Consider Before Consuming

In this bonus episode of Consider Before Consuming, Natale and Elisabeth take you behind the scenes of managing Fight the New Drug’s social media and the kinds of comments that come with it.From someone sharing, “I started viewing porn at 11 and didn’t even distinguish between adult and child porn,” to debates like “nobody is forcing you… you’re choosing to be that person,” this episode highlights the wide range of reactions these conversations bring up.Together, they unpack what these responses reveal about how porn is understood today, and why the way we respond matters. From early exposure and normalization to addiction and recovery, this conversation explores how empathy and education—not shame—can lead to more meaningful change.Core Articles: Get The FactsYouTube: CBC PlaylistPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 160: Hunter ClarkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.Amanda Stanhope was recently featured in reporting by CNN on drug-facilitated sexual abuse, where she shared her personal story—part of a broader conversation gaining attention after survivors like Gisèle Pelicot helped bring this issue into the spotlight.What began as an intense relationship quickly shifted. Amanda started experiencing memory loss, confusion, and physical symptoms she couldn’t explain, at one point believing she might be developing Alzheimer’s. Over time, she came to realize she had been being sexually assaulted while unconscious.In this conversation, Amanda shares how the relationship unfolded, what made the abuse so difficult to recognize in real time, and the challenges she faced in seeking help and reporting what happened. She also speaks to how trauma can show up in the body, and why greater awareness of this kind of abuse is critical.Episode Resources:Victim ResourcesCNN Article: Exposing a global ‘rape academy’Article: She Was Asleep While It Happened: Gisèle Pelicot and the Disturbing Rise of “Sleep Porn”Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual addiction, infidelity, and suicide attempts. Listener discretion is advised. Chris Bennett is a life coach who helps individuals and couples work through sexual addiction, shame, and compulsive behaviors. But long before he was helping others, he was living a double life—hiding years of pornography use and engaging in multiple affairs during his marriage.In this episode, Chris shares how his relationship with pornography began at a young age and escalated over time, eventually leading to real-life behaviors that deeply impacted his wife and family. Even after being caught and entering recovery, he struggled to fully commit to change, continuing patterns he knew were harmful.We talk about the role shame played in keeping him stuck, why partial honesty wasn’t enough to create real change, and what finally shifted when he chose to fully disclose everything. Chris also opens up about how unresolved pain and early experiences influenced his behavior, and how learning to process emotions and meet his needs differently became a turning point in his recovery.This episode explores questions many people are asking: Does porn addiction escalate over time? Does Porn Addiction Lead to Cheating? And what does it actually take to change?This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 7 days when they sign up at http://ftnd.org/joinrelayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, coercion, and experiences of assault among young people. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we sit down with Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, to talk about how one Instagram post led to thousands of young people sharing their experiences, and ultimately helped drive mandated consent education across Australia. Chanel shares what it was like reading through testimony after testimony of peer-on-peer sexual violence, and how those stories revealed patterns around coercion, misunderstanding, and the way many young people are navigating sex without a clear understanding of consent.We also explore what’s shaping young people’s expectations around sex and relationships today. How are teens actually learning about intimacy? What role does pornography play in shaping ideas about consent, boundaries, and what’s considered “normal”? And why are rates of youth-perpetrated sexual harm rising in some areas, even as other forms of abuse decline? Chanel breaks down how early, age-appropriate consent education can help address these gaps, and what it looks like to teach consent in a way that builds empathy, communication, and respect from a young age.Episode Resources:Article: What is Inspiring Teens to Try Strangulation During Sex?Article: Oral Before Kissing: Porn Culture Has Changed Teens’ First Sexual EncountersChanel's Instagram: @ChanelcTeach Us Consent:Fix Our FeedsNewsletterInstagram Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hunter Clark was first exposed to pornography as a child. What started as curiosity eventually became a habit he struggled for years to overcome. Like many people, he tried everything he could think of to quit—willpower, accountability partners, blockers, even extreme personal challenges—but nothing seemed to work. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Hunter shares how shame kept him stuck in that cycle for years and how things began to change when he stopped focusing only on quitting porn and started looking at the deeper reasons behind the behavior.In this conversation, we explore questions many people are already asking: Why is porn so hard to quit? Does shame make porn habits worse? Can pornography affect relationships? And why do so many partners blame themselves when they discover a loved one’s porn habit?Hunter opens up about the moment he realized his struggle was connected to deeper emotional wounds, the impact pornography had on his relationship with his wife, and how honesty and open conversations helped break the isolation that shame can create. We also discuss the idea that porn habits are often a symptom of something deeper—whether that’s unresolved trauma, stress, loneliness, or other emotional struggles—and why simply trying to “have more discipline” often isn’t enough.