Nobody opens their relationship thinking, "You know what would be great? More calendars, more processing, and less sleep." And yet… here we are.

In this episode, we get honest about the moment when non-monogamy stops being sexy and starts feeling like work. From emotional exhaustion to double bookings to the pressure to be the "cool" partner who's always down, we talk about the side of the lifestyle that rarely makes it to the highlight reel.

We unpack burnout vs. disconnection, the guilt that comes with slowing down, and why joy should always come before performance. If you've ever loved this lifestyle and also quietly needed a break, this one's for you.

In this unexpectedly playful episode of Pinky & Ava Pajama Party, Pinky opens up about a major first: stepping into the role of Top during a recent scene—and what that experience unlocked inside her.

From the emotional high of her book release party to a tearful, vulnerable reaction that caught her off guard, Pinky reflects on how saying yes instead of no shifted her energy, confidence, and sense of self.

She talks about letting her inner Domme out, feeling unexpectedly energized in scene, and how this moment became part of a much bigger reflection on the year she's had and the woman she's becoming.

Along the way, the conversation takes a cozy Pajama Party turn—because of course it does—with side quests into banana bread & date balls; and the comfort of laughter, and softness after growth.

It's an episode about power, permission, embodiment, and honoring your own evolution… with a little kitchen-table chaos mixed in.

Slip into your PJs and join the party.

In this episode of Three Shades Deeper, we're joined by Paul Weinfield—musician, meditation teacher, life coach, and retired professor of religion from Columbia University and Hunter College

Paul shares his personal polyamory journey and explores ethical non-monogamy through the lens of spirituality, religion, and mindfulness. Together, we discuss how presence, compassion, and non-attachment show up in poly relationships, how religious frameworks influence our views of love and commitment, and how polyamory can become a practice in conscious, intentional living.

A thoughtful and grounding conversation for anyone curious about the intersection of spirituality and non-monogamy.

🎧 Listen now and go deeper.

Rules.

Everyone has them. But where do they come from—and do they actually work?

In this episode of Three Shades of Grey, we dive into the rules couples create when entering non-monogamy, with a special focus on swinging. From no kissing and no single men to same room only and no repeat partners, we unpack the most common rules, why people make them, and what they're really trying to protect.

We talk about the difference between rules, boundaries, and agreements, how some rules help couples feel safe, and how others quietly create more anxiety than security. We also explore how rules evolve over time, which ones tend to backfire, and what healthier alternatives can look like as couples gain experience.

If you've ever wondered whether your rules are serving your relationship—or holding it back—this episode is for you.

LINKS

Three Shades Of Grey | Website

Episode 008: Setting the B.A.R (Boundaries, Agreements, and Rules)

Awakening: The Growth and Empowerment of Women in Open and Poly Relationships

Pinky's Audiobook

PolyPoet.com

The Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love

Pinky and Ava turn up the heat as they dive into one of Ava's favorite pleasures—and one of Pinky's former fears: spanking.

Ava teases Pinky as her "pampered princess," while Pinky gets real about how letting go of control and stepping into trust changed everything. With a safe space, a little surrender, and a lot of curiosity, Pinky discovers that pushing boundaries can feel very good.

It's playful, it's daring, it's deliciously intimate—just the way pajama parties should be.

LINKS:

Three Shades Of Grey | Website

Sentinel Bear

Normalizing Non Monogamy | Emma & Fin

Check out Pinky's debut book of poetry

Check out Pinky's debut poetry audiobook!!

PolyPoet.com

On this episode of Three Shades Deeper, we're joined by Robert Johnson, founder of Shameless Care, and his partner Anna Osmun, a Physician Assistant, to uncover what most sexually active people — lifestyle or not — don't know they don't know about STIs.

They break down the biggest myths, explain how Shameless Care makes testing easier and more discreet, and explore why options like DoxyPEP are reshaping the future of sexual health.

Robert and Anna also talk about hosting their own podcast, building a judgment-free wellness platform, and the growing movement toward shame-free sexual care — including shoutouts to other creators like Dan & Lacy from The Swing Nation.

If you want to upgrade your sexual health knowledge, this is your episode.

Don't forget to use the code "3SHADES" to receive a discount on your next purchase with: Shameless Care | Sex Positive Healthcare

Their message is simple:

"Pleasure is powerful, but it's even better when you care for yourself shamelessly."

LINKS:

Three Shades Of Grey | Website

Check out Pinky's debut book of poetry

In this special episode, we celebrate the release of Pinky's debut book, Awakening: The Growth and Empowerment of a Woman in Open and Poly Relationships.

Pinky opens up about what inspired her to turn years of experiences, emotions, and lessons from non-monogamy into a powerful collection of poetry.

She shares how writing became a tool for healing, self-expression, and reclaiming her voice as a woman navigating love without ownership. Anthony and Ava dive into the themes behind the book—empowerment, vulnerability, sensuality, and the personal growth that happens inside open and poly relationships.

Listeners also get a preview of the poems that shaped Pinky's evolution, offering an intimate look at her transformation and the deeper truths that led to this creative breakthrough.

A heartfelt, inspiring conversation for anyone on a journey of self-discovery, love, and liberation.

LINKS:

Three Shades Of Grey | Website

Pinky Greyman | Polypoet.com

Awakening: The Growth and Empowerment of a Woman in Open & Poly Relationships | Audiobook

Pinky's Instagram

Pinky's TikTok

Pinky and Ava talk about being hot—but not in the way you think!

In this candid and empowering conversation, they sit down with Dr. Cherie Little , a doctorally prepared, dual-certified Family and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Xena Health in Las Vegas. Together, they get real about women's health issues that are often ignored or misunderstood—like menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and painful sex—while sharing laughs, insight, and a healthy dose of honesty.

Key Topics Discussed
• 🌸 Menopause Myths & Realities: What's really going on during "the change" and how to navigate it with confidence.
• 💊 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): When it's right for you and how it can transform quality of life.
• 💔 Painful Sex & Hormonal Shifts: Causes, treatments, and the path to rediscovering pleasure.
• 💬 Breaking the Silence: Why women's health needs open, shame-free conversations.

LINKS:

Xena Health | Website

EMFEMME 360

'Tis but a scratch: a critical review of the Women's Health Initiative evidence associating menopausal hormone therapy with the risk of breast cancer

Estrogen Matters, by Dr. Avrum Bluming

The New Menopause, by Dr. Mary Claire Haver

The Menopause Moment, by Dr. Kelly Casperson