Zach sits down with Hazel Grace and Nico for a wide-ranging conversation about polyamory, relational integrity, and what it actually takes to repair after conflict.

Hazel Grace, a relationship coach and educator with a PhD in human sexuality, and Nico, a lumberjack and self-described relationship nerd, share how they’ve built a deeply intentional partnership within a polyamorous relationship structure. They unpack common misconceptions about polyamory—especially the idea that it’s simply about sexual freedom—and explain how their approach is rooted in responsibility, communication, and care for the entire relational ecosystem.

Zach asks about Hazel Grace’s framework called The Art of Repair. Drawing from their own childhood experiences, decades of personal healing, and years of coaching couples, They outline a clear process for navigating relational ruptures and restoring trust.

Through a real-life example involving a broken ankle and an emotional reaction that escalated quickly, Hazel Grace and Nico demonstrate how repair actually works in practice: pausing to regulate, developing empathy, seeking permission to talk, acknowledging what happened, naming the impact, and then rebuilding integrity.

The conversation is a powerful reminder that conflict is inevitable in relationships—but repair is a skill anyone can learn.

Key Takeaways

• Polyamory isn’t about unlimited freedom; it requires responsibility for the impact of your choices
• Relationships don’t come with fixed rules—you can design agreements that fit the people involved
• Many people mistake “no conflict” for healthy relationships, but avoiding conflict can limit emotional intimacy
• Repair begins with regulation, not explanation
• Empathy for both self and partner is essential before attempting repair
• Asking permission to have a repair conversation creates safety and consent
• Understanding each person’s experience matters more than determining who was “right”
• Repair restores trust through acknowledgment, empathy, and concrete actions

Guest Info

Hazel Grace, PhD

Hazel Grace is a relationship and intimacy coach specializing in relational healing, sexuality, and communication. They teach workshops and courses on relationship repair and works with individuals and couples to develop deeper intimacy and emotional connection.

• Website: https://drhazelgrace.com
• Workshops: Northern California & Colorado
• Courses: Online self-paced programs on The Art of Repair

Nico

Nico is a sawyer—running a mobile sawmill business where he mills lumber directly on clients’ properties. In the winter he works in snow removal in the mountains. He also collaborates with Hazel Grace in relationship workshops and educational programs.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.