diversity Podcast

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 open communication and education can lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships. The episode emphasizes the significance of normalizing conversations about sexual desires and the transformative potential of kink in overcoming personal obstacles.Watch the Pilot:YouTube | WebsiteConnect with Emily:Blue Sky01:41 Meet Emily Blake: A Journey into Kink and BDSM04:27 Emily's Personal Exploration and Healing through Kink05:46 Navigating Kink: Safety, Education, and Misconceptions11:11 Releasing Sexual Shame and Embracing Desires15:26 Practical Tips for Exploring Kink Safely20:30 Dreaming of a World Without Shame21:36 Introducing 'Welcome to Kinkyville'22:03 The Journey of Creating 'Welcome to Kinkyville'24:37 Challenges and Changes During Production28:26 The Future of 'Welcome to Kinkyville'31:09 Envisioning a World with Less Sexual Shame34:06 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 behaviors contribute to division and explores ways to foster connection, mutual empowerment, and authenticity in relationships. 00:00 Introduction: The Concept of an Enemy00:56 Exploring Relationship Diversity01:46 Personal Journey: Choosing Warmth Over Cold03:06 Winter Introspection and Healing05:59 Power Dynamics in Relationships09:34 Understanding Agendas12:18 Reflecting on Judgments16:22 Transforming the Concept of an Enemy18:50 The Importance of Community20:13 Conclusion and How to Send Me Your ThoughtsThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 sovereignty to the significance of loving oneself more than one's partner. The conversation highlights how these lessons can be universally applied to enhance all types of relationships, emphasizing that non-monogamous relationships require a high level of self-awareness, communication, and commitment.Connect with Lauren:Website | Work with LaurenGet Lauren's Book: For Better or Even Better: 7 Lessons on Love & Life from a Non-Monogamist 00:00 Introduction to Swinging and Self-Expression01:41 Introducing Lauren Hayes and Her Journey04:13 Lauren's Personal Experience with Swinging09:56 Defining Swinging and Its Misconceptions18:56 Exploring the Lessons from Non-Monogamy28:19 Emotional Sovereignty: Owning Your Reactions29:11 Loving Yourself More in Relationships29:51 Conscious People Pleasing: A New Perspective31:53 Self-Expression and Finding Your Voice35:42 The Importance of Self-Awareness36:44 Pleasure as a Practice: Embracing Joy37:54 Emotional Sovereignty Revisited48:50 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Vulnerability50:02 Conclusion and ResourcesThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

Explore how recurring relationship patterns can be powerful catalysts for personal growth. Discover a four-step process designed to break free from autopilot emotional responses. Gain insights on pausing to notice triggers, separating past experiences from the present, cultivating curiosity, and making empowered choices. Learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for deeper self-awareness and fulfillment in your relationships. This journey reimagines connections, encouraging intentional and conscious engagement.

