Consider Before Consuming

*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.Episode Resources:Article: The Problem with Parasocial Relationships on OnlyFansArticle: The Dangerous Quest for Fame on OnlyFansPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 148: How OnlyFans Incentivizes Extreme ContentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 30 days when they sign up at http://joinrelay.app/consider.Episode Resources:Article: How Porn Can Contribute to an Unhealthy Cycle of StressRelay: CBC Listeners get one month freePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 126: Relay PanelTed Talk: My Stroke of InsightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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:Article: Watching Porn May Be Negatively Impacting Your Mental HealthThis episode is sponsored by Relay: CBC Listeners get 40% Relay in November with code FTND40Follow Ryan on InstagramAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief references to childhood sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advisedToni 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 messy or broken, beauty and growth are still possible.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. Try it today for 20% off! Episode Resources:Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShamePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 83: MyuniqueToni's WebsiteBark: Fighters get a free month!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maddie shares her harrowing journey through betrayal trauma as she supports her husband Kyle, who battled porn addiction. They delve into the impact of early exposure to pornography on their marriage, discussing emotional fallout and the daunting process of rebuilding trust. Maddie emphasizes the necessity of radical honesty as a boundary while Kyle reveals how shame fueled his addiction. Their discussion highlights the importance of therapy and external support, offering hope and practical advice for couples navigating similar challenges.

The discussion dives into the realities of OnlyFans, revealing a stark contrast between the glamorized earnings and the struggles faced by most creators. It highlights the pressure to produce extreme content, including the normalization of harmful stunts and the targeting of teens. The hosts examine the dark side, including trafficking and the presence of nonconsensual material on the platform. They question the ethics of consumption and emphasize the need for awareness around the exploitation fueled by demand.

Explore the disturbing link between pornography and sexual violence, highlighting the normalization of harmful practices like strangulation porn. Discover how AI deepfakes are reshaping perceptions of consent and exploiting women, while social media exposes young audiences to graphic content. This discussion emphasizes the urgent need for awareness, community action, and critical evaluation of media consumption to combat the rising tide of online sexual violence. Personal stories and alarming statistics drive home the importance of education and advocacy in fostering a healthier society.

Kaila Yu, the author of the memoir *Fetishized*, navigates the challenges of fetishization and media exploitation, sharing her deeply personal experiences including a sexual assault that was recorded without her consent. The conversation delves into how pornography perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Asian women, stripping away individuality and fueling societal misconceptions. Kaila emphasizes the urgent need to challenge these narratives and the impact they have on self-perception, identity, and overall societal views of violence and sexuality.

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:Article: Why Financial Sextortion Is Targeting Teens and Spreading FastPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 138: Shannon and JohnNewsletter: Cyber Safe SchoolFacebook Group: Cyber Safe FamiliesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*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 importance of healing-centered systems, and why boys and men must be included in conversations about trafficking and sexual violence. Even after experiencing the worst of humanity, he chooses to lead with hope, trust, and compassion, and invites us all to do the same.Epiosde Resources:National Survivor NetworkSurvivor AllianceVictim ResourcesDr. Piraino-Guzman's LinkedInCourt Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)Universal Declaration of Human RightsArticle: 15 Facts About Human Sex TraffickingArticle: Parents—If You Don’t Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites WillAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy