Porn Free Millennial Podcast

Episode 64 — The Girl Down the StreetInnocence Attacked, Childhood Porn Exposure, and the Wounds We Never Saw ComingIn this deeply personal solo episode, I read and reflect on my piece The Girl Down the Street — a story about first love, early porn exposure, emotional immaturity, and the hidden fallout pornography can have on relationships long before we even understand what’s happening.Drawing from a 2024 Missouri Medicine study on pornography exposure among youth, I explore how boys are often first exposed to porn around ages 10–11 and girls around ages 12–13, and how those early experiences can quietly shape identity, expectations, intimacy, and emotional development.This episode is not merely about addiction.It’s about innocence.The innocence of the young boy exposed too early…and the innocence of the people he would someday attempt to love while carrying a battle he did not yet understand.I share the story of my first girlfriend — “the girl down the street” — and reflect honestly on how a porn addiction that began in childhood affected the way I viewed love, relationships, jealousy, emotional connection, and intimacy.This is an episode about:* the unseen emotional fallout of pornography* the quiet heartbreak many young women carry* the normalization of hyper-sexualization* and the importance of guidance, accountability, and honest conversations with the next generationIn This Episode* The average age young boys and girls are first exposed to porn* Why the word “exposed” matters* The “3 A’s” fueling modern porn consumption:* Affordability* Accessibility* Anonymity* How pornography shapes emotional development and relationship expectations* The hidden effect porn had on my first relationships* Why many young men carry battles they never chose* The connection between porn, jealousy, objectification, and emotional immaturity* The importance of protecting innocence in the digital age* Parenting, guidance, and having empathetic conversations with kids* Why shame and isolation often deepen addictionKey Quotes“Pornography is not merely shaping private behavior. It’s shaping emotional development.”“The innocence of the people he would someday attempt to love while carrying a battle he did not yet understand.”“Two kids. One wounded in silence and shame. One wounded by fallout and blame.”“That’s where the disenchantment starts — not in adulthood, but in childhood.”Resources & Links* Read the reflection: The Girl Down the Street* 2024 Missouri Medicine Study: Effects of Pornography on Youth: A Review* Ever Accountable Accountability Software 14 Free Trial and 20% off per month/year* Ritual Organics Affiliate Link* My episodes with Tyler Patterson, CEO of Ever Accountable* Episode 60* Episode 46* Porn Free Millennial SubstackCoaching & CollaborationI offer 1-on-1 coaching for men seeking freedom from pornography and compulsive sexual behavior.For a free 30-minute consultation:Email: [email protected] a callIf you have a story to share or work in the recovery space and would like to collaborate on the podcast, feel free to reach out.Keep fighting the good fight.Much love. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Porn Free Millennial Podcast – Episode 63Victory in Christ: Identity-Based Freedom w/ James MenendezEpisode OverviewThere’s a version of you on the other side of everything you’re struggling with right now—free, clear, and at peace.The real question is how do you get there?In this episode, Mac sits down with returning guest James Menendez author of Creation Awaits and Creation Press (Episode 34) to unpack a powerful story of redemption, healing, and what true transformation actually looks like.James shares how he found lasting freedom from porn—not through behavior modification, but through identity in Christ—and how that journey led him to build the Victory in Christ app.If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of shame, secrecy, or relapse… this conversation will challenge everything you thought recovery was about.Episode Highlights* Why porn addiction is a symptom—not the root problem* The role of shame, secrecy, and hidden life in keeping you stuck* How grace + truth creates real freedom (not just willpower)* The breakthrough moment: confession and radical honesty* Why behavior modification alone doesn’t work* Understanding “strongholds” and the lies we believe* The 3 core human needs:→ Acceptance→ Security→ Significance* How identity in Christ replaces false identity* Spiritual warfare explained through 2 Corinthians 10 (battle of the mind)* The power of speaking truth out loud (Stronghold Declarations)* Why secrecy fuels addiction—and exposure breaks itAbout the Victory in Christ AppJames created the Victory in Christ app to address what most recovery tools miss:Not just behavior… but belief.Instead of focusing on “stop watching porn,” the app helps you:* Identify the lies driving your behavior* Replace them with truth rooted in Scripture* Build daily habits around identity transformation* Use tools like:* Sobriety tracking* Stronghold declarations (truth statements)* AI-assisted reflection to uncover root beliefs* Identity-based recovery courseNo more white-knuckling.This is identity-based freedom.Key Concept: StrongholdsA stronghold is a deeply rooted lie you believe about yourself or God.Example:* Lie: “I’m not enough”* Truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”The process:* Identify the lie* Renounce it* Replace it with truth* Speak that truth dailyThis is where transformation actually happens.Spiritual Warfare (Simplified)James breaks down how the real battle isn’t just behavior—it’s in the mind:* Lies → Belief → Behavior* Truth → Freedom → TransformationUsing scripture (like 2 Corinthians 10), he explains how to:* Take thoughts captive* Replace lies with truth* Actively fight back, not passively resistConnect with James MenendezVictory in Christ App: https://victoryinchrist.app/Substack (Creation Awaits):Creation Press:No Longer Slaves (fictional novel): https://creationpress.substack.com/s/no-longer-slavesEmail / Contact: If anyone wants to contact James directly, they can email James at [email protected] or [email protected] Platforms (YouTube, X, etc.):Creation Awaits YouTube Channel: @creationawaitsCreation Awaits LinkTree:linktr.ee/creationawaitsBooks / Resources Mentioned* Freedom in Christ Ministries (Identity-based discipleship): https://www.ficm.org/* The Conquer Series (Recovery resource James previously used): https://www.conquerseries.com/* The Bible (Referenced Scriptures):* John 8:32 – “The truth will set you free”* Romans 6–8 (sin, law, and freedom in Christ)* 2 Corinthians 10 (taking thoughts captive)* Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)* Hebrews 4:12 (Word of God as a sword)* Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction by Patrick Carnes: https://www.amazon.com/Out-Shadows-Understanding-Sexual-Addiction/dp/1568386214Listen / Watch the PodcastRead Watch & Subscribe YouTubeListen on Podcast Platforms:Apple PodcastsSpotifyTools for Breaking Free:If you’re serious about building a life of integrity, accountability matters.Ever Accountable14-Day Free Trial20% Off Monthly or Yearly PlansUse my link here & watch my most recent podcast with the CEO!Final ThoughtYou don’t “white-knuckle” your way to freedom.You need to become someone new.And that starts with what you believe is true about:* God* Yourself* Your identity This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Why Are You Still Carrying Her? | Learning When to Let GoEpisode DescriptionIn this episode, I read a personal reflection inspired by a night at a place that no longer exists—the historic Dark Horse Saloon in Boulder, Colorado.What started as a simple night out turned into something deeper… a lesson about the mind, desire, and what we choose to carry long after the moment has passed.Through an old parable—The Two Monks and the Woman—this episode explores a truth that hits at the core of recovery, identity, and integrity:You can follow every rule… and still be the one carrying the weight.This is a reflection on letting go—not just physically, but mentally. Not just behaviorally, but internally.If you’ve ever struggled with intrusive thoughts, temptation, or the feeling of being stuck in your own mind…this episode is for you.🔑 What This Episode Explores The difference between the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law Why avoidance alone isn’t true freedom The danger of “carrying” thoughts long after the moment Reframing how we see beauty, desire, and dignity What real transformation actually looks like📖 Read the Full Reflection👉 Why Are You Still Carrying Her?🎥 Watch & Subscribe▶️ YouTube🎧 Listen on Podcast Platforms🍎 Apple Podcasts🎵 Spotify🔐 Tools for Breaking FreeIf you're serious about building a life of integrity, accountability matters.👉 Ever Accountable 14-Day Free Trial 20% Off Monthly or Yearly PlansUse my link here💬 Final ReflectionThe older monk set her down at the river.The younger monk carried her for miles and hours.The question is—what are you still carrying? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Sauron’s Search History: Unmasking The Eye That ConsumesIn this episode, I’m joined by Will Anselm—medieval art historian, writer of Palinode, and editor and introduction author of The Moral Universe by Fulton J. Sheen (book release upcoming, link will be provided when it is published).He’s also someone with a really sharp eye for what Tolkien was doing beneath the surface and that’s going to matter for this conversation.Together, we explore how Tolkien’s vision of a being that became pure, disembodied appetite mirrors something unsettling in our own world—especially in the way we consume, disconnect, and drift into patterns of addiction, consumption, and spiritual slavery.About WillWill brings a depth to Tolkien that goes far beyond the surface:* Medieval art historian* Editor and introduction author of The Moral Universe by Fulton J. Sheen* Creator of Palinode on Substack* Host of Catholic X Spaces* Deep student of Middle-earth, theology, and symbolismHis insight helps uncover layers in Tolkien’s work that most of us never notice—but once you see them, you can’t unsee them.What We Explore* Who Sauron really was and how he became what he became* The symbolism of the Eye—always watching, never satisfied* Morgoth, corruption, and the distortion of beauty* Why evil in Tolkien cannot create—only consume* The deeper meaning behind “Sauron’s search history”* The One Ring as a metaphor for addiction and false power* How modern life mirrors the same pattern of disembodied consumptionThe Core IdeaSauron didn’t begin as a monster.He began as something good.A being who loved order, structure, and things working as they should.But that desire slowly twisted:* Order → Control* Control → DominationOver time, he lost everything that made him whole:* No body* No relationships* No ability to create, love, or connectOnly an eye remained.Watching.Searching.Consuming.Never satisfied.Why This MattersAt some point, this episode stops being about Sauron.It becomes about us.When we stop living and start watching, something shifts:* Presence is replaced by consumption* Connection begins to fade* Appetite growsAnd over time…You don’t feel like yourself anymore.You’re just watching life with an agonizing gaze.The Ring & AddictionWe also explore the One Ring as a powerful parallel:* It promises control* It creates secrecy (“invisibility”)* It feels empoweringBut in reality…What feels like power slowly becomes bondage.A Way OutThe story doesn’t end in darkness.What ultimately defeats Sauron isn’t greater power—but…* Fellowship* Sacrifice* Letting go of controlAnd the same is true for us.Will’s BookWill is the editor and introduction author of The Moral Universe by Fulton J. Sheen (book release upcoming, link will be provided when it is published).Final ReflectionYou don’t have to live as the Eye.You were made to live as a person.Question to Take With YouWhere in your life are you just watching… instead of living?Try Ever AccountableIf you want to try Ever Accountable for yourself, you can start with a 14-day free trial and 20% off using the link or QR code in this episode.To Learn More About Ever Accountable: Episode 46 & Episode 6046. Want to Quit Porn? There’s an App For That - Interview with Tyler Patterson, CEO of Ever AccountableRead full storyAbout Porn Free MillennialPorn Free Millennial exists to help people break free from porn addiction and build a life of integrity, connection, and purpose.Through honest conversations, practical tools, and real stories, the mission is simple…Break free. Stay free. Build something better.Join Mac’s subscriber chatAvailable in the Substack app and on webAdditional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 14 day free trial and 20% off after that 14 day trial expires.* To learn more about the origin story of Ever Accountable, check out my first interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

How Ever Accountable Helps You Break Free From Porn | Tyler Patterson (CEO)In this episode of the Porn Free Millennial Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Patterson, founder and CEO of Ever Accountable, to talk about one of the most powerful tools in recovery from porn addiction:Accountability.We unpack how accountability software works, why secrecy fuels addiction, and how bringing our digital behavior into the light can dramatically reduce temptation.Tyler also walks through how Ever Accountable’s technology works behind the scenes, how it detects questionable content, and why speed and transparency can make a huge difference in someone’s recovery journey.What We DiscussHow accountability software actually worksTyler explains that Ever Accountable does not record videos or full screen recordings of your activity.Instead, the software periodically takes AI-analyzed snapshots of what is on the screen. These snapshots allow the system to detect potentially explicit content without constantly recording or storing video.“It’s not actually recording anything… it’s just using AI to take a snapshot of your screen every second or two.”This approach allows the system to remain effective while also respecting privacy.Why fast intervention mattersA key aspect of Ever Accountable is how quickly the system can respond when something questionable appears.Because the AI detection runs directly on the device, the system can act immediately.If problematic content appears, the software alerts the user and reminds them that their accountability partner will see the activity.That quick interruption often breaks the cycle before it turns into a relapse.If something is detected, the system “takes action fast… and tells you your accountability partner is going to see this.”Why accountability changes the psychology of temptationOne of the most interesting parts of our conversation was how accountability changes the mental equation in moments of temptation.When someone knows their activity will be visible to a trusted partner, it changes the decision entirely.The moment of temptation becomes less about curiosity and more about integrity.Tyler shared that many users report something surprising…The urge often disappears once accountability is in place.When users know someone else will see their activity, “the temptation just melts away.”Real-world use and daily practicalityWe also discussed how important it is for accountability tools to be practical for everyday life.Ever Accountable runs efficiently on mobile devices and doesn’t drain battery or slow down phones.According to Tyler, the system typically uses around 1% of battery life, which makes it realistic for people to run it continuously without disruption.That efficiency allows the software to stay active all day without becoming intrusive.Why Accountability WorksIn my own recovery journey, I’ve learned this simple truth:Secrecy fuels addiction.Accountability breaks it.When our behavior becomes visible to trusted people in our lives, we naturally start making better decisions.Accountability isn’t about shame.It’s about support, honesty, and choosing to live in the light.And tools like Ever Accountable help create the structure that makes that possible.Try Ever AccountableIf you want to try Ever Accountable for yourself, you can start with a 14-day free trial and 20% off using the link or QR code in this episode.To Learn More About Ever Accountable: Episode 46About Porn Free MillennialPorn Free Millennial exists to help people break free from porn addiction and build a life of integrity, connection, and purpose.Through honest conversations, practical tools, and real stories, the mission is simple…Break free. Stay free. Build something better.Additional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 14 day free trial and 20% off after that 30 day trial expires.* To learn more about the origin story of Ever Accountable, check out my first interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 59: The 5 Winning W’s for Breaking Free from PornIn this solo live episode of the Porn Free Millennial Podcast, I break down a practical and powerful framework for overcoming porn addiction: The Five Winning W’s — What, When, Where, Why, and Who.If you’re struggling with porn, stuck in relapse cycles, or looking for a clear recovery strategy, this episode gives you actionable tools you can apply immediately.Drawing from my own recovery journey — including divorce, therapy, and years in accountability groups — I walk through the psychological, environmental, and identity-based shifts necessary to break free for good.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode1️⃣ WHAT – Identify Your Relapse Mechanisms* What devices are your biggest triggers? (Phone, laptop, TV, social media?)* What apps or websites are your “no-go zones”?* Why deleting apps, burning the stash, and installing accountability software matters* How removing access reduces white-knucklingYou can’t defeat what you won’t define.2️⃣ WHEN – Recognize Your High-Risk Windows* Late nights* Sunday evenings (statistically one of the highest usage times)* After stress, boredom, rejection, or emotional pain* Celebratory moments after a winLearn how to pre-load high-risk windows with intentional habits like workouts, journaling, or accountability calls.3️⃣ WHERE – Map Your Physical Danger Zones* Bedroom* Bathroom* Office* Basement* Hotel rooms while travelingPorn thrives in isolation. This episode explains how to create environmental guardrails that protect your integrity.Boundaries aren’t punishments — they’re protection.4️⃣ WHY – Understand the Psychological RootPorn is rarely just about sex.In this episode, I share my personal breakthrough through therapy and EMDR work, discovering that my core trigger was feeling unvalued and unseen.Common deeper drivers:* Loneliness* Shame cycles* Emotional numbing* Rejection wounds* Avoidance of responsibility* Feeling disconnectedYou must identify the real emotional need before you can heal it.5️⃣ WHO – Decide Who You Want to BecomeThis is the identity shift.Who are you when the urge hits?* The exhausted version?* The isolated version?* The avoidant version?And more importantly:Who do you want to be?Freedom isn’t just about quitting porn. It’s about becoming integrated, aligned, and proud of the man you see in the mirror.🧠 Topics Covered* Porn addiction recovery strategy* Accountability software and digital guardrails* Identity-based recovery* Emotional triggers behind relapse* Therapy and EMDR* Divorce, shame, and rebuilding integrity* How isolation fuels addiction* Creating a relapse prevention plan🛠 Resources MentionedMaster Your Week: The 5 W’s of Awareness & RecoveryThis article I wrote is the basis of this podcast. Within it are additional resources and perspectives, check it out for additional information! Click here.Ever AccountableI personally use Ever Accountable on my devices. It monitors activity and sends alerts to your accountability partner if inappropriate content is detected.👉 14-day free trial & 20% off monthly or yearly plansWatch or listen to my discussion with CEO and Founder Tyler Patterson here!(2nd Interview with CEO Tyler Patterson coming soon to discuss software updates and other enhancements they are working on)1 on 1 CoachingPaid Subscribers:* 1:1 Coaching Discount – Get 15% off one-hour coaching sessions to accelerate your progress. If you’re interested, message me directly or email me at [email protected] for a free consultation and pricing details!* One complimentary one-hour coaching session* Access to private audio notes and reflectionsFounding Members:* 1:1 Coaching Discount – Get a lifetime 25% off one-hour coaching sessions to accelerate your progress. If you’re interested, message me directly or email me at [email protected] for a free consultation and pricing details!* Three complimentary one-hour coaching sessions👊 Final EncouragementDon’t wait.The longer you delay accountability, therapy, or community, the deeper the patterns entrench themselves. I waited — and it cost me greatly.Recovery accelerates when wounds have witnesses.You don’t have to do this alone.🎙 Listen If You’re Ready To:* Stop white-knuckling recovery* Break the shame cycle* Build an actual relapse prevention plan* Become the version of yourself you respectIf this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs it.And remember:The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.The second best time is today.— MacPorn Free Millennial This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

The Art of Beholding Beauty in a Culture That Consumes ItGuest: Will Anselm Author of The Pallinode Medieval Art Historian | Oxford Graduate | Researcher of Late Medieval Italian ArtEpisode OverviewWe live in a culture flooded with beauty and yet increasingly unable to admire it.Pornography, social media, and endless visual stimulation have trained us to consume what earlier civilizations learned to behold. In this conversation, I sit down with medieval art historian Will Anselm to explore how art history, theology, and culture once treated beauty as something sacred—and what happens when that reverence is lost.This episode is about how desire is trained, how perception is formed, and why saturation leads not to satisfaction—but numbness and a dark hole where beauty was supposed to live.Central Tension of the EpisodeBeauty elevates when it is revered.Beauty corrodes when it is consumed.This conversation explores how cultures flourish or decay based on how they treat beauty—and why modern society struggles to see clearly anymore.Major Topics & Themes DiscussedBeholding vs. Consuming* The difference between encountering beauty and using it* Why admiration requires distance, restraint, and humility* How consumption exhausts beauty instead of deepening it* Why modern culture confuses access with appreciationWhat Art History Reveals About Civilization* Art as a reflection of a culture’s moral and spiritual health* Why older societies encoded values through form, proportion, and restraint* Art as formation, not entertainment* Why timeless art continues to speak while modern imagery quickly fadesThe Human Body and Meaning in Ancient Art* Why male nudity was common in ancient Greek sculpture* The pursuit of proportion, harmony, and technical mastery* Why women were depicted differently—and what that distinction protected* The human body as something meaningful, not exploitableGuarded Beauty and Cultural Stability* Why earlier cultures restricted exposure to the female body* Modesty as protection rather than repression* The relationship between limits, reverence, and meaning* How boundaries preserved dignity for both men and womenWhen Art Signals Cultural Decline* The shift from classical balance to Hellenistic excess* Emotional saturation and distortion of the human form* Softening, decadence, and confusion reflected in art* How art often reveals decline before culture admits itTechnology, Pornography, and Mass Access* The printing press as the first mass pornography revolution* Why technological advancement outpaces moral formation* Tolkien’s warning about “the machine” and power without virtue* How modern technology accelerates desire without wisdomIs Beauty Subjective—or Has Discernment Been Damaged?* Why “beauty is subjective” is an incomplete answer* The idea of formed vs. malformed perception* How taste and desire are trained over time* Why some things stimulate us but do not elevate usPornography and the Warping of the Gaze* Porn as consumption masquerading as beauty* How porn trains the eye toward use, not reverence* Saturation, escalation, and emotional numbness* Why porn reshapes perception before it reshapes behaviorNature, Art, and the Recovery of Awe* Why nature still restores reverence more easily than screens* Art as imitation (mimesis), not mere self-expression* Silence, slowness, and presence as antidotes to saturation* Learning how to behold againKey Takeaways* Beauty loses power when it becomes ubiquitous* Reverence requires limits, not indulgence* Porn doesn’t just change habits—it retrains perception* Culture declines when beauty becomes consumable* Recovery involves learning how to see againWho This Episode Is For* Men wrestling with porn and visual temptation* Listeners interested in art history, theology, and culture* Anyone feeling numb in a hyper-stimulated world* Christians seeking a deeper framework for beauty and desire* Those longing to recover awe, meaning, and reverenceClosing ReflectionBeauty was never meant to be consumed.It was meant to be encountered—with restraint, humility, and wonder.Where to Find WillWill’s Substack: Will’s X(Twitter) Account: https://x.com/willanselmeWill’s CatholicX Spaces Community (Twitter/X): https://x.com/i/communities/1786052823790051599If this conversation resonated with you, take a moment to engage.