Ever wondered what it’s really like to go to a sex or lifestyle club for the first time — and what to do to prepare? Or maybe you’ve been before and the experience wasn’t what you hoped?

In this special episode Tara is live on location at the Mermaid Lounge just outside Toronto, Ontario, joined by Event Host Amy,!

Together, they explore what to expect when visiting a lifestyle space — from atmosphere and etiquette to safety, consent, and connection.

You’ll get an insider tour of the newly renovated Mermaid Lounge and adjoining X-Club and hear practical guidance for what to do before, during, and after your visit to spaces like these so the experience feels positive, secure, and aligned with your personal values and boundaries.

Included in this discussion is how to plan before the event with a partner — including what scenarios you’re open to exploring and how you’ll check-in throughout the visit and communicate if one of you feels uncomfortable or needs support once you’re there. Even with the best planning, emotions can arise, so having a shared plan for navigating them helps everyone feel safe and connected.

Whether you’re curious, nervous, or simply exploring new sides of your sexuality, this episode will help you feel prepared and confident.

🎧 Tune in for:

• A guided tour of the Mermaid Lounge

• Tips for your first (or next) lifestyle club experience

• Consent, communication, and aftercare insights

• How to plan ahead, check in, and debrief after attending

• Details on T&A’s live talk on December 10: The 7-Step Securely Non-Monogamous Framework

  
  

Show Resources:

• Mermaid Lounge hours, facilities, tickets and info available at: https://mermaidlounge.ca/

• Join us for our LIVE Talk December 10 for Reconnect Wednesday - info & Tickets at: -https://www.thexclub.net/event_description.php?event=452

• Podcast Episode: H is for Sexual Health & Hair: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nOEQfbBcH8EXx1XItHdKF?si=wAnUraOnQAKffvD8kkXCKw
• Podcast Episode: STI Testing and Acceptable Risk - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qjpsoc3tY2Ea1lE4yaLVE?si=JqmlxdQ4QLW2eZVvSbNRWw

• Add clubs you've visited to T&A's Sex Clubs and Destinations Around the World List - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing

In Part 2 we continue our deep dive into the complex world of sex, relationships, and the taboos that shape them.

We explore what makes certain topics so charged, how our personal experiences influence what we consider “off-limits,” and why breaking taboos can lead to more honest and connected relationships.

💬 In this episode:

• What Are the Biggest Taboos Around Sex & Relationships? We examine the issues people still hesitate to talk about — and how these silences affect connection and trust.

• Personal Perspectives on Breaking Taboos - we share our own stories on what it means to confront stigma, challenge assumptions, and choose openness over secrecy.

• Community Reflections - Drawing from listener and community feedback, we discuss the taboos that continue perpetuate — and why some conversations still feel risky to have, even in open-minded circles.

• Why is Breaking Taboos Important ? Finally we explore why taboos should be broken and whether some taboos might serve a purpose — creating mystery, excitement, or deeper meaning — and how to balance curiosity with respect, consent, and intention.

It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about where our edges come from, how they evolve, and why it’s worth questioning them in pursuit of deeper authenticity and connection.

✨ Catch us live!We will be at Booth 322 at the Toronto Taboo Show, October 17–19, 2025. We will be giving seminars Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 8:30 PM on Non-Monogamy Essentials: Making it Secure, Satisfying, and Sexy!

📖 Episode Chapters:

00:00 — Breaking Taboos in Sex and Relationships

05:20 — Exploring Non-Monogamy and Its Misunderstandings

10:48 — Personal Experiences with Sexuality and Openness

16:37 — Addressing Common Taboos and Myths in Non-Monogamy

25:08 — Navigating Relationship Taboos

29:14 — The Complexity of Secret Partners

31:55 — Reprioritizing Partners in Non-Monogamy

36:21 — Challenging Myths About Polyamory

38:58 — Sexual Health and Multiple Partners

40:40 — Consent and Altered States

41:43 — The Pressure of “Best” Sex

44:11 — The Importance of Breaking Taboos

Show Resources:

• Taboo Show - https://tabooshow.com/ 

• Me B4 We Intimacy Coaching - https://linktr.ee/meb4we

• Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer
• Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠
• Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Tara sits down with Darryl Rosengreen, VP of Marketing and Promotion—and one of the owners—of The Taboo Show, to explore breaking taboos in sex and relationships.

