Consider Before Consuming

*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 be desensitized to an abusive relationship, and why she now encourages people to talk about their struggle in order to break from the shame that so often keeps them struggling.This episode is a re-release. It was first released in July of 2023.  Episode Resources:Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShameVideo: How I Realized I Had A Porn Problem: Myuniqe's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.100: Madi 

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 ResourcesArticle: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans StarsArticle: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We AnsweredVictoria's Website: Creating Gems

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 ResourcesConsent ParentingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 17: Heidi OlsonBook: I Said No by Kimberly KingBook: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen JensonFTND Parent Resource Page

Trigger WarningThis episode includes topics of child sextortion and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Episode DescriptionIn 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 is rooted in their hope that it can prevent other families from facing the same heartbreaking loss.Episode Resources Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text "988"NCMEC Resource: Take it DownVictim ResourcesArticle: Understanding Sextortion: A Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself

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: ResourcesArticle: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn

*This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised. Episode DescriptionSelena 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 ResourcesArticle: I Was Fine with Porn and the Commercial Sex Industry, Until I Worked in a BrothelVideo: What Being In Porn Is Really LikeVictim ResourcesHope Rising

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 PartnerMandy's WebsiteConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn

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 ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Become an Escalating BehaviorPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 114: Rachel DentonTimothy's Website: Into the WildernessTimothy Instagram: @timothyreigle

Trigger WarningTrigger Warning: The following episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Episode DescriptionSeth 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 ResourcesVictim ResourcesSeth's Website and BookConsider Before Consuming Ep. 107: Matt and Sarah

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 girls as objects through exposure to violent pornography.Episode Resources Article: Porn Impacts Student Sexual Harassment in Schools—Here's HowVideo: This SANE Nurse Explains How Pornography Inspires Sexual AssaultMelinda Tankard-Reist's WebsiteCollective ShoutSexual Harassment of Teachers Report

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 Instagram: @LydiacachoLydia's Books

*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 ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Distort Consumers Understanding of Healthy SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 81: Megan LundstromPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 115: Victoria SinisPolaris Resilience FundReport: An In-Depth Financial Analysis of Sex Trafficking on OnlyFans 

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 Article: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Relationships?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 25: Carolyn WestPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-AiméCoalition Against Trafficking in Women AustraliaMeagan Tyler's Research Outputs

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 ResourcesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 29: Sathiya SamSathiya's WebsiteSathiya's Book: Free for CBC Podcast Listeners!Conversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About PornGroup-Based Recovery: RelayDocumentary: Brain, Heart, World

Episode DescriptionDr. 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. BarkerDr. Anderson's WebsiteDr. Anderson's Newest Book: To Be LovedTrauma InstituteInstagram: 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 connection in recovery, the importance of vulnerability, and how community plays a crucial role in breaking free from addiction.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Change the BrainArticle: Why the Opposite of Porn Addiction Isn't Only Sobriety—It's Real Human ConnectionPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 93: ChandlerJoin RelayBook: The Body Keeps the Score

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 and systemic change.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Mainstream Porn Normalizes Violence Against Black WomenArticle: How Porn Can Misrepresent and Fetishize LGBTQ+ Individuals and RelationshipsPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-AiméMelanie's Podcast: Exit WoundThe Coalition Against Trafficking in WomenRebecca Bender Initiative

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 ResourcesArticle: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human TraffickingRed Light RebellionRed Flag Cards: Text REDFLAGS to 602-922-1040

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.Episode DescriptionShelby'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 Relationships?Article: National Study Finds Porn Linked to Sexual Aggression and Coercion in RelationshipsArticle: 5 Ways Porn Has Lied to You About ConsentArticle: Is My Partner's Porn Habit Harming Our Relationship, or Am I Just Insecure?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 111: BaileyVictim ResourcesResource for Partners of Porn Users: Bloom

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 ResourcesFTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyEpik Project

Trigger Warning*The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes, discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advisedLaila 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.Fight the New Drug is a non-religious and non-legislative awareness and education organization. Some of the issues discussed in this episode may be legislatively-affiliated. Though our organization is non-legislative, we fully support the fights against already illegal forms of pornography and sexual exploitation and against sex trafficking.Episode Resources Laila's Book: TakedownTraffickinghub PetitionJustice Defense FundLaila's Article: Why Are Visa And Mastercard Still Doing Business with Pornhub?FTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 35: Nikolas KristofArticle: What's Going on with Pornhub?Nikolas Kristof's Article: The Children of PornhubSheelah Kolhatkar's Article: The Fight to Hold Pornhub Accountable 

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 Drug is a non-religious and non-legislative awareness and education organization. Some of the issues discussed in this episode may be legislatively-affiliated. Though our organization is non-legislative, we fully support the fights against already illegal forms of pornography and sexual exploitation, and against sex trafficking.Episode ResourcesLaila's Book: TakedownTraffickinghub PetitionJustice Defense FundLaila's Article: Time to Shut Pornhub DownFTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 35: Nikolas KristofArticle: What's Going on with Pornhub? 