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 societal norms and personal experiences. Carlota shares insights from her podcast, Waking Youth, which delves into living more wisely into maturity, and discusses her upcoming novel about novogamy. The episode underscores the importance of questioning societal scripts, labeling identity, and intentional living.00:00 Introduction to Novogamy01:55 Introducing Carlota Guedes03:18 Carlota's Journey and Insights04:09 Exploring Relationship Diversity06:40 The Concept of Novogamy08:32 Personal Experiences and Reflections14:26 The Importance of Labels and Terms31:34 Living into Maturity More Wisely46:02 Conclusion and Future of RelationshipsConnect with Carlota:Website | Podcast | InstagramEpisode 59: Transcending Monogamy and Polyamory: A Deep Dive into Relational Freedom with Dr. Jorge FerrerJorge’s Book: Love and FreedomThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 societal norms to achieve sexual liberation and deeper connection in relationships.Connect with Flo:Instagram | Website | LinktreeCome As You Are by Emily NagoskiPlaying Well With Others by Lee Harrington00:00 Understanding Sexual Shame in Relationships02:17 Meet Flo Oliveira: A Journey into Sex Therapy03:34 The Impact of Sexual Shame on Relationships04:17 Flo's Personal Journey and Insights07:00 Reprogramming Beliefs About Sex and Pleasure09:52 Exploring Sexual Shame and Healing25:38 The Role of BDSM and Kink in Healing38:51 Final Thoughts and ResourcesThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join us as we explore a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Support the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 swinging and polyamory. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of flexibility, self-reflection, and emotional honesty in navigating non-monogamous relationships.  Evita highlights her book 'A Polyamory Devotional: 365 Daily Reflections for the Consensually Non-Monogamous,' offering daily reflections for any relationship type. The episode advocates for positive thinking, managing emotional energy, and inclusivity in relationships, encouraging listeners to explore their authentic choices without societal judgment. Practical insights into avoiding catastrophizing, the practice of self-compassion, and conscious connection over fear are also discussed.  Run, don’t walk to get Evita’s book!A Polyamory Devotional: 365 Daily Reflections for the Consensually Non-Monogamous Connect with Evita:Instagram 00:00 Embracing Our Emotions00:49 Introduction to the Podcast01:51 Guest Introduction: Evita Sawyers02:28 Evita's Journey into Non-Monogamy05:13 Navigating Non-Monogamous Relationships09:20 Challenges and Realities of Polyamory12:07 Evita's Polyamory Devotional27:07 Reflections on Love and Courage30:24 Overcoming Disconnection in Relationships32:43 Embracing and Feeling Uncomfortable Emotions40:35 Managing Anxiety and Catastrophic Thinking52:03 Vision for the Future of Diverse Relationships55:14 Conclusion and Ways to ConnectThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 polyamory, her mission to normalize non-monogamy, and the importance of addressing societal bias and privilege. Highlighted topics include the implications of legal recognition for non-monogamous relationships, community building, and envisioning a future where diverse relationship structures are widely accepted and normalized. Connect with Michelle:Instagram | Website Michele’s Instagram Post on Relationships are Political  00:00 Introduction to Relationship Diversity00:15 Welcome to the Podcast01:17 Introducing Michelle Hy03:38 Michelle's Journey into Polyamory08:33 Intersectionality and Non-Monogamy11:11 Polyamory and Politics13:31 Challenges and Privileges in Non-Monogamous Relationships25:38 Community Building and Support30:37 Conclusion and Future VisionThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah Hickman Support the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 and normal emotion, especially when questioning or exploring different relationship structures. We shouldn’t feel bad or broken for feeling fear. It’s important and has many important messages for us. This episode explores these messages and how to decipher what your fear is trying to tell you. 00:00 Introduction to Fear and Relationships00:17 Welcome to the Relationship Diversity Podcast02:35 Exploring Fear as a Catalyst for Growth04:57 Pushing Through Fear for Self-Growth09:13 Listening to Fear and Setting Boundaries12:42 Practices to Understand and Manage Fear20:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts22:23 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources This is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.

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 and rewards of creating the documentary. The conversation delves into various aspects of relationship structures, including swinging, polyamory, and body positivity, while emphasizing the importance of communication and intentionality in relationships. 00:00 Introduction: Challenging Relationship Norms00:48 Welcome to the Relationship Diversity Podcast01:50 Introducing Roderick Stevens and His Documentary03:01 Roderick's Journey into Filmmaking and Non-Monogamy05:58 The Impact of Non-Monogamy on Relationships15:41 Creating the Documentary: Inspiration and Process18:24 Exploring Different Forms of Non-Monogamy33:02 The Future of Non-Monogamy and Final Thoughts35:10 Conclusion and How to Watch the Documentary41:55 Closing Remarks and Additional ResourcesConnect with Roderick:WEBSITE | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM Yes, It's a Painting WebsiteThis is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships. ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️Get Your Free Relationship Diversity GuideConnect with me:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteGet my book, “Why Do They Always Break Up with Me? The Ultimate Guide to Overcome Heartbreak for GoodPodcast Music by Zachariah HickmanSupport the show Please note: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. I am not attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue, disease, or condition. The information provided in or through my podcast is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific circumstance.