On a recent trip from New Jersey to Vermont with Mormon Therapist Natasha Helfer Parker and Dr. Gina Colvin we decided to have a rough, unplanned, unrehearsed, and VERY informal first discussion about post-Mormon polyamory and non-monogamy.

For those who care deeply about this issue, there are a few very important things we would like to emphasize:

This is a rough, free-form, first discussion about orthodox, transitioning, and post-Mormon non-monogamy and polyamory. This is not meant to be a pre-planned, comprehensive, uber-professional treatment of the topic. If you are looking for such a treatment, please do not listen. For those of you who are very knowledgable about and/or experienced with polyamory and non-monogamy, we openly acknowledge that we likely (or most definitely) employed several incorrect or improper terms, stereotypes, and biases in this discussion. We do this partially on purpose – because it gives us/you a chance to explore and correct common mistakes or misperceptions used regarding these sensitive and important topics. For those of you who are interested in this topic, or who were frustrated in any way by this first treatment/discussion – we hope that you will give us your thoughts, perspective, and respectful criticisms in the blog comments. Then, please know what we 100% plan to have at least a few future guests on Mormon Stories Podcast to explore this topic more in-depth, and in more serious ways. If you have participated in polyamory and/or non-monogamy as an active, transitioning, or post-Mormon, we invite you to contact us about appearing in a future episode. mormonstories@gmail.com

Thanks for your patience, understanding, support, participation, and good will as we begin to explore this important topic that affects an admittedly small percentage of people in orthodox, transitioning, and post-Mormonism.

P.S. It’s ok if people believe me, but I want to go on record as saying that I am sometimes consciously a bit thick or ignorant or obnoxious…because I’m trying to channel/represent common perspectives or misperceptions people have “out there” about topics. Since I obtained my Ph.D. people tend to say, “Gosh John! How can a Ph.D. be so stupid and insensitive!” and all I can say is….in the role of podcaster I am playing the role of podcast host…not of psychologist. I trust that wise people can make that distinction. Tons of love and respect.