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 7 days when they sign up at http://ftnd.org/joinrelayEpisode Resources:Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShamePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 152: Chris ChandlerHunter's Podcast: Quit Porn with Hunter ClarkHunter's Instagram: _hunter.clarkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse in an educational and prevention-focused context. Listener discretion is advised.Dr. Alexandra Bailey is a forensic psychologist, Head of Psychology at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, and a leading expert in the prevention of child sexual abuse.In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, she shares how harmful online behaviors can develop, and how pornography can play a role in that process for some individuals. As content has become more accessible, anonymous, and extreme, we explore how patterns of use can shift over time, including desensitization, novelty-seeking, and reinforcement.We also talk about how the internet and emerging technologies like AI are changing the landscape, and how factors like shame, isolation, and mental health can keep people stuck in harmful cycles.Most importantly, this conversation focuses on prevention—what it looks like, why it matters, and how resources like Stop It Now are helping people seek support before harm happens.Along the way, we get into questions people are already asking: Does porn escalate? Why do I need more extreme porn? Is AI porn harmful? What should parents know about porn, sexting, and online safety?Episode Resources:Article: Can Porn Use Escalate to Illegal Content? What Research and Real Stories ShowConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About PornThe Lucy Faithfull Foundation: Stop It NowResearch Paper: What's Porn Got To Do With ItAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Matthew Raabsmith is a certified professional coach and relationship specialist, and Joanna Raabsmith is a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in trauma and betrayal recovery. Together, they co-lead The Raabsmith Team and help couples rebuild connection after addiction and relational pain.After pornography addiction and secrecy deeply impacted their marriage, Matthew and Joanna began a recovery journey that transformed both their individual lives and their relationship. In this episode, they share what porn addiction actually did to their emotional intimacy, how betrayal trauma affected Joanna’s sense of safety and identity, and why stopping porn was only the beginning of healing.They address questions many couples quietly wrestle with: What does pornography do to a marriage over time? Can a relationship survive porn addiction? What is betrayal trauma, and why does it feel so devastating?Matthew and Joanna explain why honesty must come before trust, why rushing forgiveness can create more harm, and what sustainable recovery really looks like for both partners.Whether you’re navigating betrayal, struggling with porn use, or hoping to build a healthier relationship in the future, this conversation offers clarity and grounded hope.Episode Resources:Article: When Porn Use Shatters Trust: A Therapist Explains Betrayal TraumaVideo: Our Experience on Porn Recovery and Betrayal TraumaPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 94: Dr. Jill ManningMatthew and Joanna's Website: The Raabsmith TeamThis episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 7 days when they sign up at http://ftnd.org/joinrelayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mariah is a policy advocate focused on trafficking and online exploitation, the founder of Undox, and a GirlsDoPorn trafficking survivor. In this episode, she shares her story and what survival looked like inside a situation shaped by deception, fear, and coercion.Mariah describes how she was recruited under false pretenses, how quickly the reality of the situation shifted, and how isolation and uncertainty shaped the choices she felt she had. She explains how trauma responses like the fawn response became a way to get through moments when resisting or leaving didn’t feel safe, and why behaviors that may appear like consent from the outside often aren’t.She also reflects on the long aftermath of exploitation: living with nonconsensual content online, carrying guilt for the ways she survived, and being drawn back in after initially getting out. Over time, Mariah shares how her understanding of herself and other survivors was shaped. Through connection, witness, and advocacy, she came to recognize the strength, intelligence, and resilience it takes not only to survive exploitation, but to keep going afterward. That perspective has helped shape her healing and her decision to support others through survivor-led work.Why don’t victims just leave? How does sex trafficking actually happen in cases like GirlsDoPorn? And why do some survivors appear to comply or return? Mariah’s story offers a clearer picture.Episode Resources: Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 78: Jane Doe (Part 1)Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 78: Jane Doe (Part 2)Mariah's: Content Removal Site: UndoxGenerate HopeVictim ResourcesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Richard and Heather share how pornography quietly