#196 Joshua Broome - "Rocco Reed," Inside The Adult Film Industry
May 1, 2025
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Joshua Broome, once known as Rocco Reed, transitioned from adult film star to pastor and advocate, sharing his profound journey of redemption. He discusses the often-hidden repercussions of pornography on society and mental health, warning of its impact on youth and relationships. Broome emphasizes the need for open discussions about sex and porn within families, while reflecting on his struggles with identity and faith. His story is a powerful reminder that transformation and hope are possible, even from the darkest places.
Joshua Broome's journey from adult film star to pastor illustrates a profound narrative of redemption and personal transformation after hitting rock bottom.
The podcast explores the emotional and psychological consequences of pursuing fame in the adult film industry, highlighting the potential cost to personal values.
It discusses the role of social media in shaping the adult content industry, revealing its impact on creators and the surge in demand during the pandemic.
Listeners are made aware of the sobering realities faced by adult performers, including manipulation and exploitation by production companies, particularly affecting women.
The conversation emphasizes the significance of fatherlessness in shaping identities, showcasing its connection to emotional struggles and the quest for acceptance in individuals.
Deep dives
The Format and Stakes of Culinary Competitions
The podcast outlines an intense culinary competition format featuring 24 chefs battling in a series of challenges for 24 hours straight. Each chef is driven by the aspiration of being named the 'last chef standing,' highlighting the competitive nature of cooking shows where creativity, speed, and skill are put to the test. The pressure of cooking against the clock amplifies the stress faced by the participants, emphasizing the urgency and high stakes involved in the culinary world. Throughout this frantic setting, viewers experience both the culinary ingenuity and the personal triumphs and struggles of each contestant.
Exploring the Dark Side of Fame
The conversation delves into the implications of pursuing fame, especially within the adult film industry, examining the emotional and psychological costs associated with such a career path. The host and the guest discuss how the quest for fame can lead individuals to compromise their core values, driven by a desire for validation and acceptance. This dialogue raises questions about the societal pressures surrounding the pursuit of recognition and the often-hidden consequences of such ambitions, especially for those entrenched in industries that exploit these desires. The exploration highlights an important theme: the definition of success can become distorted in the pursuit of public acclaim.
The Influence of Social Media on Content Creation
The podcast discusses the significant role of social media in shaping content creation, particularly within the adult film industry. Statistics reveal a staggering 1,600% increase in OnlyFans participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, correlating with a marked rise in porn consumption, indicating that lockdowns triggered a surge in demand for adult content. This relationship underscores how social media platforms act as both a marketing tool and a funnel for creators to monetize their presence and connect with fans, often leading to exploitative practices. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the evolving landscape of sexual content and the complexities of creators navigating this environment.
The Hidden Realities Behind Adult Performers
Listeners are exposed to the sobering realities that many adult performers face, including manipulation and unrealistic expectations within the industry. The conversation highlights how production companies often exploit emerging stars by promising fame and financial rewards while concealing the harsh realities of the work. The discussion points out that many performers, especially women, can feel pressured into actions that conflict with their personal values, leading to long-term emotional repercussions. This exploration encourages listeners to reconsider their perceptions of adult entertainment and recognize the human stories behind the performances.
Measuring the True Cost of Pornography
The podcast discusses the broader impact of pornography on society, especially regarding children's exposure at a remarkably young age. Research indicates that many children encounter explicit content as early as eight years old, primarily through accidental exposure rather than intentional search, raising urgent concerns about the implications for their development. The conversation highlights the emotional and psychological challenges presented by this early exposure, driving home the notion that pornography can distort notions of love and intimacy. The discussion ultimately compels listeners to question the normalization of pornography in society and its long-term effects.
Understanding Fatherlessness and Its Consequences
The podcast explores the profound social issue of fatherlessness, revealing how it contributes to a cycle of emotional and psychological challenges for many individuals. The conversation reveals that many men who struggle with identities often trace their difficulties back to the presence or absence of paternal figures in their lives, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and longing for acceptance. This exploration digs deep into how these familial dynamics can manifest in various harmful ways, including the pursuit of fame or affirmation through questionable means. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of strong familial bonds and their role in fostering healthy self-worth.
Spiritual Renewal and Healing Amidst Past Trauma
The guest shares a transformative personal journey of redemption and healing, illustrating how spiritual awakening can lead to profound life changes. The podcast explores how a newfound relationship with faith provides a sense of purpose and direction, particularly after a tumultuous time in the adult industry. Through acts of openness, honesty, and community support, individuals can experience emotional healing and forgiveness, turning away from destructive behaviors toward growth and recovery. This narrative emphasizes the power of faith in overcoming past traumas and finding renewed hope in life.
Navigating Relationships After Adversity
The podcast highlights the challenges of building and maintaining relationships after overcoming past adversity, especially in the context of previous experiences in the adult film industry. The guest recounts a significant relationship where trust and shame intersect, illustrating how past actions can cast long shadows in a new partnership. This discussion emphasizes the importance of communication, understanding, and forgiveness between partners as they navigate the complexities of their individual histories. The conversation ultimately reveals how love and support can play crucial roles in healing and forging meaningful connections.
Embracing Identity Beyond Past Choices
The podcast concludes with a powerful discussion about reclaiming one's identity and purpose in life, transcending past life choices regardless of how damaging they might have been. The guest reflects on the struggle between defined identities shaped by previous actions and the hope of redefining oneself through personal growth and faith. This journey toward self-acceptance and healing includes recognizing that people can evolve beyond their pasts and make meaningful contributions to society. This call to embrace one's renewed identity resonates as a message of hope and resilience for those grappling with their circumstances.
Joshua Broome is a former adult film star turned pastor, speaker, and advocate for redemption. Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he entered the porn industry in his early 20s, earning accolades like “Porn Star of the Year” and appearing in over 1,000 films before walking away in 2013. After hitting rock bottom—struggling with identity, shame, and a life unraveling—he found faith, left the industry, and rebuilt from scratch. Now married with four children, Broome shares his raw journey of transformation, warning about the destructive ripple effects of porn on marriages, mental health, and society.