*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 ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Promote Sexual ViolencePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.89: Elizabeth SmartSmart DefenseUtah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA)Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel VanDerKolkBook: The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.

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 a young age.Episode ResourcesProtect Young EyesFight the New Drug's Parenting ResourcesConversation BlueprintArticle: Discover the 2024 “Dirty Dozen” Companies Profiting from Sexual ExploitationJonathan Haidt's Book: The Anxious Generation

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 ResourcesJoin us: The Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Global SummitVisit: The 2024 Dirty Dozen ListVisit: BarkVisit: Street GraceArticle: The Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

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 ResourcesVideo: Daniel's StoryVideo: Emma's StoryVideo: Jose's StoryVideo: Bri Ray's StoryArticle: How Porn Can Fuel and Normalize Teen Dating ViolenceArticle: How Sex Traffickers Use Social Media to Contact, Recruit, and Sell Children

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 ResourcesArticle: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans StarsArticle: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We AnsweredVictoria's Website: https://creatinggems.com/

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.Episode ResourcesArticle: These 4 Studies Show How Recovering From a Porn Habit is Absolutely PossiblePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 110: Matthias J. BarkerKristin Neff: Self-compassion.org

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 ResourcesVisit: Simply on PurposeArticle: Teens Who Have Good Relationships with Their Parents Tend to Avoid Porn and Sext LessPodcast: 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 ResourcesArticle: Your Answer Guide to “What Does Porn Kills Love Mean?” and Other Fighter Gear QuestionsArticle: Benefits of Quitting Porn According to 90 Real PeoplePodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 110: John Foubert

*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.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.Episode ResourcesArticle: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Relationships?Article: 3 Ways Porn Culture is Becoming Normalized in Every Day SocietyPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 9: Rachel

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 Protect Your Kids,  which helps parents and caretakers understand the harms of porn and how to navigate conversations about this with children.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.Episode ResourcesJohn's Books: Protecting Your Children from Internet Pornography and How Pornography HarmsVisit: John's WebsiteArticle: Parents—If You Don't Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites WillPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.4: John Foubert, Ph.D.Resource: Get help with Fortify

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 ResourcesArticle: 1 in 4 Sextortion Victims Are 13 or Younger, Survey FindsArticle: If You're Stressed, Bored, or Lonely, is Watching Porn a Healthy Escape?Article: Watching Porn to Escape Negative Emotions like Stress Linked to Compulsive UseArticle: Can Internet Porn Fantasies Affect Your Sex Life In Reality?Article: The Growing Popularity of AI Porn and DeepfakesArticle: Let's Talk About “Ethical Porn”Article: Your Partner Just Told You They Struggle with Porn. Now What?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 35: Nicholas KristofVideo: Jane Doe Sex Trafficked by GirlsDoPornLive Presentation ProgramConversation BlueprintFTND Resources

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 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.Episode ResourcesArticle: Has Our Culture's Obsession with Porn Changed Dating Expectations?Article: What Are the Risks of Choking a Partner During Sex?Visit: Truth for your Twenties

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.Their work to combat domestic violence, through an invitation for men to acknowledge their own childhood trauma and take responsibility for their healing, has reached millions.Episode ResourcesVisit: She Is Not Your RehabMatt and Sarah's Book: She Is Not Your RehabArt Prints: Who Is She?Watch: Matt's Ted TalkArticle: What Are the Risks of Choking a Partner During Sex?Article: 10 Reasons Why You Should (Not) Be Cool With Your Partner Watching Porn

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 is always hope.Episode ResourcesArticle: 7 Reasons to Add Quitting Porn to Your Self-Improvement ListArticle: Why Do Some People Fight Against Sex Trafficking and Also Support Porn?Video: Paul's StoryPodcast: How the Porn Industry is Connected to Sex TraffickingVisit: El Pozo De Vida

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 thought would help her.Julie bravely shares her story in the hopes that other trafficking victims see that there's hope on the other side of their experiences.Episode ResourcesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 104: Julie Whitehead, Pt. 1Julie's Book: Shadowed: How I Became The Sex-Trafficked Mother Next DoorVisit: On Watch

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 psychological abuse she endured by her husband in their 12-year marriage, before meeting the man who would sex traffic her.Episode ResourcesVisit: The Connection of Porn and Sex TraffickingArticle: How Pornography Can Worsen Cases of Domestic ViolenceJulie's Book: Shadowed: How I Became The Sex-Trafficked Mother Next Door

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 InterviewsArticles: 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 to parents on how to have open and honest conversations with their children. Sara encourages people struggling with porn to seek help and believe in the possibility of change.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.Episode ResourcesArticle: How My Feelings of Shame Fueled My Struggle with PornVideo: Emma's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 63: Dr. Debbie AkermanSara's Website: Overcome Pornography For Good

 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, the significance of understanding the connection between pornography and trafficking in his continued recovery, and how he uses his story to help others.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Fuel Sex TraffickingVideo: Carmen's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep.93: Chandler RogersCarmen's Podcast: True VictoryFight 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.

