Consider Before Consuming

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 Consumers Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 17: Heidi Olson Connect with Heidi: Paradigm Shift RAINN CAC Training Materials: Culture Reframed Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 OnlyFans Article: The Dangerous Quest for Fame on OnlyFans Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 148: How OnlyFans Incentivizes Extreme Content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Stress Relay: CBC Listeners get one month free Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 126: Relay Panel Ted Talk: My Stroke of Insight Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Health This episode is sponsored by Relay: CBC Listeners get 40% Relay in November with code FTND40 Follow Ryan on Instagram Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning: This episode contains brief references to childhood sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised Toni 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 Shame Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 83: Myunique Toni's Website Bark: Fighters get a free month! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Trauma Recovery Resources Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Sinis Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 78: Jane Doe, Girls Do Porn Trafficking Survivor Recovery Resources Reuters Series: OnlyFans Exposed Share Your Story Episode Citations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Citations Shop: FTND Store I mage-Based Sexual Abuse Resources Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant Richey Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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: Fetishized Kaila's Instagram: @Kailayu Article: 6 Marginalized & Vulnerable Groups of People Porn Fetishizes Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 125: Melanie Thompson Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Fast Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 138: Shannon and John Newsletter: Cyber Safe School Facebook Group: Cyber Safe Families Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Network Survivor Alliance Victim Resources Dr. Piraino-Guzman's LinkedIn Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article: 15 Facts About Human Sex Trafficking Article: Parents—If You Don’t Teach Your Kids About Sex, Porn Sites Will Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Effects Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.88: Victoria Galy Victim Resources Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Behavior Recovery Resources Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 112: Robert Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Shame Video: How I Realized I Had A Porn Problem: Myuniqe's Story Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep.100: Madi Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Resources Article: Why So Many Teen Girls Are Planning on Becoming OnlyFans Stars Article: What Porn, Loneliness, and OnlyFans Have To Do with Men Buying Sex Podcast: Consider Before Consuming, Ep. 109: You Asked, We Answered Victoria's Website: Creating Gems Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Resources Consent Parenting Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 17: Heidi Olson Book: I Said No by Kimberly King Book: Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen Jenson FTND Parent Resource Page Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning This episode includes topics of child sextortion and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Episode Description In 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 Down Victim Resources Article: Understanding Sextortion: A Growing Threat and How to Protect Yourself Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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: Resources Article: How You Can Spot, Report, and Prevent Human Traffickin g Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 96: Valiant Richey Conversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Resources Article: I Was Fine with Porn and the Commercial Sex Industry, Until I Worked in a Brothel Video: What Being In Porn Is Really Like Victim Resources Hope Rising Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Partner Mandy's Website Conversation Blueprint: Let's Talk About Porn Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Resources Article: How Porn Can Become an Escalating Behavior Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 114: Rachel Denton Timothy's Website: Into the Wilderness Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Trigger Warning Trigger Warning: The following episode contains discussions of child physical and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Episode Description Seth 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 Resources Victim Resources Seth's Website and Book Consider Before Consuming Ep. 107: Matt and Sarah Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 How Video: This SANE Nurse Explains How Pornography Inspires Sexual Assault Melinda Tankard-Reist's Website Collective Shout Sexual Harassment of Teachers Report Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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: @Lydiacacho Lydia's Books Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & 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 Resources Article: How Porn Can Distort Consumers Understanding of Healthy Sex Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 81: Megan Lundstrom Podcast: Consider Before Consuming Ep. 115: Victoria Sinis Polaris Resilience Fund Report: An In-Depth Financial Analysis of Sex Trafficking on OnlyFans Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy