Relationship Diversity Podcast

Send us a textEpisode 099:The Intersectionality of Race and Non-Monogamy with Dr. Christopher SmithThis episode of the Relationship Diversity Podcast features a deep dive into the intersectionality of race and ethical non-monogamy with Dr. Christopher Smith. Dr. Smith, an equity advisor, and diversity expert, shares their journey and insights into supporting underrepresented relationship communities. The conversation covers the challenges African American non-monogamous individuals face, including racial, economic, and intergroup discrimination, as well as phobias around sexuality and gender identity. They emphasize the importance of being an ally and advocate for marginalized communities by being a disruptor in societal norms and legal systems. They highlight their academic studies on the lived experiences of consensual, non-monogamous African American college students and discuss future research and advocacy plans. We also touch on the history of non-monogamous structures, the impact of religious and societal programming, and the need for more inclusive support systems in academia, local and federal governments, and beyond.Connect with Chris:Instagram | TwitterEmail:  tenabilitymovement@gmail.comAdvocacy and Support:APA Division 44 Consensual Non-monogamy Task Force Chosen Family Law Center00:00 Exploring the Intersection of Race and Non-Monogamy01:27 Diving Deep with Dr. Christopher Smith: Race, Non-Monogamy, and Advocacy04:55 Dr. Smith's Personal Journey into Non-Monogamy09:26 The Historical Context of Monogamy and Non-Monogamy18:29 The Impact of Non-Monogamy on African American College Students25:52 Advocacy and Future Directions in Non-Monogamy Research33:17 Becoming an Ally and Advocate for Marginalized Communities44:18 Final Thoughts 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: YouTubeInstagramWebsite🔥 Up Your Pleasure with this Pleasure ProtocolGet 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 98The Tension Between Authenticity and Belonging in Diverse RelationshipsDrawing from the wisdom of thought leaders like Gabor Mate, we delve into the complex tango of attachment and authenticity that defines our interactions and self-concept. My own story of emerging from the shadows post-divorce, armed with newfound self-awareness, sets the stage for a candid discussion about the courage to live life on our own terms. We have an innate need to belong.And yet, we also have a profound desire to express our individuality.These are many times at odds but what if they could support each other?In this episode, I explore small steps you can take to learn who you are, and embrace your authenticity day by day while also delicately balancing your need to fit in, belong and connect. And of course, we do this through the lens of relationship diversity. Whether you are exploring soloamory, intentional monogamy, open relationships or polyamory, this episode will invite you to go deeper into your own self-exploration.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 Guide🔥 Up Your Pleasure with this Pleasure ProtocolConnect 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 097:Wisdom From Our Polyamorous Elders with Susan Bratton Part 2Discover the keys to unlocking the joys of relationship diversity as I sit down with Susan Bratton, an authority on intimacy who brings a treasure trove of insights into the realms of polyamory, communication, and deep connection. This episode is a roadmap to understanding and nurturing the unique needs within any relationship, especially within the intricate polycule dynamic. Susan, with her infectious enthusiasm, unpacks the lessons from generations of relationship diversity, offering strategies from sexual biohacking to fostering lifelong passion. You're in for an enlightening discussion that not only highlights the beauty of diverse relationships but also the pivotal role of communication in making every intimate encounter meaningful.Susan introduces you to the "platinum rule" of relationships, underscoring the importance of treating partners according to their desires and needs. You'll learn how this rule distinguishes itself from the old "golden rule" and how it can enhance understanding and fulfillment within your own relationships. This episode is your invitation to transform your relationships through the profound journey of self-exploration with practical steps and exercises that can set you on a path to more compassionate and loving connections.Connect with Susan:Website | Instagram | the 20store | BetterLover.Com Get your Relationship Values Workbook🔥 Up Your Pleasure with this Pleasure ProtocolGet Your STI Full Panel At-Home TestThis 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 096:Wisdom From Our Polyamorous Elders with Susan Bratton Part 1Discover the keys to unlocking the joys of relationship diversity as I sit down with Susan Bratton, an authority on intimacy who brings a treasure trove of insights into the realms of polyamory, communication, and deep connection. This episode is a roadmap to understanding and nurturing the unique needs within any relationship, especially within the intricate polycule dynamic. Susan, with her infectious enthusiasm, unpacks the lessons from generations of relationship diversity, offering strategies from sexual biohacking to fostering lifelong passion. You're in for an enlightening discussion that not only highlights the beauty of diverse relationships but also the pivotal role of communication in making every intimate encounter meaningful.Susan introduces you to the "platinum rule" of relationships, underscoring the importance of treating partners according to their desires and needs. You'll learn how this rule distinguishes itself from the old "golden rule" and how it can enhance understanding and fulfillment within your own relationships. This episode is your invitation to transform your relationships through the profound journey of self-exploration with practical steps and exercises that can set you on a path to more compassionate and loving connections.Connect with Susan:Website | Instagram | the 20store | BetterLover.Com Get your Relationship Values Workbook🔥 Up Your Pleasure with this Pleasure ProtocolThis 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 95The Monogamous Programming in Our World Runs Deep!Have you ever found yourself questioning the long-held belief that monogamy is the one-size-fits-all solution to love and commitment? In today's episode, I peel back the mononormative curtain that has shrouded our views on relationships for centuries. Navigating the tides of traditional relationship expectations, this episode dives into the stigmatization and stereotypes facing those who choose to love differently. We challenge the misleading narrative suggesting that growth is exclusive to monogamy, and instead, we celebrate the personal evolution that occurs across all forms of relationships. I share insights from my own ongoing journey of unlearning mononormative views, inviting you to reconsider and reshape the way you think about forming deep, lasting bonds. This isn't just about questioning the status quo—it's a call to action for inclusivity and an embrace of the diverse tapestry of human connection.This is Relationships Reimagined.Join the conversation as we dive into a new paradigm of conscious, intentional and diverse relationships.Chosen Family Law CenterOPEN (Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️ ✴️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 094:What Makes Polyamory Work (Part 2) with Libby Sinback  This week's episode is super special to me. I got to have a conversation with my friend, Libby Sinback, a relationship coach and host of "Making Polyamory Work."  We've had several long conversations, but this is one that got recorded! This is part 2 of our conversation. Check out Part 1 here.  In this part, we go into Libby’s expertise with the questions, “What makes polyamory work?” And“What makes polyamory NOT work?”Libby has so much experience personally and with the thousands of clients she has worked with individually and through her group program.   You don't want to miss this one!  Connect with Libby:Website | Making Polyamory Work Podcast   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 093:What Makes Polyamory Work (Part 1) with Libby SinbackThis week's episode is super special to me. I got to have a conversation with my friend, Libby Sinback, a relationship coach and host of "Making Polyamory Work."  We've had several long conversations but this is one that got recorded!It's a heart-to-heart talk with the insightful Libby,Inspired by her AND wanting to include everything we talked about, I broke this conversation into 2 episodes with Part 2 coming out next week.In this part, we share our personal experiences about relationships, healing, leaning into discomfort and so much more. Libby also shares her past experiences with her own journey into polyamory.Libby has so much experience personally and with the thousands of clients she has worked with individually and through her group program. You don't want to miss this one!Connect with Libby:Website | Making Polyamory Work PodcastOne of my favorite MPW episodes: For Your MomThis 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 092Deepening Connections Through Rope Play with Sexologist, ErosHave you ever found yourself feeling a void from casual sex? My special guest, certified sexologist Eros, joins me, to unravel the intricacies of rope play and BDSM within the tapestry of casual encounters. We stitch together narratives of personal histories and cultural identities, understanding how they color the patterns of our intimate expressions. Eros reveals her transformative journey from an early sexual awakening to an empowering post-divorce self-discovery.Embarking on a sensual exploration of sexuality, Eros explores all the aspects of Shibari, a rope technique from Japan.  We explore how casual sex encounters can be embroidered with intentionality and care. We highlight the importance of Shibari as an art, meditation, therapy, and path to erotic pleasure, and how it challenges conventional beliefs about sex and pleasure.We discuss the significance of informed consent, the nuances of enthusiastic versus exploratory consent, and the role of aftercare in enhancing connection. Eros shares transformative stories that illustrate the profound impact of ethical and consensual rope play on personal relationships and self-expression. Whether you're curious about the logistics of a Shibari session or eager to learn how to make your own sexual encounters more meaningful, this conversation promises to offer a new perspective on the powerful connections possible through respectful, consensual BDSM practice.Connect with Eros:Website | InstagramThis 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 091:The Metamorphosis of Intimate Relationships For New and Seasoned Parents with Markella KaplaniHave you ever wondered how the rollercoaster of parenthood can redefine who we are and the fabric of our closest relationships? In a heart-to-heart with the Parenting and Relationship Counselor, Markella Kaplani, we peel back the layers of emotions and psychological adjustments that come with the passage into parenthood. Markella, with her dual expertise in couples counseling and child psychology, offers profound insights into the transformation known as 'matrescence' and its ripple effects within the family unit. Parenting is no small feat, and this episode brings to light the stark contrast between societal narratives and the real, lived experiences of new parents. From identity loss to the myth of maternal fulfillment, we tackle the hard truths about the expectations placed on parents and the need for authentic support systems. Communication, a cornerstone of any healthy relationship, comes under the microscope as we dissect the challenges faced by parenting partners. We confront the shame and guilt that can plague mothers, preventing them from seeking much-needed help, and the emotional disconnect fathers might experience without shared parenting moments. The conversation culminates with strategies to foster effective communication and understanding between partners, how narrationo can transform conflict into connection. Connect with Markella:Website | InstagramThis 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 090:Uncovering Generational Relationship Wounds and Holistic Healing with Jayden AubrynWhat an amazing conversation this was! I had the pleasure of talking with Jayden Aubryn, a trailblazing psychotherapist whose insights into intentional living challenge the norms of relationships. We talked about so much that it was hard to narrow it down to one topic. All of their information is tied to the methodology of holistic healing - looking at our whole self, not as separate parts but as a complex person made up of so many aspects interwoven into one. We discuss:Generational Influence on our emotional landscapeHolistic healing and what our poo says about our emotional stateThe intersection of gender and relationship diversityWhat our emotions are trying to tell usHow to choose intentional living as opposed to default livingAnd so much more! You don't want to miss this one!Connect with Jayden:Website | InstagramThis 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.