
Consider Before Consuming
Think about all of the things you consider every day to help keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community happy, healthy, and hopeful.
Now consider this: There is an ever-growing body of research demonstrating significant negative impacts, for yourself and the ones you love, in the consumption of pornography. It can change the way you think, harm your ability to connect with other people, and can contribute to changing the world in negative ways.
Join us every other week as we consider the harmful effects of pornography using science, facts, and personal accounts.
Consider Before Consuming is brought to you by Fight the New Drug (FTND). FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative nonprofit that aims to raise awareness on the harmful effects of pornography and its links to sexual exploitation using only science, facts, and personal accounts.
Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.
Latest episodes

Mar 24, 2024 • 48min
Supporting Youth in the Age of Internet Pornography
Dr. John Foubert is the Dean of the College of Education at Union University and the principal of Dr. John D. Foubert, LLC. Dr. Foubert worked for 20 years to apply research to rape prevention programs on college campuses, in communities, and in the military.In this Consider Before Consuming Podcast interview, Dr. Foubert helps us understand the correlation between pornography and sexual violence, highlighting over 50 studies showcasing their connection and the ways this is impacting today’s youth. He also discusses his newest book, Protecting Your Children from Internet Pornography: Understanding the Science, Risks, and Ways to Protect Your Kids, which helps parents and caretakers understand the harms of porn and how to navigate conversations about this with children.Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.Episode ResourcesJohn's Books: Protecting Your Children from Internet Pornography and How Pornography HarmsVisit: John's WebsiteArticle: Parents—If You Don’t Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites WillPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.4: John Foubert, Ph.D.Resource: Get help with Fortify

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 9min
You Asked, We Answered: A Conversation with Fight the New Drug
In our latest episode of Consider Before Consuming, we delved into the questions posed by our amazing Fighters on social media. The thoughtful inquiries ranged from the effects of partners' pornography consumption to the concept of "ethical porn" and beyond.Throughout the episode, Natale and Parker navigate a wide array of topics, offering insights into pornography's harm on individuals, relationships, and society. Central to their discussion is the necessity of fostering open dialogue and the importance of removing shame. They also share helpful resources for support.Episode ResourcesArticle: 1 in 4 Sextortion Victims Are 13 or Younger, Survey FindsArticle: If You’re Stressed, Bored, or Lonely, is Watching Porn a Healthy Escape?Article: Watching Porn to Escape Negative Emotions like Stress Linked to Compulsive UseArticle: Can Internet Porn Fantasies Affect Your Sex Life In Reality?Article: The Growing Popularity of AI Porn and DeepfakesArticle: Let’s Talk About “Ethical Porn”Article: Your Partner Just Told You They Struggle with Porn. Now What?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 35: Nicholas KristofVideo: Jane Doe Sex Trafficked by GirlsDoPornLive Presentation ProgramConversation BlueprintFTND Resources

Feb 28, 2024 • 39min
Building Lasting Connections in a Porn-Infused Culture
Katie Bulmer started Truth For Your Twenties to be the person she needed when she was younger. She mentors young women, shares advice on her podcast, and speaks nationwide.In today's Consider Before Consuming episode, Katie shares wisdom on navigating the dating world. She suggests setting realistic expectations and having constructive conversations about pornography. Additionally, she discusses different types of intimacy that can exist in relationships, romantic or otherwise, and stresses that porn should not be used as a substitute for genuine intimacy.Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.Episode ResourcesArticle: Has Our Culture’s Obsession with Porn Changed Dating Expectations?Article: What Are the Risks of Choking a Partner During Sex?Visit: Truth for your Twenties

4 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 55min
She Is Not Your Rehab
A barber shares his personal history of abuse and porn consumption, inspiring others to open up. An anti-trafficking activist establishes boundaries around porn and fights against violence. They encourage men to confront childhood trauma and take responsibility for healing. They discuss breaking the silence, self-healing, and creating safe environments. They also address redemption, gratitude, and supporting Fight the New Drug.

9 snips
Jan 31, 2024 • 52min
My Journey to Recovery from Porn Addiction Through Healthy Habits
Paul shares his journey of recovery from porn addiction and the impact on his relationships and mental health. He discusses therapy, coping mechanisms, and life-giving activities that helped him rewire his brain. The podcast also explores the connection between pornography, trafficking, and the work of an anti-trafficking organization. It emphasizes the importance of uncomfortable conversations, addressing mental health stigma, and seeking therapy for self-understanding.

9 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 23min
How Porn Harms Individuals, Relationships, and Society
This podcast explores the harmful effects of pornography on individuals, relationships, and society. It discusses the rewiring effect on sexuality, objectification of women, increase in violent tendencies, and decreased likelihood of intervening in sexual assault cases. The podcast also covers recovery from porn addiction and the link between pornography and human trafficking. It emphasizes the negative impact on relationships, consent, exploitation, objectification, and perceptions of healthy relationships. Despite the findings, the podcast offers hope for individuals to overcome pornography consumption and improve their well-being and relationships.

Nov 22, 2023 • 35min
Breaking The Shame Cycle
Sara Brewer is a life coach who has helped numerous individuals overcome unwanted porn consumption. Initially, Sara found that many of her clients sought help to control their excessive porn consumption, which led her to concentrate on developing a coaching program specifically designed to aid clients in overcoming porn consumption, in a way that is shame-free and sex-positive. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Sara highlights the role that shame plays in perpetuating the cycle of porn use, including changing how we feel about ourselves. She also explains the concept of being sex-positive and offers advice to parents on how to have open and honest conversations with their children. Sara encourages people struggling with porn to seek help and believe in the possibility of change.Fight the New Drug collaborates with a variety of qualified organizations and individuals with varying personal beliefs, affiliations, and political persuasions. As FTND is a non-religious and non-legislative organization, the personal beliefs, affiliations, and persuasions of any of our team members or of those we collaborate with do not reflect or impact the mission of Fight the New Drug.Episode ResourcesArticle: How My Feelings of Shame Fueled My Struggle with PornVideo: Emma's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 63: Dr. Debbie AkermanSara's Website: Overcome Pornography For Good

Nov 8, 2023 • 45min
Carmen, Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Former Porn Consumer
Carmen, a recovering addict, shares his journey of overcoming compulsive porn use. He discusses the connection between pornography and trafficking, the significance of not giving up, and the power of sharing his story. Topics include addiction, shame, recovery process, accountability, small steps in recovery, and the importance of storytelling.

Oct 25, 2023 • 56min
Trauma and Coping Mechanisms with Matthias J. Barker
Matthias J. Barker is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who, through his engaging content about mental health, has gained a significant following on TikTok and Instagram. As his reach has grown, Matthias has worked with other experts in the field of mental health to create workshops and meets with clients in his own practice.During the episode, Matthias provides valuable insights into the potential connection between unwanted behaviors and our childhood experiences. He also shares practical tools that can help individuals overcome such behaviors, including identifying the root cause of avoidance, confiding in trusted individuals, and understanding that genuine healing is possible.You can find Matthias on TikTok, Instagram, at @matthiasjbarker or at matthiasjbarker.com.Article: What Past Issues Are You Trying to Escape From When You Watch Porn?Find Support: Relay, the #1 group-based program for overcoming pornography usePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 49: Matthias J. BarkerMatthias' Podcast: Matthias J. Barker Podcast: If You're Struggling with Porn

Oct 11, 2023 • 31min
Do Women Struggle With Porn?
Madi, a former porn consumer, shares her struggles with shame and isolation. She emphasizes the importance of opening up about such issues to find support. The podcast delves into normalizing conversations about porn, empowering women to speak out, and finding joy amidst struggles.