Consider Before Consuming

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.

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.

Justin Euteneier, Program Director at Epik Project, shares powerful insights on combating commercial sexual exploitation. He discusses educating potential sex buyers about their choices and the societal impacts of pornography. Justin emphasizes the importance of empathy in understanding motivations behind sex buyers and advocates for collaboration with survivor advocates. Engaging men and community initiatives play a key role in disrupting demand for sexual exploitation, showcasing innovative approaches to foster meaningful societal change.

Laila Mickelwait, an anti-trafficking activist and founder of the Justice Defense Fund, continues her crusade against Pornhub’s illegal content. She discusses holding credit card companies accountable for facilitating trafficking. Laila highlights alarming testimonies revealing systemic failures in reporting child sexual abuse material. The conversation includes survivor voices, a groundbreaking lawsuit against major corporations, and the significant shift in Pornhub's revenue model. She emphasizes the need for collective action to combat exploitation in the adult content industry.