Together, they talk about how events like The Taboo Show create safe, inclusive spaces for people to learn, explore, and get curious about sexuality, kink, and relationships. Tara and Darryl share how these environments can inspire conversations you may not have had before—or didn’t know how to start—and help normalize talking about sex, sexuality, and intimacy in fun and educational ways.

💬 In this episode:

• Why breaking taboos helps create healthier, more open relationships
• How exploring sexuality can spark new conversations and self-discovery
• What to expect at The Taboo Show (and why it’s a safe, educational, and fun space)
• The importance of normalizing conversations about sex and relationships

✨ Catch us live at Taboo!T&A will be at Booth 322 at the Toronto Taboo Show, October 17–19, 2025.

We'll also be speaking on Friday at 6:30 PM and Saturday at 8:30 PM on Non-Monogamy Essentials: Making it Secure, Satisfying, and Sexy!

🎟️ We’re also doing a draw for free tickets to the show! Enter at https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw  before October 12 for your chance to win.

📖 Episode Chapters:00:00 — Introduction to Taboo Topics in Relationships03:46 — Exploring Taboos in Sex and Relationships07:56 — The Taboo Show Experience13:51 — Breaking Down Taboos Around Sex 16:46 — Advice for First-Time Attendees

Show Resources:

• Taboo Show - https://tabooshow.com/ 
• Enter to WIN free tickets to the Toronto show -  https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw 
• Me B4 We Intimacy Coaching - https://linktr.ee/meb4we

• Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer
• Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation
• Book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠

We’re back with another episode in our T&A Alphabet Series—where we explore the big topics around non-monogamy, relationships, and sex, one letter at a time. These episodes were originally live trainings in our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook group, and over the past year we’ve been releasing them onto podcast platforms.

At the very start of Season 1, we shared L is for 5 Steps From Limitations to Liberation. Now, we’re circling back with a brand-new episode—because “L” deserves way more LOVE. 

In this episode, we dive into a lineup of L’s: Lube, Libido, Latex, Lingerie, Love, Lies, Lust vs. Longing, Layering, Lifestyle, Leather, and Labia.

We take a playful and practical approach to breaking these down, sharing our own personal stories and examples from our work.

You’ll hear why lube is a game-changer (at any age), what lingerie really means (and if men have it too), and how destructive communication like layering sneaks into relationships.

We also dive deeper into libido and desire — what spontaneous vs. responsive desire actually looks like, how libido shifts over time, and what to do when there’s a mismatch in your relationship. Spoiler: it’s not all about “fixing” it — it’s about planning ahead, knowing mismatches are inevitable at some point, and building the communication skills to talk about it openly when it happens.

Join us for a mix of humour, honesty, and depth in exploring love, sex, and polyamory!

Show Resources:

• Episode 2: 5 Steps from Limitations to Liberation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4f4lr2PWdpdVxfZmXGzcT2?si=JOYl2LeTSNmsCIhSIjaoLQ 

• Taboo Show Toronto - Enter our draw to win a free pass - https://events.letstalkpolyamory.com/taboo2025draw - and find our more about the show at https://tabooshow.com/toronto 

• Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialofferLooking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠
• Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

We’re back with our T&A Alphabet Series! These episodes were originally live trainings in our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook group. Over the last few months, we’ve been uploading them onto podcast platforms, but this time we’re bringing you a brand new episode.

Today’s episode is all about the letter K! We bring you: K is for Kink, Kitchen Table Polyamory & Kissing + Other K Words

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Kink – what it is, common myths about it, how it differs from a fetish, where BDSM fits in, types of kink, and the importance of communication, consent and safety
• Kitchen Table Polyamory and why it isn’t the ideal or only way to do polyamory
• Kissing – including André’s story of being taught to “kiss like you’re eating a peach,” and how some relationships have rules around kissing and how to tell someone if you don’t like how someone kisses.
• Knights – not the armor-wearing kind, but staying the night or going on a vacation with another partner and how some specify where some people might have rules around where these overnights can happen.
• Kites & Strings – as a dynamic between two people (which we did a whole podcast on)
• Kuddling – when why & cuddling matters plus cuddle parties
• Kidversations – talking to kids about sex, identity, relationships and non-monogamy in a way that’s open but also age-appropriate so that they can be safe and consent.
• Kama Sutra - the art of living and loving well, and not just a sexual gymnastics manual

And a few others! We also slide in some other topics like vetos, consent, communication,  poly-saturated, metamours and more!