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on resilience, recovery, and reclaiming momentum. If you’re listening on Substack, leave a comment and share what stood out or where you feel stuck right now—your voice matters here.If you know someone who’s quietly in a rut, consider sharing this episode with them. Sometimes the most meaningful help is simply letting someone know they’re not alone and that forward motion is possible.Your support through listening, commenting, subscribing, and sharing helps this work reach the people who need it most.Keep fighting the good fight and much love,MacAdditional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 30 day free trial and 20% off after that 30 day trial expires.* To learn more about Ever Accountable, check out my interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Order Within, Freedom WithoutBrandon Ward on Faith, Recovery, and Reordering DesireWhat happens when the pursuit of freedom on the outside only creates chaos on the inside?In this deeply vulnerable conversation, I sit down with Brandon Ward 😎, host of Order Within Podcast, to explore how inner disorder—rooted in insecurity, emotional wounds, and pornography—can quietly shape a man’s life for decades. Brandon shares his journey through anger, shame, addiction, and relentless self-searching, and how true freedom only emerged once his inner life began to take shape through faith, honesty, and disciplined self-examination.From childhood exposure to pornography to living out of his car in San Diego, from self-help obsession to spiritual awakening, Brandon traces the long road toward integration—where faith, desire, and identity finally align. Together, Brandon and I unpack why pornography is uniquely destructive, how it rewires desire and motivation, and why recovery is not just about quitting a habit, but reordering the soul.This episode is reflective, grounded, and hopeful. A conversation about repentance, partnership, masculinity, and why order within is the only path to freedom without chains.Topics Covered* Why “freedom” without inner order leads to chaos* Pornography as a neurological, emotional, and spiritual trap* Childhood wounds, shame, and the search for meaning* How faith reframes recovery and desire* The role of honesty, repentance, and accountability* Marriage, partnership, and healing together* Why modern culture normalizes what quietly destroys usBooks Mentioned in the Episode* The Magic of Thinking Big – David J. Schwartz* Mindset – Carol Dweck* The Drama of the Gifted Child – Alice Miller* Inner Bonding – Dr. Margaret Paul* No More Mr. Nice Guy – Dr. Robert Glover* Cupid’s Poisoned Arrow – Marnia Robinson* Your Brain on Porn – Gary WilsonWhere to Find BrandonBrandon’s Substack: https://substack.com/@brandonleewardBrandon’s Podcast: If this conversation resonated with you, take a moment to engage.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on resilience, recovery, and reclaiming momentum. If you’re listening on Substack, leave a comment and share what stood out or where you feel stuck right now—your voice matters here.If you know someone who’s quietly in a rut, consider sharing this episode with them. Sometimes the most meaningful help is simply letting someone know they’re not alone and that forward motion is possible.Your support through listening, commenting, subscribing, and sharing helps this work reach the people who need it most.Keep fighting the good fight and much love,MacAdditional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 30 day free trial and 20% off after that 30 day trial expires.* To learn more about Ever Accountable, check out my interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Episode NotesFinding Resilience in the RutHow to Regain Traction When Life Feels StuckHost: Mac Dohm Guest: Kyle Shepard About Our GuestKyle Shepard is a U.S. Navy Stress Management and Resilience Instructor with over a decade of experience teaching mental performance, stress adaptation, and recovery under pressure. He also holds a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology, where his work focuses on hearing conservation, balance disorders, tinnitus, and the neurological overlap between stress and physical health.Kyle is the author of the Resilient Mental State on Substack, where he explores practical resilience through philosophy, fitness, discipline, and grounded self-leadership. His work draws from military training, family life, and lived experience, with a strong emphasis on habits, perspective, and action.To watch or listen to our previous podcast together, check out 45. How to Build & Maintain a Resilient Identity with Military Resilience and Fitness Instructor - Kyle Shepard.Episode OverviewThis conversation explores the experience of being stuck in life—not in crisis, but not moving forward either. Kyle and I unpack what a rut really is, why it becomes dangerous when left unaddressed, and how resilience is built through perspective, disciplined habits, and meaningful action.Rather than offering motivational platitudes, this episode focuses on practical frameworks for regaining traction when life feels stalled, disoriented, or quietly off course.Key Concepts and TakeawaysWhat a Rut Really IsKyle defines a rut as a prolonged, unproductive attitude. Not failure. Not weakness. But a sustained misalignment between how you are living and who you know you are meant to be.Ruts can last a day, a season, or years if they go unexamined.Ruts as Feedback, Not FailureA rut is often a signal rather than a verdict. It points to neglected habits, unresolved stress, disrupted identity, or avoidance patterns that quietly compound over time.When left unaddressed, ruts increase the likelihood of relapse—whether that relapse shows up as addiction, emotional outbursts, disengagement, or numbing behaviors.Perspective Matters, But Action Is RequiredReframing your mindset is important, but it only goes so far. As discussed in the episode, you cannot think your way out of a rut.A quote referenced from James Clear captures this well:“Don’t ruminate. Activate.”Reflection without movement turns into stagnation.The Four Buckets of HealthKyle frames resilience through four interconnected domains: * Physical* Mental* Social* SpiritualWhen even one of these is neglected long enough, imbalance begins to form.Ruts often reveal which bucket has been quietly ignored.Delayed Gratification vs. Delayed HumiliationThe conversation highlights a powerful distinction between two paths.Delayed gratification involves discomfort now with long-term payoff: * Training* Honesty* Discipline* EffortDelayed humiliation offers comfort now with consequences later:* Avoidance* Numbing* Addiction* RationalizationRuts tend to deepen when the second path becomes habitual.Why Environment Alone Won’t Fix the ProblemChanging locations or circumstances rarely solves internal patterns.As Kyle puts it, wherever you go, you bring yourself with you.Lasting change requires altering habits, responses, and standards—not just scenery.The Non-Negotiables When You’re StuckWhen life feels stalled, the fundamentals matter most. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and connection are not optional. They are stabilizers.Without them, even the best intentions collapse under stress.Small Action Beats Big IntentionYou do not need a perfect plan to regain traction.You need movement. One workout. One walk. One honest conversation. One disciplined decision.Momentum follows action, not the other way around.Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is for anyone who feels functional but unfulfilled, for people navigating recovery or identity shifts, and for those who sense that something is off even if life looks fine from the outside.Core MessageResilience is not about powering through life.It is built through honest self-assessment, aligned habits, repeated small actions, and the courage to face discomfort rather than escape it.Ruts do not end by accident.They end through awareness and activation, not avoidance.If this conversation resonated with you, take a moment to engage.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations on resilience, recovery, and reclaiming momentum. If you’re listening on Substack, leave a comment and share what stood out or where you feel stuck right now—your voice matters here.If you know someone who’s quietly in a rut, consider sharing this episode with them. Sometimes the most meaningful help is simply letting someone know they’re not alone and that forward motion is possible.Your support through listening, commenting, subscribing, and sharing helps this work reach the people who need it most.Keep fighting the good fight and much love, MacAdditional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 30 day free trial and 20% off after that 30 day trial expires.* To learn more about Ever Accountable, check out my interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I’m joined once again by counselor Jeanie Hosken author of the Restoration Center Encouragement Substack and owner of Restoration Center counseling for a deeply honest and practical conversation about why apologizing is so hard and what a real apology actually requires.Building on our previous discussion about emotional intelligence (Episode 54), this episode explores how unresolved shame, defensiveness, pride, and a lack of modeling in our upbringing often sabotage our attempts at repair - especially in relationships impacted by porn use, secrecy, and broken trust.I reflect candidly on my own past marriage, the pain caused by dishonesty around porn, and how saying “sorry” without understanding what you’re apologizing for can do more harm than good. Together, Jeanie and I break down the anatomy of a genuine apology, one that leads to healing rather than further disconnection.In this episode, you’ll hear:* Why most of us were never taught how to apologize well—and how that shows up in adult relationships* How unprocessed emotions shut down our ability to repair and take responsibility* The difference between intention and impact—and why impact always matters more* Why defensiveness, minimization, and “I’m sorry you feel that way” aren’t real apologies* The importance of emotional regulation before attempting repair* How porn addiction warps accountability, honesty, and empathy* Why listening without defending yourself is essential to rebuilding trust* How faith, repentance, and humility can break the cycle of deception and shame* Practical language for owning your actions without excuses* Why a rushed apology often serves the offender more than the person who was hurtKey takeaway:A real apology is a process - not just saying sorry.It requires ownership, emotional awareness, listening without defense, and the humility to sit with the pain you caused without trying to escape it.This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating recovery, rebuilding trust, or learning how to repair relationships with integrity.Resources & Links🔗 Jeanie Hoskin – Counseling & Substack👉 Jeanie’s Restoration Center Encouragement Substack👉 Jeanie & Jeff’s counseling services🔗 Previous Conversation with Jeannie👉 Episode 43. From the Shadows to the Light – My Journey Out of Porn Prison👉 Episode 44. Healing Porn Addiction Through Emotional Intimacy, Connection, and Comfort (with Counselor Jeanie Hosken)👉 Episode 55: How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in a Porn-Saturated CultureAdditional ResourcesFor more Porn Free Millennial Subscribe to:* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube ChannelAccountability Software PFM DiscountIf you have been stuck and are tired of that horrible feeling, it’s time to test out accountability software on your devices. Software can provide that needed defense and friction to build up your confidence and discipline. I call it “rocket” fuel” for accountability!* Personally, I use Ever Accountable. Try this link for a limited 30 day free trial and 20% off after that 30 day trial expires.* To learn more about Ever Accountable, check out my interview with its CEO, Tyler Patterson.Personal Coaching: A Path to FreedomPersonal Coaching: A Path to FreedomIf you’re tired of repeating the same cycle and ready to build something solid, I offer 1:1 coaching focused on accountability, clarity, and sustainable freedom.Message me “Break Free” for a free 30-minute consult.For YouTube, Apple, Spotify - Email “Break Free” and what you are seeking help with to [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

A quick reflection on encouragement and ending the year strong. Much Love, Mac This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this end-of-year conversation, we are honored to have returning guest and counselor Jeanie Hosken creator of the Restoration Center Encouragement Substack for a deep dive into emotional intelligence in a porn-saturated culture - what emotional intelligence is, how porn quietly stunts it, and how it can be rebuilt through awareness, honesty, and connection.Together, we explore why many men struggle to name what they’re feeling, how early exposure to porn trains emotional avoidance rather than emotional awareness, and why intimacy requires far more than physical closeness. Jeanie explains emotional intelligence as the ability to recognize, name, and respond to emotions - both in ourselves and in others - rather than reacting, numbing, or shutting down.This episode covers:* What emotional intelligence actually is (and why most of us were never taught it)* How porn becomes a shortcut for avoiding loneliness, fear, shame, and pain* Why “I’m fine” is often a sign of emotional disconnection* The role of naming emotions as the first step toward healing* How porn creates false comfort while eroding real intimacy* Why defensiveness kills connection and what emotional safety looks like instead* Practical ways to start rebuilding emotional intelligence through daily practice* How learning to respond (not react) transforms relationships and recoveryThis conversation is especially relevant for anyone working to break free from porn, strengthen relationships, or learn how to feel again after years of emotional numbing.Resources & Links🔗 Jeanie Hoskin – Counseling & Substack👉 Jeanie’s Restoration Center Encouragement Substack👉 Jeanie & Jeff’s counseling services🔗 Previous Conversation with Jeannie👉 Episode 44: Healing Porn Addiction Through Emotional Intimacy, Connection, and Comfort (with Counselor Jeanie Hosken)🔗 Emotional Awareness Tools👉 Developing Emotional Intelligence Document (Includes Feeling Wheel)🔗 Porn Free Millennial Resources👉 Porn Free Millennial Substack👉 Podcast Archive👉 Ever Accountable Software - Free 30-Days & 20% A Year Subscription This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

A quick video on this day of Thanksgiving. Much love! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I open with a poem I wrote (The Brushpopper) about a wayward steer trapped in a thorny ravine - a picture of how so many of us get stuck in the thickets of porn, shame, and isolation.In every herd, there’s always one who wanders, and I was that steer for a long time.Today, I’m joined by two men who have become true brothers to me - Jim Hastings and Eric Guevin. We met in Reno for what we jokingly called “Uncle Vern’s Porn Camp,” but what ultimately became something so much deeper, The Brushpopper Retreat.These guys took me in as family, threw mousetraps at each other in a old school minivan, walked me through the hills, mines, and history of Nevada - and most importantly, they showed me what real brotherhood looks like.This episode is raw, funny, honest, and deeply spiritual - a full journey through connection, recovery, and the brushpopper metaphor that now shapes my own walk.What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe Reno Retreat StoryI tell the story of meeting these guys at the airport, getting thrown into a white minivan, and driving all over Nevada looking for lead weights for our final night’s activity. We toured Genoa, Virginia City, the outskirts of the Bonanza set, old mine shafts, and wild Mustang territory. It was hilarious, chaotic, meaningful, and exactly what my soul needed.The Brushpopper MetaphorEric shares how this old cowboy job, riding into thorn-filled ravines to rope out wayward cattle, became a picture of rescuing brothers stuck in porn and shame - and how this theme shaped our entire July retreat.Why Fun Matters in RecoveryJim said something I’ve thought about ever since:“Fun is the oven joy cooks in.”We tend to think recovery has to be grim and serious. But joy, laughter, and shared adventure played a huge part in the connection that formed between us.Porn as Fool’s GoldWe break down how porn looks attractive on the surface, but robs men of real gold:* Our integrity* Our relationships* Our purpose* Our walk with God* And our connection to real communityThe Napkin of TruthJim’s tool - a set of Level 1, 2, and 3 questions - is one of the most powerful relational tools I’ve encountered.I answer some of the questions live during the episode, including:* What tattoo I’d get* My “cell phone battery level”* And what I believe God feels when He thinks about meConnection as the Opposite of AddictionWe talk about the Harvard Happiness Study, Gabor Maté, why disconnection fuels porn addiction, and why genuine brotherhood heals it.Men don’t break free in isolation.We break free in a herd.The Refiner’s Fire CeremonyOn our final night at the retreat, each of us dropped a dirty lead wheel weight into a melting pot over a fire. As the impurities rose, we talked about our own pain, trauma, and history.Then we poured the purified metal into a bullet mold - a new shape, a new strength.That moment changed me.It symbolized the very thing God did in my divorce, my relapse, and my own recovery.For more about this ceremony and the retreat, check out my article - The Reforging of Impurity.A Message for Wives, Girlfriends, and Loved OnesWe address how recovery and brotherhood don’t threaten your marriage, they strengthen it.Healing doesn’t pull you away from your spouse, girlfriend, or partner.It makes you more honest, present, and whole for them.Resources Mentioned* The Napkin of Truth - Created by Jim Hastings* Vern Tompke - Finding Traction & Pastors on Porn Podcasts* Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong | Johann Hari | TED* FASTT Check-Ins Article (Feeling Wheel Illustration Included) & Podcast* Brushpopper Retreat Interest - If this episode stirs something in you, reach out at [email protected]. We’re building this slowly, intentionally, relationally.Final EncouragementWherever you are - stuck in the thicket, climbing out, or saddle-ready - you’re not alone.This podcast, these brothers, and this mission exist so nobody has to fight in the dark.Saddle up.Stay in the herd.And keep fighting the good fight.For more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube Channel* XAccountability Software: Try 30 days Free and then 20% Off Ever Accountable - The accountability software that I personally use!1:1 Coaching: Email me at [email protected] to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In 1960, Alfred Hitchcock didn’t just make audiences scream, he made them look in the mirror.Psycho shattered cinema and stripped horror down to its rawest human fear: the danger within.In this 2nd Annual Halloween Special, Dr. Gregory Borse returns to dissect the chilling genius of Psycho and its eerie reflection in today’s porn-saturated age. Together, we explore how Hitchcock foresaw the rise of voyeur culture, the fracture of self, and the quiet death of empathy that defines our disconnected digital world.What if Psycho wasn’t simply about Norman Bates… but about us?About the watchers. About the black mirror we can’t look away from.From the psychology of shame and control to the moral fracture of the modern mind, this episode pulls back the curtain on what Hitchcock truly saw coming - long before any of us ever pressed “play.”“Hitchcock saw deeper than fear.He knew the real danger wasn’t the knife in the hand…but the fracture in the mind.”How to find Dr. Borse:* X* YouTube* Substack* Latest Lecture: The Necessity of the Arts & Humanities for CivilizationFor more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube Channel* XAccountability Software: Try 30 days Free and then 20% Off Ever Accountable - The accountability software that I personally use!1:1 Coaching: Email me at [email protected] to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.Porn Free Millennial is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Porn Free Millennial ! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Hey everybody, it’s been a minute. I’m back on the mic after some time on the road and some time in the fire. This episode is raw. No script. Just me talking about what really happened these past few months - relapse, the recovery, and the renewal that’s followed.I open up about how I slipped after almost two years of sobriety, what led up to it, and how I’ve been finding my way back through faith, accountability, and honesty.This episode is focused on what it means to stand back up, instead of laying down in shame.I talk about the tools and truths that have kept me grounded:* Daily FASTT check-ins with my little brother - Episode 13* Accountability software like Ever Accountable and Accountable2You* For 20% Ever Accountable for 1 year* Simple things like locking up my Phone and IPad at night* And ultimately, returning to Christ, the true source of renewalIf you’ve relapsed, if you’ve drifted, if you’ve felt like you’ve failed…this one’s for you. There’s purpose in the fall. There’s renewal in the return.For more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Youtube Channel* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* XAccountability Software: Get 20% OFF your first year with Ever Accountable.1:1 Coaching: Email me at [email protected] to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

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In this special 50th episode of the Porn Free Millennial Podcast, I sit down with the man who helped me take my first real step toward recovery back in 2018 and who inspired me to launch the PFM Podcast and Publication - Matt Dobschuetz. He’s the host of the long-running podcast Porn Free Radio, the author of Porn Free: Becoming the Type of Man Who Does Not Look at Porn, and the founder of RecoveredMan.com, where he coaches men to lasting freedom.When I hit rock bottom, Matt’s voice reached me at a time when I didn’t know if change was possible. His message was raw, honest, and full of hope - and it helped lay the foundation for the freedom I walk in today.In this episode, we:* Reflect on the man ahead of you and why we all need someone who's walked the road before us* Share our personal recovery philosophies, focusing on getting to the root of our relationship with porn* Talk about living in the real world without hiding from it - building a new identity instead of avoiding everything* Dive into the origin of Porn Free Radio and Matt’s coaching work with men all over the world* Laugh hard, tell honest stories, and celebrate the messy beauty of real transformation* Offer encouragement and guidance for the man listening today who might be taking his first stepWhether you're years into recovery or still wondering if freedom is possible, this conversation is a reminder that you're not alone - someone has already walked ahead and is reaching back to help.For more Matt Dobschuetz:* Porn Free by Matt Dobschuetz * Porn Free Radio Podcast* CoachingFor more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Youtube Channel* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* XAccountability Software: Get 20% OFF your first year with Ever Accountable.1:1 Coaching: Email me at [email protected] to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this haunting and deeply philosophical episode, Dr. Gregory Borse returns to unpack the ancient, biblical, and psychological significance of dreams. From recurring lucid dreams that began in college to a real-life connection with Pope John Paul II, Dr. Borse explores how dreams shape interweave with conscious life to shape identity, offer warning, and reveal truth.Mac also shares his most meaningful dreams - including 3 recent confrontations with a childhood darkness and a prophetic dream the night before his grandmother’s death. Together, we explore how modern life, especially mankind’s phone addiction, is clouding our ability to receive and discern these sacred messages.Whether you’ve had recurring dreams, unsettling nightmares, or you’ve wondered if your dreams mean something - this conversation will open your eyes to the spiritual battlefield behind your sleep.How to find Dr. Borse:* X* YouTube* Substack* Latest Lecture: The Necessity of the Arts & Humanities for CivilizationFor more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube Channel* X This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Is porn addiction a form of possession? In this gripping fifth interview, Dr. Gregory Borse professor of English, Philosophy, and Film - joins host Mac for a deep dive into The Exorcist, addiction, and the hidden spiritual battle many men are losing without even realizing it. From jump scares to soul scars, this episode explores how The Exorcist reveals the nature of evil: both direct and insidious. Together, Mac and Dr. Borse unpack how porn subtly enslaves, how shame isolates, and how hope, habit, and spiritual resilience are the keys to lasting freedom. We explore:* What The Exorcist gets right about evil, possession, and faith * How addiction mirrors demonic seduction * Why porn is a quiet spiritual assault on identity and intimacy * The power of daily decisions to shape your soul * How to build habits of hope and reclaim your agency This is not just film analysis - it’s a battle cry for freedom. Watch, listen, and share if you're ready to break free! How to find Dr. Borse:* X* YouTube* Substack* Latest Lecture: The Necessity of the Arts & Humanities for CivilizationFor more Porn Free Millennial:* Porn Free Millennial Subtack* Mac’s Musings Substack* Apple Podcast* Spotify Podcast* Youtube Channel* X This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Spring is here and the temptations are out. In today’s episode, we dive into the real struggle many men face as the layers come off and old patterns try to creep back in. From unexpected triggers in a Walmart parking lot to hard truths about the line between admiration and objectification, I’m sharing a raw and honest reflection on how to stay grounded in a season full of distractions.We explore:* The difference between admiring beauty and objectifying others* A 3-step mindset shift: Humanize, Empathize, Prioritize* Why objectification isn’t just a porn problem—it’s a perspective problem* How to walk in integrity even when everything around you is heating upWhether you're working on sobriety, fighting old habits, or simply want to be a man of honor—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen in, and stay free this summer.