7 On Sundays™ Podcast

7 On Sundays™ Podcast

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7 On Sundays™ Podcast episodes

  • Love Island Is Rewiring How Young People Think About Relationships

    Summary

    In this episode of 7 on Sundays, Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby step away from their typical interview format to unpack one of today's biggest cultural phenomena: Love Island. What starts as a conversation about a reality dating show quickly becomes a deeper discussion about how media, pornography, and social scripts are reshaping the way young people think about attraction, intimacy, trust, and relationships. They explore how highly sexualized entertainment influences expectations around dating, why these messages matter for teenagers and young adults, and how parents can have thoughtful, non-judgmental conversations with their kids about what they're watching. Rather than simply criticizing pop culture, Stephanie and Dr. Chez offer practical ways to help families develop critical thinking and healthier relationship models.

    Key Takeaways

    • How reality dating shows normalize highly sexualized relationship scripts.
    • Why attraction, chemistry, and genuine intimacy are often confused in modern media.
    • The influence of pornography and "pornified" culture on dating expectations.
    • Practical ways parents can discuss difficult media topics without shutting conversations down.
    • Why character, trust, emotional vulnerability, and friendship remain the strongest foundations for healthy relationships.

    Resources Mentioned

    • Psychology Today article on "Pornmaxxing"
    • Vice article on "Hate-Fucking"

    Call to Action

    If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to 7 on Sundays, leave a review, and share this conversation with a parent, educator, or young adult navigating today's dating culture. Join the conversation at 7onsundays.com.

    Chapters

    00:00 Content Warning

    00:20 Why We're Recording This

    01:11 Bachelor Scripts and Sexual Performance

    03:13 Love Island Explained

    05:39 Hooked on the Fantasy

    07:37 Trust vs Sexualized Challenges

    10:34 Casa Amor and Pornified Intros

    14:00 Objectification and Losing Your Name

    15:02 aTalking About It With Kids

    17:16 Pornified Culture Slow Boil

    19:12 How Porn Rewires Arousal

    22:21 Desire Scripts and Pornmaxxing

    23:43 Parent Playbook Watch and Ask How

    26:57 Earning Trust Daily

    27:25 Media That Feels Bad

    29:31 Questioning Culture Seeds

    30:50 Casa Amor Reality Check

    33:12 Chemistry Versus Character

    34:41 What The Show Hides

    37:05 Arousal Isn't Consent

    40:10 Betrayal And Suspicion

    42:51 Build Intimacy In Order

    46:28 Grace And Better Conversations

    48:59 Stories Kids Remember

    50:26 Watch Together And Wrap Up

    51:10 Closing

    53 min
  • Jimmy Farley: How a 24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Stays Grounded After Making Millions

    In this episode of the 7 on Sundays podcast, Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with entrepreneur and TikTok marketing expert Jimmy Farley (founder, Creators Corner -- Instagram @jimpapi @creatorscornerio / TikTok @jimpapibiz) for a deep conversation about success, authenticity, relationships, and mental wellness in the age of social media. Jimmy shares how he went from selling candy and tie-dye socks as a kid to building successful online businesses and helping creators grow through TikTok marketing.

    But this episode goes far beyond money and followers. Jimmy opens up about the mindset shifts, books, habits, and personal philosophies that helped him avoid the traps of ego, validation, and hustle culture. Together, the group explores self-worth, dating, authenticity, journaling, meditation, social media pressure, and why true success starts with knowing your "why."

    Key Takeaways

    • Jimmy's entrepreneurial journey started in childhood with small hustles and evolved into successful TikTok marketing businesses during COVID.
    • Money and success don't change people — they amplify who they already are.
    • External validation is fleeting, and chasing attention or status often leads to emptiness.
    • Authenticity and genuine curiosity about other people create stronger relationships and deeper fulfillment.
    • Journaling, meditation, reading, and surrounding yourself with the right people can help keep you grounded.
    • Social media has distorted expectations around relationships, success, and perfection.
    • True love comes from acceptance, not trying to "complete" each other.
    • Learning to love yourself is foundational before seeking validation from others.
    • Jimmy discusses the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and being willing to be disliked.
    • Books like Conversations with God, Learning to Love Yourself, and Mere Christianity deeply influenced his mindset.

    Quotes From The Episode

    "Money doesn't change people. It reveals people."

    "External validation is super weak. It's a drug."

    "The way you become interesting is by being interested in other people."

    "True love is acceptance."

    "If you didn't feel it, it didn't count."

