Decisions, Decisions Podcast - EP 425: The Contract to My Polyamory (Feat. Jerrie Johnson)

Hosts: Mandii B and WeezyWTF
Guest: Jerrie Johnson
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Podcast Description: "Decisions, Decisions" explores non-traditional relationships, pushing boundaries around dating, sex, and love with humor, vulnerability, and authenticity.

Introduction and Book Announcement [01:40 - 03:55]

The episode kicks off with Mandii B and WeezyWTF announcing the imminent release of their book, "No Holds Barred," a dual manifesto on sexual exploration and power. They outline various book signing events scheduled from June 23 to July 2, inviting listeners to meet them virtually and in-person across multiple cities.

Welcoming the Guest: Jerrie Johnson [04:00 - 05:14]

The hosts warmly welcome Jerrie Johnson, an actress known for roles in "Harlem" and "Survival of the Thickest." Jerrie introduces herself as a non-binary and polyamorous individual, currently engaged.

Jerrie Johnson [05:32]:
"I am the Jerri Johnson. I identify as a non-binary person, but any respectable pronouns work for me. Queen mostly. I am currently engaged, I am polyamorous. So we are open and a lot of things we can get into."

Representation of Polyamory in Media [06:00 - 09:12]

Mandii and Weezy discuss their first encounter with Jerrie's work and a circulating photo showing Mandii and Jerrie seemingly kissing. They delve into how polyamory is portrayed in "Harlem," highlighting Jerrie’s contribution to integrating polyamorous dynamics into her character Ty.

Jerrie Johnson [07:48]:
"I wanted Ty to be poly. But then when I read the script, I was like, oh, okay. And I love that he was ethically. Thank God, non-monogamous ethically."

Challenges in Representing Polyamory [09:12 - 13:01]

The conversation shifts to the challenges actors face in authentically portraying polyamorous relationships. Jerrie emphasizes the need for nuanced representations over stereotypical coming-out narratives.

Jerrie Johnson [29:21]:
"That's what drew me to Ty, was that it wasn't like, 'I'm so embarrassed about being gay,' or, like, I have to come out to my friends and, like, I can't have straight friends because they're gonna think I want the... It's not that."

Personal Experiences with Polyamorous Relationships [13:01 - 32:40]

Jerrie shares her personal journey with polyamory, detailing relationships that involved honesty, consent, and mutual understanding. She recounts dating both men and women, navigating the complexities of multiple relationships over four years.

Jerrie Johnson [31:00]:
"We were together for, like, four years. It was a safe space where honesty was paramount."

Ethical Non-Monogamy Framework [32:40 - 43:16]

Jerrie introduces her Ethical Non-Monogamy Framework Worksheet, a tool designed to facilitate clear communication and set expectations in polyamorous relationships. The hosts and Jerrie discuss the importance of consent, boundaries, and mutual respect.

Jerrie Johnson [57:37]:
"As an intellectual processor, it's helpful for me to write things out to process, understand, and express my ideas and feelings. The first one, why? Firstly, I like to start by saying that I am polyamorous by orientation, meaning that it is directly correlated with who I am and how I move through the world."

Confronting Misconceptions and Challenges [43:16 - 68:30]

The trio addresses common misconceptions about polyamory, such as jealousy and manipulation. They also discuss the misuse of terms like "kitchen table polyamory" and emphasize the necessity of honest communication and community support.

WeezyWTF [66:17]:
"Kitchen table poly describes a style of polyamory where all partners socialize together regularly... but it's being misused in some cases."

Navigating Relationships and Therapy [68:30 - 73:12]

Jerrie discusses the role of therapy in her relationships, highlighting how it facilitated better understanding and conflict resolution. They emphasize that therapy is an investment in the health and longevity of relationships.

Jerrie Johnson [53:18]:
"We realized, like, we need somebody to see what's happening... it's an investment, just like any stock."

Conclusion and Takeaways [73:12 - End]

The episode wraps up with hosts Mandii B and WeezyWTF reiterating the importance of ethical non-monogamy, consent, and open dialogue. They encourage listeners to embrace authentic connections and rethink traditional relationship norms.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jerrie Johnson [05:32]:
  "I identify as a non binary person... I am polyamorous. So we are open and a lot of things we can get into."

• Jerrie Johnson [29:21]:
  "That's what drew me to Ty, was that it wasn't like, 'I'm so embarrassed about being gay,' or something like that."

• Jerrie Johnson [31:00]:
  "We were together for, like, four years. It was a safe space where honesty was paramount."

• Jerrie Johnson [57:37]:
  "As an intellectual processor, it's helpful for me to write things out... Love in many forms is the perfect definition for me."

• WeezyWTF [66:17]:
  "Kitchen table poly describes a style of polyamory where all partners socialize together regularly... but it's being misused in some cases."

Summary

In Episode 425 of "Decisions, Decisions," hosts Mandii B and WeezyWTF engage in a deep and candid conversation with actress Jerrie Johnson about her non-binary identity and polyamorous relationships. The discussion delves into how polyamory is portrayed in media, especially through Jerrie’s character Ty in "Harlem." Jerrie shares her personal journey with ethical non-monogamy, emphasizing the importance of consent, honesty, and clear communication. They introduce practical tools like the Ethical Non-Monogamy Framework Worksheet to help navigate the complexities of multiple relationships. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions and societal challenges surrounding polyamory, advocating for more nuanced and authentic representations. Wrapping up, the hosts and Jerrie highlight the significance of therapy and community support in maintaining healthy, fulfilling polyamorous relationships. This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners interested in understanding and embracing non-traditional relationship dynamics.