👉 If this resonates, leave a comment, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more truth-filled conversations on real freedom.Thanks for reading Porn Free Millennial ! This post is public so feel free to share it.For more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelXNeed accountability?📱 Try Ever Accountable FREE for 14 days + get 20% OFF your first year with this link or by scanning this QR Code.Need a coach?Reach out to me to set up a free consultation!Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.Ready to take the first step?Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation hereFor more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelX This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode of the Porn Free Millennial podcast, I sit down with Tyler Patterson, the founder and CEO of Ever Accountable, one of the most trusted accountability software tools for porn recovery. We dive into the origin story of the app, how it's evolved over the years, and why it works - especially when willpower and white-knuckling just aren’t enough.We break down how Ever Accountable uses real-time AI detection, screen scanning, and accountability reports to create life-changing behavior shifts. Tyler also introduces Ascend, a 30-day recovery course designed to help users not just avoid porn - but replace it with a meaningful, purpose-driven life.If you're ready to live with integrity and reclaim your attention, this episode is for you.📱 Try Ever Accountable FREE for 14 days with this link and get 20% OFF your first year with this link or by scanning this QR Code.🔗 Resources Mentioned:* Ever Accountable Website* Ascend 30-Day Recovery Course* Ever Accountable Blog* PFM Article – "5 Reasons the Porn Industry Is a Predator"* Laila Mickelwait’s Book: Takedown🧠 Key Takeaways:* The origin of Ever Accountable: built from a need to be honest with Tyler’s wife, not blocked by flawed filters.* Why filters fail and accountability succeeds.* The role of AI in detecting porn across websites, social media, and even in-app content.* The difference between white-knuckling and true recovery.* How accountability creates space for honesty, integrity, and growth.* Tyler’s philosophy: “The easiest amount of porn to watch is zero.”The power of Ascend, Ever Accountable’s 30-day program to help users build a vision and a better life.🎯 Final Word from Tyler:“Every effort you put into quitting pornography will pay itself back a thousand times over. It’s always going to be a challenge, but it can be a beautiful one.”💬 Join the Conversation:What part of Tyler’s story or strategy hit home the most for you?Drop a comment below and let us know - we’d love to hear what resonated with you.If this episode gave you clarity, encouragement, or a new tool in your fight for freedom, please like, share, and send it to someone who needs it. You never know how far one honest conversation can go.ev This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kyle Shepard who is a military resilience instructor, author of Resilient Mental State, fitness coach, and father → to dive deep into what it really means to build and sustain a resilient identity. Kyle shares lessons from 12+ years of serving in the U.S. Navy, training service members to overcome extreme stress, and his personal journey of overcoming hardship, loss, and emotional setbacks.We explore:* The difference between building resilience and sustaining it through life’s highs and lows* How past adversity, strong support systems, and intentional strategies forge true resilience* Why asking for help is a powerful sign of strength, not weakness* How unmanaged stress becomes a silent liability in modern life and what you can do about it* The danger of confusing coping mechanisms with true recovery* How ancient wisdom from Viktor Frankl, stoic philosophy, and modern psychology all point toward one truth: resilience can be trainedThis is a must-listen if you're looking to strengthen your identity, overcome setbacks, and thrive no matter what challenges you face. 🌱Where to Find Kyle:👉 Kyle’s Substack:👉 Follow Kyle for daily reflections and resilience tools.🔗 Stay Connected:* Subscribe to Porn-Free Millennial on Substack: * Subscribe to Porn-Free Millennial on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PornFreeMillennial* Listen on Apple Podcasts: * Listen on Spotify: * Follow me on X/Twitter: https://x.com/PFreeMillennial This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this powerful conversation, I welcome Jeanie Hosken → licensed counselor, founder of the Restoration Center, and author of Restoration Center Encouragement on Substack → to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast. Jeanie brings over 40 years of experience in nutrition counseling, emotional healing, and Christian spiritual restoration.We dive deep into:* The unseen emotional and spiritual roots of porn addiction* How disconnection, loneliness, and emotional wounds drive unhealthy coping mechanisms* The crucial role of intimacy, connection, and comfort in true recovery* Betrayal trauma, forgiveness, and healing in relationships affected by porn* How faith and emotional literacy accelerate personal growth and lasting changeJeanie shares her personal marriage journey and offers life-changing insights for anyone seeking freedom, renewal, and restored intimacy.👉 Whether you're healing from porn addiction yourself or rebuilding trust in your relationship, this episode offers practical tools, heartfelt wisdom, and real hope.🔔 Subscribe to stay connected as we continue breaking free together.🎙️ More About My Guest: Jeanie HoskenJeanie Hosken is a seasoned counselor and the founder of Restoration Center. With nearly 40 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and personal trainer, and 30 years as a counselor, Jeanie offers an integrated approach to healing that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. She holds a Master’s in Divinity from the Global Awakening Theological Seminary and is passionate about helping individuals live abundant lives physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Jeanie's own life experiences including moving 15 times, facing unemployment, and living in an Airstream travel trailer have equipped her to relate deeply to her clients' struggles. Learn more about her work at restorationcenter.lifeand her writings atrestorationcenter.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sat down with counselor Jeanie Hosken to share the story I once swore I'd never tell.“I was first exposed to porn when I was 10 years old… and I knew right away this wasn’t what I should be doing. I felt a lot of shame doing it.”What started as curiosity quickly became a secret life. For years, I didn’t think it was affecting me, until it destroyed my marriage. I lied. I gaslit. I broke the heart of someone I loved. And even though I was a believer, I kept it all in the dark.“I just gave it all up to God and said, ‘Please save me.’”From calling the hotline in the depths of my breakdown, to journaling through tears in the Colorado mountains, to shooting my first elk beside my Dad… this is the journey of how I went from porn prison to purpose.We unpack:* How early exposure and silence planted seeds of addiction* The deep tie between porn, pain, and generational wounds* My relapse after nearly two years of sobriety and why keeping it a secret destroyed more than the act itself* Why white-knuckling doesn’t work, but grace does* What changed when I started asking not “how do I stop?” but “who do I want to become?”“I never really had a strategy until I was about 30, which is wild to think about.”We talk EMDR, accountability software, my daily FASTT check-ins with my little brother, and what it means to rebuild your identity in Christ after you’ve burned your old one to the ground.“I call it porn prison, just this brutal cycle of pain and shame. But the truth is, the door was never locked. I just didn’t know how to walk out.”This isn’t just a story of sobriety. It’s a story of redemption. Of faith. Of legacy. Of getting up from the ashes with something worth building.If you’re struggling, or you know someone who is, I hope this episode makes space for honesty, healing, and hope.“You’re not unlovable. You’re not beyond saving. And your story’s not over.”🎙️ About My Guest: Jeanie HoskenJeanie Hosken is a seasoned counselor and the founder of Restoration Center. With nearly 40 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and personal trainer, and 30 years as a counselor, Jeanie offers an integrated approach to healing that addresses the body, mind, and spirit. She holds a Master’s in Divinity from the Global Awakening Theological Seminary and is passionate about helping individuals live abundant lives physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Jeanie's own life experiences including moving 15 times, facing unemployment, and living in an Airstream travel trailer have equipped her to relate deeply to her clients' struggles. Learn more about her work at restorationcenter.life and her writings at restorationcenter.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Addiction doesn’t always look the way we expect. Whether it’s food, porn, alcohol, or endless scrolling, many compulsive behaviors share the similar underlying patterns and the similar hope for healing.In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Ebl 🇨🇦, a recovered food addict, ex-binge eater, and certified Primal Health Coach. Tim’s been to the bottom and back and now helps others find a clear, compassionate, no-BS path toward a radically healthy and happy life through his Substack publication, Time2Thrive.Addiction doesn’t always look the way we expect. Whether it’s food, porn, alcohol, or endless scrolling, many compulsive behaviors share similar underlying patterns → and the same hope for healing.In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Ebl 🇨🇦, a recovered food addict, ex-binge eater, and certified Primal Health Coach. Tim’s been to the bottom and back, and now helps others find a clear, compassionate, no-BS path toward a radically healthy and happy life through his Substack publication, Time2Thrive. In this conversation, you’ll get to hear Tim’s powerful, transformative story and unpack the shared cycles of addiction alongside us:→ How habits form→ Why we get stuck→ What it really takes to break freeWe also dive into the cultural relationship we have with food → how social norms, marketing, and even childhood experiences can shape unconscious behaviors. Developing that cultural and self-awareness is often the first breakthrough moment in any healing journey.And yes, we get into it → seed oils, high fructose corn syrup, and diet pop (or soda... depending on your zip code…we’re not here to judge, but we might poke a little fun 😄).You’ll see just how much overlap there is between food addiction and porn addiction as well as other addictions → and why the strategies for building self awareness and embracing healing habits are more connected than you might think.Whether you’re struggling with your relationship to food, sex, or screens → or just ready to make a shift toward a lifestyle that thrives → this one’s for you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, I speak with Christopher Lind author/host of the Future-Focused Substack and Podcast.In our discussion, we dive deep into:* The rise of AI-powered porn & its impact on the mind* What the future holds 5 to 10 years from now* How to reclaim your code and break free from this digital addiction* Essential advice for parents navigating this new landscapeThis is a raw, insightful, and solution-focused conversation you won’t want to miss.For more content from Christopher besides his Substack and Podcast:Christopher’s websiteChristopher’s YouTubeAdditional Content and Resources:Chris on the Sean McDowell Show Diving Deep into AIMy article about the predatory nature of the Porn Industry1:1 Momentum CoachingAre you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.Ready to take the first step?Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation hereFor more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelX This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Hey team, I had the honor yesterday to talk with Philip Hofmacher about my Substack journey.About PhilipDigital Entrepreneur & Community Builder. Helping Creators Escape the Content Hamster Wheel. More Growth, Smarter Monetization, Real Freedom. They Call Me Mr. Substack Livestream 🎙️I’ve gotten to know Philip through his Write • Build • Scale publication and Substack System community that I joined last month.Definitely check out Philip and his publication/community if you are interested in growing your audience and sharpening your voice on this platform. He’s been nothing but a stand-up guy who genuinely loves to see people grow and succeed. I have found incredible value since I joined his program and community!In our conversation , I discuss my origin story on Substack that actually began in September 2021 (did not start writing until May 2023) and why waiting/procrastinating on my passion project lead to unforeseen whirlwind of two years. Long story short, the worst-case scenario happened because I hesitated and I ended up nearly losing everything.If you are still in the process of building your audience and finding your voice, I hope sharing my Substack journey will be helpful in providing motivation and inspiration! Much Love,Mac This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s episode, I reflect on the importance on our moments and how moments can be missed when we remove ourselves from the present when engaging in destructive habits like porn addiction. In this discussion, I share 3 different stories that were the theme of my Monday Break Free Newsletter and I expand on their meaning and importance. My goal is for you to walk away from this episode with a different perspective on the value of being in the moment and how experiencing the moment with a clear mind can allow that memory to age well instead of rotting in the decay of a missed opportunity or tainted experience. As you head into the the day or end your day, think about how you can make the best of your moments!Also…don't forget to like, subscribe, share, and leave your thoughts in the comments!Writings Mentioned:* Our Moments Matter - #19th edition of the Break Free Newsletter* The Pre-Game* The NightCap* Shoot to Make It1:1 Momentum CoachingAre you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.Ready to take the first step?Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation hereFor more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelX This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to "Calling Your Bluff" - an honest, no-holds-barred exploration into the 10 biggest lies that keep you chained to porn. In this podcast episode, I break down the myths that normalize porn addiction and reveal the hidden truths behind each deception. Discover how the illusion of harmless entertainment, the false promise of control, and other common lies are affecting your life, relationships, and self-worth.Join me as we:* Debunk each of the 10 lies that keep you hooked* Share insights from personal experience* Offer practical tips to reclaim your freedom and build healthier habitsIf you're ready to challenge what you've been told and step into a life of clarity and control, hit play now. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts in the comments. It's time to call your bluff and take back your power.Educational Articles* How to Stop Watching PornYou can stop watching porn with actionable steps and strategies that will help you overcome porn addiction, improve mental health, and cultivate healthier relationships. If you’re ready to stop watching porn, we give you 11 steps to reclaim control of your life.* Silent Educator: The Impact of Porn on Young MindsRecognizing the potential impact of explicit content on kids and teens.* What to know about problematic pornography use (PPU)Problematic pornography use (PPU) is a type of compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). It can affect a person’s mental health and sexual relationships. It can also lead to sexual violence.* Prevalence of Problematic Pornography Use and Attitude Toward Pornography Among the Undergraduate Medical StudentsJournal of Psychosexual Health, 2021 — This study examined porn use among 1,050 undergraduate medical students to assess the prevalence and attitudes toward porn. It’s a revealing look at the widespread impact of porn addiction and shifting attitudes around it.* How Porn Can Negatively Impact Love and Intimacy“Countless studies consistently show that porn consumers tend to struggle in their relationships. From poorer relationship quality to an increased likelihood of cheating, research suggests that porn plays a major role in fueling unhealthy relationship dynamics.”* How Porn Can Change the Brain“Because of neuroplasticity, our brains constantly change in healthy ways that help us learn and complete tasks more efficiently. Yet, supernormal stimuli such as porn can trigger measurable changes that can influence our lives in unhealthy ways.”For more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelXFor 1:1 Coaching: Email [email protected] to schedule a free 30 minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Valentine’s Day is meant to be a celebration of love, intimacy, and connection, but for many, it’s just another reminder of the distance porn creates in their relationships. This year, I’m challenging you to make it different. What if, instead of escaping into artificial fantasy, you embraced the real moments in front of you? Whether you're in a relationship or single, this episode is about reclaiming love, without the chains of porn.I’ll reflect on why past Valentine’s Days felt tainted and sad looking back, and how this one is different now that I’m living free from porn.I’ll also share a moving story from two years ago about something that changed my life on Valentine’s Day. More importantly, I’ll challenge you to make this year different by breaking free from the habits that steal real love and connection.Are you ready to choose real love over empty habits? Let’s make this a Valentine’s Day worth remembering.For more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelXFor 1:1 Coaching: Email [email protected] to schedule a free 30 minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

What does addiction really cost you? It's not just financial cost but it's a debt you can't always see, until it's too late. In this episode, I share my personal journey of how years of ignoring the problem of porn addiction spiraled into a life-altering debt of spiritual, physical, and mental chains. The price of denial? Far higher than I ever imagined.In this episode, we’re diving deep into the hidden costs of porn addiction. I walk you through my own story of a 20-year struggle and the devastating impact it had on my life. We’ll explore the areas of life that addiction steals from you → spiritually, physically, relationally, and even in your passions. I’ll also guide you through a self-assessment exercise to help you recognize your own debts of addiction and offer practical first steps for starting your recovery journey.Tune in if you're ready to face the truth, break free, and start living a life without the weight of hidden debts.For more content:Porn Free MillennialMac’s MusingsApple PodcastSpotify PodcastYoutube ChannelXBecome a Paid Subscriber:Unlock exclusive benefits and take your journey to the next level by becoming a paid subscriber!As a Paid Monthly or Yearly Subscriber, you'll receive:* 15% Discount on all 1:1 Momentum Building Coaching Sessions.* Access to my weekly "52 Weeks of Freedom" series, posted every Friday, designed to inspire and guide you on your path to freedom.* A monthly recap of the "52 Weeks of Freedom" series, highlighting key takeaways and insights.* Full access to all of my posts since day one, ensuring you never miss out on valuable content.* Direct access to me through chat, where you can ask questions, share thoughts, and get personalized insights.Founding Members Enjoy Even More:* 20% Discount on all 1:1 Momentum Building Coaching Sessions.* A special recognition as one of the early supporters of this mission, helping to shape the future of this community.Your support as a paid subscriber not only enhances your personal journey but also helps sustain and grow this platform, allowing me to continue creating impactful content and providing valuable resources. Thank you for being an essential part of this thriving community!Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.What You Can Expect from Coaching with Me:* Personalized Guidance: Every individual’s journey is unique. I tailor each session to your specific needs, challenges, and goals, ensuring that you receive support that resonates with your personal experiences.* Momentum Building: The road to recovery begins with small, consistent steps. I’ll help you identify actionable strategies to build momentum, stay on track, and create sustainable change in your life.* Safe and Supportive Environment: I understand the courage it takes to confront these challenges. My coaching sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your struggles and progress.* Accountability and Encouragement: Recovery is a journey, and it’s easier with someone by your side. I’ll be here to hold you accountable, celebrate your victories, and help you navigate any setbacks with resilience.Who Can Benefit?* Anyone ready to break free from the grip of porn addiction.* Individuals seeking to rebuild their self-esteem and relationships.* Those who want to understand the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier habits.Session Details:* Duration: 1-hour sessions* Format: Remote (via Zoom)* Frequency: Tailored to your needs, whether it’s a one-time session or ongoing support.Exclusive Discounts for Subscribers:* Paid Substack Monthly & Yearly Members: 15% discount on coaching sessions* Founding Substack Members: 20% discountHow to Get Started:Ready to take the first step? Contact me at [email protected] to schedule your initial free 30 minute session or to learn more about how I can help you on your journey to freedom.To purchase 1:1 SessionsIf my journey and content resonate with you, consider supporting my work through a donation.Your contributions help me continue creating valuable resources, podcasts, and articles that inspire others to break free from addiction and live with purpose.Every donation fuels the mission to empower individuals on their path to freedom.Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with Reverend Robert Irvine - a UK-based clergyman, Chartered Electrical Engineer with over 40 years of experience, and author of Devotions on the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Together, we discuss the power of finding your calling, pursuing your purpose, and overcoming life’s challenges. Robert shares his personal journey of discovering his calling, the obstacles he faced along the way, and why having a clear sense of purpose is vital, especially for those who feel lost or uncertain. We also explore his experiences helping people break free from pornography and how the church can play a role in recovery. Whether you’re searching for your purpose, struggling to overcome addiction, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and stories to help you take the first steps toward a more fulfilling life. Resources from Robert Irvine: 📖 Robert’s Book: Devotions on the Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ ✍️ Robert’s Substack🎥 YouTube Channel📝 Read our joint article, Overcoming the Bonds of Pornography 🎧 Listen to the podcast on other platforms: AppleSubstackSpotifyDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode helpful! Let me know your favorite takeaway in the comments below.Where to find more content from Porn Free Millennial:* Join the Conversation: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s topic! Share your insights, stories, or questions with me at Porn Free Millennial on Substack.* Subscribe & Share: If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast for more discussions like this.