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Long-distance relationships can be hard. Non-monogamous relationships can be complicated. So what happens when you combine the two? In this episode of the Let’s Talk Polyamory Podcast, we’re talking about what it really takes to make long-distance love work when non-monogamy is part of the equation. And as two people who love each other while living five and a half hours apart, we have some personal experience with this one and share that throughout! But what actually makes a relationship “long-distance”? Is it really about kilometres, or is access a better measure? We explore the surprising benefits of loving from afar, including autonomy, intentionality, anticipation and space for other relationships. We also get into some of the harder stuff: time and travel logistics, jealousy and FOMO, navigating nesting partners and family responsibilities, and what happens when your limited time together starts to feel more like a romantic vacation than everyday life. We talk about how to stay connected when you’re apart without trying to recreate living together through your phone, why sharing the mundane parts of life can matter just as much as date nights, and why reunions AND goodbyes deserve more attention than we often give them. And perhaps most importantly, we ask a question that goes beyond whether long-distance relationships can work: Does THIS version of a long-distance relationship work for YOU? Because success doesn’t have to mean eventually living in the same city, moving in together or following the traditional relationship escalator. In non-monogamy, we get to think more intentionally about what we want our relationships to look like. So whether you’re already loving someone from afar, considering a long-distance relationship, or simply curious about whether you could ever make one work, this episode will give you plenty to think and talk about. 🎧 Listen in and then come tell us: Could YOU do long-distance love? Show Resources: Andy Morollo - Connecting here and there: A model of long-distance relationship maintenance - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2011.01392.x We love travelling using Home Exchange as it allows us to stay in amazing places in exchange for our home - use this link to get 250 bonus points when you sign up (that's a 2 night stay in most places)- ⁠⁠https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=taraandandre-cbef0 ⁠⁠Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠New and looking to build a secure foundation? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠ Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠⁠

“I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened.” — Mark Twain How often do we create an entire story about what might happen and then experience the anxiety as though it’s already happening? We’re back with another carversation. 🚗 These are unscripted conversations we record while travelling the world! This is one of two episodes we recorded while road-tripping through Morocco in June 2026. We had some mic issues and have done our best to correct the audio, however there are some spots where it isn’t perfect. We hope the conversation will make it worthwhile for you!   We start with a real-life moment from our trip. Tara thought she’d put the wrong location into the GPS and, with only 15 minutes left to our destination, suddenly thought we might have another two hours of driving ahead of us instead. Spoiler: we didn’t. But the anxiety she felt in that moment was very real, and André’s response was exactly what she needed. That gets us talking about what happens when anxiety takes over, what we can do to manage it in the moment, and how we can respond when we notice it showing up in our partners. What actually helps? What doesn’t? And why doesn’t reassurance always land the way we intend it to? And yes, even as a coach and a therapist who help other people navigate this stuff, sometimes we still have to figure out how to coach our damn selves through it. From there, we bring the conversation into relationships, particularly the anxiety and jealousy that can surface when opening a relationship or navigating consensual non-monogamy. What happens when our brains take uncertainty and turn it into “If my partner meets someone else, they might leave me”? And what if we could shift that story to “My partner can connect with other people and continue to choose me”? We talk about the stories underneath jealousy, strategies for managing anxiety when it shows up, and how clear relationship agreements based on our values, using our Values-Based Relationship Agreement Model™, can help create security without trying to control every possible outcome. In this episode, we also cover: Practical strategies for managing anxiety in the momentHow to respond when you sense your partner is feeling anxiousJealousy and anxiety when opening a relationshipFuture forecasting and imagining worst-case scenariosReframing what it means to be chosen by a partner Because knowing the tools doesn’t mean we don’t struggle with this stuff too. Sometimes we just have to remember to use them on ourselves. Show Resources: We love travelling using Home Exchange as it allows us to stay in amazing places in exchange for our home - use this link to get 250 bonus points when you sign up (that's a 2 night stay in most places)- ⁠https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=taraandandre-cbef0 ⁠Check out our episode we recorded while on our East Coast road trip in the Summer of 2025 -  Carversations: Travelling When Polyamorous or Open - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KIL4RSyr4T7sZymJLjxbD?si=mZsxR5oiSyCE2iZRSIcTNA Addressing Worry - The Worry Tree and Other Methods - https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/tackling-your-worries/ The Thought Model / Life Coaching Model - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnWfkWaNQuAAnother Thought Model article with examples - https://simplysquaredaway.com/the-model/Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠New and looking to build a secure foundation? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠

Most people don’t realize how easily they derail the conversations that matter most, until they learn what to look for. In Part 2 of this series, we unpack the hidden patterns that quietly sabotage connection, like kitchen sinking, labeling, interrupting, blaming, mind reading, layering, and passive-aggressive habits. More importantly, we show you how to recognize these patterns in real time and shift them into clear, grounded, and effective communication. We also explore how outside influences, like stress, emotional triggers, and past experiences can take over your conversations without you even noticing. From there, we guide you back to presence, empathy, and solution-focused dialogue using practical, easy-to-apply tools. You’ll learn frameworks like Non-Violent Communication (NVC) and our Attunement Communication Method™, designed to help you move from conflict to connection, without losing your voice. If you’re tired of feeling unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in the same arguments, this episode offers a clear path forward. Honest, effective communication isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s the foundation of strong, thriving relationships, especially in non-monogamous dynamics where trust and transparency matter deeply. Whether you have a partner, dating or single, this episode will help you break negative cycles and build more authentic, connected conversations. And if you want to go deeper, join T&A live for Deep Dive Thursdays at the Mermaid Lounge on May 14 at 8PM for a special talk: The Other Sexy Talk: More Foreplay for Better Sex. Details and tickets available at: https://thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=697 Resources: Get our free How to Shift From Destructive to Effective Communication Worksheet - https://worksheet.letstalkpolyamory.com/communicationworksheet Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠New and looking to build a secure foundation including how to effectively communicate with your partners? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

It’s a quickie, but a good one! An unfiltered special episode recorded from our bed! In it, we break down a real-life situation where things built up, our communication took a nosedive, and it felt like our communication went completely off the rails. We take full ownership of the destructive patterns we fell into - practicing responses, layering/stacking, “yes, but”-ing, and how HALTA (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired & Anxious) was impacting us. We walk you through exactly what happened, how it unfolded, and what we did to repair, pausing, resetting, and coming back to the conversation with intention. And in Part 2, we go deeper into these patterns and show you how to shift them into more effective, connected communication + we'll share the worksheet we refer to at the end! Show Resources: Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠New and looking to build a secure foundation including how to effectively communicate with your partners? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

Planning a trip and your'e non-monogamous? Traveling comes with its own unique dynamics and things to plan for, whether you're heading out on a solo adventure or exploring with a partner or partners. In this episode, we dive into what that really looks like, and how those experiences can expand not just your world, but your relationships too. We talk about: Traveling together vs. taking solo vacations How (and where) you might meet people while away What happens when you do meet someone you like The conversations and agreements that matter, before and during your trip How boundaries, expectations, and connection can shift when you're out of your normal environment We also share our personal experiences and practical insights around communication, honesty, safety, and staying grounded in your relationships, no matter where you are in the world. And of course, how we make traveling fun—because yes, you can have adventure and emotional security. ✈️ Your action list if you're planning travel: Practice honest communication about travel plans and personal boundaries Get clear on agreements, especially if they may shift while you're away Prioritize safety and STI testing when meeting new partners Stay open to spontaneity while staying aligned with your values Make space for both connection and independence Show Resources: We love travelling using Home Exchange as it allows us to travel economically and stay in amazing places in exchange for our home - use this link to get 250 bonus points when you sign up (that's a 2 night stay in most places - ⁠https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=taraandandre-cbef0 ⁠Looking for community? Join our Let's Talk Polyamory private Facebook group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠New and looking to build a secure foundation? Our Poly Newbies Digital Course is for you! Get it for only $97 for a limited time for our listeners- https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer Want to learn more about travel - Check out our episode we recorded while on our East Coast road trip: Carversations: Travelling When Polyamorous or Open - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KIL4RSyr4T7sZymJLjxbD?si=mZsxR5oiSyCE2iZRSIcTNA

