Consider Before Consuming

*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, a coach and founder of Into The Wilderness Ministries, shares his transformative journey from 15 years of porn addiction to recovery. He discusses the detrimental effects of addiction on his marriage and mental health, and the powerful strategies that enabled his freedom. Emphasizing the importance of community, emotional awareness, and accountability, Tim highlights how reflection and resilience can lead to healing. His insights are framed as a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar struggles.

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

In this engaging conversation, Lydia Cacho, a renowned investigative journalist and human rights activist, delves into her decades-long battle against human trafficking and child exploitation. She uncovers unsettling connections between pornography and organized crime, emphasizing the need for societal accountability. Lydia highlights the dual role of technology in both exacerbating and combating these issues, while advocating for increased male engagement in social justice. The discussion also touches on the importance of supporting teenagers facing pornography addiction.

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, a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University with nearly 20 years of research on pornography and gender inequality, dives deep into the darker side of porn in this discussion. She highlights how cultural shifts and technology normalize harmful narratives about sexuality. Tyler shares alarming insights on how porn influences intimate partner violence and distorts healthy sexual norms, all while feminist ideals are often misused to disguise exploitation. The conversation encourages a reevaluation of societal views on consent and empowerment, especially for women.

Sathiya Sam, a dedicated recovery coach and author, shares his compelling journey from a 15-year battle with pornography addiction to helping others find freedom. He explores transformative ideas like healing past wounds and redefining identity. Discussion highlights include the importance of community support in overcoming shame, the need for open conversations about sexuality, and practical techniques like journaling for emotional awareness. Sathiya emphasizes proactive action and leveraging resources to aid recovery, fostering a path to personal growth.

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.