Group dynamics and polycules

In this episode of The Better Sex Podcast, host Jessa Zimmerman speaks with Candace Sjogren about the intricacies and common mistakes involved in polyamory, as addressed in Sjogren’s book, 'Polyagony'. They discuss personal experiences, motivations behind polyamorous relationships, and essential strategies for maintaining healthy open relationships. The conversation touches on setting boundaries, ethical non-monogamy, agreements, and navigating the dynamics of multiple partners, including poly parenting. Sjogren emphasizes the importance of communication, consent, and the continuous evolution of relationship agreements.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:49 Guest Introduction: Candace Sjogren on Polyamory

01:25 Candace's Personal Journey with Polyamory

02:13 Challenges and Advocacy in Polyamorous Relationships

03:34 The Rise of Ethical Non-Monogamy

07:09 Defining Ethical Non-Monogamy

08:33 Common Mistakes in Open Relationships

12:42 Forming Agreements in Open Relationships

16:43 Exploring Hopes and Fears in Relationships

16:59 The Importance of Moving at the Slowest Pace

17:30 Maintaining Relationship Cadence

18:02 Invitation to Share Personal Stories

18:31 Dealing with Stagnation in Relationships

20:19 Understanding Consent Within and Outside the Couple

22:26 Navigating the Role of a Hinge in Polyamory

25:04 Challenges of Poly Parenting

28:31 Group Dynamics in Polyamory

30:12 Conclusion and Resources

If you want to share your story on the show, email us at info@intimacywithease.com

Bio:

Candace Sjogren is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and transformational leader whose work spans finance, technology, and human development. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law and practiced law before founding and leading multiple mission-driven companies. She served as CEO of Bad Girl Ventures, a microfinance firm investing in female founders, and later founded Somolend, one of the first nationally available crowdfunding platforms. Through this work, Candace played a key role in shaping the JOBS Act, the legislation that made securities-based crowdfunding legal in the United States.

Over the past fifteen years, Candace has served in senior executive and C-suite roles across venture-backed startups and global payments companies, including Chief Commercial Officer of Lynx, a healthcare payments company, and Senior Vice President of Embedded Finance at FIS, a global payments firm with more than 66,000 employees.

She is also the former co-author of Typhoon Honey: The Only Way Out Is Through, a book on emotional intelligence and transformational growth.

Today, Candace leads The Liberation Company, where she facilitates emotional intelligence, somatic healing, and identity-based workshops designed to support deep personal and collective transformation. She lives on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband Andrew, their son Ivar, and their two dogs, Pan and Cinder.

Website: https://www.polyagony.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candacesjogren7056

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insidethemindofcandaceklein/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candacesjogren/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candace.klein/

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More info and resources:

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Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

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The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

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