impacted their marriage and what it took to begin healing together.Richard reflects on his early exposure to porn, how his use escalated over time, and how things shifted when he began engaging with performers online and realized that one woman he interacted with was being coerced into the industry. Heather shares her perspective as a partner, including the changes she noticed before the truth came out and how disclosure affected trust and intimacy.Together, they talk about secrecy, honesty, recovery, and why bringing pornography into the open became a turning point for both their marriage and their healing.Episode Resources:Article: Benefits of Quitting Porn According to 90 Real PeopleArticle: Why Watching Porn With My Partner Was a Terrible IdeaPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 112: RobertPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 140: Victoria SinisAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of early exposure to sexualized content and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.Ore Oduba is an actor, broadcaster, and podcaster based in the UK. In this episode, Ore shares his personal experience with pornography addiction, which began with early exposure in childhood and continued for decades.He explains how pornography shaped his understanding of intimacy, how secrecy and shame affected his mental health and relationships, and what finally led him to seek help and begin recovery. Ore also talks about parenting in the digital age, why kids need safe adults more than punishment, and how open, non-judgmental conversations can help protect young people from harm.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. Try Relay for free for 7 days at https://joinrelay.app.link/ftndAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, exploitation, and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Heidi Olson is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and the Founder and President of Paradigm Shift Training and Consulting.Drawing from years of frontline medical experience, Heidi explains why sexual exploitation and trafficking are often missed, how early exposure to pornography is shaping young people’s understanding of sex and consent, and why child-on-child sexual harm is becoming increasingly common. Episode Resources:Article: How Porn can Fuel Sexual Violence by Lessening Empathy in ConsumersPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 17: Heidi OlsonConnect with Heidi: Paradigm ShiftRAINNCAC Training Materials: Culture ReframedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*This episode contains discussions about sexual exploitation and coercion. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, former OnlyFans creator Taylor shares what the platform was really like—from the money promises that drew her in to the pressure, contracts, safety concerns, and identity toll that made her want out. Taylor talks about how hard it can be to leave once you’re in, what the industry expects from creators, and how stepping away impacted her mental health.Episode Resources:Article: The Problem with Parasocial Relationships on OnlyFansArticle: The Dangerous Quest for Fame on OnlyFansPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 148: How OnlyFans Incentivizes Extreme ContentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Porn addiction is often misunderstood, especially when it comes to how it actually develops in the brain and what real recovery looks like. In this episode, licensed clinical counselor and CSAT Chris Chandler breaks down the science behind compulsive porn use, why young brains are especially vulnerable, and how stress and porn can create a powerful cycle that’s hard to break.Chris also shares why porn addiction can mirror substance addiction in the brain, the role of emotional pain and loneliness, why relationships don’t automatically “fix” the problem, and what a realistic recovery process truly involves.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 30 days when they sign up at http://joinrelay.app/consider.Episode Resources:Article: How Porn Can Contribute to an Unhealthy Cycle of StressRelay: CBC Listeners get one month freePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 126: Relay PanelTed Talk: My Stroke of InsightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ryan Ridgway is a mental health educator and former addiction support specialist from the UK. In this episode, he talks about his 20-year struggle with pornography use, OCD, and substance abuse. He explains how porn became his main way to cope with stress and mental illness, how that habit slowly took control of his life, and what recovery has looked like since. Ryan also discusses the connection between porn and self-esteem, body image, and mental health, and why honest conversation about these issues matters.Episode Resources:Article: Watching Porn May Be Negatively Impacting Your Mental HealthThis episode is sponsored by Relay: CBC Listeners get 40% Relay in November with code FTND40Follow Ryan on InstagramAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief references to childhood sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advisedToni Collier is a speaker, author, and founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a global women’s organization helping people process brokenness and find hope. In this episode, Toni shares how being exposed to pornography as a child led to addiction, shame, and struggles with identity—and how she’s now creating a healthier, more open environment for her kids.She also talks about the power of community and connection in healing and parenting, reminding us that even when life feels messy or broken, beauty and growth are still possible.This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. Try it today for 20% off! Episode Resources:Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShamePodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 83: MyuniqueToni's WebsiteBark: Fighters get a free month!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kyle was first exposed to pornography at a young age, and it quickly became a coping mechanism that followed him into adulthood. In this episode, he and his wife, Maddie, share openly about how pornography impacted their marriage, shattering trust, creating betrayal trauma, and forcing them to confront hard truths about honesty and healing. Maddie offers her perspective as a partner navigating broken trust and the painful process of rebuilding safety in the relationship, while Kyle speaks to the challenges of recovery and overcoming shame. Together, they discuss what healing looks like in real time, showing both the difficulty and the hope that can exist when couples confront pornography’s impact head-on.Episode Resources:Video: Our Experience on Porn Recovery and Betrayal TraumaRecovery ResourcesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence, trafficking, and child sexual abuse material. Listener discretion is advised.OnlyFans is often marketed as a quick path to money and empowerment, but the reality tells another story. While a small fraction of creators earn millions, most make very little, and many feel pressured into increasingly extreme stunts to stand out—some involving hundreds or even thousands of partners, or content marketed as “barely legal.” At the same time, teens report being targeted with invitations to join the platform or consume its content, fueling harmful ideas about sex, consent, and exploitation.In this episode, Natale and Elisabeth look at the myths and realities of OnlyFans, the risks for creators and consumers, and how trafficking and child sexual abuse material have found their way onto the platform.Episode Resources:Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 140: Victoria SinisPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 78: Jane Doe, Girls Do Porn Trafficking SurvivorRecovery ResourcesReuters Series: OnlyFans ExposedShare Your StoryEpisode CitationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*This episode contains discussion of sexual violence, strangulation, deepfakes, and image-based exploitation. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode, we dive into the connection between pornography and sexual violence. From the prevalence of strangulation porn and its influence on real-world abuse, to the rise of AI deepfakes and image-based exploitation, to how social media is exposing kids to harmful content earlier than ever, this conversation highlights why awareness and action are so critical. Together, Natale and Elisabeth unpack the data, stories, and cultural trends shaping how pornography impacts individuals, relationships, and society, and how each of us can be part of the solution.Episode Resources:Episode CitationsShop: FTND StoreImage-Based Sexual Abuse ResourcesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, nonconsensual image sharing, racism, and fetishization. Listener discretion is advised.Kaila Yu is the author of the new memoir, Fetishized. In this episode, Kaila opens up about her personal journey navigating fetishization, media exploitation, and a sexual assault that was recorded and shared without her consent. We explore how pornography and media have distorted perceptions of Asian women, stripping away individuality and fueling harmful stereotypes that echo far beyond the screen. Kaila’s story highlights both the personal toll of these narratives and the urgent need to challenge them.Episode Resources:Kaila's Book: FetishizedKaila's Instagram: @KailayuArticle: 6 Marginalized & Vulnerable Groups of People Porn FetishizesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 125: Melanie ThompsonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike Lemon is the founder of Cyber Safe School and a former Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator. After decades spent tracking down online predators, he now dedicates his work to helping parents, educators, and students prevent online exploitation, especially sextortion. In this episode, Mike explains how predators are targeting youth, why sextortion cases are rapidly increasing, the role of AI in these crimes, and what families can do to protect kids in today’s digital world.Episode Resources:Article: Why Financial Sextortion Is Targeting Teens and Spreading FastPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 138: Shannon and JohnNewsletter: Cyber Safe SchoolFacebook Group: Cyber Safe FamiliesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*This episode contains a detailed discussion of child abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.Dr. Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman is a behavioral neurologist, clinical psychologist, human trafficking survivor, and international human rights advocate. In this powerful episode, he shares his story of surviving severe childhood abuse and trafficking, navigating the foster care and immigration systems, and turning his trauma into a lifelong mission to support other survivors. Now working globally with the United Nations and providing trauma-informed care to thousands of trafficking victims, Dr. Piraino-Guzman sheds light on the complex realities of exploitation, the importance of healing-centered systems, and why boys and men must be included in conversations about trafficking and sexual violence. Even after experiencing the worst of humanity, he chooses to lead with hope, trust, and compassion, and invites us all to do the same.Epiosde Resources:National Survivor NetworkSurvivor