This episode of Poly Pathways tackles the complex challenge of letting partners truly show up for you, especially when past relationship trauma has built walls of hyper-independence. Hosts Kat and Doc dive deep into how polyamory culture can sometimes reinforce the harmful idea that needing help equals weakness or codependency. They explore personal stories—from major surgery recovery to cancer treatment—revealing how scary yet transformative it can be to accept genuine care from loved ones. The conversation unpacks why many people excel at giving support but struggle desperately to receive it, often shutting out partners who genuinely want to help.Kat and Doc emphasize that receiving care is actually a skill requiring practice, starting with small gestures like letting someone cook dinner or tuck you into bed. They discuss how weaponizing independence during conflicts damages relationships and stress the importance of building emotional safety within your polycule before crises hit. Rather than waiting until you're falling apart to ask for help, they advocate for normalizing the giving and receiving of care through everyday moments. The episode concludes with practical strategies for communicating needs clearly, resisting the urge to apologize for needing support, and understanding that choosing to be vulnerable with partners is ultimately a gift that strengthens intimacy and trust.About Us:Hosts: Kat and DocWebsite: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fmYouTube: @polypathwayspodcastInstagram: @polypathwayspodcastTikTok: @polypathwayspodcastResources (affiliate links):The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TEDDrink LMNT (Electrolyte Replacement Drink)

Ever wondered what it's like being the center point of multiple romantic relationships? In this eye-opening episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and Doc dive deep into the world of "hinging" – that crucial role where you're romantically involved with two or more partners who aren't involved with each other. It sounds simple, but wow, is it complex! From managing everyone's emotions and schedules to navigating family events and holidays, being a hinge comes with unique joys and challenges that most people never talk about openly.Kat and Doc get candid and honest about the hidden labor of hinging – the constant communication, the emotional weight of being everyone's anchor point, and yes, even the gender differences they've noticed in how society views male versus female hinges. But it's not all stress and drama! They also celebrate the incredible validation of multiple loving relationships, the personal growth that comes from managing complex dynamics, and those magical moments when everything clicks perfectly. Whether you're currently a hinge, dating someone who is, or just curious about polyamorous relationship structures, this episode offers practical strategies for handling burnout, setting boundaries, and creating joy in your polycule.About Us:Hosts: Kat and DocWebsite: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fmYouTube: @polypathwayspodcastInstagram: @polypathwayspodcastTikTok: @polypathwayspodcastResources (affiliate links):National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org or dial 988)Motion AI Calendar app

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Poly Pathways, Kat and Doc tackle one of the most common and emotionally charged questions in polyamorous parenting: What about the children? Whether you’re navigating polyamory with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this episode unpacks the complexities of raising children in a non-traditional family structure. Through personal stories, reflections, and hard-won lessons, our hosts explore how to communicate age-appropriately with children about polyamory, manage social judgment, and build stable, loving family dynamics across diverse polycules.You’ll hear candid discussions about introducing partners to kids, the emotional realities of breakups, and how to empower children with the tools and agency to navigate the world confidently. From role-playing conversations to sharing calendars and crafting family values, Kat and Doc provide practical advice grounded in compassion and realism. Whether you’re just starting your poly journey or have been walking the path for years, this episode is a must-listen for anyone raising children in a world that doesn’t always understand. Also, stick around for stories about Minecraft bonding, therapist mishaps, and the magic of mini tea parties.About Us:Hosts: Kat and DocWebsite: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fmYouTube: @polypathwayspodcastInstagram: @polypathwayspodcastTikTok: @polypathwayspodcastResources (affiliate links):Magic AI: Virtual assistant support for busy polycules Drink LMNT Electrolyte Packets

Coming out as polyamorous can be one of the most personal, high-stakes decisions in ethical non-monogamy. In this episode, Kat and Doc dive deep into the complex emotional, social, and logistical layers of deciding who gets to know, when to share, and how to protect yourself and your partners along the way. From the mental load of navigating a mononormative world to the strategies for incremental disclosure, the hosts get honest, vulnerable, and practical about this ongoing process.Whether you’re coming out to friends, family, coworkers, or your community, this episode explores the difference between privacy and secrecy, how to respond to difficult reactions, and why safety always comes first. Doc shares lessons from a lifetime of professional discretion and parenting older kids, while Kat opens up about her community-facing career and tough family experiences—including a heartbreaking birthday moment. The duo also unpack how internalized shame and fear can make coming out feel heavier than it needs to be.You’ll leave this episode with strategies to manage disclosure, tips to build a “coming out” game plan, and a reminder that you don’t owe anyone your truth—unless and until it feels right for you. Also: sliding it into bakery small talk, defining “mister-ess,” and what not to do with a microphone at a wedding.About Us:Hosts: Kat and DocWebsite: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fmYouTube: @polypathwayspodcastInstagram: @polypathwayspodcastTikTok: @polypathwayspodcastResources (affiliate links):Magic AI: Virtual assistant support for busy polycules 

FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—can hit hard in polyamorous relationships. In this episode, Kat and Doc unpack how FOMO shows up, what triggers it, and why even experiences you don’t actually want can still cause an emotional storm. Whether it’s a partner going to a concert, a kinky party, or just trying a new restaurant without you, FOMO is often less about the activity and more about comparison, insecurity, and scarcity thinking. This real-talk episode dives into the emotional undercurrents behind envy and offers grounded, compassionate tools for moving through it.We share personal stories—like visiting sex clubs and awkward Valentine’s Day movie nights—that bring the topic to life with humor, vulnerability, and depth. They explore how forward-thinking and hindsight-based FOMO can show up, why “first time” doesn’t always mean “only special,” and how our reactions are often shaped by deeper fears like abandonment or not being enough. With mindfulness, proactive communication, and a dose of self-reflection, listeners are encouraged to build emotional resilience, regulate their reactions, and turn envy into connection.If you’ve ever felt sidelined, compared yourself to a metamour, or wondered “why not me?”, this episode is for you. Don’t just ride the wave of discomfort—learn to surf it. Subscribe now and share this with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not alone. Then follow us @polypathwayspodcast for bonus content, memes, and community support.About Poly Pathways PodcastHosts: Kat and DocWebsite: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fmYouTube: @polypathwayspodcastInstagram: @polypathwayspodcastTikTok: @polypathwayspodcast