What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!

✨ Bonus: We’re also linking our original K is for Kink talk in the show notes, where we go much deeper into all things kink, including how to get started if you’re curious.

Want more? Sign up to be the first to know when our Little Book of Poly Love is released—a pocket-sized guide to the words and wisdom that make relationships work. https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/polylovebook-waitlist⁠⁠

Show Resources:

• K is for Kink YouTube Talk with Patric - https://www.youtube.com/live/2_v8nPMRa5c?si=AB1633gUoKiWtMW_
• BDSM Checklist - Do not complete this form! This is an example only - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGEjHQBWLCqFQB2oAJZuzkjIlBuXyUX2xf-TVIAWQZOU5juQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103121892334923731334 
• BDSM Test - https://bdsmtest.org/select-lang 
• Episode 28: Kites and Strings: Relationship Roles and Dynamics in Non-Monogamy - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rDUwXR9jkwxUDMDBXusF7?si=xSvL6lh4Qfi4hqgT44o1xg
• Episode 33: What to Say? How to Talk to Kids About Non-Monogamy, Sex, Kink and Other Stuff with Ms. Ashley Robertson -  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mNuk3UkfqUJGWV79BnA4S?si=g8oCKb5rS6KdIqzdQXWVJw 
• FetLife Social Network for the BDSM, Fetish & Kinky Community - https://fetlife.com/
• Oasis Aqualounge Sex Club Toronto - https://oasisaqualounge.com/
• Taboo: Everything to Do About Sex Show Toronto - https://tabooshow.com/toronto 
• Complete this form to be added to our mailing list - https://www.taraandandre.com/#section-udHUURtgCy 
• Poly Newbies Digital Course Listener Offer -  https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer

• Looking for therapy?  Arrange a complimentary therapy consultation with Andre at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠
• Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠

Do labels in non-monogamy give you clarity—or do they feel like a box you don’t want to fit into?

Labels in non-monogamy—love them or hate them, they’re everywhere. For some people, labels bring clarity and a sense of belonging. For others, they feel restrictive or unnecessary. The truth? Whether labels are important is a personal choice.

In this short but powerful episode from our Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook group archives (saved before Facebook removed all group livestreams), we explore the role of labels in consensual non-monogamy and ask: What’s right for me?

We start with the basics:✅ What do labels actually mean, and why do some people use them?✅ Introducing GSERD—Gender, Sexual, Erotic, Relational Diversity—as one way of identifying yourself.✅ A high-level overview of Jessica Fern’s Styles of Non-Monogamy diagram, which maps different relationship styles onto quadrants of high-to-low sexual and emotional exclusivity—and how you can use it to explore what feels right for you. (For a deeper dive into these styles, check out S1, Episode 7: How We Love: What Style of Non-Monogamy is Right for Me? episode.)

From there, we talk about:✅ Deciding what labels (if any) align with your values and relationships✅ What you’d like your partners to call you—whether that’s boyfriend, girlfriend, boo, FWB, or something entirely your own

✨ If you haven’t already, download our free worksheet—What Style of Consensual Non-Monogamy is Right for Me?—which includes Jessica Fern’s diagram and reflection prompts to help you map out your own place on the spectrum. Get it here: https://worksheet.letstalkpolyamory.com/cnmstyle

Other Show Resources:

• All our 🔥 hot links: https://linktr.ee/Letstalkpolyamory 

• Looking for therapy? Reach out to host André Turcotte and arrange a complimentary therapy consultation at https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠
• Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group & Community - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly⁠⁠⁠
• Want to have wildly successful, secure and sexy non-monogamous relationships? Join us for the Poly Newbies Digital Course - https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer
• Want more direct support from T&A, join us in Polyamory Mastery - https://go.taraandandre.com/polyamorymastery 

• Poly Secure by Jessica Fern - https://www.jessicafern.com/books 
• Let’s Talk Polyamory TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@letstalkpolyamory 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/taraandandre/ 
• And in case you don’t know this famous comedian - here’s some info on Groucho Marx - https://www.biography.com/actors/groucho-marx 

We’re continuing our summer 🚗 road trip through the Gaspésie in Quebec and into the Maritime provinces—New Brunswick, Nova Scotia (including Cape Breton), and Prince Edward Island and it's been beyond what we ever imagined!