    Resources & Mentions

    • Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch
    • Learning to Love Yourself by Gay Hendricks, PH.D
    • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
    • Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
    • Joe Dispenza

    Chapters

    00:00 Listener Discretion Warning

    00:20 Meet Jimmy Farley

    02:31 Early Hustles and Roots

    03:36 COVID Pivot to Business

    05:04 TikTok Marketing Breakthrough

    06:17 Staying Grounded With Work

    10:32 Money Fame and The Why

    14:10 Validation Dating and Being Interesting

    19:24 Books That Shaped His Love

    23:19 Books That Shape You

    24:20 True Love Is Acceptance

    25:46 Social Media And The Perfect Trap

    29:51 Authenticity Over People Pleasing

    32:30 Grounding Tools Journaling And Meditation

    37:01 Boundaries And Better Circles

    39:40 Book Recommendation Mere Christianity

    41:19 Rejecting Negativity As A Superpower

    42:47 Closing Thanks And Podcast Disclaimer

    45 min
  • Porn, Performative Sex, and Consent (Part 2): Empathy, Pressure, and Real Intimacy Garrett's Story (#55)

    Porn, performative sex, consent, and empathy shape modern intimacy—one college man challenges harmful sexual myths.

    Pornography, performative sex, and cultural myths are reshaping how young people understand intimacy, often in damaging and confusing ways. In this powerful follow-up to Part 1, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye welcome back Garrett, a college junior from Texas, for a vulnerable and eye-opening conversation about consent, empathy, and authentic sexual connection.

    Garrett courageously shares a personal story that reveals the emotional toll of performative sex, including the normalization of sexual pressure and porn-driven expectations. Together, they unpack how modern cultural scripts—ranging from BDSM trends to "trad wife" aesthetics—distort healthy intimacy, blur consent, and discourage emotional honesty.

    This episode challenges myths around orgasm, hookup culture, and sexual performance, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and ongoing consent in relationships. For young adults, parents, educators, and anyone navigating intimacy in a porn-saturated culture, Garrett's honesty offers clarity, accountability, and hope.

    Listeners will gain insight into:

    • The real meaning of performative sex and how porn normalizes harmful behavior.

    • Why empathy and ongoing, enthusiastic consent are non-negotiable in intimacy.

    • Cultural double standards and their impact on sexual expectations.

    • Debunking orgasm myths and promoting honest conversations.

    • How authentic connection leads to healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

    This episode is an essential listen for students, parents, educators, and anyone seeking to better understand the realities of modern sexual culture.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Trigger Warning

    00:15 Sneak Peek

    00:41 Recap of Previous Episode

    01:42 Diving into Performative Sex

    02:27 Understanding Forced Fellatio

    04:55 Garrett's Personal Experience

    08:22 The Importance of Empathy in Sexual Relationships

    11:10 Aligning Actions with Values

    14:04 The Impact of Porn on Real-Life Relationships

    16:49 The Importance of Communication and Consent

    19:40 Navigating Mixed Signals in Intimacy

    20:46 The Importance of Communication in Relationships

    22:20 Debunking Myths About Sexual Satisfaction

    24:29 Expressing Gratitude and Empathy

    27:30 Wrap Up: The Impact of Performative Sex

    29:51 Encouraging Authenticity in Intimate Relationships

    36:32 The Pendulum of Authenticity

    38:35 Closing Thoughts and Resources

    Resources Mentioned:

    ● Urban Dictionary: For understanding slang terms like "forced fellatio"

    ● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free and confidential mental health support

    ● 7 on Sundays Website (https://7onsundays.com): More episodes, resources, and support

    40 min
  • Porn, Performative Sex, Consent, & Masculinity: A Guy's POV -Part 1 (#54)

    Porn, hookup culture, consent, and masculinity shape how young men experience sex—one college man shares his story.

    Pornography, performative sex, and toxic masculinity deeply influence how young men approach relationships, intimacy, and identity, yet few men speak openly about their impact. In this raw and powerful episode of 7 on Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Garrett, a college junior from Texas, to explore the hidden realities of modern hookup culture, consent, and masculinity from a male perspective.

    Garrett candidly shares how early porn exposure, media messages, and cultural double standards shaped his views on sex, relationships, and self-worth. He opens up about the pressure of performative sex, experiences with coercion and consent, and how stereotypes around masculinity made emotional vulnerability and honest communication difficult.

