Poly Pathways

By: Kat & Doc
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Creating Paths for Practical Polyamory with Kat & Doc Our podcast is dedicated to providing grounded guidance for anyone navigating polyamory. Here, you’ll find episodes focused on real-life polyamory topics like communication, scheduling, family dynamics, setting boundaries, and building resilience in relationships. Whether you’re new to polyamory or have been practicing for years, we hope to help you create fulfilling, balanced, and purposeful polyamorous relationships in everyday life.
    @2025 Kat & Doc Media
    Show More Show Less
Show More Show Less
Episodes
  • Kat's Polyamory Origin Story

    Kat's Polyamory Origin Story
    Jan 3 2025
    Kat's real-life journey into polyamory with host Kat! As a demisexual and occasionally bisexual white woman, Kat shares her evolution from a traditional monogamous background to embracing polyamory. Currently married to a cishet man and dating another cishet man (both monogamous to her by choice), Kat's story challenges conventional relationship norms while navigating family life with two young children.Kat's path to polyamory wasn't a straight line – it began with a college roommate introducing her to the concept, which she initially dismissed. Years later, a profound three-year relationship with a close friend helped her realize she could maintain deep, meaningful connections with multiple people simultaneously. This revelation, coupled with her natural curiosity and desire to experience life's fullness, led her to embrace polyamory. Her journey continued as she developed a relationship with a professional acquaintance that blossomed into a significant partnership, and later included a year-long relationship with a woman she met through local poly groups.The episode concludes with Kat's powerful message about the importance of claiming labels and finding community in the polyamorous world. She emphasizes how isolation can affect those practicing ethical non-monogamy, as both single and monogamous friends might struggle to relate to their experiences. This led to her collaboration with co-host Doc, a longtime friend since their early running days, to create the Poly Pathways Podcast as a platform for sharing experiences and building community.Follow @polypathwayspodcast on social mediaNote: This episode mentions "blue state" and discusses career considerations regarding privacy, but specific locations and professional details are intentionally withheld for privacy reasons.Episode FAQsQ: What does demisexual mean in the context of Kat's story?A: For Kat, demisexuality means developing sexual attraction only after forming a deep emotional connection. This became evident when she describes her relationship evolution with her current partner, where friendship and intellectual connection preceded romantic attraction. It's important to note that demisexuality exists on a spectrum and can manifest differently for different people.Q: How can someone navigate being polyamorous when their partners are monogamous?A: According to Kat's experience, successful poly-mono relationships are possible when built on clear communication and mutual respect. In her case, both her husband and partner choose to be monogamous while supporting her polyamorous identity. The key is ensuring all parties are comfortable with the arrangement and maintaining open dialogue about boundaries and expectations.Q: What's the difference between "looking for more" and being polyamorous?A: Kat emphasizes that polyamory isn't about wanting "more" or being unsatisfied – it's about having the capacity for multiple meaningful connections. She uses the ice cream analogy: it's not about being greedy, but rather appreciating different types of connections, just as someone might enjoy different ice cream flavors for their unique qualities.Q: How do you handle friendships when you're polyamorous?A: The podcast highlights three common challenges:- Single friends might struggle to relate to managing multiple relationships- Monogamous friends may feel their relationship values are being challenged- Finding supportive friends who understand polyamory can feel isolatingThe solution? Building community with other poly people and maintaining open, honest conversations with existing friends.Q: What role do labels play in polyamorous identity?A: While Kat initially resisted labels, she found empowerment in claiming them. Labels like "polyamorous," "demisexual," and "bisexual" helped her better understand herself and connect with others who share similar experiences, despite sometimes facing misconceptions from others.Relevant ResourcesLocal polyamorous groups (check Meetup.com or Facebook for local communities)Social Media: @polypathwayspodcastPolyamory Support Communities:Reddit: r/polyamoryFacebook polyamory groups (specific groups not mentioned)Books (affiliate links)Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern - https://amzn.to/3ZojtOKThe Complete Polysecure Bundle by Jessica Fern - https://amzn.to/4gr6PVNPolysecure and The Polysecure Workbook (Bundle) by Jessica Fern - https://amzn.to/3ZHkQsXThe Ethical Slut by Janet Hardy and Dossie Easton - https://amzn.to/3VPDY5NOpening Up by Tristan Taormino - https://amzn.to/3BoeqWE
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Welcome to our Polysphere | S01E01

    Welcome to our Polysphere | S01E01
    Jan 3 2025
    Welcome to our Polysphere (S01E01)Hosts: Kat and Doc@polypathwayspodcastEpisode SummaryIn 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:Therapy JeffMillennial TherapistSteadyPolyamoryReady for PolyamoryPolyfamoryRemodeled LovePolyphiliaChill PolyamoryAnnie UndonePoly.LoversPolylokiiInfinitePolyamOpen RelatingDana and the WolfPolyAmFamBooks: (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 EastonOther Podcasts:- MultiAmory Podcast- Remodeled Love- Normalizing Non-Monogamy- We Can Do Hard Things (specific episodes on relationships)- 2BeBetterFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: 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 groupQ: 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 DiscordQ: 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-monogamyQ: 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, ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Doc's Polyamory Origin Story

    Doc's Polyamory Origin Story
    Jan 3 2025

    In this intimate bonus episode of Poly Pathways Podcast, co-host Doc shares his deeply personal journey into polyamory, which began in the aftermath of his long-term marriage ending during the pandemic. Through therapy and self-reflection, Doc began to recognize a pattern of what his co-host Kat calls "confusing connections" throughout his life – moments when his capacity to love multiple people conflicted with the constraints of traditional monogamy. The dissolution of his marriage, coupled with meeting a partner who introduced him to polyamory and reconnecting with his friend Kat, created a synchronicity of revelation.

    Doc's story illuminates the complex transition from a mononormative worldview to embracing polyamory later in life. He candidly discusses how the societal pressure to maintain exclusive relationships led to painful situations where he violated relationship agreements, causing hurt that he continues to work through. The discovery of polyamory provided him with a framework to understand his natural inclination toward multiple loving relationships, describing it as having "a cloak of monogamy" lifted from his shoulders.

    While acknowledging that he isn't "perfect in polyamory," Doc emphasizes the joy and fulfillment he's found in building a community of mutual support and love. His journey resonates with many who come to polyamory after years of monogamous living, grappling with similar confusion and challenges. The episode serves as both a personal testimony and an invitation to others exploring non-traditional relationship structures.

    Follow @polypathwayspodcast on social media

    Episode FAQs

    Q: What led Doc to discover polyamory?
    A: The end of his marriage during the pandemic, meeting a new partner who introduced the concept, and reconnecting with Cat through social media all contributed to his discovery of polyamory.

    Q: Was Doc unfaithful in previous relationships?
    A: Doc acknowledges going "beyond agreements" in past relationships due to struggling with monogamous constraints, something he now works to make amends for and understand through therapy.

    Q: How did Doc transition from monogamy to polyamory?
    A: Through therapy, self-reflection, and learning new relationship frameworks that helped him understand his capacity to love multiple people authentically.

    Q: What are "confusing connections"?
    A: A term coined by Kat referring to relationships or attractions that didn't fit within traditional monogamous frameworks, causing internal conflict and confusion.

    Q: Does Doc consider himself an expert in polyamory?
    A: No, he explicitly states he's "by no means perfect in polyamory" and continues to learn while dealing with challenges like jealousy and insecurity.

    Q: What's the main message of this origin story?
    A: That many people come to polyamory later in life after struggling with monogamous expectations, and finding polyamory can provide a framework for understanding one's natural capacity for multiple loving relationships.
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins

What listeners say about Poly Pathways

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available