Books, Podcasts, Research
Books
These books offer perspectives and practical advice for anyone interested in exploring or deepening their understanding of non-monogamy.
"Nonmonogamy and Neurodiversity" A More Than Two Essentials Guide” by Alyssa Gonzalez (2023): This book explores the intersection of non-monogamy and neurodiversity, providing insights and practical advice for navigating relationships .
“The Anxious Person’s Guide to Non-Monogamy: Your Guide to Open Relationships, Polyamory, and Letting Go” by Lola Phoenix (2023): A practical guide that addresses the emotional and logistical challenges of non-monogamous relationships with a focus on managing anxiety .
“Polyamory 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Ethical Non-Monogamy” (2024): This book provides an introduction to polyamory, discussing fundamental concepts, communication strategies, and personal stories to help newcomers understand and navigate non-monogamous relationships .
“The Polyamory Paradox: Finding Your Confidence in Consensual Non-Monogamy” (2024): This book delves into the emotional complexities of polyamory, offering strategies for building confidence and handling the challenges that come with consensual non-monogamous relationships .
The Ethical Slut" by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton: Often considered the foundational text on ethical non-monogamy, this book provides comprehensive guidance on building and maintaining open relationships, focusing on consent and communication
"More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory" by Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert**: This book offers practical advice on navigating polyamorous relationships with an emphasis on ethics, communication, and the challenges unique to polyamory
"Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships" by Tristan Taormino. This book explores various forms of open relationships and provides advice based on interviews with people practicing non-monogamy
"Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Non-Monogamy" by Jessica Fern**: This book applies attachment theory to polyamorous relationships, providing tools to address emotions like jealousy
"Building Open Relationships" by Dr. Liz Powell**: An interactive book with communication prompts and worksheets to help couples explore non-monogamous relationships
"The Polyamorists Next Door" by Elisabeth Sheff: Based on a long-term study of polyamorous families, this book provides insights into how these families function and thrive [oai_citation:8,The best books about polyamory and open relationships](https://shepherd.com/best-books/polyamory-and-open-relationships).
These books can provide valuable insights and practical advice whether you're new to non-monogamy or looking to deepen your understanding and practice.
Podcasts
These podcasts can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in or practicing non-monogamy, providing both education and community support
Loving Without Boundaries: Hosted by Kitty Chambliss, this podcast explores polyamory, open relationships, and non-monogamy through interviews with experts and those living these lifestyles. It aims to provide insights and support for navigating non-traditional relationships https://lovingwithoutboundaries.com/podcast/
Ready For Polyamory: This podcast, hosted by Laura Boyle, covers a wide range of topics related to polyamory, including practical and emotional aspects of polyamorous relationships. It features discussions with various guests about their experiences and challenges
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ready-for-polyamory-podcast/id1518917327).
Nope! We're Not Monogamous: Hosted by Ellecia Paine, this podcast brings candid conversations about different approaches to non-monogamous relationships. It emphasizes openness and learning from various experiences shared by guests "
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nope-were-not-monogamous/id1573142591
Life on the Swingset: One of the oldest podcasts in this niche, it focuses on swinging and polyamory. The hosts discuss personal experiences, provide educational content, and interview guests from the non-monogamous community.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/life-on-the-swingset-the-swinging-polyamory-podcast/id354627460
Multiamory: Hosted by Dedeker Winston, Emily Matlack, and Jase Lindgren, this podcast offers advice on navigating non-monogamous relationships. It covers a broad spectrum of topics from communication and jealousy to relationship dynamics and personal growth. https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/
Normalizing Non-Monogamy: Hosted by Finn and Emma, this podcast aims to break the stigma around non-monogamous relationships by sharing diverse stories from polyamorous people, swingers, and others in non-traditional relationships
https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/
Polyamory Weekly: Hosted by Cunning Minx, this podcast has been running since 2005 and covers a wide range of topics related to polyamory, including interviews, advice, and discussions on relationship management
https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/These podcasts can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in or practicing non-monogamy, providing both education and community support
Loving Without Boundaries: Hosted by Kitty Chambliss, this podcast explores polyamory, open relationships, and non-monogamy through interviews with experts and those living these lifestyles. It aims to provide insights and support for navigating non-traditional relationships https://lovingwithoutboundaries.com/podcast/
Ready For Polyamory: This podcast, hosted by Laura Boyle, covers a wide range of topics related to polyamory, including practical and emotional aspects of polyamorous relationships. It features discussions with various guests about their experiences and challenges
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ready-for-polyamory-podcast/id1518917327).