AllianceVictim ResourcesDr. Piraino-Guzman's LinkedInCourt Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)Universal Declaration of Human RightsArticle: 15 Facts About Human Sex TraffickingArticle: Parents—If You Don’t Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites WillAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Lorna was just 17 years old when a photoshopped, explicit image of her began circulating online, marking the beginning of a years-long nightmare involving deepfakes, stalking, and online blackmail.In this episode, Lorna shares how someone used her image to create fake profiles and explicit deepfakes, leading to relentless harassment that spilled from the internet into her everyday life. She opens up about her experience reporting the crime to police, the long road toward justice, and her personal journey of healing.Episode Resources:Article: The Alarming Rise of Deepfake Porn and Its Devastating EffectsPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.88: Victoria GalyVictim ResourcesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jeremiah is a husband, an expecting father, and a self-described lifelong learner who found himself struggling with a compulsive porn habit that began in his teens and escalated in college, when he found himself viewing content he would never act out in real life. In this episode, Jeremiah candidly shares how his use of pornography affected his relationships, mental health, and sense of self, particularly during the early stages of his marriage. He opens up about the moment his wife discovered the truth, the shame he experienced, and what sparked his decision to pursue real recovery. Episode Resources:Article: How Porn Can Become an Escalating BehaviorRecovery ResourcesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 112: RobertAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Rachel was first exposed to pornography at seven years old and went on to develop an addiction to porn for the next thirteen years. Despite getting treatment for anxiety and depression as a young girl, she never felt like she could tell others about her struggle with porn because it was something that "girls didn't struggle with." Rachel discusses the shame she felt from being a girl struggling with porn, how being exposed to violent pornography from such a young age caused her to be desensitized to an abusive relationship, and why she now encourages people to talk about their struggle in order to break from the shame that so often keeps them struggling.This episode is a re-release. It was first released in July of 2023.  Episode Resources:Article: Why Fighting Porn Must Include Fighting ShameVideo: How I Realized I Had A Porn Problem: Myuniqe's StoryPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.100: Madi  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Victoria Sinis is the founder of Creating Gems, an organization created to help young women break free from harmful narratives about themselves. Victoria used to work for an OnlyFans agency, recruiting creators, curating their social media presence, and managing marketing funnels designed to drive traffic to explicit content. In this episode, she shares what made her walk away from an industry she once believed was empowering.This episode is a re-release. It was first released in June of 2024.  Episode ResourcesArticle: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans StarsArticle: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We AnsweredVictoria's Website: Creating Gems Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rosalia Rivera is a consent educator and abuse prevention specialist who works to help parents break cycles of abuse through empowered, proactive conversations. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, she shares her personal experiences with pornography, the dangers of leaving sex education to the internet, and how parents can build safe, shame-free spaces for their children to learn about consent and autonomy. She also dives into how pornography plays a role in grooming, the rise in child-on-child sexual abuse, and why media literacy and digital safety are more important than ever.Episode ResourcesConsent ParentingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 17: Heidi OlsonBook: I Said No by Kimberly KingBook: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen JensonFTND Parent Resource Page Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger WarningThis episode includes topics of child sextortion and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Shannon Heacock and John Burnett share the deeply personal and devastating story of their son, Elijah. Recently, at just 16 years old, Elijah became a victim of sextortion — a form of online exploitation where predators manipulate and blackmail their victims using threats and explicit imagery, sometimes even using AI-generated content. Tragically, the manipulation and fear led Elijah to take his own life. John and Shannon’s courage in telling Elijah’s story is rooted in their hope that it can prevent other families from facing the same heartbreaking loss.Episode Resources Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text "988"NCMEC Resource: Take it DownVictim ResourcesArticle: Understanding Sextortion: A Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Louie Greek is a Training Specialist with Truckers Against Trafficking, who has spent more than a decade fighting human trafficking, using his expertise in law enforcement and military service to train people on how to recognize, respond to, and ultimately prevent exploitation. In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Louie shares eye-opening insights on the realities of trafficking, the role of demand in fueling