    This is part one of a two-part series examining the intersection of sex, porn addiction, culture, and identity. Garrett's story offers rare insight into the male experience and invites parents, educators, and young adults to rethink how we talk about consent, masculinity, emotional needs, and healthy relationships.

    Listeners will gain insight into:

    • What "performative sex" is and how porn and pop culture fuel it.

    • The impact of pornography addiction and early sexual exposure.

    • Why parent-child conversations about sex and mental health matter.

    • Coercion, consent, and cultural double standards.

    • How masculinity stereotypes prevent vulnerability and healthy intimacy.

    • The role of therapy, self-awareness, and emotional growth.

    This candid episode will resonate with anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of modern masculinity, consent, and intimacy.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Trigger Warning

    00:15 Sneak Peek At What's To Come

    00:59 Introduction to Performative Sex

    02:41 Impact of Pornography on Relationships

    03:43 Parental Influence and Early Exposure

    07:21 Cultural Messaging and Its Effects

    18:25 Double Standards and Sexual Assault on Men

    29:38 Navigating Relationships and Sexual Expectations

    32:13 Navigating Relationship Dynamics

    33:11 Parental Influence and Personal Realizations

    34:25 The Importance of Emotional and Physical Connection

    35:21 Addressing Insecurities in Relationships

    48:34 The Need for Relationship Education

    50:20 Therapy and Mental Health Stigma

    55:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Insights

    Resources Mentioned

    ● Kinsey Institutehttps://kinseyinstitute.orgResearch organization exploring sex, gender, and reproduction

    ● National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)https://www.rainn.orgFree, confidential support for sexual assault survivors: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

    ● Suicide & Crisis Lifelinehttps://988lifeline.orgCall or text 988 for 24/7 mental health support in the U.S.

    1 hr 6 min
  • Post-College Life, Binge Drinking & Finding Faith — Lily's Journey to Healing and Real Friendships (#53)

    Lily shares her story of post-college struggles, binge drinking, toxic friendships, and how faith and self-discovery transformed her life.

    Life after college isn't always glamorous. For many young adults, post-grad life comes with loneliness, binge drinking, and unhealthy friendships that leave them feeling lost and unfulfilled. In this powerful episode of 7 on Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Lily, who bravely shares her story of reckless nights, toxic relationships, and the hard lessons that led her to transformation.

    Lily opens up about the dangers of binge drinking, the wake-up call that changed her life, and the painful process of leaving behind a toxic social scene. She reveals how faith, self-reflection, and authentic community gave her purpose and hope. Through vulnerability and wisdom, Lily's story highlights how post-college struggles can become the catalyst for growth and resilience.

    Listeners will gain insights into:

    • The challenges of transitioning from college to post-grad life.

    • The emotional and physical risks of binge drinking.

    • The loneliness that follows walking away from unhealthy friendships.

    • How faith and self-discovery can rebuild confidence and purpose.

    • Tips for building a supportive, like-minded community.

    • Embracing authenticity online and offline to attract real connections.

    This episode is for anyone navigating post-college uncertainty, struggling with toxic friendships, or searching for hope and meaning.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

    00:17 Personal Story: Reckless Behavior and Consequences

    01:22 Podcast Hosts Introduction and Topic Overview

    02:50 Lily's Post-College Struggles

    04:27 Turning Point: Finding a New Path

    06:01 Building a New Community

    08:03 Reflections on Loneliness and Isolation

    16:57 Parental Perspective and Support

    26:52 Navigating Rejection and Finding Your Tribe

    27:54 The Wisdom of Friends and Family

    29:47 Building Authentic Communities

    33:03 Embracing Nature and Hobbies

    34:25 The Power of Authenticity on Social Media

    48:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    51 min
  • Inside the Explosion of Online Grooming with Jo Robertson (#52)

    Online safety expert Jo Robertson returns to 7 on Sundays to break down the explosive rise of sextortion, grooming, and digital exploitation — including an 1800% increase among 7–10-year-olds. She explains how predators operate, which kids are most targeted, why grooming can happen in just 45 minutes, and how parents can protect their children without creating shame or secondary trauma. This is essential listening for any caregiver navigating the modern online landscape.

    Key Points
    1. What sextortion is and how it differs from sexual exploitation

    2. Why boys and LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately targeted

    3. The shocking rise in self-generated imagery among 7–10-year-olds

    4. How grooming works — and why it can happen in under an hour

    5. The role of gaming platforms, social media, and dating apps

    6. Example: a Roblox group with 100,000+ groomers trading tactics

    7. Why encrypted messaging has made kids more vulnerable

    8. The early warning signs of coercion, secrecy, and manipulation

    9. How trauma from sextortion mirrors complex PTSD

    10. The long-term effects on identity, intimacy, and trust

    11. How parental reactions can cause secondary trauma

    12. Why no child is "too young" for conversations about online safety

    13. The protective power of extracurriculars and after-school activities

    14. Why pornography has normalized coercion in youth culture

    15. Concrete steps parents can take right now to reduce risk

    Guest Links & Resources
    • Jo Robertson website

    • Tricky Chats: Jo's parenting/online safety course

    • TikTok Online Safety Partnership (referenced in episode)

    1 hr 1 min
  • The New Landscape of Sextortion and Teen Online Safety with Jo Robertson (#51)

    In this powerful episode, sex educator, trauma therapist, and porn researcher Jo Robertson breaks down the alarming rise in online grooming, sextortion, and exposure to sexual content among today's youth. With clear data, real-world examples, and insight from years of clinical and educational work, Jo explains how digital spaces are shaping young people's relationships, sexual development, and vulnerability to harm. This conversation is essential listening for teens, parents, and anyone invested in online safety.

    Key Points
    • Why exposure to sexual content is now almost universal among young people

    • The disturbing number of teens who encounter illegal sexual content daily

    • How predators groom young people and why grooming and sextortion are not the same

    • The sharp rise in self-generated child sexual abuse material among kids as young as 7

    • How porn normalizes behaviors that show up in peer-to-peer interactions

    • Why sexual "scripts" online are shaping consent, pleasure, and expectations

    • The impact of animated porn and incest-themed content on developing sexual beliefs

    • Why boys are more frequently sextorted, while girls are more often groomed

    • The role of AI, deepfakes, gaming platforms, and social apps in facilitating harm

    • The decline in teen sexual activity—and why sex has become riskier

    • The four C's of healthy sexual encounters: communication, care, comfort, contraception/safety

    • How shows like Normal People, Forever, and Dawson's Creek model healthy communication

    • What young adults ask sex therapists, from "Is this normal?" to navigating coercive dynamics

    Guest Links & Resources Mentioned
    • Jo Robertson's TEDx talk

    • Jo Robertson website
    • Internet Watch Foundation research

    • Stop It Now (prevention and early-intervention organization)

    • Media referenced: Normal People, Forever, Dawson's Creek, Sex Education

    If this episode brought clarity, education, or guidance, please follow and share the show. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue these crucial conversations.

    50 min
  • Toxic Relationships, Love Bombing & Gaslighting: A Story of Healing and Self-Worth -- Natasha's Story

    Toxic relationships, gaslighting & love bombing—Natasha shares her story of red flags, narcissism, and healing in modern dating.

    Toxic relationships, gaslighting, and love bombing are more common than we think—and Natasha knows this firsthand. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Natasha to unpack her journey through toxic relationships, narcissistic behaviors, and the emotional toll of manipulation.

    From recognizing red flags like love bombing to understanding the impact of gaslighting, Natasha shares her candid story of self-discovery and healing. This episode explores how toxic dating culture, social media, and unrealistic expectations can trap people in harmful relationships—and what it takes to rebuild self-worth and confidence.

    Whether you've struggled with toxic love, know someone who has, or want to understand modern relationship dynamics, this conversation provides raw insight, encouragement, and practical steps toward healing.

    Resources Mentioned

    Book: *It Ends With Us* by Colleen Hoover – A novel depicting the cycle of abuse and toxic relationships.

    National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7 Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

    00:15 Natasha's Story Begins

    00:57 Welcome and Topic Overview

    02:03 Natasha's Dating Experience

    09:12 Understanding Narcissism

    11:37 Therapy and Narcissistic Traits

    22:50 Natasha's Realization and Breakup

    25:24 Moving Forward and Advice

    37:04 Recognizing Narcissistic Behaviors

    38:44 The Aftermath of a Toxic Relationship

    39:17 The Importance of Self-Healing

    40:49 Red Flags in Relationships

    45:41 The Impact of Love Bombing

    47:58 Cultural Expectations and Reality

    51:21 Learning from Past Relationships

    56:45 The Value of Authenticity

    58:53 Final Thoughts and Advice

    1 hr 13 min
  • When Sex Turns Extreme: Porn, Trauma, and Boundaries in Relationships — Thomas's Story

    Thomas shares a rare male perspective on porn, trauma, violent sex, and the struggle for boundaries, consent, and healing in modern relationships.

    What happens when love collides with extreme sexual expectations, past trauma, and pornography's influence? In this raw and courageous episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby sit down with Thomas, who bravely shares his story of navigating a relationship shaped by violent sexual behaviors, unspoken boundaries, and emotional conflict.

    From the normalization of rough and extreme sex to the generational shift fueled by porn and peer culture, Thomas offers a rare male perspective on how these dynamics affect mental health, intimacy, and self-worth. Together, they explore the psychological toll of violent sexual expectations, the struggle to balance love with discomfort, and the importance of open conversations about boundaries, consent, and healing past trauma.

    Listeners will gain insight into:

    • How pornography rewires sexual expectations and behaviors.

    • The emotional consequences of violent sexual practices.

    • The pressure men face to "perform" in dominant roles.

    • Why trauma often resurfaces in intimate relationships.

    • Tools for communication, boundary setting, and self-awareness.

    This is an essential episode for anyone questioning cultural sexual norms, struggling with intimacy, or seeking healing after difficult experiences.

    Resources Mentioned

    - The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Link: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com – A deep dive into how trauma is stored in the body and impacts relationships.

    - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call 988 for free, confidential mental health support.

    - 7 on Sundays Website: https://www.7onsundays.com – Additional resources, past episodes, and community discussions.

    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

    00:17 Thomas's Story Begins

    01:14 Introducing the Hosts and Guest

    01:34 Discussion on Sexual Strangulation

    02:20 Age Gap and Pornography's Impact

    03:10 Thomas's Relationship Dynamics

    06:26 Emotional and Sexual Discord

    13:24 Thomas's Struggle with Strangulation

    17:10 Impact of Pornography on Preferences

    25:39 Therapy and Unresolved Issues

    30:56 The Prevalence of Abuse

    31:13 Normalization of Sexual Assault

    31:37 Impact of Pornography on Perception

    32:34 Peer Influence and Sexual Behavior

    32:55 Communication and Misunderstanding in Relationships

    35:11 Male Perspective on Sexual Expectations

    37:48 The Trauma of Sexual Strangulation

    41:32 Healing and Moving Forward

    44:59 The Need for Open Discussions

    56:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Resources Mentioned

    - The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk – Link: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com – A deep dive into how trauma is stored in the body and impacts relationships.

    - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call 988 for free, confidential mental health support.

    - 7 On Sundays Website: https://www.7onsundays.com – Additional resources, past episodes, and community discussions.

    58 min
  • College Friendships, Sorority Life & Finding Authentic Connections — Danielle & Everett's Story

    College is often portrayed as the time you'll meet your ride-or-die best friends and create bonds that last a lifetime. But what happens when the reality of friendship doesn't match the expectation? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Danielle and Everett to explore the complexities of college friendships, sorority life, and the search for authenticity.

    Through their raw and relatable stories, Danielle and Everett reveal the highs and lows of sorority involvement, the challenges of navigating superficial vs. genuine relationships, and the lessons they've learned about self-worth, quality over quantity, and staying true to yourself. The discussion sheds light on how social media pressures, cultural expectations, and campus dynamics influence friendships during college and young adulthood.

    Listeners will gain insights into:

    • Why expectations of "forever friends" in college often clash with reality.

    • The good, the bad, and the complicated dynamics of sorority life.

    • How to identify authentic connections vs. superficial relationships.

    • The emotional impact of broken friendships — and how to heal.

    • Practical advice for building meaningful, lasting relationships in young adulthood.

    This candid conversation is a must-listen for students, parents, and anyone reflecting on the power (and pitfalls) of friendship in today's world.

    Resources Mentioned

    ● Tyler Perry's advice on friendships: LINK Madea-People are like leaves, branches, and roots (A reflective skit offering wisdom on the dynamics of true friendships.)

    ● Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 for free and confidential support.

    Connect with Us

    ● Visit our website: 7onsundays.com

    ● Follow us on Instagram: @7onsundays

    ● Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform.

    53 min

About 7 On Sundays™ Podcast

From the publisher's feed

7 On Sundays™ (SOS) is the only podcast today with young people sharing their raw and real experiences with sex, relationships, and mental health. SOS co-hosts Stephanie Boye and Dr. Chez Leeby, are a dynamic combination of sex educator and family therapist. Our professional and anecdotal experience, working with thousands of young people, reveals that today's socially acceptable and normative behaviors damage young people and the culture at large.