We've discovered parts of 🇨🇦 Canada we hadn’t visited before, and, using the Home Exchange platform has not only saved us money ($0 for accommodations using points earned from others staying in our homes) but has allowed us to stay in some pretty awesome places and meet really great people along the way! Link in the the show resources to find out more and get a bonus 250pts when signing up!

As we travel, we’re recording these bite-sized Carversations just for you!

In this episode, we dive into a question that comes up often in relationships: Can love be repaired?

We explore what conditions need to be present for real repair to happen—like willingness from both partners, acknowledgment of what has happened, and the ability to take responsibility for our part.

We talk about how different factors may influence whether repair is possible: loss of trust or an egregious action, attachment styles, misaligned values, or differing visions for the future (such as whether or not to live together).

We also dig into why “determination” alone isn’t enough, and how time—or even taking breaks—can sometimes play a role in the repair process (and yes, we have a healthy debate about this!).

Along the way, we highlight the importance of reflection, honest communication, and taking concrete action toward change—not just talking about it.

We’d love to hear from you, too—have you ever had to repair a relationship? What did you do, did it work (or not), and what advice would you share with others? Share your thoughts in the comments on this episode, answer the poll or join the discussion in our Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook Group.

We refer to our 36 Questions episode and recommend that you listen to it and download our free resources which both the original 36 questions plus our 36 additional ones. Links below.

And if you’re in the middle of trying to repair a relationship and want support, we’ve got you covered:

• Book a therapy consultation call with André - ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠

• Book a Pay What You Can Coaching Call with Tara - https://go.taraandandre.com/pwyccoachingsession ⁠

Since we were recording on the road, the sound isn’t studio-perfect—there was a bit of background noise and static we did our best to fix—but we hope you’ll still find this Carversation practical and helpful.

Show Resources:

• Home Exchange Platform - use this link to get 250 bonus points when you sign up (that's a 2 night stay in most places - https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=taraandandre-cbef0
• Let's Talk Polyamory Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpoly
• The 36 Questions That May Lead to Love ... and the Other 36 To Stay in Love podcast episode - https://open.spotify.com/episode/02k2ogdF9gB98NFmdiAxVt?si=jn8VCJohRs2e2D2_DuUMmw
• Download the 36 + 36 Questions Resource - https://worksheet.letstalkpolyamory.com/36plus36questions
• Find out more about the services we offer + additional supports and resources that are available - https://www.taraandandre.com/

Sometimes the best place for a relationship check-in isn’t over coffee or at the kitchen table—it’s in the car, somewhere between snack stops and scenic views. 🚗✨

We’re continuing our summer road trip through the Gaspésie in Quebec and into the Maritimes, and along the way we’re recording these bite-sized Carversations.

In this episode, we share two different versions of relationship check-ins you can try, including the RAADAR Method—originally from the Multiamory Podcast but with our own extra “A”. RAADAR stands for Review, Agenda, Affirm & Connect (our add-on), Discussion, Actions, and Reconnect - a practice we teach to our clients and in our Poly Newbies Digital Course - which helps keep these reviews structured, connected, and productive.

We also share a few easy starter questions you can use for your next road trip check-in, and we get personal by answering them ourselves:

• How are you feeling in the relationship right now?

• Any wins or highlights lately?

• Anything you’re struggling with or that needs more attention?

• Anything you’re excited about coming up?

🎧 Heads up: This episode was recorded on the road, so you’ll hear a bit of “road trip ambiance” in the background—consider it part of the experience!

💬 We’d love to hear your ideas!

• What questions do you love asking during check-ins?

• What topics are harder to discuss during check-insHave you tried the RAADAR Method?
• Got a road trip story that brought you closer to your partner(s)?

Join the conversation in the episode comments or in our Let’s Talk Polyamory Facebook group.

Show Resources:

• Poly Newbies Digital Course - https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer 
• Want to connect with others who get it? Join our private Facebook group: 🔗 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpolyamory⁠
• Curious about Coaching? Sign up for a Pay What You Can Coaching Call with Tara at: ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/pwyccoachingsession⁠ 
• Looking for therapy? Book a complimentary therapy consultation with André Turcotte at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠

• You can also explore other ways to work with us as well as access other great resources at: ⁠https://www.taraandandre.com⁠
• Multiamory Podcast - https://www.multiamory.com/podcast

It’s summertime in 🇨🇦Canada, and we’re on a road trip adventure! Following the gorgeous Route 132 along the St. Lawrence in Gaspésie, Quebec, and winding our way into the Maritimes, we’re discovering more of this big, beautiful country… and, as we do we end up having plenty of short, topical chats from the car. Or as we like to call them—Carversations which we've decide to share with you!

