Consider Before Consuming

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of early exposure to sexualized content and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.

Ore Oduba is an actor, broadcaster, and podcaster based in the UK. In this episode, Ore shares his personal experience with pornography addiction, which began with early exposure in childhood and continued for decades.

He explains how pornography shaped his understanding of intimacy, how secrecy and shame affected his mental health and relationships, and what finally led him to seek help and begin recovery. Ore also talks about parenting in the digital age, why kids need...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, exploitation, and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Heidi Olson is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and the Founder and President of Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting.

Drawing from years of frontline medical experience, Heidi explains why sexual exploitation and trafficking are often missed, how early exposure to pornography is shaping young people’s understanding of sex and consent, and why child-on-child sexual harm is becoming increasingly common. 

Episode Resources:

*This episode contains discussions about sexual exploitation and coercion. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, former OnlyFans creator Taylor shares what the platform was really like—from the money promises that drew her in to the pressure, contracts, safety concerns, and identity toll that made her want out. Taylor talks about how hard it can be to leave once you’re in, what the industry expects from creators, and how stepping away impacted her mental health.

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Porn addiction is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how it actually develops in the brain and what real recovery looks like. In this episode, licensed clinical counselor and CSAT Chris Chandler breaks down the science behind compulsive porn use, why young brains are especially vulnerable, and how stress and porn can create a powerful cycle that’s hard to break.

Chris also shares why porn addiction can mirror substance addiction in the brain, the role of emotional pain and loneliness, why relationships don’t automatically “fix” the problem, and what a realistic recovery process truly involves...

Ryan Ridgway is a mental health educator and former addiction support specialist from the UK. In this episode, he talks about his 20-year struggle with pornography use, OCD, and substance abuse. He explains how porn became his main way to cope with stress and mental illness, how that habit slowly took control of his life, and what recovery has looked like since. Ryan also discusses the connection between porn and self-esteem, body image, and mental health, and why honest conversation about these issues matters.

Episode Resources:

Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief references to childhood sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised

Toni Collier is a speaker, author, and founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a global women’s organization helping people process brokenness and find hope. In this episode, Toni shares how being exposed to pornography as a child led to addiction, shame, and struggles with identity—and how she’s now creating a healthier, more open environment for her kids.

She also talks about the power of community and connection in healing and parenting, reminding us that even when life feels...

Kyle was first exposed to pornography at a young age, and it quickly became a coping mechanism that followed him into adulthood. In this episode, he and his wife, Maddie, share openly about how pornography impacted their marriage, shattering trust, creating betrayal trauma, and forcing them to confront hard truths about honesty and healing. Maddie offers her perspective as a partner navigating broken trust and the painful process of rebuilding safety in the relationship, while Kyle speaks to the challenges of recovery and overcoming shame. Together, they discuss what healing looks like in real time, showing both the difficulty...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence, trafficking, and child sexual abuse material. Listener discretion is advised.

OnlyFans is often marketed as a quick path to money and empowerment, but the reality tells another story. While a small fraction of creators earn millions, most make very little, and many feel pressured into increasingly extreme stunts to stand out—some involving hundreds or even thousands of partners, or content marketed as “barely legal.” At the same time, teens report being targeted with invitations to join the platform or consume its content, fueling harmful ideas about sex, consen...

*This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, strangulation, deepfakes, and image-based exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we dive into the connection between pornography and sexual violence. From the prevalence of strangulation porn and its influence on real-world abuse, to the rise of AI deepfakes and image-based exploitation, to how social media is exposing kids to harmful content earlier than ever, this conversation highlights why awareness and action are so critical. Together, Natale and Elisabeth unpack the data, stories, and cultural trends shaping how pornography impacts individuals, relationships, and society, and how each of us...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, nonconsensual image sharing, racism, and fetishization. Listener discretion is advised.

Kaila Yu is the author of the new memoir, Fetishized. In this episode, Kaila opens up about her personal journey navigating fetishization, media exploitation, and a sexual assault that was recorded and shared without her consent. We explore how pornography and media have distorted perceptions of Asian women, stripping away individuality and fueling harmful stereotypes that echo far beyond the screen. Kaila’s story highlights both the personal toll of these narratives and the urgent need to challenge th...

Mike Lemon is the founder of Cyber Safe School and a former Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator. After decades spent tracking down online predators, he now dedicates his work to helping parents, educators, and students prevent online exploitation, especially sextortion. In this episode, Mike explains how predators are targeting youth, why sextortion cases are rapidly increasing, the role of AI in these crimes, and what families can do to protect kids in today’s digital world.

Episode Resources:

*This episode contains a detailed discussion of child abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Dr. Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman is a behavioral neurologist, clinical psychologist, human trafficking survivor, and international human rights advocate. In this powerful episode, he shares his story of surviving severe childhood abuse and trafficking, navigating the foster care and immigration systems, and turning his trauma into a lifelong mission to support other survivors. Now working globally with the United Nations and providing trauma-informed care to thousands of trafficking victims, Dr. Piraino-Guzman sheds light on the complex realities of exploitation, the...

