Consider Before Consuming

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.

Laila Mickelwait, an anti-trafficking activist and founder of the Justice Defense Fund, passionately discusses her fight against sex trafficking and illegal content on Pornhub. She shares alarming revelations about the exploitation facilitated by the platform and highlights grassroots efforts like the #TraffickingHub movement. Laila emphasizes the need for public support to bring systemic change, while exposing the challenges faced by advocates and the importance of holding corporations accountable for unethical practices.

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief discussions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.Miyo Strong is the director of The Elizabeth Smart Foundation's self-defense program, Smart Defense. As a mom of two daughters, Miyo began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and other martial arts. She joins us for this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode to share about Smart Defense's unique, trauma-informed approach, combining physical techniques and breathwork with education on sexual violence, consent, and self-worth.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Promote Sexual ViolencePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.89: Elizabeth SmartSmart DefenseUtah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA)Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel VanDerKolkBook: The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker.

Chris McKenna is the Founder and CEO of Protect Young Eyes, which exists to help create safer digital environments. As a child, Chris was exposed to pornography, and as an adult, he realized how many problems there were with digital spaces and wanted to find a solution to that.In this episode, Chris helps us understand the importance of both having relational connections and technical controls when parenting in the digital age. He underlines the importance of having open conversations about pornography with children to reduce shame and secrecy, stressing the significance of addressing these issues from a young age.Episode ResourcesProtect Young EyesFight the New Drug's Parenting ResourcesConversation BlueprintArticle: Discover the 2024 “Dirty Dozen” Companies Profiting from Sexual ExploitationJonathan Haidt's Book: The Anxious Generation

Dawn Hawkins, CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, discusses the impact of AI technology on sexual exploitation. Topics include AI-generated content, the normalization of sexual harm, and the urgent need for reform. The episode emphasizes advocating for policy changes, holding corporations accountable, and utilizing AI tools for online protection and law enforcement support.