19 Comments
User's avatar
Mac's avatar

Thanks for having me on Tim! It’s an important topic to spread awareness on. The more light that is shined on it, the more room there will be for healing to fill the dark voids of our minds and hearts where this addiction has lived.

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

It's given me a lot to think about, and I hope it will for others too.

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Hoping the analogies can help. I think there’s many similarities between this addiction and others (their operating systems and hooks that sink into us).

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

The topic of addictions is a real rabbit hole for me!

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Yeah same here. I think the term itself has some outdated stereotypes. I think the lighting fast advancements in technology (social media + high speed ubiquitous internet + AI + algorithmic marketing + credit card culture) has blown the lid off the barriers that used to naturally hold addictions at bay.

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

On the bright side, more of us are aware and have the ability to communicate about it. So, technology is a two-edged sword. Back in the day, if you were an addict, you couldn't find resources.

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Very true. I am hopeful. I think many are waking up like I did - especially younger generations are seeing how out of control it is.

I was completely oblivious to the consequences of my actions growing up on the 90s and early 2000s.

Expand full comment
Juan Gonzalez's avatar

What a great conversation! I can relate to that struggle for many years too. It's an addiction that sort of broke my brain.

Trying to get rid of it made me start to learn more about the brain and diving deep into neuroscience around the cognitive branch to learn how to "rewire" my brain against that scourge.

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Juan - that’s spot on. Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your experience. You are completely right about the brain and how it gets wired and programmed (often as our brains are just starting to develop in our young years). It takes time and effort to reprogram but it’s worth it. It’s like having a new lease on life, a new lens to see people and the world through.

Thanks for sharing and watching!

Expand full comment
Juan Gonzalez's avatar

Yes to all of those things. It’s quite difficult to do that reprogram. But it’s one of the best achievements. And the best part is that now we’re not alone in that fight. 💪

Expand full comment
Danni Macfarland's avatar

So Powerful! Thank you to you both for sharing. I was so shocked at the percentages of those addicted to porn and at such a young age, but unfortunately with the world of the internet this is so easily accessible such as other addictions like gambling. I also blame the dreaded Covid lockdowns,for the drastic rise in these addictions, especially for young people. Thank you again for sharing your experiences and being vulnerable and letting people know they are not alone and there is no shame

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Those stats are pretty surprising but at the same time they aren’t. It’s like running up a credit card without paying attention. The bill will come due.

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Yes! Great analogy there. The interest adds up significantly the more time one takes to address the initial bill.

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

And then, you need to remortgage your entire life

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Appreciate you watching and engaging with this topic Danni! I suffered in silence for too long and I know so many others have and still do. The time is now to have this honest conversation to break the shackles of shame so people can start healing and truly connect with each other as humans.

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Those stats are WILD.

Overcoming urges of any kind (you guys covered several) is one of the most worthwhile pursuits we can make as unmanaged urges run the risk of becoming addictions.

Both of your respective missions are praiseworthy. Keep up the great work guys 👊🏻

Expand full comment
Tim Ebl 🇨🇦's avatar

Thank you for the encouragement, appreciate it

Expand full comment
Mac's avatar

Thanks for tuning in and adding that wisdom Kyle! It’s amazing how much we unconsciously sign up for and carry out as a part of these imbedded habits of destruction.

I’m hoping that shining a light on these things can help provide that lightbulb moment to someone who feels stuck and hopeless, trapped in the prison of their addiction.

There’s a way out of the jail cell, but it starts with awareness and building the confidence to know that we all carry the key within us.

Expand full comment
Kyle Shepard's avatar

Beautiful

Expand full comment