Lorna was just 17 years old when a photoshopped, explicit image of her began circulating online, marking the beginning of a years-long nightmare involving deepfakes, stalking, and online blackmail.

In this episode, Lorna shares how someone used her image to create fake profiles and explicit deepfakes, leading to relentless harassment that spilled from the internet into her everyday life. She opens up about her experience reporting the crime to police, the long road toward justice, and her personal journey of healing.

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Jeremiah is a husband, an expecting father, and a self-described lifelong learner who found himself struggling with a compulsive porn habit that began in his teens and escalated in college, when he found himself viewing content he would never act out in real life. In this episode, Jeremiah candidly shares how his use of pornography affected his relationships, mental health, and sense of self, particularly during the early stages of his marriage. He opens up about the moment his wife discovered the truth, the shame he experienced, and what sparked his decision to pursue real recovery. 

Duration: 00:48:41

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Rachel was first exposed to pornography at seven years old and went on to develop an addiction to porn for the next thirteen years. Despite getting treatment for anxiety and depression as a young girl, she never felt like she could tell others about her struggle with porn because it was something that "girls didn't struggle with." Rachel discusses the shame she felt from being a girl struggling with porn, how being exposed to violent pornography from such a young age caused her to...

Victoria Sinis is the founder of Creating Gems, an organization created to help young women break free from harmful narratives about themselves. Victoria used to work for an OnlyFans agency, recruiting creators, curating their social media presence, and managing marketing funnels designed to drive traffic to explicit content. In this episode, she shares what made her walk away from an industry she once believed was empowering.

This episode is a re-release. It was first released in June of 2024. 

Episode Resources

Article: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans Sta...

Rosalia Rivera is a consent educator and abuse prevention specialist who works to help parents break cycles of abuse through empowered, proactive conversations. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, she shares her personal experiences with pornography, the dangers of leaving sex education to the internet, and how parents can build safe, shame-free spaces for their children to learn about consent and autonomy. She also dives into how pornography plays a role in grooming, the rise in child-on-child sexual abuse, and why media literacy and digital safety are more important than ever.

Episode Resources

Consent...

Trigger Warning

This episode includes topics of child sextortion and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. 

Episode Description

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Shannon Heacock and John Burnett share the deeply personal and devastating story of their son, Elijah. Recently, at just 16 years old, Elijah became a victim of sextortion — a form of online exploitation where predators manipulate and blackmail their victims using threats and explicit imagery, sometimes even using AI-generated content. Tragically, the manipulation and fear led Elijah to take his own life. John and Shannon’s courage in telling Elijah’s story...

Louie Greek is a Training Specialist with Truckers Against Trafficking, who has spent more than a decade fighting human trafficking, using his expertise in law enforcement and military service to train people on how to recognize, respond to, and ultimately prevent exploitation. In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Louie shares eye-opening insights on the realities of trafficking, the role of demand in fueling exploitation, and the actions we can take to stop it.

Episode Resources 

Truckers Against Trafficking: Resources

Article: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human Trafficking

Podcast: Con...

*This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Selena is the Associate Program Director of a sex trafficking survivor sanctuary. As a former porn performer and sex trafficking survivor, Selena knows firsthand what the women she is helping have experienced.

In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Selena sheds light on the dark realities of the porn industry, the deceptive nature of sex trafficking, and the power of resilience.

Episode Resources

Article: I Was Fine with Porn and the Commercial Sex Industry, Until I Worked in...

Mandy is a women's empowerment and trauma-informed life coach who helps women who have experienced betrayal trauma. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Mandy shares her personal experience of discovering her partner’s secret struggle with porn addiction, his cheating with porn stars, and the betrayal trauma that followed. She describes the emotional toll, the gaslighting, and the psychological abuse she endured, as well as the healing journey that led her to become a trauma-informed life coach.

Episode Resources 

Article: The Emotional Trauma of Having a Porn-Addicted Partner

Mandy's Website

Conv...

Timothy Reigle is a coach, author, podcaster, and the founder of Into The Wilderness Ministries. Tim has used his own experience in defeating addiction to help hundreds of men to overcome their addictions to porn and sex.

In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Tim shares about the 15 years he spent in a cycle of porn addiction that escalated into destructive behaviors, impacting his marriage and mental health. He shares how he finally broke free, the strategies that helped him find lasting recovery, and how he now helps others do the same.

Episode Resources

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Trigger Warning

Trigger Warning: The following episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. 

Episode Description

Seth Gehle is an author and speaker who uses his platform to encourage others to overcome their own challenges and find strength in adversity by sharing his own story of resiliency after a traumatic childhood. In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Seth shares about the years of abuse that shaped his childhood, the role of pornography in shaping his perceptions of relationships, and the path he took to heal.

Episode R...

