Does Porn Have a Place in a Meaningful Life? A Neuroscientist's Perspective

Pat welcomes Dr. Nicole Prause, a neuroscientist and sexual psychophysiologist whose groundbreaking research challenges some of the most deeply held beliefs about pornography, addiction, and shame. In a world full of noise, judgment, and moral panic, Dr. Prause offers a data-driven lens on desire, compulsion, and the role of sexuality in a values-based life. Together, they explore the complexities of pleasure, the impact of guilt, and what it really means to grow up in relationship to our bodies and choices. It’s a conversation about embracing nuance, letting go of shame, and aligning our behavior with our deeper purpose.What You’ll Learn:Why the idea of porn “addiction” doesn’t hold up under neuroscienceHow shame—not porn—may be the real source of sufferingThe difference between impulsive vs. compulsive behavior, and why it mattersHow to reconcile pleasure with purpose in a values-driven lifeThe surprising overlap between sexual arousal and meditative statesWhat the data actually says about porn, connection, and meaningful relationshipsSocial Media:After Peter Pan Podcast: FacebookInstagramLinkedInYouTubeNicole Prause:LinkedIn Today Show Segment - Studying the Healing Power of SexTedTalkSend a text message to the show!Support the show