Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

T and A Coaching and Therapy
  • 4.5 (13)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You co-hosts T&A, Tara Lynne Franco, Relationship and Awesomeness Coach & André Turcotte, Sex+ Psychotherapist, share their ideas and advice on how to have authentic, connected, secure and sexy non-monogamous relationships whether you're monogamish, in an open relationship, a swinger, polyamorous or a relationship anarchist! They bring together knowledge their years of personal experiences in polyamory, their professional practices working with individuals and couples, professional training + the best information available out there! Visit https://www.taraandandre.com/

  1. R is for Really Great Relationship, Sex and Polyamory R-Words

    MAR 3

    R is for Really Great Relationship, Sex and Polyamory R-Words

    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

    48 min
  2. Q is For Queer: Understanding Queer Identity

    MAR 2

    Q is For Queer: Understanding Queer Identity

    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

    41 min
  3. 74: P is for Polyamory and a Plethora of P Words

    FEB 3

    74: P is for Polyamory and a Plethora of P Words

    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

    28 min
  4. 73: Am I Still Polyamorous (Even If I'm Not Actively "Practicing" It)?

    JAN 27

    73: Am I Still Polyamorous (Even If I'm Not Actively "Practicing" It)?

    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

    35 min
  5. 72: O is for Open Relating, Orgasms, Oral and Other Ohs…

    12/23/2025

    72: O is for Open Relating, Orgasms, Oral and Other Ohs…

    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

    43 min
  6. 71: N is for the Nine N Words You Need to Know

    12/08/2025

    71: N is for the Nine N Words You Need to Know

    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

    30 min
  7. 70: M is for the 5 Ways to Make Sure Your COMMUNICATION is not MISCOMMUNICATION

    11/25/2025

    70: M is for the 5 Ways to Make Sure Your COMMUNICATION is not MISCOMMUNICATION

    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

    52 min
  8. 69: Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent Is So Important

    11/11/2025

    69: Consent is Sexy: Why Enthusiastic Consent Is So Important

    Consent isn’t just about saying yes or no, it is much more complex than that.  In this episode, Tara and André discuss and explore the nuances of consent in intimate interactions, emphasizing that consent is not a one-time agreement but an active, ongoing conversation that involves both people every step of the way. They unpack what enthusiastic consent really means, how it plays out in different settings like dates, parties, and clubs, and why the idea of “ongoing consent” or “ask once” don’t apply.  Instead, consent is a living, dynamic process — one that deepens trust, connection, and genuine desire. And each person plays an active role and responsibility  in ensuring mutual comfort. You’ll also hear about some of the most common frameworks used to understand consent — from FRIES (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific, developed by Planned Parenthood) and CRISP (Considered, Reversible, Informed Specific, Participant) to frameworks used in the kink community such as  SSC (Safe, Sane, Consensual) and RACK (Risk-Aware Consensual Kink). As well as the Yes, No, Maybe List. Each of these helps shape awareness, yet none replace real-time communication. Tara and André share examples of what consent can sound like in the moment even in non-sexual environments - for example a recent example where Tara asked someone - Would you be open to me giving you a compliment?”, why asking builds connection rather than killing the mood, and how saying — or hearing — a clear no can be just as sexy as an enthusiastic yes. And finally they talk about consent and law. This conversation reminds us that consent is the heartbeat of healthy intimacy — an evolving, mutual agreement that requires awareness, communication, and care. 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: 3:07 Understanding Consent 6:07 Ongoing Consent: Myths & Realities 12:21 Consent Frameworks 23:14 The Nuances of Consent 34:25 Navigating Compliments & Consent 40:20 Consent in Different Scenarios 55:50 The Legal Landscape of Consent Show Resources: K is for Kink, Kitchen Table Polyamory, Kissing + Other K Words Episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FOrTjvfhxOB2Il9BLoNwc?si=ihdSbNg2RSaxlE24TjOPgA Cup of Team Consent Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQbei5JGiT8 Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  ⁠https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer⁠Looking for therapy or coaching?  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

    1h 2m
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4.5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

You co-hosts T&A, Tara Lynne Franco, Relationship and Awesomeness Coach & André Turcotte, Sex+ Psychotherapist, share their ideas and advice on how to have authentic, connected, secure and sexy non-monogamous relationships whether you're monogamish, in an open relationship, a swinger, polyamorous or a relationship anarchist! They bring together knowledge their years of personal experiences in polyamory, their professional practices working with individuals and couples, professional training + the best information available out there! Visit https://www.taraandandre.com/

Information

  • Creator
    T and A Coaching and Therapy
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © T and A Coaching and Therapy
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

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