Trigger Warning

*Trigger Warning: The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes and discussions of child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised 

Melinda Tankard Reist is an author, speaker, and the Movement Director of Collective Shout. She's spent many years as a leading advocate against the sexual exploitation of girls and women. In this episode, she shares the impact of porn culture on youth, relationships, and society. She unpacks her latest research on the alarming rise of sexual harassment in schools, particularly toward teachers. She also addresses how boys are being conditioned to see g...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of child sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Lydia Cacho is a world-renowned investigative journalist, author, and human rights activist who has dedicated her life to exposing the dark realities of human trafficking, child exploitation, and the intersections of pornography and organized crime. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Lydia shares her decades-long fight against corruption, the dangers she has faced, and the resilience that keeps her pushing forward.

Episode Resources 

Article: By the Numbers: Is the Porn Industry Connected to Sex Trafficking?

Lydia's In...

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Megan Lundstrom has spent over a decade in this field of anti-trafficking, first as the founder of The Avery Center and now as the Director of the Resilience Fund at Polaris, a direct cash assistance program for trafficking survivors in the United States.

In this episode, Megan shares her expertise on OnlyFans, examining its portrayal as empowering versus its exploitation risks. Megan reveals how traffickers use the platform and challenges the platform’s minimal standards for consent and safety.

Episode Resources

Dr. Meagan Tyler is a Senior Lecturer in the Research Education and Development team at Australia’s La Trobe University. With nearly 20 years of experience researching the intersections of pornography, gender inequality, and violence against women, she shares her expert insights.

In this episode, she helps us understand how the normalization of pornography has been fueled by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and strategic marketing. Listeners will learn about the ways pornography influences intimate partner violence, its role in shaping unhealthy sexual norms, and how feminist ideals are co-opted to mask exploitation.

Episode Resources 

Art...

Sathiya Sam is a recovery coach, speaker, and author who has dedicated his life to helping others overcome pornography addiction and achieve true freedom. After battling his own 15-year struggle with addiction, Sathiya founded Deep Clean, a program designed to address the root causes of compulsive behaviors. In this episode, we explore transformative concepts like healing past wounds and redefining identity.

Episode Resources

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 29: Sathiya Sam

Sathiya's Website

Sathiya's Book: Free for CBC Podcast Listeners!

Conversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn

Group-Based Recovery: Re...

Episode Description

Dr. Frank Anderson is a renowned trauma expert, psychiatrist, and author with over 30 years of experience. In this episode, Dr. Anderson explores how trauma shapes behaviors and relationships, offering practical tools for healing and fostering genuine connections, while providing hope for those on their recovery journey.

Episode Resources 

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 101: Matthias J. Barker

Dr. Anderson's Website

Dr. Anderson's Newest Book: To Be Loved

Trauma Institute

Instagram: Dr. Frank Anderson

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we host a panel featuring four individuals deeply involved in the fight against pornography addiction. Chandler, Co-founder and CEO of Relay, shares his personal journey of overcoming pornography and how his experience led to creating a digital platform for recovery. Chris, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, offers expert insights on the psychological effects of pornography and addiction recovery. Matthew and Dayne, both in recovery from long-term porn addiction, open up about their personal experiences, challenges, and victories in their healing journeys. Together, the panel discusses the power of...

Melanie Thompson is a survivor of sex trafficking and prostitution, as well as a dedicated speaker and activist in the global fight against commercial sexual exploitation. Trafficked at just 12 years old, Melanie was later arrested and placed in foster care, where she began her advocacy journey at 14. She now serves as the Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International.

In this episode, we delve into Melanie's powerful story and explore the complexities of trafficking, the misconceptions surrounding platforms like OnlyFans, how pornography promotes violence and harmful stereotypes, and the urgent need for awareness...

Breanna and Brandon Vales are Directors and Founders of Red Light Rebellion, which exists to educate young people about the dangers of child sex trafficking.

In this episode, they cover how their experiences influence their work and how they aim to empower youth to recognize the red flags of grooming and exploitation. They also share about Brandon's recovery journey from porn addiction, the impact of pornography on relationships, and how unresolved childhood trauma often leads to addiction. 

Episode Resources

Article: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human Trafficking

Red Light R...

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Episode Description

Shelby’s early exposure to pornography impacted her understanding of sex, leading to misconceptions about consent and contributing to feelings of hypersexuality during her teenage years. In this episode, she shares about a past relationship where her partner's use of pornography had a detrimental effect on her emotionally and physically, and how sharing her experience over the past year has helped in healing and finding connection.

Episode Resources 

Article: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Rela...

Justin Euteneier is the Program Director at Epik Project, an organization that works to disrupt the demand for commercial sexual exploitation.

In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Justin shares the efforts the Epik project is using, including engaging with sex buyers to talk about the choices they're making, collaborating with law enforcement, educational initiatives for youth, and efforts to engage men in the fight against trafficking. 

Episode Resources

FTND Resource: Porn and Sex Trafficking

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant Richey

Epik Project

Trigger Warning

*The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes, discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised

Laila Mickelwait is an anti-trafficking activist, Founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund, Founder of the Traffickinghub movement, and author of "Take Down: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking,”

In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Laila continues to share about her efforts to expose and combat illegal content on Pornhub, including the fight to hold credit card companies accountable.

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Trigger Warning

*The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes, discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Laila Mickelwait is an anti-trafficking activist, Founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund, Founder of the Traffickinghub movement, and author of "Take Down: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking,”

In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Laila shares her journey in the anti-sex trafficking movement and her efforts to expose and combat illegal content on Pornhub. 

Fight the New Dru...

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief discussions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Miyo Strong is the director of The Elizabeth Smart Foundation's self-defense program, Smart Defense. As a mom of two daughters, Miyo began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. She joins us for this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode to share about Smart Defense's unique, trauma-informed approach, combining physical techniques and breathwork with education on sexual violence, consent, and self-worth.

Episode Resources

Article: How Porn Can Promote Sexual Violence

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.89: Elizabeth Smart

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Chris McKenna is the Founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, which exists to help create safer digital environments. As a child, Chris was exposed to pornography, and as an adult, he realized how many problems there were with digital spaces and wanted to find a solution to that.

In this episode, Chris helps us understand the importance of both having relational connections and technical controls when parenting in the digital age. He underlines the importance of having open conversations about pornography with children to reduce shame and secrecy, stressing the significance of addressing these issues from...

Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and image-based sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Dawn Hawkins is the CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which exists to build a world without sexual exploitation and abuse. She joins us for this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode to shed light on the pervasive influence of pornography, the normalization of sexual harm, and the alarming risks posed by AI-generated content. The episode underscores the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Episode Resources

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In this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with a panel of young adults about their experiences and perspectives on sexual exploitation, social media's role, and dating culture. Participants include survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault, former porn consumers, and anti-trafficking advocates. They highlight generational differences in addressing sexual exploitation and the impact of internet culture. Additionally, they discuss the challenges in modern dating, emphasizing the shift toward online interactions and the need for safety measures.

Episode Resources

Video: Daniel's Story

Video: Emma's Story

V...

Victoria Sinis is the founder of Creating Gems, an organization created to help young women break free from harmful narratives about themselves. She is also a former OnlyFans recruiter and marketer. In this episode, she helps us understand what an OnlyFans agency is and the coercive and destructive realities faced by OnlyFans performers.

Episode Resources

Article: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans Stars

Article: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying Sex

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We Answered

V...

Join us in this Consider Before Consuming episode as Rachel Denton shares her experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Rachel talks about the complex layers of pornography addiction and the strong influence of shame. She'll also explain how self-compassion is essential in navigating the labyrinth of shame and breaking free from its grasp. 

Rachel provides valuable insights into the process of seeking therapy, explaining different therapy modalities, and how each can be helpful in the journey to healing. She also shares some transformative practices outside of therapy, empowering individuals to reclaim their agency and cultivate resilience. Duration: 00:52:25

Ralphie Jacobs is the founder of Simply on Purpose, a platform focused on positive parenting. She brings her expertise to this conversation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with children in today’s fast-paced digital age, offering tips for parents to ensure strong bonds with their kids, and encouraging parents to strike a balance between freedom and boundaries.

Episode Resources

Visit: Simply on Purpose

Article: Teens Who Have Good Relationships with Their Parents Tend to Avoid Porn and Sext Less

Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 99: Kristy McVee

Robert’s porn consumption escalated into an addiction while he was in the military. In this episode, Robert shares how the culture of pornography in the military had a profound impact on his consumption habits. He also talks about how pornography affected his relationships and personal well-being. After realizing the negative effects of his addiction, Robert made the decision to quit pornography and is now well on the path to recovery. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support and encourages others to explore their own emotions as a starting point for overcoming addiction.

Episode Resources

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief discussions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Bailey was first exposed to porn in high school by her boyfriend, whose porn consumption fueled her abuse and led to her own porn addiction. Once Bailey started to realize the harmful effects of porn, she was able to understand the role porn played in her experience and now publicly shares her story to help others understand the negative impacts of porn. Bailey discusses the importance of having conversations in order to shift the conversation around porn and reject its normalization.

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Dr. John Foubert is the Dean of the College of Education at Union University and the principal of Dr. John D. Foubert, LLC. Dr. Foubert worked for 20 years to apply research to rape prevention programs on college campuses, in communities, and in the military.

In this Consider Before Consuming Podcast interview, Dr. Foubert helps us understand the correlation between pornography and sexual violence, highlighting over 50 studies showcasing their connection and the ways this is impacting today’s youth. He also discusses his newest book, Protecting Your Children from Internet Pornography: Understanding the Science, Risks, and Ways to Pr...

In our latest episode of Consider Before Consuming, we delved into the questions posed by our amazing Fighters on social media. The thoughtful inquiries ranged from the effects of partners' pornography consumption to the concept of "ethical porn" and beyond.

Throughout the episode, Natale and Parker navigate a wide array of topics, offering insights into pornography's harm on individuals, relationships, and society. Central to their discussion is the necessity of fostering open dialogue and the importance of removing shame. They also share helpful resources for support.

Episode Resources

Article: 1 in 4 Sextortion Victims Are 13 o...

Katie Bulmer started Truth For Your Twenties to be the person she needed when she was younger. She mentors young women, shares advice on her podcast, and speaks nationwide.

