In this powerful episode, I sit down with Zach Blakeney, a heart-centered leadership guide, to explore healing from porn addiction, redefining love, and embracing self-worth. Zach shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming his porn addiction and how others can too.

We dive into:

✨ The biochemical and psychological effects of porn addiction

✨ How addiction impacts relationships and self-perception

✨ Reaching suicidal thoughts & a huge relationship challenge from his porn usage

✨ Practical steps for breaking free from unhealthy cycles

✨ How partners can support each other without shame

✨ The role of community and kindness in healing

Golden Nuggets From This Episode:

✨ Remembering Our True Nature: Love – His journey taught him that at our core, we are love, and the work is simply remembering that truth.

✨ The Darkest Moments: Facing Suicidal Thoughts – For the first time, he encountered suicidal ideation—an experience that reshaped his understanding of mental health.

✨ The Observer Within: Who’s Really Listening? – If you are the one thinking and speaking, who is the silent observer hearing those thoughts?

✨ Pornography as a Toxic Relationship – He calls porn a mistress because it becomes an unhealthy, addictive relationship that distorts intimacy.

✨ Shame’s Shadow: Hiding as a Symptom – When we hide parts of ourselves, it’s often a sign of deep-seated shame that needs healing.

✨ Compassion Over Blame – When you see someone’s toxic behavior as a sickness rather than a personal attack, you stop taking responsibility for their actions.

✨ The Truth About Relapses – The idea of a relapse is an illusion; every step, even setbacks, is part of the healing journey.

Connect More with :

IG: @zackblakeney

Website:1-on-1 Coaching Service: https://heartleduniversity.com/program

Free Offer: Free Guided Meditations: https://soundcloud.com/zack-823972074/sets/guided-meditations?si=64bdb1b467a246d4b8b2b34e09d72e9e&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

More Lexy from Heart Snuggles:

Holding Heartache Masterclass Sign Up: https://prosperous.alivetoenjoy.com/public/form/view/657833820e43ca003a7f3749

Email: [email protected]

Dating + Relationship Coaching - https://iamlexydavis.com/

Instagram: Alivetoenjoy & Heart Snuggles

Timestamps from episode:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Heart Snuggles
• 01:07 - Guest Introduction: Zach Blakeney
• 03:22 - Lessons on Love from the Past
• 04:47 - Zach's Personal Journey
• 05:57 - Confronting Addiction: The Turning Point
• 10:00 - The Impact of Addiction on Relationships
• 12:04 - Understanding Biochemical Effects of Pornography
• 18:15 - Dopamine vs. Oxytocin: The Science of Addiction
• 20:07 - Navigating Fetishes and Fantasies
• 21:35 - The Importance of Semen Retention
• 24:42 - Recognizing the Effects of Porn on Life
• 28:13 - Holding Heartache Podcast Ad
• 30:24 - Objectification of Women and Its Consequences
• 32:30 - Tools for Overcoming Porn Addiction
• 35:10 - Relapse and Responsibility
• 39:15 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Sex and Porn
• 40:08 - Supporting a Partner with Addiction
• 45:31 - Zach's Heart-Centered Work and Forgiveness