* Additional Help Breaking Free: If you are looking for personal help in building momentum to break free from porn, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation. Paid Substack subscribers receive up to a 20% discount on one-hour 1:1 Momentum Building sessions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I sit down with James Menendez, author of the Creation Awaits Substack and host of the @creationawaits YouTube channel, and explore his powerful testimony of overcoming destructive habits through faith in Christ. James shares his journey to freedom, offering heartfelt advice for those battling addictions, particularly porn. Join us for a candid conversation on finding hope, healing, and lasting change through the grace of God. Where to find more content from James:* Victory in Christ Course: Overcome porn addiction with Victory in Christ today! With the new 10-week addiction course from Creation Awaits. * Creation Awaits Substack* Creation Awaits Patreon* Creation Awaits LinkTree* DONATE to Creation Awaits* Freedom in Christ article by James that I hosted on my publicationWhere to find more content from Porn Free Millennial:* Join the Conversation: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s topic! Share your insights, stories, or questions with me at Porn Free Millennial on Substack.* Subscribe & Share: If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast for more discussions like this.* Additional Help Breaking Free: If you are looking for personal help in building momentum to break free from porn, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation. Paid Substack subscribers receive up to a 20% discount on one-hour 1:1 Momentum Building sessions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this special end-of-the-year episode, I sit down with my little brother to reflect on our recovery journey throughout 2024—celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the challenges, and sharing the lessons we've learned along the way. Together, we discuss how accountability and brotherhood have been central to our progress of living lives without porn and we outline our vision for an even stronger 2025. From practical strategies to personal commitments, this conversation highlights the power of unity in overcoming porn addiction and pursuing a life of purpose. Key References: Podcasts: Porn Free Radio, Finding Traction, and Pastors on Porn Song: Bitten Apple by Brother Ali Join the Conversation: I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s topic in the comments, ideas you may have for future episodes, and future guests. Subscribe & Share: If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast on Apple & Spotify for more discussions like this. Additional Help Breaking Free: If you are looking for personal help in building momentum to break free from porn, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Christmas Day is here! Merry Christmas!Christmas season is a time to give gifts, share meaningful moments with loved ones, and for Christians, celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a season meant for joy, connection, and reflection. Yet vices like porn can quietly steal away that joy, dampening the true spirit of this special time.This Christmas, I challenge you to take a stand. This Christmas will be one to remember - not for what you consumed, but for the freedom you chose. This Christmas, take the pledge to stay sober from porn use and allow yourself to fully experience the peace, joy, and love this season offers!Take the pledge here on the I Am Sober App!I Am Sober is an ad-free motivational companion app for tracking your sobriety. Check it out here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apple-store/id672904239?mt=8Join the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s topic! Share your insights, stories, or questions with me at Porn Free Millennial on Substack.Subscribe & Share:If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcastfor more discussions like this.Additional Help Breaking Free:If you are looking for personal help in building momentum to break free from porn, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Summary:In this episode of the Porn Free Millennial Podcast (livestreamed initially on my X account - Mac_Nomadic), Dr. Gregory Borse and I delve into the shocking story of OnlyFans model Lily Phillips, who recently gained notoriety for her decision to sleep with 100 men in a single day as part of a documentary. We discuss the deeper implications of this story, examining the impact of platforms like OnlyFans and the adult entertainment industry on loneliness, intimacy, and society as a whole. Through research, personal reflection, and open conversation, we explore how this industry fuels an epidemic of disconnection and what we can do to reclaim our dignity, faith, and purpose.What We Cover:* A breakdown of Lily Phillips’ viral story and the societal reaction.* The targeted attack perpetrated through the adult entertainment industry.* Shocking statistics about OnlyFans and the adult entertainment industry.* The connection between the adult entertainment industry and the global loneliness epidemic.* Practical steps to combat loneliness and break free from harmful habits.* Final reflections on finding purpose, intimacy, and faith in a world increasingly shaped by commodified connection.Actionable Takeaways:* Seek deeper connections rooted in trust and intimacy instead of transactional relationships.* Reflect on the societal impact of commodified intimacy and hold yourself accountable.* If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or harmful habits, reach out for support and seek guidance through faith, community, or counseling.Key References:* Laila Mickelwait - Author of Takedown: Bestselling Author of Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down P*rnhub (Penguin Random House, 2024)* The Break Free Weekly Newsletter - Edition #8: Lonely FansJoin the Conversation:We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s topic! Share your insights, stories, or questions with me at Porn Free Millennial on Substack.Subscribe & Share:If you found this episode meaningful, please share it with others who might benefit and subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast for more discussions like this.Additional Help Breaking Free:If you are looking for personal help in building momentum to break free from porn, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes: My Journey to FreedomIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Porn Free Millennial Podcast, I sit down with Diana and Will, the passionate duo behind the CatholicX Spaces Community on X, to share my story—a journey from my first exposure to pornography to where I am today: living a life free from its grip.Highlights from the Episode:The Beginning:* How I was first introduced to pornography and the impact it had on my life from an early age.* The emotional and psychological toll of years spent trapped in this cycle.Rock Bottom Moments and Realizations:* The pivotal moments when I hit rock bottom and realized I needed to make a change.* How faith, community, and self-awareness played essential roles in taking that first step toward recovery.The Road to Recovery:* Key concepts and strategies that were crucial in overcoming this addictive habit.* Insights into the importance of understanding your "why" when pursuing freedom.Philosophy on Cultural Events:* A candid discussion on how current societal norms and cultural shifts contribute to the struggles many face with pornography.* Thoughts on building a counter-culture rooted in discipline, truth, and self-control.Essential Tools for Living Porn-Free:* Practical tips and resources to help you stay on the path to freedom.* The power of community and accountability in maintaining long-term sobriety.Connect with me on X:* Mac_NomadicConnect with CatholicX Community:* Diana and Will are creating a faith-filled space on X for people looking to grow spiritually and support each other through life’s challenges. Be sure to check them out and join the conversation.Additional Resources Mentioned in the Episode:* The Break Free Newsletter – Weekly encouragement and tools for living a porn-free life. Subscribe to my Substack, Porn Free Millennial, for weekly tips and tools to overcome porn in your life.* Joshua Broome - Ex-Porn Star Now Pastor - His story in “Unmentionable”* Porn Free Radio Podcast* Finding Traction Podcast* Pastors on Porn PodcastWhether you’re just starting your journey or have been walking this path for a while, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and inspiration. Tune in to hear my story and gain insights that could make a difference in your life.If you are looking for personal help in building momentum, email [email protected] for a free 30-minute consultation.Subscribe & Share: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Porn Free Millennial Podcast and share this episode with someone who needs it. Together, we can break the chains and build a brighter future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into the 4 Core Activities for Recovery that serve as the foundation for lasting freedom and personal growth.Discover how prioritizing spiritual health can anchor you, why building meaningful relationship connections is essential for support, how maintaining your physical health strengthens both body and mind, and how exploring your passions can reignite purpose and joy.Whether you're on the path to recovery or seeking to build a more fulfilling life, these four pillars will help guide your journey toward wholeness and freedom.For more content check out my Substacks:Porn Free Millennial SubstackMac’s Musings SubstackIf you are interested on building momentum in your life, email [email protected] for a free consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the inaugural PFM Halloween Special Episode of the Porn Free Millennial podcast! Today we’re diving into a chilling comparison between two sinister forces—pornography and vampirism. As we approach Halloween, it’s the perfect time to explore how both of these dark entities share striking similarities in how they prey on the vulnerable, seduce their victims, and leave behind a trail of emptiness.To guide us through this eerie exploration, I’m joined by two fantastic guests— Dr. Gregory Borse, Professor of English and Philosophy & fellow LSU Tiger Kale Zelden, who teaches English at the high school level. Both are experts in literature and the haunting metaphors of vampirism. Together, we’ll dissect how porn, much like a vampire, feeds off our energy, our time, and our very souls—leaving us drained and hollow.We’ll discuss how porn has become a modern-day vampire, lurking in the shadows of the digital world, waiting for an invitation into our lives. But more importantly, we’ll talk about how we can shine the light on it and defeat this ever-lurking shadow.For more content from Dr. Gregory Borse: Gregory’s SubstackGregory’s Youtube* PFM Episode 14. A Professor's Opinion on Pixels and Porn with Dr. Gregory Borse* Substack* Apple* Spotify* PFM Episode 21. From Hobbits to Heroes: Talking Lord of the Rings and Conquering Challenges* Substack* Apple* Spotify For more content from Kale Zelden:Kale’s SubstackTheKaleZelden YoutubeFor more content check out my Substacks:Porn Free Millennial SubstackMac’s Musings SubstackIf you are interested on building momentum in your life, email [email protected] for a free consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Vern and I unpack 3 the Whats of Conquering Temptation - 1. Then What, 2. So What, 3. Now What. As we discuss the concept of temptation and how to conquer it on a day-to-day basis, think about how you can implement this in your daily routine. Vern Tompke is a pastor and mentor as well as the host of two amazing podcasts: Finding Traction and Pastors on Porn.Vern also leads 1:1 and group coaching which can be found on his site: Bandofbrothers.care. Enjoy this engaging dialogue and keep fighting the good fight!For more content from Porn Free Millennial check Mac out on his Substack!If you are interested in personal coaching to build momentum from Mac, 1-email [email protected] to set-up a free consultation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I discuss a recent article I wrote on Substack about reclaiming masculinity. My goal is to spark a catalyst that will ignite that fire to reclaim what porn has tarnished by sharing my personal experience.Thank you for listening and keep fighting the good fight!For more content check out my Substacks:Porn Free Millennial Substack Mac’s Musings SubstackBenefits of becoming a Paid Substack Subscriber:Stay up-to-date and get early accessYou won’t have to worry about missing my recovery journey and valuable tips to quitting porn. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox and you get full access to my archived articles!15% Discount on 1 Hour Momentum Building SessionsIf you are interested, please email me at [email protected]. Conquering this bad habit and breaking free of the chains that bind you is all about creating and maintaining positive momentum in your life!These sessions will be geared towards finding that spark in you and getting that fire roaring so that you can strive towards positive growth in your life and the chains of captivity behind!What to expect in our sessions:Personalized One-Hour Zoom Call: Engage in a focused, one-on-one session tailored to your unique challenges and how to build positive momentum towards your goals.Identify Obstacles: Work together to pinpoint what's holding you back, whether it's personal, professional, or emotional.Action Plan Development: Collaboratively create a practical and achievable action plan to move forward and gain momentum.Clarity and Direction: Gain clear insights and direction on how to tackle your issues effectively.Motivation Boost: Get inspired and motivated with strategies and encouragement tailored to your needs.Expert Guidance: Benefit from my experience and expertise to help you navigate through your current challenges.Accountability: Establish a sense of accountability to ensure you stay on track with your goals.Flexible and Convenient: Enjoy the convenience of a Zoom call from the comfort of your own space.Follow-Up Support: Optional follow-up sessions to ensure you maintain progress and continue building momentum.Join the crewBe part of a community of people who share your interest in quitting porn and reclaiming their life.When you join the crew, you have access to my member only chat where you can join with like-minded individuals who are fighting the good fight. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore effective strategies for overcoming temptation and breaking free from the cycle of porn addiction. Using a structured approach called “The 3 What’s” — Then What, So What, and Now What — we’ll guide you through practical steps to gain awareness, reduce the power of temptation, and take actionable steps toward a healthier life.Key Takeaways:* Then What:* Focus on awareness by asking yourself about the long-term consequences of giving in to temptation.* Reflect on the emotional and psychological impacts of your choices.* So What:* Reduce the power of temptation by acknowledging your feelings and using grounding techniques.* Practice mindfulness exercises, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, to stay present and manage urges.* Now What:* Take actionable steps to redirect your energy when temptation strikes.* Create a list of go-to activities and reach out to accountability partners for support.Personal Insights: Host shares recent personal struggles with temptation due to increased workload and stresses, emphasizing how implementing the 3 What’s helped maintain sobriety.Episodes Mentioned:* Episodes 7 & 18 - FASTT Check-InsCall to Action: If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit and subscribe for more insights. Remember, change is possible, you’re not alone on this journey, and to keep fighting the good fight! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

My reflections about after 8 months of sobriety. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

A quick message to you before celebrating Independence Day if you are in the USA. Have a great holiday weekend or great weekend if you are outside the USA!God Bless and keep fighting the good fight! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

I am aiming to podcast once a week and for more content, see the links below:X (Twitter)Porn Free Millennial SubstackMac’s Musings SubstackMac’s Musings MediumTo support all my projects in one place, visit Colorado MacBenefits of becoming a Paid Member!Stay up-to-date and get early accessYou won’t have to worry about missing my recovery journey and valuable tips to quitting porn. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox and you get full access to my archived articles!15% Discount on $40 1 Hour Momentum Building SessionsConquering this bad habit and breaking free of the chains that bind you is all about creating and maintaining positive momentum in your life!These sessions will be geared towards finding that spark in you and getting that fire roaring so that you can strive towards positive growth in your life and the chains of captivity behind!What to expect in our sessions:Personalized One-Hour Zoom Call: Engage in a focused, one-on-one session tailored to your unique challenges and how to build positive momentum towards your goals.Identify Obstacles: Work together to pinpoint what's holding you back, whether it's personal, professional, or emotional.Action Plan Development: Collaboratively create a practical and achievable action plan to move forward and gain momentum.Clarity and Direction: Gain clear insights and direction on how to tackle your issues effectively.Motivation Boost: Get inspired and motivated with strategies and encouragement tailored to your needs.Expert Guidance: Benefit from my experience and expertise to help you navigate through your current challenges.Accountability: Establish a sense of accountability to ensure you stay on track with your goals.Flexible and Convenient: Enjoy the convenience of a Zoom call from the comfort of your own space.Follow-Up Support: Optional follow-up sessions to ensure you maintain progress and continue building momentum.Join the crewBe part of a community of people who share your interest in quitting porn and reclaiming their life.When you join the crew, you have access to my member only chat and will have access to the Ask Me Anything monthly podcast that will be geared towards answering your questions and discussing topics that you want to talk about! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks for listening to this podcast about Lord of the Rings and conquering challenges! I am aiming to podcast once a week and for more content, see the links below: X (Twitter) Porn Free Millennial SubstackMac’s Musings SubstackMac’s Musings MediumTo support all my projects in one place, visit Colorado MacBenefits of becoming a Paid Member!Stay up-to-date and get early accessYou won’t have to worry about missing my recovery journey and valuable tips to quitting porn. Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox and you get full access to my archived articles!15% Discount on $40 1 Hour Momentum Building SessionsConquering this bad habit and breaking free of the chains that bind you is all about creating and maintaining positive momentum in your life!These sessions will be geared towards finding that spark in you and getting that fire roaring so that you can strive towards positive growth in your life and the chains of captivity behind!What to expect in our sessions:Personalized One-Hour Zoom Call: Engage in a focused, one-on-one session tailored to your unique challenges and how to build positive momentum towards your goals.Identify Obstacles: Work together to pinpoint what's holding you back, whether it's personal, professional, or emotional.Action Plan Development: Collaboratively create a practical and achievable action plan to move forward and gain momentum.Clarity and Direction: Gain clear insights and direction on how to tackle your issues effectively.Motivation Boost: Get inspired and motivated with strategies and encouragement tailored to your needs.Expert Guidance: Benefit from my experience and expertise to help you navigate through your current challenges.Accountability: Establish a sense of accountability to ensure you stay on track with your goals.Flexible and Convenient: Enjoy the convenience of a Zoom call from the comfort of your own space.Follow-Up Support: Optional follow-up sessions to ensure you maintain progress and continue building momentum.Join the crewBe part of a community of people who share your interest in quitting porn and reclaiming their life.When you join the crew, you have access to my member only chat and will have access to the Ask Me Anything monthly podcast that will be geared towards answering your questions and discussing topics that you want to talk about! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

My goal is to encourage you to write your own break-up letter with your bad habit and/or addiction. Whether it be porn, gambling, alchohol, drugs, etc…writing a break-up letter, when you are ready, solidifies your stand against this toxic energy in your life. God Bless and take courage!Here we go…(This letter was written almost a year ago on May 15, 2023)Looking back, I can see that our relationship had some benefits, I can acknowledge that.You taught me about my body and the thrill of pleasure. At the early age of 10, I could see what beauty looked like fully revealed and accessible. I gained so much wisdom for being so young.You educated me about different techniques and positions which made me feel like the master. Someone with confidence, with skill, with power.You were there to numb me where I did not want to encounter my trauma. The pains too deep to behold. You were the one who took them away, you provided me shelter. You provided me a place to hide from the monsters lurking in my mind. No person could do that for me.You gave me the attention that I always deserved. You provided me anyone at my beck and call, fully undressed and ready to serve any of my needs.You taught me how to be a man. How to take what is mine and how to demand attention. I deserved every second of it. I truly felt unstoppable at times.You became my god, I worshipped every time you blessed me with your presence. You intoxicated me with ecstasy.Then...I started to realize…That it was all a lie…All of it!You turned me into something I never dreamed of becoming…The monsters in my mind, incarnate.From a lover, to a slayer.From a builder, to a destroyer.From a Christian, to a demon.All of the trust I placed in you because of the powers you gave me…All the lies I told to protect you, to defend you…All of the times I betrayed the ones I loved, just to be with you…You never loved me.And you know what…I never loved you.You manipulated me.You embarrassed me.You desecrated my temple and my connection to my true God.You transformed me into a liar, a robber, an adulterer.You pillaged my integrity and raped my innocence.You took everything from me.Because of our relationship and your control over my mind…My marriage ended.My family separated.My faith splintered.My life was nearly taken by my own hand.But you know what?I’M HERE.I’m breaking up with you, but you aren’t breaking up with me. I’m not done with you.I’m coming for you.I’m coming for revenge.I’m coming to pay you back.I’m coming to win the hearts and minds of others with truth and love.I’m coming to end your reign.Your reign over innocence.Your reign over intimacy.Your reign over trust.Your reign over productivity.Your reign over the true beauty of others and their God-given radiance.Your reign over love and passion.Your reign over living in the present and enjoying what is natural, what is real.You are not a person.You are not a website.You are not a business.You are a mind virus from the chasms of hell.You are a deceiver.You are a murderer.You are a snake, and I’m coming to take your head off.Your enemy,PornFreeMillennialLet’s take the fight back to porn, join me!Interested in personalized support? Reach out for a free consultation on 1:1 coaching by emailing [email protected] subscribers enjoy a 25% discount!For more content, follow me onApple andSpotifypodcasts.Let's navigate temptation together, one step at a time.Take a Stand and Fight the Good Fight! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this interview, Sir Silver Star shares his story and approach to overcoming adversity by living a fulfilling life.Sir Silver Star is a software developer and content creator who loves video games and tech.Please check this important conversation out and share with others!Thank you and keep fighting the good fight!Sir Silver Star can be found on Twitch, Youtube, TikTok, and X.If you are interested in 1:1 Coaching: Email me at [email protected] for a free consultation. For more content: Substack - https://pornfreemillennial.substack.com/ Medium - https://medium.com/porn-free-miillennial This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, my brother and I discuss the FASTT Check-In method that is an incredible accountability tool that you can use on a daily basis for porn use recovery (or other forms of healing and self-development). This method was initially developed by Dr. Milton Magness for sex addicts and their partners, but can be applied to many areas of life. This check-in strategy has been a critical part our recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with porn use, this episode is a must watch & share!Show Notes: X Account: @porn_free You can find my podcast on Apple/Spotify. Porn Free Millennial Publication: Substack/Medium Porn Free Millennial: Episode 7 (FASTT Check Ins) & 13 (Breaking Free Together: The Powerful Role of Brotherhood in Recovery - With My Brother, Noah Other Porn Free Podcasts: Porn Free Radio Finding Traction FASTT Check-Ins -> Developed by Dr. Milton Magness, referenced in Episode 106 of Porn Free Radio Accountability Software: I Am Sober - https://iamsober.com/en/site/home -> My Group is called Road to Recovery - send me a friend request to join! Covenant Eyes - https://covenanteyes.com Accountable2u - https://accountable2you.com Concepts: Flow State - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pornfreemillennial.substack.com/subscribe