Our first Carversation? Travelling While Polyamorous or Openly Non-Monogamous!

In this episode, we dive into:🚗 Choosing destinations that fit your vibe💖 Finding community wherever you roam

🌈LGBTQIA+ travel⚡️ Doing your pre-trip research🧳 Solo poly travel tips🛠 Special travel considerations

🔥General hot tips for any travel - like downloading Google offline maps + eSIM cards

…and more!

🎧 Heads up: This episode was recorded while driving, so you’ll hear a little road trip ambiance in the background. We used microphones and cleaned up the audio as much as possible—consider it part of the travel experience.

In this episode we refer to our T&A Sex Clubs, Lifestyle Destinations and Communities Around the World—a community-sourced guide where you can add clubs or destinations you’ve visited, along with insider tips (think special features, facilities, or what makes them unique). If you’ve got a recommendation, we’d love to hear it!  You can also add local community groups or organizations that are poly-friendly! Link below!

Show Resources:

• Poly Newbies Digital Course - https://courses.letstalkpolyamory.com/polynewbiesspecialoffer 
• Want to connect with others who get it? Join our private Facebook group: 🔗 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpolyamory⁠
• SDC - Swinger Lifestyle Community online - connect with others, find events, and resources - https://www.sdc.com/signup.php?ref=37784
• Hedonism Jamaica - Adults-Only Lifestyle Resort - https://hedonism.com/ 
• Cap D’Agde, France - Naturist Community - https://www.capdagde.com/ 
• Hanlon’s Point Beach, Toronto Island - https://www.torontoisland.com/hanlans.php 
• T&A Sex Clubs, Lifestyle Destinations and Communities Around the World- https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8DzYsOJSQ0g1cboAuBl_ibFYQGwpHoiEO-JdriKUjA/edit?usp=sharing 
• Saily eSIM - https://saily.com/ and use code TARACI4818 for $5 off
• Looking for therapy? Reach out to host André Turcotte and arrange a complimentary therapy consultation at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠ or book a complimentary coaching consultation call with Tara at: ⁠⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/relationshiprescue⁠⁠

In this episode we’re digging into the archives to bring you a conversation that originally aired live in our Let’s Talk Polyamory private Facebook group. Since Facebook now only stores live videos for 30 days, we’re working behind the scenes to download and share some of those gems here on the podcast.

In this episode, we dive into a question we hear all the time: How do I attract (and keep) better poly partners?

Whether you’re new to non-monogamy or have been dating for a while, this episode is full of insight, real stories, and practical tools. We talk about:

• How we might be perceived on dating apps when we list “non-monogamous” in our profile
• The (hilarious) story of our first date and what our initial reactions were

We also share how our Securely Polyamorous Framework—which we teach in our course and coaching program—applies directly to dating and the process of meeting and keeping great partners. We explore things like communication attunement, knowing what you want, setting personal boundaries, creating values-based agreements and nurturing connections that are built to last.

And if you’ve ever found yourself attracting people who aren’t a fit (or who vanish after a great first date), we talk about the unconscious ways that might be happening—and what you can do to shift it.

🎁 BONUS! This week, we’re sharing our Online Dating Guide which includes:✅ A list of our favourite dating sites for non-monogamous folks✅ Tips for writing a standout profile✅ An online dating checklist✅ Links to related trainings and podcasts👉Download it for free here: ⁠https://go.letstalkpolyamory.com/onlinedatingguide⁠

💬 Want to connect with others who get it? Join our private Facebook group:🔗 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/letstalkpolyamory⁠

⚡️ Curious about Coaching? Sign up for a Pay What You Can Coaching Call with Tara at:

🔗 ⁠https://go.taraandandre.com/pwyccoachingsession⁠

⚡️Looking for Therapy? Book a complimentary therapy consultation with André Turcotte at ⁠https://book.a-psych-online.com/therapyconsultation⁠

✨You can also explore other ways to work with us as well as access other great resources at:🔗 ⁠https://www.taraandandre.com⁠