exploitation, and the actions we can take to stop it.Episode Resources Truckers Against Trafficking: ResourcesArticle: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.Selena is the Associate Program Director of a sex trafficking survivor sanctuary. As a former porn performer and sex trafficking survivor, Selena knows firsthand what the women she is helping have experienced.In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Selena sheds light on the dark realities of the porn industry, the deceptive nature of sex trafficking, and the power of resilience.Episode ResourcesArticle: I Was Fine with Porn and the Commercial Sex Industry, Until I Worked in a BrothelVideo: What Being In Porn Is Really LikeVictim ResourcesHope Rising Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mandy is a women's empowerment and trauma-informed life coach who helps women who have experienced betrayal trauma. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Mandy shares her personal experience of discovering her partner’s secret struggle with porn addiction, his cheating with porn stars, and the betrayal trauma that followed. She describes the emotional toll, the gaslighting, and the psychological abuse she endured, as well as the healing journey that led her to become a trauma-informed life coach.Episode Resources Article: The Emotional Trauma of Having a Porn-Addicted PartnerMandy's WebsiteConversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Timothy Reigle is a coach, author, podcaster, and the founder of Into The Wilderness Ministries. Tim has used his own experience in defeating addiction to help hundreds of men to overcome their addictions to porn and sex.In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Tim shares about the 15 years he spent in a cycle of porn addiction that escalated into destructive behaviors, impacting his marriage and mental health. He shares how he finally broke free, the strategies that helped him find lasting recovery, and how he now helps others do the same.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Become an Escalating BehaviorPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 114: Rachel DentonTimothy's Website: Into the Wilderness Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger WarningTrigger Warning: The following episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Episode DescriptionSeth Gehle is an author and speaker who uses his platform to encourage others to overcome their own challenges and find strength in adversity by sharing his own story of resiliency after a traumatic childhood. In this Consider Before Consuming episode, Seth shares about the years of abuse that shaped his childhood, the role of pornography in shaping his perceptions of relationships, and the path he took to heal.Episode ResourcesVictim ResourcesSeth's Website and BookConsider Before Consuming Ep. 107: Matt and Sarah Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning*Trigger Warning: The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes and discussions of child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised Melinda Tankard Reist is an author, speaker, and the Movement Director of Collective Shout. She's spent many years as a leading advocate against the sexual exploitation of girls and women. In this episode, she shares the impact of porn culture on youth, relationships, and society. She unpacks her latest research on the alarming rise of sexual harassment in schools, particularly toward teachers. She also addresses how boys are being conditioned to see girls as objects through exposure to violent pornography.Episode Resources Article: Porn Impacts Student Sexual Harassment in Schools—Here’s HowVideo: This SANE Nurse Explains How Pornography Inspires Sexual AssaultMelinda Tankard-Reist's WebsiteCollective ShoutSexual Harassment of Teachers Report Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of child sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.Lydia Cacho is a world-renowned investigative journalist, author, and human rights activist who has dedicated her life to exposing the dark realities of human trafficking, child exploitation, and the intersections of pornography and organized crime. In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, Lydia shares her decades-long fight against corruption, the dangers she has faced, and the resilience that keeps her pushing forward.Episode Resources Article: By the Numbers: Is the Porn Industry Connected to Sex Trafficking?Lydia's Instagram: @LydiacachoLydia's Books Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.Megan Lundstrom has spent over a decade in this field of anti-trafficking, first as the founder of The Avery Center and now as the Director of the Resilience Fund at Polaris, a direct cash assistance program for trafficking survivors in the United States.In this episode, Megan shares her expertise on OnlyFans, examining its portrayal as empowering versus its exploitation risks. Megan reveals how traffickers use the platform and challenges the platform’s minimal standards for consent and safety.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Distort Consumers Understanding of Healthy SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 81: Megan LundstromPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 115: Victoria SinisPolaris Resilience FundReport: An In-Depth Financial Analysis of Sex Trafficking on OnlyFans  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dr. Meagan Tyler is a Senior Lecturer in the Research Education and Development team at Australia’s La Trobe University. With nearly 20 years of experience researching the intersections of pornography, gender inequality, and violence against women, she shares her expert insights.In this episode, she helps us understand how the normalization of pornography has been fueled by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and strategic marketing. Listeners will learn about the ways pornography influences intimate partner violence, its role in shaping unhealthy sexual norms, and how feminist ideals are co-opted to mask exploitation.Episode Resources Article: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Relationships?