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

Megan Lundstrom, Director of the Resilience Fund at Polaris and founder of The Avery Center, dives into the complexities of trafficking on OnlyFans. She discusses how the platform's portrayal of empowerment often masks exploitation risks, revealing how traffickers prey on vulnerable individuals. Megan highlights the importance of consent and the dire need for better protections on such platforms. Additionally, she sheds light on the supportive role of the Resilience Fund in aiding survivors, emphasizing a systemic approach to combat these issues effectively.

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

Dr. Frank Anderson, a trauma expert and psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience, delves into the intricate link between trauma and addiction. He discusses how unresolved trauma can lead to compulsive behaviors, particularly in pornography addiction, and the role of self-forgiveness in recovery. Anderson emphasizes healing through authentic storytelling and the importance of community support. He offers hope and practical tools for personal growth, underscoring that recovery is possible for everyone.

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

In this enlightening conversation, Shelby shares her harrowing experiences growing up with early exposure to pornography. She discusses how it distorted her understanding of sex and consent, leading to hypersexuality in her teenage years. Shelby reflects on the emotional and physical toll of a toxic relationship influenced by her partner's porn habits. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing coercion, healing from betrayal, and fostering open communication to combat misconceptions about intimacy. Her journey is both a cautionary tale and a source of hope for others.