Poly Pathways

Welcome to our Polysphere (S01E01)
Hosts: Kat and Doc
@polypathwayspodcast

Episode Summary

In this inaugural episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and Doc dive into the rich landscape of polyamory resources across social media, podcasts, books, and online communities. They explore how these various platforms and voices have shaped their understanding of ethical non-monogamy and continue to influence their poly journeys. The hosts share their personal experiences with different content creators while offering insights into which resources might be most valuable for listeners at different stages of their polyamorous exploration.

The discussion weaves through various social media accounts that offer everything from therapeutic perspectives to practical advice about polyamorous relationships. The hosts highlight accounts like TherapyJeff, Millennial.Therapist, SteadyPolyamory, Ready for Polyamory, Polyfamory, and Chill Polyamory, discussing how each offers unique insights into different aspects of ethical non-monogamy. They also candidly address some content creators they've found less helpful or potentially problematic, helping listeners navigate the vast landscape of poly resources.

The conversation extends beyond social media to explore influential books like "The Ethical Slut," "Polysecure," and "Polywise," as well as podcasts such as MultiAmory, Remodeled Love, and Normalizing Nonmonogamy. The hosts also discuss various online communities, including Discord channels and Facebook groups, while offering practical advice about finding local poly communities and navigating online spaces safely and effectively.

Social Media Accounts:

Books: (affiliate links)
- "The Ethical Slut" by Janet Hardy and Dossie Easton
- "Polysecure" by Jessica Fern
- "Polywise" by Jessica Fern
- "Love" by Leo Buscaglia
- "Living, Loving, and Learning" by Leo Buscaglia
- "Open Deeply" by Kate Loree
- "Monogamy in this Economy" by Laura Boyle
- "More than Two" by Eve Rickert
- "Polyamory in Parenthood" by Jessica and Joseph Daylover
- "The Topping Book" and "The Bottoming Book" by Janet Hardy and Dossie Easton

Other Podcasts:
- MultiAmory Podcast
- Remodeled Love
- Normalizing Non-Monogamy
- We Can Do Hard Things (specific episodes on relationships)
- 2BeBetter

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where should I start if I'm new to learning about polyamory?
A: The hosts recommend starting with social media platforms you're already comfortable with (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) as they provide digestible, bite-sized information. For deeper learning, they suggest reading "The Ethical Slut" as a foundational text, especially if reading with a partner.

Q: Are all polyamory resources equally valuable?
A: No. The hosts emphasize that some resources may be problematic or "toxic adjacent." They recommend being discerning, particularly with local Facebook groups and social media accounts that may promote unicorn hunting or use polyamory for publicity rather than education and support.

Q: What resources are available for polyamorous parents?
A: Several resources focus on polyamory and parenting:
- Polyfamory account (discusses raising children in a quad relationship)
- Remodeled Love (covers navigating polyamory with children)
- "Polyamory in Parenthood" book by Jessica and Joseph Daylover
- Poly Life Parenting Facebook group

Q: How can I find my local polyamory community?
A: While local Facebook groups exist in most cities, the hosts caution that smaller city groups often function more as dating spaces than support communities. They recommend joining larger national/global online communities for support and education, such as:
- Poly Memes and Things (Facebook)
- Remodeled Love Discord
- Multiamory Discord

Q: What are some good resources for understanding attachment and security in polyamorous relationships?
A: The hosts highly recommend:
- "Polysecure" by Jessica Fern (and its accompanying workbook)
- "Polywise" by Jessica Fern
- TherapyJeff (social media)
- Millennial.Therapist (social media)
- SteadyPolyamory (social media)

Q: Are there resources available for specific relationship structures or situations?
A: Yes, there are specialized resources for different situations:
- Poly and Mono Relationships Facebook group (for mixed relationships)
- Various therapist accounts addressing specific relationship challenges
- Multiple podcasts covering different relationship structures
- Books addressing various aspects of ethical non-monogamy

Q: How can I verify if a polyamory resource is reliable?
A: The hosts suggest:
- Looking for content creators who share real experiences rather than just theory
- Being wary of accounts that seem to be using polyamory for publicity
- Checking if the resource acknowledges both challenges and benefits of polyamory
- Looking for content that emphasizes consent, communication, and ethical behavior
- Being cautious of any resource that presents only one "right way" to practice polyamory

Q: Where can I find regular updates about polyamory news and research?
A: The hosts recommend:
- Setting up Google Alerts for polyamory and non-monogamy
- Following polyamory content on Medium.com
- Following polyamory writers on Substack
- Subscribing to established polyamory podcasts for ongoing discussions