In today's Consider Before Consuming episode, Katie shares wisdom on navigating the dating world. She suggests setting realistic expectations and having constructive conversations about pornography. Additionally, she discusses different types of intimacy that can exist in relationships, romantic or otherwise, and stresses that porn should not be used as a substitute for genuine intimacy.

Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and...

The following podcast episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, violence, and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Matt and Sarah founded She Is Not Your Rehab and launched the concept in Matt’s 2019 TEDx talk.

In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Matt shares how his vulnerability around his personal history of abuse and porn consumption helped other men in his barbershop to open up about their experiences. And Sara shares how her work in the anti-trafficking space led her to establish strict boundaries around pornography consumption and fight to create homes free from violence.

Paul was exposed to pornography at a young age and realized in college that his porn consumption had escalated to the point that it was impacting his sleep, his relationships, and his mental health.

During this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode, Paul shares how he was able to retrain his brain away from porn consumption through healthy practices. He also shares about his work as the Teams Coordinator for an organization in Mexico, which focuses on prevention, intervention, and restoration for survivors of trafficking. Paul encourages our listeners not to give up and reminds us that there...

Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains discussions of abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Julie Whitehead is a survivor of many years of abuse and sex trafficking. As a survivor, Julie shares her story in her book Shadowed: How I Became the Sex Trafficked Mother Next Door. She also serves on a survivor advisory board for the Malouf Foundation.

This episode of Consider Before Consuming is part 1 of our 2-part interview. In it, Julie shares about leaving her abusive marriage, only to begin being sex-trafficked on the weekends by a man she...

Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Julie Whitehead is a survivor of many years of abuse and sex trafficking. As a survivor, Julie bravely shares her story in her book Shadowed: How I Became the Sex Trafficked Mother Next Door. She also serves on a survivor advisory board for the Malouf Foundation.

This episode of Consider Before Consuming is part 1 of our 2-part interview. In it, Julie shares about the child sexual abuse she experienced at home, as well as the emotional and...

There are hundreds of studies from years of research showing how pornography is negatively impacting individuals, relationships, and society. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we hear from many experts on how pornography harms.To learn more, check out Truthaboutporn.org. Truth About Porn is a current, ever-growing database dedicated to research on the harmful effects of pornography.

Videos: Truth About Porn Interviews
Articles: Get The Facts

Sara Brewer is a life coach who has helped numerous individuals overcome unwanted porn consumption. Initially, Sara found that many of her clients sought help to control their excessive porn consumption, which led her to concentrate on developing a coaching program specifically designed to aid clients in overcoming porn consumption, in a way that is shame-free and sex-positive. 

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Sara highlights the role that shame plays in perpetuating the cycle of porn use, including changing how we feel about ourselves. She also explains the concept of being sex-positive and offers advice t...

As a young adult, Carmen’s occasional porn habit turned perpetual, which he realized when he was looking at porn even when he didn’t feel like it. As a drug and alcohol counselor, he felt like a hypocrite because he was helping others in addiction recovery while struggling with an addiction himself. Once he began recovery, he realized the importance of not letting setbacks discourage him from continuing to try, and of not being alone in his struggle. 

In this episode, he shares with us his story of recovering from his unwanted compulsive porn use, t...

Matthias J. Barker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who, through his engaging content about mental health, has gained a significant following on TikTok and Instagram. As his reach has grown, Matthias has worked with other experts in the field of mental health to create workshops and meets with clients in his own practice.

During the episode, Matthias provides valuable insights into the potential connection between unwanted behaviors and our childhood experiences. He also shares practical tools that can help individuals overcome such behaviors, including identifying the root cause of avoidance, confiding in trusted individuals, and understanding t...

When Madi first discovered porn at the age of 13, she was immediately consumed by shame and the belief that she was the only girl looking at pornography. The cycle of looking at porn as an escape and the feelings of shame kept her from breaking free. Once she opened up to others about the struggle she was experiencing, she was able to understand that she wasn’t alone and to connect with her true identity. 

In this episode, Madi shares about her experiences and how she utilizes her story to provide support to other women and girls to...

The following podcast episode contains discussions about child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

When Kristi McVee became a police officer in Australia, she quickly realized how prevalent child sexual abuse was, leading her to want to teach both parents and children about cyber safety and how to protect children. Her organization, Child Abuse Prevention and Education Australia (CAPE-AU) seeks to provide an education for parents and caregivers around child sexual abuse protection and prevention. 

In this episode, Kristi discusses the prevalence of child abuse in the rapidly developing digital age, the impact of pornography o...

This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Sage is a passionate anti-exploitation advocate whose interest in women's rights and healthcare led to her work as the Director of Impact for the Malouf Foundation and Executive Director of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Sage and her team engage in programs and initiatives that confront sexual exploitation through education, advocacy, prevention, recovery, and healing.

In this episode, Sage joins us to discuss sex trafficking—what it is, how it happens, and what we can all do to confront it. We al...

As humans, we have an innate desire to connect with others and form meaningful relationships. However, hundreds of studies show that porn can negatively impact our relationships, including how we see others and connect with those around us.

In this episode, we hear from experts Dr. William Struthers, Dr. Jill Manning, Dr. Freda Bush, Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Dr. Jason S. Caroll, and Heidi Als Ringheim on the ways porn impacts how we see, treat, and connect with others.

This episode is part of our Truth About Porn series. Truth About Porn is a current, ever-growing...

Sex trafficking shares a variety of symbiotic connections with porn.⁠ Often they’re one and the same. ⁠Even in the production of mainstream porn, sex trafficking can still occur—and it happens more often than most people think.⁠

As long as there’s a demand for porn—especially porn that is extreme, abusive, or degrading—the porn industry will continue to meet that demand. ⁠Consider before consuming, and help Stop The Demand for sex trafficking.⁠

In this episode, we hear from experts Donna M. Hughes, Valiant Richey, and Mahri Irvine, Ph.D., who share the science and connecti...

Over the last decade, an overwhelming amount of science and research has come out on the topic of pornography and its effects on the viewer. Hundreds of studies by experts show how consuming porn develops neuropathways that can change our brains and impact people individually, including how it can be habit-forming, become an escalating behavior, change how we view others, and even impact mental health.

But the good news is that we can retrain or rewire our brains to return to a healthier state! In this episode, we hear from experts Dr. Simone Kühn, Dr. Donald H...

This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Rachel was first exposed to pornography at seven years old and went on to develop an addiction to porn for the next thirteen years. Despite getting treatment for anxiety and depression as a young girl, she never felt like she could tell others about her struggle with porn because it was something that "girls didn't struggle with." Rachel discusses the shame she felt from being a girl struggling with porn, how being exposed to violent pornography from such a young age caused her to later be...

Valiant Richey started his career as a prosecutor, where he moved to the Special Assault Unit, handling sexual assault, child exploitation, and human trafficking cases for a decade. He now works for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), an organization that works on security issues and human rights for 57 countries. Val is an ambassador for the organization, working with countries on how they can better combat trafficking. His extensive experience and work with so many countries give him unique insight into how consistent the patterns and functions of human trafficking are from country to country.

Disclaimer: Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.

Dr. Robert Jensen has been part of the anti-pornography movement since the 80s. Since he started, he has taught, written books and articles, and done extensive research on how society has been affected by pornography, with a...

When Dr. Jill Manning began her career as a therapist, she quickly realized how many people of all ages struggled with issues surrounding the use of pornography, including addiction and betrayal trauma. This led her to obtain a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, specializing in betrayal trauma. Dr. Jill Manning explains how betrayal trauma victims are affected by their partner's porn use and offers advice to listeners who are experiencing betrayal trauma.

Article: How Avoiding Shame Can Help Partners Who are Healing From Betrayal Trauma

Video: Truth About Porn: Jill Manning, Ph.D.

After being exposed to pornography for the first time during his freshman year of high school, Chandler began struggling with pornography and realized that he wasn't able to stop using willpower alone. It wasn't until he connected with others in an in-person support group that Chandler was able to see improvements in his journey to be porn-free. In this episode, Chandler discusses how finding a support group helped him to break free from shame and stay accountable and what ultimately led him to create Relay, a virtual group-based program for overcoming pornography use.

Article: Watching Porn Might B...

Uldouz started her acting career and quickly began to grow a following from her modeling and acting work. As she was growing in popularity, she learned that intimate, nonconsensual images and videos of her were leaked in the 2014 iCloud hack that affected hundreds of women, including many celebrities. After the leak, Uldouz battled to have the videos removed from mainstream porn websites, including Pornhub. In this episode, Uldouz discusses how being a victim of image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) has affected her life, from being bullied by her peers to brands deciding not to work with her. Uldouz says she's...

As the owner of a personal training company, Look Like You Lift, Braydon helps people strength train and get mentally and physically healthy, which sometimes means helping them address their addiction to pornography and begin to heal. Braydon shares his own personal story of being exposed to pornography at a young age and how it affected him throughout his adolescence, including how it affected his relationships and how he saw others. In this episode, Braydon discusses the importance of being open about your struggle with porn in order to combat shame, why he discusses the benefits of quitting porn...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains frank discussions of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Taina Bien-Aimé is the Executive Director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), one of the oldest international organizations dedicated to ending trafficking in women and girls and commercial sexual exploitation as practices of gender-based violence and discrimination. Speaking from 30 years of experience in women's rights and equality, Taina discusses how the rise of online pornography has affected sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Taina draws the links between pornography and gender-based violence, how the majority of sex buyers are me...

We sat down with Alex and Candice, a couple whose marriage was brought to the brink due to Alex’s consumption of pornography. Over the course of five years, they struggled together as Alex tried to find recovery from what can best be described as an “addiction” and Candice suffered from betrayal trauma and body image issues. After much pain, therapy, and setbacks, Alex is well on the road to recovery and Candice is finding new strength in sharing their experiences with the world.

Episode 70: Candice Diaz

Episode 71: Alex Diaz

Fight the New Drug Y...

The following podcast episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth was 14 years old when she was abducted from her home on June 5, 2002, and endured daily sexual assault, starvation, and abuse for 9 grueling months. Fortunately, due in large part to help from active bystanders, the police safely returned Elizabeth back to her family on March 12, 2003.

Now a mother of three, Elizabeth discusses her work at the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to bring...

This episode discusses explicit sexual behaviors and abuse that may be triggering to some. Listener discretion is advised.

Victoria started online dating after her divorce. That's where she first met Brandon. In the beginning, Brandon was saying and doing all the right things to make Victoria believe this was a man that respected and loved her. Years into their relationship, however, Victoria discovered that footage that Brandon took of her without her knowledge and consent had been uploaded onto Pornhub. Even after the arduous journey to get the footage removed from Pornhub, those videos continue to pop...

Lisa Frost is the Co-Founder of Wired Human and author of The Glass Between Us. In this episode, Lisa discusses her work with kids and parents to discuss the harms of pornography, the correlation between screen time and mental health, and the importance of digital literacy for youth. Lisa also shares her experience doing a 30-day "digital reset," hiking on the Appalachian Trail with her family without devices, and the impact that had on their lives.

You can learn more about Wired Human at https://www.wiredhuman.org/.

To learn more about the harms of...

Counselor, Coach, & Sex Addiction Specialist, Eddie Capparucci, Ph.D., joins us again on Consider Before Consuming to discuss the ways in which pornography affects the consumer and their relationships. In this episode, Eddie Capparucci, Ph.D., explains how porn can negatively impact the consumer's emotional intelligence, how porn consumption can be symptomatic of a larger problem, and how porn impacts relationships and can even lead to betrayal trauma for the consumer's partner. You can learn more about Eddie Capparucci or find his books at https://abundantlifecounselingga.com/.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https...

Teresa was 22 years-old message therapy student when she was offered the opportunity to work for a high-profile client as a traveling massage therapist. Instead, she ended up being groomed, sexually assaulted, and trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and his network of exploiters.

During this episode, Teresa shares her experience being a sex trafficking victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, how she’s used that experience to help other victims in her position at the National Center of Sexual Exploitation’s Law Center, and how parents and caregivers can recognize the signs of grooming.

Click here to l...

Wright, P. J., Paul, B., & Herbenick, D. (2021)

British Board of Film Classification. (2020)

Maas, M. K., Gal, T., Cary, K. M., & Greer, K. (2022) 

As few as 1 in 3 and as many as 9 in 10 porn videos depict sexual violence or aggression. That's especially concerning, considering that research indicates that these sexually violent narratives can bleed into consumers' attitudes and behaviors.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

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Ironically, despite porn’s promise of improving consumers’ sex lives, there is growing evidence that porn consumption is linked to sexual dysfunction and less sexual satisfaction.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to access the resources discussed in this episode.

To...

Myunique is a content creator and influencer. Today she lives a life free from pornography but that hasn't always been the case. Myunique watched porn for the first time at ten years old, she wasn’t aware how that decision would negatively impact her life for years to come. What started as a natural curiosity about sex eventually escalated into compulsive sexual behavior which left her feeling lonely, and negatively impacted her overall mental health. As a young girl, she didn’t feel comfortable opening up to anyone about her porn consumption because of the misconception that only guys stru...

A deeper look into how the brain works reveals that addictions to harmful substances like tobacco have striking similarities to porn compulsion, including impaired decision-making.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to access the resources discussed in this episode.

T...

If you know anything about technology, you’ve heard about Silicon Valley. Jason Portnoy was a Silicon Valley executive at PayPal and had all of the outward signs of success, but internally, he was miserable. He experienced compulsive porn consumption which escalated to buying sex, sugar dating, and more. Listen to Jason open up with podcast host Garrett Jonsson about some of the adverse childhood experiences he had which led to him seeking comfort through porn, why he labels porn a gateway drug, and how he finally experienced true healing.

Click here to get Jason Portnoy's book, Si...

Trigger Warning: This episode includes frank, explicit, discussions about sexual exploitation, rape, and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

In the porn industry, there is virtually no way to guarantee that any piece of pornographic content is truly consensual, ethical, or even legal.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

This week’s conversation is with exploitation and trafficking survivor turned sociologist, Megan Lundstrom. Today, Megan is a contracted trainer, consultant, national speaker, and the Co-Founder of The Avery Center, an organization dedicated to ending commercial sexual exploitation. In this episode, Megan speaks with podcast host Garrett Jonsson, about her own lived experiences of being exploited through “sugar dating” websites, and she sheds light on the impacts of a pornified culture and what has to change to end commercial sexual exploitation.

C...

Research indicates that consuming porn can normalize sexual objectification, which can have profound consequences in the ways porn consumers view and treat others.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to access the resources discussed in this episode.

To learn more about the harms of pornography on consumers, rel...

