Poly Pathways - podcast cover

Poly Pathways

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.
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Episodes

Letting Partners In: Overcoming Hyperindependence & Codependence in Polyamory

This episode of Poly Pathways tackles the complex challenge of letting partners truly show up for you, especially when past relationship trauma has built walls of hyper-independence. Hosts Kat and Doc dive deep into how polyamory culture can sometimes reinforce the harmful idea that needing help equals weakness or codependency. They explore personal stories—from major surgery recovery to cancer treatment—revealing how scary yet transformative it can be to accept genuine care from loved ones. The...

Jul 18, 202557 min

Hinge Diaries: Enjoying, Managing, and Flourishing When You're Dating Multiple Partners

Ever wondered what it's like being the center point of multiple romantic relationships? In this eye-opening episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and Doc dive deep into the world of "hinging" – that crucial role where you're romantically involved with two or more partners who aren't involved with each other. It sounds simple, but wow, is it complex! From managing everyone's emotions and schedules to navigating family events and holidays, being a hinge comes with unique joys and challenges that mos...

Jul 04, 20251 hr 12 min

What About the Children? Talking to your Children about Polyamory

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Poly Pathways , Kat and Doc tackle one of the most common and emotionally charged questions in polyamorous parenting: What about the children? Whether you’re navigating polyamory with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, this episode unpacks the complexities of raising children in a non-traditional family structure. Through personal stories, reflections, and hard-won lessons, our hosts explore how to communicate age-appropriately with child...

Jun 20, 20251 hr 3 min

I'm Coming Out - How, When, and To Whom Should You Tell People You're Poly

Coming out as polyamorous can be one of the most personal, high-stakes decisions in ethical non-monogamy. In this episode, Kat and Doc dive deep into the complex emotional, social, and logistical layers of deciding who gets to know, when to share, and how to protect yourself and your partners along the way. From the mental load of navigating a mononormative world to the strategies for incremental disclosure, the hosts get honest, vulnerable, and practical about this ongoing process. Whether you’...

Jun 06, 20251 hr 7 min

They Did What Without You!? FOMO, Polyamory, and Finding Your Happiness

FOMO—Fear of Missing Out—can hit hard in polyamorous relationships. In this episode, Kat and Doc unpack how FOMO shows up, what triggers it, and why even experiences you don’t actually want can still cause an emotional storm. Whether it’s a partner going to a concert, a kinky party, or just trying a new restaurant without you, FOMO is often less about the activity and more about comparison, insecurity, and scarcity thinking. This real-talk episode dives into the emotional undercurrents behind en...

May 23, 202538 min

Bright & Beautiful Comets! Navigating Polyamory's Intermittent Relationships

Kat and Doc shoot for the stars and discuss the world of "comet" relationships—those passionate, intermittent connections that flare up brightly before drifting apart, sometimes for long periods. Inspired by celestial phenomena, these relationships often span distances or time gaps, offering intensity without demanding constant presence. Kat and Doc break down the nuances between comets, meteors, and even local comets, highlighting the beauty and complexity of non-monogamous relationships that d...

May 09, 202538 min

Warning! Poly Memes and Media Might be Hurting You and Yours

Ever wondered how internet therapy memes might be messing with your relationships? Or how celebrity drama shapes what the world thinks about your love life? Dive headfirst into a rollercoaster episode of Poly Pathways as hosts Kat and Doc unravel the wild ways polyamory is portrayed across memes, celebrities, and reality TV. Buckle up, because this episode cracks open the hidden impacts—and hilarious absurdities—of consuming relationship advice through bite-sized online content. From debunking "...

Apr 25, 20251 hr 15 min

Check In Or Check Out! - Relationship Check Ins are Essential Polyamory

In this enlightening episode of Poly Pathways , Kat and Doc dive deep into the practice of relationship check-ins, revealing how intentional communication can enhance connection and stability within polyamorous dynamics. They break down the structured yet flexible RADAR method, explaining how regular check-ins—far from being overly corporate or rigid—can function as vital "preventative maintenance" for your relationships. Whether you're navigating complicated emotions, managing a busy polycule, ...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 17 min

Poly Mom Life & Friends

In this bonus episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and man! (expert guest) openly discuss the challenge of maintaining personal identity while navigating motherhood. Kat shares relatable, humorous stories about feeling overwhelmed by mom-focused conversations that leave little room for other interests. Together, they explore how being labeled solely as a "mom" can overshadow one's true self. The conversation also touches on parallels between motherhood and polyamory, highlighting how labels can l...

Mar 28, 20255 min

Conflict! Navigating, Resolving, and Recovering in Poly

💥 Conflict happens—especially in polyamory! In this jam-packed episode of Poly Pathways , Kat is joined by certified polyamory relationship coach man! to unpack the mess, magic, and meaning behind conflict in non-monogamous relationships. From anxious attachment spirals to passive-aggressive rules masquerading as boundaries, we dive deep into the reasons conflict erupts and how self-awareness, nuance, and genuine communication can stop it from burning everything down. ✨ We don’t just talk about...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 9 min

Polyamorous at Work? Being a Professional and Poly Person

Navigating the workplace as a polyamorous professional comes with unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode of Poly Pathways , we dive into the balancing act of being authentic while protecting your career. From watercooler conversations to HR policies, we explore the risks of being out at work, the potential rewards of building a supportive community, and the hidden biases that might shape your professional trajectory. Whether you’re debating whether to disclose your relationship str...

Mar 14, 202546 min

How Much is Too Much? Let's Talk About Saturation

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer emotional and logistical weight of polyamory? You’re not alone. In this episode of Poly Pathways , Kat and Doc dive deep into the concept of saturation —that moment when you realize you’re stretched too thin across relationships, responsibilities, and personal well-being. They explore the warning signs of saturation, from exhaustion and disconnection to resentment and burnout, and share their own experiences of navigating this crucial aspect of polyamorous life. ...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 4 min

Are You Ready to Navigate Dating Apps, Adventure, & Holidays in Polyamory?

In this lively episode of the Poly Pathways Podcast, Kat and Doc explore the fascinating world of polyamorous dating, offering real-life examples, practical tips, and plenty of good-humored banter. They dig into popular apps like OKCupid, Bumble, Tinder, Field, #Open, and PolyFinder to help you compare user bases, filtering options, and the pros and cons of each. Along the way, they share hilarious personal stories (shout-out to the old Yahoo Dating days!), emphasize the importance of being tran...

Feb 14, 20251 hr 17 min

Can We Just Be Friends? Navigating Platonic Relationships in Polyamory

Hosts: Kat and Doc Website: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fm YouTube: @polypathwayspodcast Instagram: @polypathwayspodcast TikTok: @polypathwayspodcast Kat and Doc explore the perception of polyamory as a cult, challenge the notion that polyamorous individuals are trying to "convert" others, and how to form friendships in a complex relationship spectrum. They discuss how society's shift away from community building and toward hyper-individualism has influenced these misconceptions, referencing ...

Jan 31, 202553 min

How do you Handle Jealousy? Decoding and Navigating Jealousy in Polyamory

In this eye-opening episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and Doc tackle the elephant in the room for many considering polyamory: jealousy and envy. They dive deep into the differences between these emotions and why they're not unique to polyamorous relationships. The hosts share personal stories and insights, debunking common misconceptions about jealousy in non-monogamous relationships. Kat and Doc explore how monogamy often allows people to avoid confronting jealous feelings, while polyamory en...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 15 min

Welcome to our Polysphere

Hosts: Kat and Doc Website: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fm YouTube: @polypathwayspodcast Instagram: @polypathwayspodcast TikTok: @polypathwayspodcast In 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 ...

Jan 03, 20251 hr

Doc's Polyamory Origin Story

Website: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fm YouTube: @polypathwayspodcast Instagram: @polypathwayspodcast TikTok: @polypathwayspodcast 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 ...

Jan 03, 20259 min

Kat's Polyamory Origin Story

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 introducin...

Jan 03, 202511 min

Introducing Poly Pathways: A New & Practical Guide to Polyamory

Hosts: Kat and Doc Website: polypathwayspodcast.transistor.fm YouTube: @polypathwayspodcast Instagram: @polypathwayspodcast TikTok: @polypathwayspodcast In this introductory episode of Poly Pathways, hosts Kat and Doc introduce themselves as polyamorous individuals who, while not partnered with each other, bring unique perspectives to polyamory discussions. Both hosts share their journey of recognizing their polyamorous identities, with Kat identifying as demisexual/bisexual/pansexual with ADHD,...

Jan 02, 202512 min
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