Ep 399 - Danielle

Danielle and her husband have been married for over thirty years and have been exploring non-monogamy together for more than twenty of them. Danielle's husband initially brought up the idea but the concept felt intuitive for both of them so they started tiptoeing into it together. And of course, just because it felt intuitive doesn't mean that there weren't challenges and surprises along the way.  This interview with Danielle is really beautiful and vulnerable as she takes us all the way back to her childhood and then through thirty plus years of marriage, raising a family, building a business, and living the hell out of life. We have powerful conversations about confronting jealousy and how it can really sneak up and surprise you, coming out to their children, how she and her husband have different preferences and desires when it comes to connecting with others, and so much more! We hope you enjoy this lovely conversation as much as we did! Danielle began immersing herself in learning about sexuality, relationships, and pleasure from a relatively young age and never really stopped... Dr. Danielle Harel is a pioneering force in erotic embodiment and personal transformation. As co-creator of the Somatica® Method and co-founder of the Somatica Institute, she weaves deep academic expertise with heartfelt presence, empowering people to awaken their desires and embrace their fullest, most authentic selves. With a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, Danielle brings both scholarly depth and intuitive wisdom to her work. She has co-authored three transformative books and served as lead sexologist and consulting producer on Virgin Island, a bold Channel 4 series exploring real, vulnerable, and healing erotic connection. Danielle’s approach is rooted in celebration and curiosity, inviting each person to reclaim pleasure as an essential part of human wholeness. You can learn more about Danielle and her work at somaticainstitute.com. Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Jacob and his spouse have been in some form of an open relationship since they got together over 18 years ago. In fact, their relationship actually began as a triad. Today, Jacob takes us along his relationship journey as he and his partner traveled the country living all over and exploring connections and partnerships in their own unique ways. Jacob is an infant care specialist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) who helps families of all kinds with their lactation needs. He specializes in helping non-gestational parents who want to induce lactation as well as queer, trans, and non-binary parents who have given birth and need support with lactation. Jacob also recently released his first book "Lactation for the Rest of Us - A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers." Please check out all of Jacob's work and grab a copy of his book over on his website. Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Kels first began experimenting with non-monogamy in her mid-twenties when she and her partner agreed that they could both experiment and play with others while traveling. Since then, Kels has explored a variety of different relationship styles and dynamics as she continues to figure out what's best for her. One of the things we absolutely love about Kels' story is how she approaches life and relationships with kindness, curiosity, and a sense of adventure to what's possible when you open yourself up to the potential of connection with others. Kels is also the co-founder of Squirm! A bit more about Kels straight from Squirm's website: Kels is a producer, businesswoman, and sex and relationship enthusiast. She never underestimates the power of a good story or a good spreadsheet. In tandem with a career in project management and marketing, she has been writing, directing, producing and performing for film and theater since 2013. Kels believes the core of a good business, production, or sexual experience is the same: being attuned to other people and aware of their sweet spots. She’s committed to restoring education to its natural state — enticing. Check out getsquirmy.com for more information about their game, events, and the Porn Nerds podcast! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Johnny started exploring non-monogamy about a decade ago when he and his partner first got together. Their partnership was non-monogamous from the beginning and they moved slowly and intentionally as they figured out what works best for them. They currently define their partnership as "open" and for them that means that everything is on the table for discussion. Join us for this beautiful conversation as Johnny takes us on his journey over the last 10 years! Johnny is also a Somatic & Mindfulness Coach. He loves supporting people in moving from feeling overwhelmed, stuck and unfulfilled to feeling peace, confidence, and courage, knowing who you really are and what you can offer the world. Johnny offers 1:1 coaching as well as various group programs and calls. Check out his website to learn more about his work! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Jenna and Wendi are back! It's been three and a half years since we last talked to these two lovely humans and we're definitely not waiting that long until the next time! You don't need to go back and listen to Episode 209 to enjoy this conversation but we're pretty sure today's episode will leave you wanting more! Lots has changed but one thing definitely hasn't... These two are so full of love, life, laughter, and joy! We have a fantastic conversation about how they each 'star in their own movie' while also maintaining their connection. We also dig into changes around how Jenna has been dating and perhaps Wendi may have had an experience or two herself! One of the things we love so much about talking to Jenna and Wendi is how casually they normalize non-monogamy by weaving it into their lives. It's not flawless, nor is it always easy, but they show up for one another and for themselves with compassion in such a beautiful way. Enjoy! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Lola has been exploring non-monogamy since about 2009 and like many of us, their motivation has shifted and evolved along the way. In this powerful interview Lola takes us through their beautiful journey of self-discovery, healing, and untangling the web of misconceptions we're taught about sex, love, and relationships. Lola Phoenix is an American-born writer living in Sweden, working within digital marketing while trying to find an agent to represent their fiction work. Lola is the author of The Anxious Person’s Guide to Non-Monogamy and The Non-Monogamy Journal as well as a weekly advice column and podcast called Non-Monogamy Help. Please check out nonmonogamyhelp.com for all of Lola's work! Lola is also an amateur Strongman athlete and has a special interest in fitness and nutrition. When not writing books, Lola is either at the gym, talking walks in nature, learning about sciencey stuff or baking new treats. Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Megan and Brett are back! We last talked to these two just over a year ago on Episode 337 and it's been a busy year! Lots has changed... They still swing together and go to clubs together but they've also started exploring more solo dating, dabbling a bit more in kink, and they even talked about their open relationship style and choices on the pulpit in their congregation! Join us today as Megan and Brett catch us up on their adventure together in this lovely conversation! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Princess is back! She was first on the show with her partner DD back on episode 322 and today she's here to go a bit deeper on her own individual journey. Princess is a 30-something mother of a college-aged kid and has been practicing some form of non-monogamy for almost 15 years. Like most of us, she started exploring swinging after responding to an ad on Craigslist to be a nude receptionist at a clothing-optional swinger's resort... Oh, wait... That's not how you got here? Anyways! Princess took the job and over the last 15 years has been learning so much about herself, figuring out what relationship styles work for her, and exploring her sexuality. This interview is full of incredible stories, laughter, and powerful insights. Enjoy! Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

As Celeste describes it, she's had a long and illustrious journey of exploring different relationships and relationship styles as she continues learning who she is and what works best for her. For so long she tried to fit herself into what she calls "primary possessive partnerships" and unfortunately spent much of her time being triggered. Today, Celeste identifies as "solo open" and has filled her life with lovers, partners, and friends that she feels deeply connected to while also feeling safe and securely attached. This conversation is so beautiful and full of vulnerability, laughter, and love as Celeste takes us on her powerful journey. Enjoy! Celeste Hirschman, MA, is a visionary in intimacy and personal transformation. As co-founder of the Somatica Institute, she merges profound insight with compassion, empowering individuals to unlock deeper connections and embrace their authentic selves. With a Master’s in Human Sexuality Studies and a background in Women’s Studies, Celeste has co-authored three transformative books and contributed groundbreaking research in adolescent sexuality. You can learn more about Celeste and all of her work at somaticainstitute.com. Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing

Genevieve a.k.a. Chill Polyamory makes polyamory education and entertainment on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon. She’s also on YouTube where she reviews polyamory in pop culture @chillpolyamory, and she hosts a non-monogamy storytime podcast called “I could never…” Check out the full show notes here. Join the most amazing community of open-minded humans on the planet!   Click here to order your very own NNM shirt! $10 Off - Online STI Testing