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 that genuine healing is possible.You can find Matthias on TikTok, Instagram, at @matthiasjbarker or at matthiasjbarker.com.Article: What Past Issues Are You Trying to Escape From When You Watch Porn?Find Support:  Relay, the #1 group-based program for overcoming pornography usePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 49: Matthias J. BarkerMatthias' Podcast: Matthias J. Barker Podcast: If You're Struggling with Porn

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 know they're not alone in their struggles, and encourages parents to have open, honest conversations with their kids about the harms of porn.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.Article: Don't think Women Struggle with Porn? Read Stories from 5 Who HaveArticle: Can Women Get Addicted to Watching Porn?Podcast: CBC Ep. 97: My Experience Being a Girl Addicted to Porn for 13 YearsMadi's Podcast: Sisters on the Frontline

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 on children, and stresses the importance of frequent conversations about digital safety between parents and children.Article: Parents—If You Don't Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites WillPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 87: Lisa FrostConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About PornVisit: Child Abuse Prevention and Education Australia (CAPE-AU)Kristi's Book: Operation KidSafe:A Detectives Guide To Abuse Prevention

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 also discuss ways trafficking can occur that may differ from typical assumptions, for example through the camming industry.Access OnWatch training, Raise, and more at https://www.malouffoundation.org/education.Article: How You Can Spot, Prevent, And Report Human TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 89: Elizabeth SmartVisit: The Malouf FoundationVisit: Elizabeth Smart FoundationVisit: Onwatch TrainingJulie Whitehead's Book: Shadowed

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 database dedicated to research on the harmful effects of pornography. Learn more at https://truthaboutporn.org/.Video: Philip Zimbardo, Ph.D., Truth About PornVideo: Freda Bush, M.D., FACOG, Truth About PornVideo: William Struthers, Ph.D., Truth About PornPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 94: Jill Maning, Ph.D.Article: How Porn Can Negatively Impact Love and Intimacy

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 Hilton, and Dr. Andrew Dohm, who share the science behind porn's impact on our brains.This episode is part of our Truth About Porn series. Truth About Porn is a current, ever-growing database dedicated to research on the harmful effects of pornography. Learn more at https://truthaboutporn.org/Episode resources:Video: Donna M. Hughes Interview, Truth About PornVideo: Dr. Marhi Irvine, Ph.D. Interview, Truth About PornVideo: Valiant Richey Interview, Truth About PornPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyArticle: How Porn Can Fuel Sex Trafficking

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 Hilton, and Dr. Andrew Dohm, who share the science behind porn's impact on our brains.This episode is part of our Truth About Porn series. Truth About Porn is a current, ever-growing database dedicated to research on the harmful effects of pornography. Learn more at https://truthaboutporn.org/Episode resources:Video: Donald Hilton, M.D. Interview, Truth About PornVideo: Simone Kühn, Ph.D. Interview, Truth About PornArticle: How Porn Can Become an Escalating BehaviorArticle: How Porn Can Change the Brain

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 desensitized to an abusive relationship, and why she now encourages people to talk about their struggle in order to break from the shame that so often keeps them struggling.Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShameVideo: How I Realized I Had A Porn Problem: Myuniqe's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 52: Katelyn

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.In this episode, Valiant talks about how trafficking is fed by a demand for people willing to pay for sex. He explains how sexually explicit material further drives the demand for sexual violence and sex trafficking and the connection between how victims are treated and their abusers' use of pornography. Valiant discusses how rampant sex trafficking is and what we can do to address it on a macro level, as well as individual shifts in our perspective and attitudes towards sex buying can help decrease the demand for sex trafficking.Article: How Porn Can Fuel Sex TraffickingVideo: Truth About Porn: Valiant RicheyPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Episode 90: Taina Bien-AiméVisit: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

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 particular focus on how pornography shapes men's behaviors and beliefs. Dr. Jensen explains how we're living in an age of extreme pornography, how normalized sexism and racism have become in mainstream pornography, and how it's affecting children and the way they're growing up. In this episode, Dr. Robert Jensen discusses the importance of having conversations with our kids about the harmful effects of porn, modeling healthy interactions, and start changing the conversation about pornography in our own homes and communities.Article: How the Porn Industry Capitalizes Off of Racism and Racist StereotypesArticle: Why the Goal of the Phrase "Porn Kills Love" Isn't to Shame AnyonePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-AiméResource: Let's Talk About PornVisit: Culture Reframed