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 25: Carolyn WestPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-AiméCoalition Against Trafficking in Women AustraliaMeagan Tyler's Research Outputs Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sathiya Sam is a recovery coach, speaker, and author who has dedicated his life to helping others overcome pornography addiction and achieve true freedom. After battling his own 15-year struggle with addiction, Sathiya founded Deep Clean, a program designed to address the root causes of compulsive behaviors. In this episode, we explore transformative concepts like healing past wounds and redefining identity.Episode ResourcesPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 29: Sathiya SamSathiya's WebsiteSathiya's Book: Free for CBC Podcast Listeners!Conversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About PornGroup-Based Recovery: RelayDocumentary: Brain, Heart, World Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Episode DescriptionDr. Frank Anderson is a renowned trauma expert, psychiatrist, and author with over 30 years of experience. In this episode, Dr. Anderson explores how trauma shapes behaviors and relationships, offering practical tools for healing and fostering genuine connections, while providing hope for those on their recovery journey.Episode Resources Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 101: Matthias J. BarkerDr. Anderson's WebsiteDr. Anderson's Newest Book: To Be LovedTrauma InstituteInstagram: Dr. Frank Anderson Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we host a panel featuring four individuals deeply involved in the fight against pornography addiction. Chandler, Co-founder and CEO of Relay, shares his personal journey of overcoming pornography and how his experience led to creating a digital platform for recovery. Chris, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, offers expert insights on the psychological effects of pornography and addiction recovery. Matthew and Dayne, both in recovery from long-term porn addiction, open up about their personal experiences, challenges, and victories in their healing journeys. Together, the panel discusses the power of connection in recovery, the importance of vulnerability, and how community plays a crucial role in breaking free from addiction.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Porn Can Change the BrainArticle: Why the Opposite of Porn Addiction Isn’t Only Sobriety—It’s Real Human ConnectionPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 93: ChandlerJoin RelayBook: The Body Keeps the Score Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Melanie Thompson is a survivor of sex trafficking and prostitution, as well as a dedicated speaker and activist in the global fight against commercial sexual exploitation. Trafficked at just 12 years old, Melanie was later arrested and placed in foster care, where she began her advocacy journey at 14. She now serves as the Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International.In this episode, we delve into Melanie's powerful story and explore the complexities of trafficking, the misconceptions surrounding platforms like OnlyFans, how pornography promotes violence and harmful stereotypes, and the urgent need for awareness and systemic change.Episode ResourcesArticle: How Mainstream Porn Normalizes Violence Against Black WomenArticle: How Porn Can Misrepresent and Fetishize LGBTQ+ Individuals and RelationshipsPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 90: Taina Bien-AiméMelanie's Podcast: Exit WoundThe Coalition Against Trafficking in WomenRebecca Bender Initiative Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Breanna and Brandon Vales are Directors and Founders of Red Light Rebellion, which exists to educate young people about the dangers of child sex trafficking.In this episode, they cover how their experiences influence their work and how they aim to empower youth to recognize the red flags of grooming and exploitation. They also share about Brandon's recovery journey from porn addiction, the impact of pornography on relationships, and how unresolved childhood trauma often leads to addiction. Episode ResourcesArticle: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human TraffickingRed Light RebellionRed Flag Cards: Text REDFLAGS to 602-922-1040 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

*Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.Episode DescriptionShelby’s early exposure to pornography impacted her understanding of sex, leading to misconceptions about consent and contributing to feelings of hypersexuality during her teenage years. In this episode, she shares about a past relationship where her partner's use of pornography had a detrimental effect on her emotionally and physically, and how sharing her experience over the past year has helped in healing and finding connection.Episode Resources Article: Does Porn Normalize Sexual Violence in Teen Relationships?Article: National Study Finds Porn Linked to Sexual Aggression and Coercion in RelationshipsArticle: 5 Ways Porn Has Lied to You About ConsentArticle: Is My Partner’s Porn Habit Harming Our Relationship, or Am I Just Insecure?Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 111: BaileyVictim ResourcesResource for Partners of Porn Users: Bloom Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Justin Euteneier is the Program Director at Epik Project, an organization that works to disrupt the demand for commercial sexual exploitation.In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Justin shares the efforts the Epik project is using, including engaging with sex buyers to talk about the choices they're making, collaborating with law enforcement, educational initiatives for youth, and efforts to engage men in the fight against trafficking. Episode ResourcesFTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant RicheyEpik Project Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning*The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes, discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advisedLaila Mickelwait is an anti-trafficking activist, Founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund, Founder of the Traffickinghub movement, and author of "Take Down: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking,”In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Laila continues to share about her efforts to expose and combat illegal content on Pornhub, including the fight to hold credit card companies accountable.Fight the New Drug is a non-religious and non-legislative awareness and education organization. Some of the issues discussed in this episode may be legislatively-affiliated. Though our organization is non-legislative, we fully support the fights against already illegal forms of pornography and sexual exploitation and against sex trafficking.Episode Resources Laila's Book: TakedownTraffickinghub PetitionJustice Defense FundLaila's Article: Why Are Visa And Mastercard Still Doing Business with Pornhub?FTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 35: Nikolas KristofArticle: What's Going on with Pornhub?Nikolas Kristof's Article: The Children of PornhubSheelah Kolhatkar's Article: The Fight to Hold Pornhub Accountable  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning*The following episode contains descriptions of disturbing porn themes, discussions of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Listener discretion is advised.Laila Mickelwait is an anti-trafficking activist, Founder and CEO of the Justice Defense Fund, Founder of the Traffickinghub movement, and author of "Take Down: Inside the Fight to Shut Down PornHub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking,”In this Consider Before Consuming podcast episode, Laila shares her journey in the anti-sex trafficking movement and her efforts to expose and combat illegal content on Pornhub. Fight the New Drug is a non-religious and non-legislative awareness and education organization. Some of the issues discussed in this episode may be legislatively-affiliated. Though our organization is non-legislative, we fully support the fights against already illegal forms of pornography and sexual exploitation, and against sex trafficking.Episode ResourcesLaila's Book: TakedownTraffickinghub PetitionJustice Defense FundLaila's Article: Time to Shut Pornhub DownFTND Resource: Porn and Sex TraffickingPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 35: Nikolas KristofArticle: What's Going on with Pornhub?  Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

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

Trigger warning: The following podcast episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and image-based sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Dawn Hawkins is the CEO of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which exists to build a world without sexual exploitation and abuse. She joins us for this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode to shed light on the pervasive influence of pornography, the normalization of sexual harm, and the alarming risks posed by AI-generated content. The episode underscores the urgent need for reform to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.Episode ResourcesJoin us: The Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation Global SummitVisit: The 2024 Dirty Dozen ListVisit: BarkVisit: Street GraceArticle: The Misuse of Artificial Intelligence in Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this Consider Before Consuming Podcast episode, we had the opportunity to sit down with a panel of young adults about their experiences and perspectives on sexual exploitation, social media's role, and dating culture. Participants include survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault, former porn consumers, and anti-trafficking advocates. They highlight generational differences in addressing sexual exploitation and the impact of internet culture. Additionally, they discuss the challenges in modern dating, emphasizing the shift toward online interactions and the need for safety measures.Episode ResourcesVideo: Daniel's StoryVideo: Emma's StoryVideo: Jose's StoryVideo: Bri Ray's StoryArticle: How Porn Can Fuel and Normalize Teen Dating ViolenceArticle: How Sex Traffickers Use Social Media to Contact, Recruit, and Sell Children Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Victoria Sinis is the founder of Creating Gems, an organization created to help young women break free from harmful narratives about themselves. She is also a former OnlyFans recruiter and marketer. In this episode, she helps us understand what an OnlyFans agency is and the coercive and destructive realities faced by OnlyFans performers.Episode ResourcesArticle: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans StarsArticle: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying SexPodcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We AnsweredVictoria's Website: https://creatinggems.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy