Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

T and A Coaching and Therapy
  • 4.6 (12)
  • 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 68: Sex & Lifestyle Clubs 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare (Live from the Mermaid Lounge)

    11/04/2025

    68: Sex & Lifestyle Clubs 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare (Live from the Mermaid Lounge)

    Ever wondered what it’s really like to go to a sex or lifestyle club for the first time — and what to do to prepare? Or maybe you’ve been before and the experience wasn’t what you hoped? In this special episode Tara is live on location at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto, Ontario, joined by Event Host Amy,! Together, they explore what to expect when visiting a lifestyle space — from atmosphere and etiquette to safety, consent, and connection. You’ll get an insider tour of the newly renovated Mermaid Lounge and adjoining X-Club and hear practical guidance for what to do before, during, and after your visit to spaces like these so the experience feels positive, secure, and aligned with your personal values and boundaries. Included in this discussion is how to plan before the event with a partner — including what scenarios you’re open to exploring and how you’ll check-in throughout the visit and communicate if one of you feels uncomfortable or needs support once you’re there. Even with the best planning, emotions can arise, so having a shared plan for navigating them helps everyone feel safe and connected. Whether you’re curious, nervous, or simply exploring new sides of your sexuality, this episode will help you feel prepared and confident. 🎧 Tune in for: A guided tour of the Mermaid Lounge Tips for your first (or next) lifestyle club experience Consent, communication, and aftercare insights How to plan ahead, check in, and debrief after attending Details on T&A’s live talk on December 10: The 7-Step Securely Non-Monogamous Framework Show Resources: Mermaid Lounge hours, facilities, tickets and info available at: https://mermaidlounge.ca/ Join us for our LIVE Talk December 10 for Reconnect Wednesday - info & Tickets at: -https://www.thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452 Podcast Episode: H is for Sexual Health & Hair: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nOEQfbBcH8EXx1XItHdKF?si=wAnUraOnQAKffvD8kkXCKw Podcast Episode: STI Testing and Acceptable Risk - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qjpsoc3tY2Ea1lE4yaLVE?si=JqmlxdQ4QLW2eZVvSbNRWwAdd clubs you've visited to T&A's Sex Clubs and Destinations Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing

    33 min
  6. 67: Breaking Taboos in Sex & Relationships - Part 2

    10/14/2025

    67: Breaking Taboos in Sex & Relationships - Part 2

    In Part 2 we continue our deep dive into the complex world of sex, relationships, and the taboos that shape them. We explore what makes certain topics so charged, how our personal experiences influence what we consider “off-limits,” and why breaking taboos can lead to more honest and connected relationships. 💬 In this episode: What Are the Biggest Taboos Around Sex & Relationships? We examine the issues people still hesitate to talk about — and how these silences affect connection and trust. Personal Perspectives on Breaking Taboos - we share our own stories on what it means to confront stigma, challenge assumptions, and choose openness over secrecy. Community Reflections - Drawing from listener and community feedback, we discuss the taboos that continue perpetuate — and why some conversations still feel risky to have, even in open-minded circles. Why is Breaking Taboos Important ? Finally we explore why taboos should be broken and whether some taboos might serve a purpose — creating mystery, excitement, or deeper meaning — and how to balance curiosity with respect, consent, and intention. It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about where our edges come from, how they evolve, and why it’s worth questioning them in pursuit of deeper authenticity and connection. ✨ Catch us live!We will be at Booth 322 at the Toronto Taboo Show, October 17–19, 2025. We will be giving seminars Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 8:30 PM on Non-Monogamy Essentials: Making it Secure, Satisfying, and Sexy! 📖 Episode Chapters: 00:00 — Breaking Taboos in Sex and Relationships 05:20 — Exploring Non-Monogamy and Its Misunderstandings 10:48 — Personal Experiences with Sexuality and Openness 16:37 — Addressing Common Taboos and Myths in Non-Monogamy 25:08 — Navigating Relationship Taboos 29:14 — The Complexity of Secret Partners 31:55 — Reprioritizing Partners in Non-Monogamy 36:21 — Challenging Myths About Polyamory 38:58 — Sexual Health and Multiple Partners 40:40 — Consent and Altered States 41:43 — The Pressure of “Best” Sex 44:11 — The Importance of Breaking Taboos Show Resources: Taboo Show - https://tabooshow.com/ Me B4 We Intimacy Coaching - https://linktr.ee/meb4wePoly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking 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

    53 min
  7. 66: Breaking Taboos in Sex & Relationships - Part 1 - With Special Guest Darryl Rosengreen from the Taboo Show

    10/11/2025

    66: Breaking Taboos in Sex & Relationships - Part 1 - With Special Guest Darryl Rosengreen from the Taboo Show

    In this episode, Tara sits down with Darryl Rosengreen, VP of Marketing and Promotion—and one of the owners—of The Taboo Show, to explore breaking taboos in sex and relationships. Together, they talk about how events like The Taboo Show create safe, inclusive spaces for people to learn, explore, and get curious about sexuality, kink, and relationships. Tara and Darryl share how these environments can inspire conversations you may not have had before—or didn’t know how to start—and help normalize talking about sex, sexuality, and intimacy in fun and educational ways. 💬 In this episode: Why breaking taboos helps create healthier, more open relationshipsHow exploring sexuality can spark new conversations and self-discoveryWhat to expect at The Taboo Show (and why it’s a safe, educational, and fun space)The importance of normalizing conversations about sex and relationships ✨ Catch us live at Taboo!T&A will be at Booth 322 at the Toronto Taboo Show, October 17–19, 2025. We'll also be speaking on Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 8:30 PM on Non-Monogamy Essentials: Making it Secure, Satisfying, and Sexy! 🎟️ We’re also doing a draw for free tickets to the show! Enter at https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw  before October 12 for your chance to win. 📖 Episode Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to Taboo Topics in Relationships03:46 — Exploring Taboos in Sex and Relationships07:56 — The Taboo Show Experience13:51 — Breaking Down Taboos Around Sex 16:46 — Advice for First-Time Attendees Show Resources: Taboo Show - https://tabooshow.com/ Enter to WIN free tickets to the Toronto show -  https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw Me B4 We Intimacy Coaching - https://linktr.ee/meb4wePoly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultationBook a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠

    19 min
  8. 65: L is for Lube, Libido, Lingerie, Lifestyle, L’Amour + More

    09/30/2025

    65: L is for Lube, Libido, Lingerie, Lifestyle, L’Amour + More

    We’re back with another episode in our T&A Alphabet Series—where we explore the big topics around non-monogamy, relationships, and sex, one letter at a time. These episodes were originally live trainings in our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook group, and over the past year we’ve been releasing them onto podcast platforms. At the very start of Season 1, we shared L is for 5 Steps From Limitations to Liberation. Now, we’re circling back with a brand-new episode—because “L” deserves way more LOVE.  In this episode, we dive into a lineup of L’s: Lube, Libido, Latex, Lingerie, Love, Lies, Lust vs. Longing, Layering, Lifestyle, Leather, and Labia. We take a playful and practical approach to breaking these down, sharing our own personal stories and examples from our work. You’ll hear why lube is a game-changer (at any age), what lingerie really means (and if men have it too), and how destructive communication like layering sneaks into relationships. We also dive deeper into libido and desire — what spontaneous vs. responsive desire actually looks like, how libido shifts over time, and what to do when there’s a mismatch in your relationship. Spoiler: it’s not all about “fixing” it — it’s about planning ahead, knowing mismatches are inevitable at some point, and building the communication skills to talk about it openly when it happens. Join us for a mix of humour, honesty, and depth in exploring love, sex, and polyamory! Show Resources: Episode 2: 5 Steps from Limitations to Liberation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4f4lr2PWdpdVxfZmXGzcT2?si=JOYl2LeTSNmsCIhSIjaoLQ Taboo Show Toronto - Enter our draw to win a free pass - https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw - and find our more about the show at https://tabooshow.com/toronto Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking 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

    38 min
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4.6
out of 5
12 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © T and A Coaching and Therapy
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Polyamory Podcast

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