Episode 319 – Pornography Addiction – Joshua Shea pt 2
Pornography Addiction – Joshua Shea Interview pt 2
Hello Everyone everywhere, this is Pastor Robert Thibodeau and I want to welcome you to another broadcast of the “Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast.” Today, my guest is Joshua Shea. And he has a message that is going to apply to so many people listening today, pastors and ministry leaders as well as the average “Joe” or “Jane” listening in.
Let me tell you a little bit about Joshua and you will immediately pick up on today’s theme…
Joshua Shea seemingly had it all. A loving wife, two children, and a supportive extended family. In 2010, after nearly fifteen years working of his way up the journalism ladder, he launched a lifestyle magazine in his hometown. Within a year, he was one of the founders of Central Maine’s largest film festival and had won a seat on the City Council in Auburn, Maine.
Accolades, including receiving the Key to the City and being called one of the “Next 10 People Shaping Maine’s Economy” by a state newspaper followed. While the public got one picture of Joshua, behind closed doors, his longtime mental health and addiction issues were festering.
A workaholic by nature, he actively ignored the red flags surrounding his long-existing pornography and alcohol problems. Finding it easier to lose himself in a bottle of tequila and adult websites, his relationships with his family, colleagues, and friends grew distant. His business ventures began to collapse.
Then, Life as he knew it came to a screeching halt when he was arrested on a charge relating to encouraging a teenager to disrobe in a chatroom in 2014. He was convicted and served six months in jail in early 2016. Following his arrest, he sought help and treatment through intense one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and at inpatient rehab facilities.
Bothered at the lack of quality resources and open discussion around the topic of pornography addiction, Joshua is now sharing with the public his experience in his book “The Addiction Nobody Will Talk About: How I Let My Pornography Addiction Hurt People and Destroy Relationships.”He hopes he can educate non-addicts that porn addiction can happen to anyone and help people who make have an addiction to not head down the same road that he did. Along with writing the book, Joshua speaks to groups and is sought after as a pornography addiction expert by numerous media outlets.
Joshua, this sounds rather facetious, but WELCOME to our show.
Ok, my first question is always this one to start with: other than that brief bio, tell us, “Who is Joshua Shea?
Now, your bio sounds like you were “living the life” that most dream of. What happened? How did all of this start?
I’ve read reports that there are so many people considered to be “closet addicts” concerning pornography – and the number of closet addicts who are pastors or in ministry is astounding. Do you have any numbers in that area?
I’ve read that even women are porn addicts – a lower number than men – but shocking nonetheless. Have you counseled many women in that area?
What statistics can you share with us today about the addiction to pornography in this nation?
Many that I talk to believe the USA is the leading cause of pornography addiction in the world. Mainly because of Hollywood and the liberal theology that promotes these things…things that God clearly states that He abhors. What have you heard concerning these things?
How did this affect your family relationship?
Give some red flags or warning signs to be on the watch for…not just in others…but let’s start in our PERSONAL lives first…
How about some warning signs that may be observed in others, spouses, friends, PASTORS, etc.?
What other statistics can you share with us?
Joshua, tell us about your book?
How has your book been received?
I take it that it is available on Amazon?
Joshua, it has been a pleasure talking with you today. Unfortunately, we are all out of time. I would like to have you back on again. I believe this message is one that MUST be shared on an ongoing basis. It has taken a lot of courage for you to stand up as a voice, almost as “one, crying out in the wilderness” on this subject. My prayers are with you, brother.
If someone, perhaps some pastor, wants to ask you some questions or invite you to come and speak to their group, meeting or church about this subject, how can they get in touch with you?
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.recoveringpornaddict.com
Email: Use the contact form on the website
Amazon: “The Addiction Nobody Will Talk About: How I Let My Pornography Addiction Hurt People and Destroy Relationships.” https://amzn.to/2Ohaj0X
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