Ever feel like the lifestyle has its own language? Well… you’re not wrong. In this bonus T&A Alphabet Series episode, we’re breaking down some of the most common and less common terms used in swinging and the lifestyle, including: What “the lifestyle” actually means—and the different names people use (like libertine)Common roles and dynamics (hotwife, stag/vixen, unicorn, bull, OPP)Types of play and what they involve (soft swap, hard swap, same room play)Events, parties, and how people connectConsent, communication, and safety language (hard & soft limits, full consent culture, aftercare)Sexual and other terms (voyeur, DP, bukkake, “take one for the team”)All of this is designed to help you feel more confident and informed as you explore—whether you’re brand new or already have some experience. And as we’ve said throughout this series, it’s always important to ask people what their definitions are—because these terms can mean different things to different people. Show Resources: Contribute to our T&A Sex Clubs, Lifestyle Destinations & Communities Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharingLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world: ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠⁠Episode 69: Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent is so Important - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RzCDuhK9yMM3GgkU5ebPg?si=ObHEGONiTCyFgCF6Q-oo7g  Episode 64: K is for KINK, Kitchen Table Polyamory & Kissing - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FOrTjvfhxOB2Il9BLoNwc?si=GdwcjFa1Sn-qWcg2Ikspgw Unicorns & Unicorn Hunting: Can it be Ethical? https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TI3NNE3H5JxlwzopWqM1Z?si=hRQsZ47bQASGDRf3KDCnFg

We are back with another instalment of our T&A Alphabet Series and this one is all about the letter S! We give you: S is For Everything You Wanted to Know About Sexual Issues But Were Afraid to Ask! Sexual issues are something so many people experience—but few people actually talk about. In this episode, we open up the conversation around sex, desire, identity, and connection—sharing both insights and our own real-life experiences along the way. We cover: ✨ What sexual apathy actually is—and why low desire isn’t always a problem ✨ The many emotional, physical, and relational factors that can impact sex drive ✨ Desire discrepancies in relationships and how to navigate them collaboratively ✨ The spectrum of sexual identity, orientation, and expression ✨ Why sexual health matters ✨ Common causes of sexual anxiety and how communication can shift everything Sexuality isn’t one-size-fits-all—it exists on a spectrum, and what feels right will look different for everyone. As always, we come back to one of the most powerful tools in any relationship: 💬 Talk about it. Open, honest communication—with your partners and with professionals—can change everything. If something in this episode resonates with you and you want support navigating it, you’re always welcome to reach out. We’re here to help you take your next step. Links below to connect. Show Resources: Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠⁠The Cervix Wand - for vaginal de-armoring and anal massage, cervical and g-spot stimulation.  ⁠https://waands.com/products/cervix-wand?ref=taraandandre⁠ - use code TARALYNNEFRANCO to get 10% off or use this link for any item in the store - ⁠https://waands.com/discount/TARALYNNEFRANCO?ref=taraandandre⁠Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world: ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠

Salt-N-Pepa had it right in 1990…“Let’s talk about sex baby, let's talk about you and me, let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be…” It’s also important to talk about sex when we’re not having it — or not having enough of it. This episode explores the complexities of mismatched sex drives in relationships, and why the difference itself is often less of a problem than the meaning couples attach to it. From our own experiences and the work we’ve done with clients, we share three things we know to be true: People have different sex drives and desires for intimacy The difference itself usually isn’t the problem — it’s how couples interpret it Talking about it gives the relationship a much better chance When partners want different amounts of sex, it can quickly lead to resentment, pressure, and painful assumptions about attraction, love, and unmet needs. In this conversation, we explore how these dynamics develop and why communication, understanding, and creative solutions are essential for maintaining intimacy and connection. We also get personal, sharing how differences in desire show up in our own relationship — including how menopause and pain have impacted Tara’s desire and what she’s been exploring to navigate that. Along the way, we discuss concepts like responsive desire and how understanding different desire styles can shift the conversation. We also share practical tools and conversation approaches couples can use to move away from the blame game and toward solutions that honour both partners’ needs — whether they’re in monogamous or non-monogamous relationships. Chapters: 00:00 - Understanding Different Sex Drives 02:42 - Navigating Relationship Dynamics 05:29 - The Importance of Communication 08:22 - Resentment and Its Roots 11:12 - The Role of Internal Narratives 13:59 - Breaking the Silence on Sex 16:44 - Building Trust Through Open Dialogue 22:52 - Exploring Non-Monogamy as a Solution 25:14 - The Importance of Communication in Relationships 26:18 - Redefining Intimacy Beyond Sex 28:04 - Tools for Reestablishing Intimacy 30:35 - Understanding Desire Styles 34:29 - Finding Solutions Together 38:47 - Final Thoughts on Navigating Desire Differences Show Resources: Episode: Can an Open Relationship Save My Marriage - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7o3meUcbbNdcfb4S1I7vbq?si=vT-9MhXkSDGgS-0mnbgFQw The Cervix Wand - for vaginal de-armoring and anal massage, cervical and g-spot stimulation.  https://waands.com/products/cervix-wand?ref=taraandandre - use code TARALYNNEFRANCO to get 10% off or use this link for any item in the store - https://waands.com/discount/TARALYNNEFRANCO?ref=taraandandreLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer

We’re back with another episode of our T&A Alphabet Series! This is an all-new episode on the letter R — and you’re REALLY going to REVEL in this jam-packed conversation. We’re covering a range of relationship, sex and polyamory/non-monogamy terms grouped into three themes: Relationships & relationship structuresSexual and erotic termsEmotional and psychological termsIt’s a truly robust episode filled with really helpful R words like: Relationship Anarchy (RA)Relationship EscalatorReciprocityRimmingRadical HonestyReassuranceRepairResentmentWe cover over 20 different words — with deeper dives into topics like relationship agreements and relationship reviews using the RAADAR method, rope play (Shibari), and responsive desire. Get ready for a rich, reflective, and maybe even a little risqué ride through the Rs. Many of the words we explore here (and throughout our T&A Alphabet Series) are also part of our upcoming project, The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world: ⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠ Show Resources: Rich Relationships: Building Your Million Dollar Network. Book by Selena Soo - Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer

We’re back with another episode of our T&A Alphabet Series! Many earlier episodes were originally delivered as live trainings inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory Podcast private Facebook community. In this episode, recorded in 2021, we dive into the letter Q — Queer — exploring identity, fluidity, heteronormativity, mononormativity, intersectionality, visibility, mental health, and the intersection of queerness and consensual non-monogamy. We talk about definitions of queer, how marginalization can impact mental health, and common misconceptions about being queer and polyamorous. We also share some statistics—though at the time of recording, specific data on people identifying as “queer” was limited. We share our personal experiences with queerness: what it was like growing up, coming to queer identity later in life, and how our relationship has opened us to limitless sexual and emotional expression. Tara shares her journey coming out to family as queer and dating a woman before embracing polyamory, and André shares his experiences with family and how the reactions varied. We also invite your reflections in the comments: Is queer a term you identify with?What does being queer mean to you?Why is it important to identify as queer?If you identify as queer or another non-heterosexual or non-monogamous identity, are you out and open about it?Note: We did our best with the video and audio quality, but it isn’t perfect. As we felt the content is worth sharing, we're sharing it anyway! Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:35 - Exploring the Term 'Queer' 02:37 - Personal Identities and Experiences with Queerness 07:10 - Definitions and Understanding of Queerness 10:48 - Navigating Heteronormativity and Mononormativity 15:04 - Reflections on Coming Out and Self-Identification 19:21 - Redefining Queerness: Beyond Labels 26:42 - Intersectionality and Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community 30:08 - Navigating Polyamory and Queerness 31:00 - Coming Out Stories: Personal Experiences and Family Dynamics Resources: Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Book: Bi Notes for a Bisexual Revolution by Shiri Eisner - https://www.amazon.ca/Bi-Bisexual-Revolution-Shiri-Eisner/dp/1580054749Coming out as polyamorous video - our initial talk in preparing for the conversation - How to talk to parents about being polyamorous or in an open relationship - https://youtu.be/UxYecGOZ3WY?si=OaNmNcBea2bA27sH Let's Talk Polyamory Facebook Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer

We’re back with another playful, passionate, and slightly provocative instalment of our much-loved T&A Alphabet Series! These episodes originally began as live trainings inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community, and this one has been freshly updated and pleasantly packed just for you. In this episode, we dive  playfully into the letter P — and as the title suggests, it’s not just about polyamory. Oh no. It’s a plentiful, punchy, and sometimes polarizing collection of P words that show up in conversations about relationships, sex, and non-monogamy. Here’s a taste of what we cover: PolyamoryPolysaturatedPolygamy & PolyandryPower dynamicsPrimary partnerPansexualParaphiliaAnd if you patiently persevere to the end… the sexiest P words make an appearance too 🔥 Think PIV, promiscuity, period sex, and more. Preparing for this episode was pure pleasure given the practically limitless P words we could have covered. Not all of them made it into the podcast — so yes, this episode is “just the tip.” 😏 Many of the words we explore here (and throughout our T&A Alphabet Series) are also part of our upcoming project, The Little Book of Poly Love 💖 Join the waitlist to be the first to know when it’s published and pops into the world:https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Polyamory and P Words 01:30 Understanding Polyamory and Its Types 03:18 Exploring Polyfidelity and Polycules 06:02 Defining Poly Intimates and Polysaturation 08:06 Polyamory Under Duress 09:52 Primary Partners and Power Dynamics 13:50 Pansexuality and Paraphilia Explained 15:54 Passive Aggressive and Direct 16:46 Sexual Terms: PIV, PIA, and PIM 17:41 Promiscuity: Gender Perspectives and Cultural Views 20:14 Play and Period Sex: Breaking Taboos 23:36 The P-Spot and Male Pleasure Show Resources: Poly Newbies Digital Course – Listener OfferA practical, supportive place for the poly-curious, poly-new, and poly-questioninghttps://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André:https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultationWant personalized coaching support?Book a complimentary coaching consultation with Tara:https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue

Welcome to Season 3! We’re so excited to be back with a brand new season filled with all the conversations you love — and more. This season, we’ll be continuing our T&A Alphabet Series with episodes dropping throughout the year, and we’ll also be welcoming new guests to the podcast. If you’d like to be a guest, or know someone who would be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. The idea for this episode emerged while we were in Mexico over the holidays, where we found ourselves revisiting a question we return to often: Can someone still be polyamorous — an identity we both hold — even when they’re not actively “practicing” it? In this episode, we explore the evolving nature of polyamory as both an identity and a practice. We reflect on our recent experiences with dating and not dating, what has shifted in our personal and professional lives, and how our priorities continue to change over time. André also shares about a recent connection with someone who does not identify as non-monogamous, including what it was like to navigate that experience (spoiler alert: it's been very positive), how it felt to share it with Tara, and the real-time conversations that followed. Tara reflects on her own experience of learning that André was feeling new relationship energy (NRE), and what that brought up for her. Along the way, we dive into the importance of communication when navigating new connections, explore NRE in long-term relationships, and discuss the values that underpin polyamory / non-monogamy as a relational identity. We also share listener reflections around identity, values, and how these ideas show up in different seasons of life. This conversation emphasizes that identifying as polyamorous can remain true even during phases of less active dating, and invites listeners to reflect on their own relational identities, values, and intentions for the future. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to Season Three 01:31: Reflections on Identity and Polyamory 04:47: Exploring Relational Identity 07:24: Navigating New Relationships 10:08: The Dynamics of Non-Monogamy 12:53: Understanding New Relationship Energy 15:32: Balancing Relationships and Personal Growth 18:07: Navigating Non-Monogamy: Embracing Other Connections 21:38: Defining Polyamory: Identity vs. Practice 25:15:The Emotional Landscape of Polyamory 28:08: Polyamory as an Evolving Identity 31:51: Listener suggested reflections Show Resources: Contact Us via the form on our website - https://www.taraandandre.com/#section-udHUURtgCyNight Thoughts - Reflections of a Sex Therapist, by Dr. Avodah Offit - https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/night-thoughts-reflections-of-a-sex-therapist/9781568214580.html Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

We’re back with another juicy instalment of our T&A Alphabet Series! Many of these episodes began as live trainings inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community, and this one has been freshly re-recorded, updated, and expanded just for you. In this episode, we dive into the letter O — and yes, we save the biggest O for last 😉 O is for Open Relating, Orgasms, Oral, and Other Ohs… We explore a wide range of O topics while providing thoughtful insights into each one, with a strong emphasis on consent, communication, and understanding. Along the way, we share personal experiences and offer practical, real-world advice to help you deepen intimacy, navigate complexity, and enhance pleasure in your relationships in ways that feel aligned and sustainable. This episode covers: Open Relating – what it really means in practiceOrgies – including consent in group settingsOut & Outed – navigating visibility, disclosure, and choiceObligations – exploring both external expectations and self-imposed pressureOral & Outercourse – expanding pleasure beyond penetration and performanceAnd finally, our perfectly timed CLIMAX: ORGASMS ✨ We talk about what orgasms actually are, different types of orgasms, what happens in the body when we orgasm, facts and myths, faking it, common challenges, and what you can do to increase pleasure — with or without orgasm as the goal. Equal parts educational, playful, and grounding, this episode supports listeners who are exploring relationship dynamics, strengthening intimacy, or simply wanting better conversations about sex, pleasure, and connection. 📖 Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:22 Open Relating Definition 03:10 Orgies & Consent 04:48 Being Out and Outed 09:08 Understanding Obligations in Relationships 09:55 Oral Sex 12:37 Outer Course  14:46 Understanding Orgasms & The Types of Orgasms 20:56 What Happens to Your Brain & Body During Orgasm 24:23 Studies and Facts about Orgasms 30:22 Faking It 34:00 Techniques for Enhancing Pleasure 37:58 Sensate Focus and Intimacy  39:45 The Importance Self-Exploration & Masterbation 42:08 Conclusion and Call to Action Show Resources: Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠C is for Consensual Non-Monogamy episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4QjdNH6LdaYqOgFaaFMqja?si=FBh6ICbDQB-Fgo9SUd6jhA How We Love:  What Style of Non-Monogamy is for Me? https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wQiiMrHCFltYorI7bdEGs?si=2rVxqTliScODBUqIJ4TuMA What Style of Non-Monogamy is for Me Free Worksheet - https://worksheet.letstalkpolyamory.com/cnmstyle Why Enthusiastic Consent is So Important - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RzCDuhK9yMM3GgkU5ebPg?si=C87tjthIRY2Ro8KANTnE_w A is for Anorgasmia Episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oBt1yFEfFsnCUGzTRmF8p?si=Nyjkx7KeRc6YZns0wxdjKQ How to Talk to Family About Being Polyamorous - Tara & Andre preparing for Tara’s coming out to parents - https://youtu.be/UxYecGOZ3WY?si=VzvgfmS8SSuuufqB 3 Minute Game - https://www.schoolofconsent.org/blog/3-minute-game Sensate Focus Article - https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/what-is-sensate-focus-and-how-does-it-work

We’re back with another episode in our T&A Alphabet Series! Many earlier episodes were originally delivered as live trainings inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community. This one is a freshly re-recorded instalment — updated, expanded, and shaped by listener requests.  In this episode we are diving into the letter N with The Nine N Words You Need to Know! We explore key “N” words that often come up in non-monogamous relationships. We talk about non-negotiables, the meaning and impact of names and titles, necrophilia, and neediness in relationships—when it can be a call for support and when it might negatively impact the connection.  We also cover nesting partners, the importance of the word no and recognizing both verbal and body-language cues, and what it looks like to normalize non-monogamy in everyday life.  Plus, we touch on numbers (a.k.a. body count of sexual partners) and nudism, and why these conversations matter. This is a fun, thoughtful, and wide-ranging episode we know you’ll enjoy! Want to hear T&A live? Join them on December 10, 2025 for Reconnect Wednesday at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto. Information about the Mermaid Lounge at https://mermaidlounge.ca/. Tickets at https://thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452.  📖 Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction  01:38 - Exploring Non-Negotiables in Relationships 03:56-  Names and Titles in Non-Monogamous Relationships 05:46 - Understanding Necrophilia  10:30 - Navigating Neediness  12:11 - Nesting & Nesting Partners 13:08  - Nipples and Nipple Play 15:45 - No when shared verbally or through body language 17:53 Normalization of Non-Monogamy 21:21 Nudism and Naturism 24:25 Discussing Numbers in Relationships Show Resources: Join the waitlist and be the first to find out when our Little Book of Poly Love is out with all the HOT words from A-Z! ⁠⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠Necrophilia image and article - https://www.vice.com/en/article/yvxem5/the-little-death-living-and-loving-as-a-necrophiliac-51Relationship Burnout: How to Make LRE Feel Like NRE Again podcast episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Ujeot4xkUKWwZCPClzVDt?si=T0BytQblSUGqLyiqj7494Q Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent is So Important podcast episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2RzCDuhK9yMM3GgkU5ebPg?si=cg7CPN_yTXSkmTlsRchq0w Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

We’re back with another episode of our T&A Alphabet Series! These episodes were originally delivered as live trainings on Mondays inside our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook community, and over the last few months we’ve been uploading them to all major podcast platforms. Today’s episode is all about the letter M — and it’s a good one. We’re diving into: M is for the 5 Ways to Make Sure Your COMMUNICATION Isn’t MISCOMMUNICATION. In this episode, we explore: The core components of successful communication.How to break old or unhelpful communication habits and replace them with patterns that actually work.Why getting “heated” or “upset” is valuable information — uncomfortable, yes, but often pointing us toward something meaningful to unpack after the moment passes.Active listening: how to become better listeners and how to recognize when we aren’t.Communication models we love, including the Interactional Model.Practical, real-life examples of how to become a clearer, more effective communicator.How to approach more challenging conversations and invite true dialogue.The importance of being clear, honest, and direct.What happens when we hold things in instead of expressing them.How trust and rapport are built through communication.How your beliefs, interpretations, and assumptions shape the way you show up in conversation.Progressive Communication: what it is, and how to use it to move conversations forward instead of repeating the same loops.What to do when someone comes into a conversation already feeling defensive.And how to use “breaks” effectively.We also share an analogy that highlights the difference between genuine communication and miscommunication, plus a personal example of a moment between us where emotions were high and things got a little “heated” — and what we learned from it. Want to hear T&A live?Join us on December 10, 2025 for Reconnect Wednesday at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto. Learn more about the Mermaid Lounge at mermaidlounge.ca. Grab tickets at thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452 Show Resources: Feeld Dating Site - https://feeld.co/ Dr. Amy Corey - Evolution of Human Communication - From Theory to Practice - article - https://www.scribd.com/document/535619793/Communication-By-Dr-Amy-M-CoreyLooking for support working through your communication patterns or other issues?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with André at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