Ep. 43: Being a Good Hinge

Join us, Greg and Leanne Million, Certified Relationship Coaches specializing in polyamory, as we tackle myths and misconceptions about Polyamory & SEX!TW: Mentions being victims of sexual abuse. Issues around sexuality & consent which may be triggering. We discuss those things that people - both within the polyam community and outside of it - assume and certain beliefs about polyamory and sex that our clients (and ourselves) have encountered. Some of which stem from mono-normativity (monogamous values). We talk about those feelings of being entitled to sex or intimacy with metas (metamours = your partner's partners) or partners, themes like commitment, cheating, consent, entitlement, asexuality, compersion, jealousy, emotional investment, etc.Leave a comment if you've encountered other myths and misconceptions about polyamory and sex, or just about polyamory! And SHARE this with someone you think might want to see it - and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE! We truly appreciate your support.NOTE: Greg mentions that violating consent (like engaging in an intimate relationship with another person without informing your partner) is cheating. We also want to acknowledge that the violation of sexual consent is sexual assault/abuse. Consent is always ongoing. The "Non-escalator Relationship Menu" can be found on Reddit here: https://share.google/cBsiSREiB5ZzgOtY0You can also Google the title to find other sources of the Menu.

YAY! THIS IS OUR 50th EPISODE!! WOOT!Join us, Greg and Leanne Million, Certified Relationship Coaches specializing in polyamory, as we dive into the weeds and discuss the challenges within Unicorn Hunting. (You know... when a couple wants to add a THIRD to their relationship.)TW: Mentions domestic violence We talk about what "Unicorn Hunting" is and why the polyamorous and non-monogamous communities tend to feel it's problematic. We share our relationship advice about what to do if you're a unicorn hunter, and what to consider...as well as what you might want to think about as a unicorn. Veto, hierarchy, coercion, couple privilege, honesty, self-advocacy, agreements and boundaries are just a few of the topics we touch on in this - our 50th EPISODE!!!!Leave a comment if you're someone who has listened to EVERY single Empowered Poly podcast! And also please follow us and share this with someone you think needs to hear it! We truly appreciate your support.

Ever felt like poly was wrong? Or you were? Felt guilty? Shameful? Afraid? Yeah. Us too. In this episode we decided to share what we used to want, believe and feel as we navigated the VERY bumpy polyamorous/non-monogamous journeys we've had. And how painful they were!Join us, Greg and Leanne Million, Certified Relationship Coaches as we get real about where we fumbled and stumbled on the road to where we are now. Want to check out our next PolyLab (small group coaching)? Visit us at: https://www.empoweredpoly.ca/the-polylab/

Do you think you're experiencing Poly under duress? This is a term gaining popularity in the polyamorous community and a situation that is very serious. In polyamory, it is common when opening up a relationship to have one partner introduce the idea, sometimes in messy, unhelpful or thoughtless ways. Sometimes the boundaries they set around their own polyamorous identity or need can feel very hurtful to their monogamous partner. Does this mean this person or this relationship is toxic and they are trying to coerce or force you into polyamory? Let's talk about it. Join Certified Relationship and Sexuality Coaches Greg & Leanne Million as they examine what duress is, what it isn't and offer their perspectives. (With a side trip about manipulation.) Sometimes understanding your situation can provide clarity and help you feel more empowered to make choices for yourself.

What is YOUR capacity in your relationships and what affects it? In this episode join us, Leanne & Greg Million, Certified Relationship and Sexuality Coaches as we discuss what we mean by capacity, what it means to be over your capacity, the things that can impact it and recognizing when you're beyond your capacity. Knowing more about your capacity helps you have healthier relationships!Curious about Coaching with Greg or Leanne? Visit us at https://empoweredpoly.ca AND join the Empowered Poly Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEfop6You can check out our blogs at https://gregmillion.com and https://leannemillion.comLeanne's Polyphoria Blog article mentioned in this episode: https://www.leannemillion.com/two-types-of-people-in-a-relationship/Questions or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected]#podcast #polyamorousrelationship #empoweredpoly #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #boundaries #healthyrelationships #relationshipadvice #enm #nonmonogamy #nonmonogamous

In this episode we're talking about the BIGGEST of the BIG FEELS in Polyamory: Jealousy, Comparison and Fear of Abandonment cuz you are NOT alone if you experience one or all three of these! We changed things up- added some segment titles and SFX this time. Let us know what you think! Curious about Coaching with Greg or Leanne Certified Relationship and Sexuality Coaches specializing in polyamory and non-monogamy? Visit us at https://empoweredpoly.ca AND check out our upcoming PolyLab happening Saturdays in October 2025 on "Polyamory and Big Feels: Cuz You Can't Just Ghost Your Emotions" (Small Group Coaching) at https://empoweredpoly.ca/the-polylab/ Book soon because we will fill up fast!AND join the Empowered Poly Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEfop6Check out our blogs at https://gregmillion.com and https://leannemillion.comQuestions or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected]#polyamory #enm #cnm #openrelationships #mononormativity #nonmonogamy #polyamorous #relationshipcoaching #ethicalnonmonogamy #polyam #relationshipcoaching #nonmonogamous

If you've been on IG or TikTok you probably know @polyamarla - and NOW they've got an incredible book out "Non-monogamy and Defying a Paradigm"! We had such a fun time together!Follow us (if you can...three people with ADHD) as Marla takes us through their polyamorous journey, the "h" word (and why they don't want to talk about it), couple privilege, mono-normativity and it's impact, authentic relating and everything in between! They can be found on IG and TikTok @polyamarla and please visit their website at https://polyamarla.com/ to sign up for their Newsletter and get more info!Curious about Coaching with Greg or Leanne? Visit us at https://empoweredpoly.ca AND check out our PolyLab Small Group Coaching at https://empoweredpoly.ca/the-polylab/Questions or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected]#polyamory #enm #cnm #openrelationships #mononormativity #nonmonogamy #polyamorous #relationshipcoaching #nonmonogamous #polyam #ethicalnonmonogamy #relationshipcoach

Wow! What a journey Nicole has had! With eloquence and awareness she shares what it was like to grow up in purity culture and to come to terms with her own queer and polyamorous identities. Nicole Thompson is a sex and relationship psychotherapist, host of Modern Anarchy Podcast, the author of the first published research study on Relationship Anarchy and one of the leading academic theorists on Non-Monogamy, Playfully Embodied Sexuality, and Psychedelic-Integration Therapy.Join us, Leanne and Greg Million, Certified Relationship Coaches as we dive into Nicole's fascinating self discoveries about herself, psychedelics and her experiences navigating her own sexuality.TW: Mentions sexual assault and rape cultureInterested in the Modern Anarchy Podcast or working with Nicole? Visit modernanarchypodcast.comInterested in personal, couples or group coaching with Greg or Leanne? Visit empoweredpoly.ca#modernanarchypodcast #relationshipanarchy #purityculture #polyamory #polyamorous #relationshipcoach #rapeculture #nonmonogamy #nonmonogamous #NicoleThompson #empoweredpoly

Let's talk about being a good hinge! Many of the issues in a polyamorous or non-monogamous relationship can be prevented with responsible & compassionate choices made by the hinge - the person with multiple partners. Join us, Leanne & Greg Million, Certified Relationship Coaches specializing in polyamory and non-monogamy as we explore the role of a hinge and how it relates to best practices in communication, emotional labor, boundaries & autonomy, bottle-necking, scheduling, personal responsibility, supporting partners, power dynamics, triangulation, and fostering security instead of competition.Interested in personal, couple's or group coaching or want to know more about us? Visit www.empoweredpoly.ca #polyamory #relationshipcoaching #hinge #polyam #polyamorousrelationships #nonmonogamous #openrelationships #ethicalnonmonogamy #nonmonogamy

Join us, Leanne & Greg Million, Certified Relationship Coaches as we chat with Lola Phoenix, the delightful author of "The Anxious Person's Guide to Non-monogamy" and "The Non-monogamy Journal"!We spoke to Lola about the concept of "anchor" as a grounding tool for navigating non-monogamy, especially for anxious individuals. She shared her struggles as an introvert and in trying to find community in polyam, as well as emphasizing that understanding one's nervous system and reframing anxiety as a protective response rather than an enemy can be helpful. She suggests treating anxious thoughts as a part of oneself that needs comfort, rather than something to fight against We are all definitely on the same page about the importance of taking responsibility for one's role in creating and cultivating healthy relationships.You can reach Lola and find her books and upcoming course at www.nonmonogamyhelp.comInterested in Coaching with one of us? Visit ⁠us @ empoweredpoly.ca.#anxiety #interview #podcast #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #polyamory #polyamorous #polyamorousrelationship #anxious #ethicalnonmonogamy #openrelationships #openrelationships #polyam