Nope! We're Not Monogamous: Hosted by Ellecia Paine, this podcast brings candid conversations about different approaches to non-monogamous relationships. It emphasizes openness and learning from various experiences shared by guests
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nope-were-not-monogamous/id1573142591
Life on the Swingset: One of the oldest podcasts in this niche, it focuses on swinging and polyamory. The hosts discuss personal experiences, provide educational content, and interview guests from the non-monogamous community.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/life-on-the-swingset-the-swinging-polyamory-podcast/id354627460
Multiamory: Hosted by Dedeker Winston, Emily Matlack, and Jase Lindgren, this podcast offers advice on navigating non-monogamous relationships. It covers a broad spectrum of topics from communication and jealousy to relationship dynamics and personal growth. https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/
Normalizing Non-Monogamy: Hosted by Finn and Emma, this podcast aims to break the stigma around non-monogamous relationships by sharing diverse stories from polyamorous people, swingers, and others in non-traditional relationships
https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/
Polyamory Weekly: Hosted by Cunning Minx, this podcast has been running since 2005 and covers a wide range of topics related to polyamory, including interviews, advice, and discussions on relationship management
https://www.janiqueel.com/the-top-7-podcasts-on-ethical-non-monogamy/
Research
Recent research on non-monogamy has provided new insights into the characteristics, prevalence, and social perceptions of consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships.
Desire for CNM: A study published in 2023 examined the desire for CNM and found that individuals interested in CNM often prioritize open communication and honesty in their relationships. The research indicated that the desire for CNM is associated with certain personality traits, such as openness to experience and lower levels of jealousy. “There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy | Sexuality Research and Social Policy https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-021-00667-7).
Triangular Theory of Love: A 2023 study applied Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love to CNM relationships, finding that the components of intimacy, passion, and commitment are also relevant in these contexts. This research suggests that CNM relationships can fulfill these fundamental aspects of love, further debunking the notion that monogamy is the only viable relationship model [oai_citation:6,Loving in Consensual Non-Monogamies: Challenging the Validity of Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale | Sexuality & Culture](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12119-023-10092-0).
These studies contribute to a growing body of evidence that supports the legitimacy and viability of CNM relationships, encouraging more inclusive social and academic perspectives on diverse relationship structures.
**Please note that while I am recommending these books, podcasts & scholarly work, I have not personally read them. My suggestion is based on general knowledge, recommendations from others, and available reviews. Because I haven't experienced the content myself, I cannot provide a firsthand account of its quality, themes, or accuracy. I encourage you to read reviews, summaries, and perhaps a sample of the book to determine if it aligns with your interests and expectations. Your own research and discretion are important in making an informed decision about whether these resources are right for you.
Recent research on non-monogamy has provided new insights into the characteristics, prevalence, and social perceptions of consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships.
Desire for CNM: A study published in 2023 examined the desire for CNM and found that individuals interested in CNM often prioritize open communication and honesty in their relationships. The research indicated that the desire for CNM is associated with certain personality traits, such as openness to experience and lower levels of jealousy. “There’s no reason to do monogamy”: Evidence for and Characteristics Associated with a Strong Desire for Consensual Nonmonogamy | Sexuality Research and Social Policy https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13178-021-00667-7).
Triangular Theory of Love: A 2023 study applied Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love to CNM relationships, finding that the components of intimacy, passion, and commitment are also relevant in these contexts. This research suggests that CNM relationships can fulfill these fundamental aspects of love, further debunking the notion that monogamy is the only viable relationship model [oai_citation:6,Loving in Consensual Non-Monogamies: Challenging the Validity of Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale | Sexuality & Culture](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12119-023-10092-0).
These studies contribute to a growing body of evidence that supports the legitimacy and viability of CNM relationships, encouraging more inclusive social and academic perspectives on diverse relationship structures.
**Please note that while I am recommending these books, podcasts & scholarly work, I have not personally read them. My suggestion is based on general knowledge, recommendations from others, and available reviews. Because I haven't experienced the content myself, I cannot provide a firsthand account of its quality, themes, or accuracy. I encourage you to read reviews, summaries, and perhaps a sample of the book to determine if it aligns with your interests and expectations. Your own research and discretion are important in making an informed decision about whether these resources are right for you.