Isabella was born and raised in Guatemala where she was exposed to porn at a young age. Later in life, she experienced how porn can disrupt a couple’s intimacy and relationship harmony with her ex-husband. Her negative experiences with porn consumption motivated her to become a therapist so she could help others, and today, she has more than six years of experience working toward becoming a licensed therapist in Guatemala. Isabella has helped many patients work through their unwanted porn consumption by providing an open and trusting environment. In this episode, listen to Isabella talk with podcast host, Ga...

Because of neuroplasticity, our brains constantly change in healthy ways that help us learn and complete tasks more efficiently. Yet, supernormal stimuli such as porn can trigger measurable changes that can influence our lives in unhealthy ways.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

C...

Trigger Warning: This interview includes frank, explicit, discussions about rape, sex trafficking, and suicide ideation that may be triggering to some. Listener discretion is advised.

Jane Doe grew up in Washington state with a loving family, never expecting that she’d be victimized by one of the largest trafficking schemes to date in today’s mainstream porn industry. Twenty-one days after her 22nd birthday, she boarded a flight to San Diego that, unbeknownst to her, would change her life forever. That day, she would become one of the hundreds of young women who had been exploited by Girl...

Most young people are getting at least some of their education about sex from porn, whether they mean to or not. This is especially concerning, considering how wildly unrealistic and toxic porn can be.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to...

Trigger Warning: This interview includes frank, explicit, discussions about rape, sex trafficking, and suicide ideation that may be triggering to some. Listener discretion is advised.

Jane Doe grew up in Washington state with a loving family, never expecting that she’d be victimized by one of the largest trafficking schemes to date in today’s mainstream porn industry. Twenty-one days after her 22nd birthday, she boarded a flight to San Diego that, unbeknownst to her, would change her life forever. That day, she would become one of the hundreds of young women who had been exploited between 2015 and...

Many porn consumers use porn as a self-soothing technique when they’re feeling lonely or depressed, but research suggests that porn may actually fuel mental health issues, rather than help them.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to access the resou...

Trigger Warning: The following podcast episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Did you know that pornography can actually deeply impact the way we view and treat those around us? Just ask Rus Funk, an advocate dedicated to advancing gender, sexual, and racial equality for over 30 years. One of his biggest projects is a curriculum called, What’s Wrong With This Picture? which aims to support men in examining the negative impacts of their porn consumption. His extensive knowledge and dedication for gender equality can be clearly heard throughout this episode of Consider Be...

When a person is suffering from an addiction or compulsion, their stress response and their addiction can become intertwined in unhealthy ways, thus creating an unhealthy coping cycle.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

Click here to access the resources discussed in thi...

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we talk with Ryan Werner, a Co-Founder of Fight the New Drug and the Head of Partnerships at Pinwheel. Pinwheel is a tech company that exists to put humans in the driver’s seat of technology by developing a therapist-backed smartphone for kids. Listen to Ryan talk with podcast host Garrett Jonsson about the creation and evolution of FTND, why he believes that Pinwheel is the best first phone for kids, and how Pinwheel can help kids become more healthily and gradually digitally literate.

Click here to learn more about th...

Porn is incomparably more accessible and more extreme than anything available before the internet. A couple of ratty old centerfold magazines found in the park are nothing compared to the hardcore, high-definition videos that minors have access to today.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/Get...

Like most moms, Sally did her best to protect her son, Smith, from experiencing the harmful effects of pornography. She used filters and parental controls, but Smith found a way around it. Smith’s porn consumption escalated without Sally and her husband’s knowledge, and by the time he was 11, Smith says he was consuming porn five to seven times per day. Listen to Sally tell podcast host, Garrett Jonsson, about how she finally learned of her son’s unwanted compulsive porn consumption, how she felt first learning of his habit, and what she wants other parents to know so the...

For people whose partners consume porn, feelings of rejection, mistrust, anger, and shame are unfortunately common.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and the sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

To learn more about the harms of pornography on consumers, relationships, and its larger societal impacts, visit FTND.org.

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we talk with Chris Yadon, the Managing Director of Saprea. Saprea is an organization that exists to liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. Chris has been working with Saprea since 2015, is a sought-after speaker, and has been invited to give presentations nationally and internationally. Listen to Chris talk with podcast host Garrett Jonsson about the global issue of child sexual abuse, how porn is connected to child sexual abuse, and how everyone can fight this type of exploitation.

Click here to learn more about...

Research indicates that porn consumers can become desensitized to porn, often needing to consume more porn, more extreme forms of porn, or consume porn more often in order to get the same response they once did.

This episode is a part of our Get The Facts series, where we explore the research on a specific topic  surrounding porn’s harms to help you be more informed and more empowered with the facts.

You can find our Get The Facts articles and the sources for the claims made in this episode at ftnd.org/GetTheFacts

T...

Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains graphic descriptions of sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.

Kathy is a wife, mother, author, writer, and advocate who survived being sex trafficked. Kathy’s goal is to fight for those who are still victimized by sex trafficking, and mentor survivors transitioning out of exploitation. Kathy has developed a trauma-informed restorative care program for adult survivors of trafficking, and she’s the Co-Founder of Twelve 11 Partners, an organization that is survivor-led and survivor-focused. In this episode, listen as she talks with podcast host Garrett Jonsson about her expe...