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What happens when a youth mentality expert admits he struggled with pornography from age 11? Even harder - what happens when his father hears this revelation for the first time?

The uncomfortable truth is that many young people turn to pornography not just for stimulation but for education. With parents often avoiding frank discussions about sexuality, curious adolescents seek information elsewhere, often landing on content that distorts their understanding of healthy relationships.

In this remarkably candid episode, we navigate the distinction between addiction and obsession as we examine my initial self-diagnosis. My father gently challenges the addiction label, noting that true addiction severely disrupts daily functioning in ways my experience didn't reflect. This conversation reveals how even mental health advocates can misunderstand their own experiences.

We explore the digital landscape where today's youth encounter pornography - not just through explicit websites but via mainstream social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Many parents remain unaware that these everyday apps serve as gateways to content that shapes how young people view sexuality and relationships.

Perhaps most poignantly, we discuss the weight of shame that prevented me from sharing this struggle for over a decade, despite our otherwise close relationship. My father's reflection on learning about this hidden aspect of my adolescence offers valuable perspective for parents wondering what their children might be concealing.

This episode provides actionable guidance for families navigating these waters: establish open dialogue about sexuality, recognize when professional help might be needed, and utilize resources like the Brighton mental wellness app to facilitate difficult conversations.

Ready for an honest conversation about one of parenting's most uncomfortable topics? Text us your thoughts or questions at 904-867-4466 and join our journey toward healthier, more open family communication.

TEXT US (904)-867-4466 but before you send your text in the beginning of your text include the numbers 2141639. We look forward to hearing from you!!

BOOK US NOW! Email zion@uptoit.club to find out about pricing and availability

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Ever wondered how something that seems harmless could rewire your entire view of people? Zion opens the door to a rarely discussed topic that affects countless lives: pornography addiction and the objectification of women.

With remarkable vulnerability, Zion shares his personal battle with pornography addiction that spanned more than a decade, starting in fifth grade. He walks us through how what began as curiosity transformed into a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, and overwhelming emotions. This isn't just a confession – it's a roadmap for understanding how digital content consumption shapes our perception of others and ourselves.

Drawing from Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown's powerful statements, Zion examines how pornography "desensitizes your brain" until you're seeing objects instead of human beings. He explores concerning cultural trends like referring to women as "ball" and challenges listeners to recognize how language reflects deeper attitudes about humanity and worth.

What makes this conversation especially valuable is Zion's focus on recovery and alternatives. From his partnership with the Brightn journaling app to finding comfort in physical exercise, reading, and authentic relationships, he offers practical pathways forward. The broadcast channel community he's built further demonstrates his commitment to vulnerability and mutual support.

Whether you're struggling with similar issues, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand these dynamics better, this episode provides compassionate insight without judgment. Remember Zion's powerful reminder: "You're not navigating this life alone" – and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It movement!

Book your presentation now
Download the Brightn Wellness App
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What happens when the thing you've built your identity around becomes the source of your deepest pain? For SELYM, basketball was more than just a sport—it was his projected future. The explosive young athlete they called "Lil Westbrook" seemed destined for greatness on the court, touching rims in fifth grade and outplaying kids years older.

But beneath the athletic prowess, a storm was brewing. During his time at Phoenix College and later Langston University, SELYM found himself spiraling into depression, caught in toxic relationships, and struggling with abandonment issues. The breaking point came when heartbreak drove him to contemplate ending his life. "I didn't even feel like I was good enough anymore for anybody," he reveals with raw honesty.

Salvation came in an unexpected form. In his senior year, SELYM recorded a song simply as emotional therapy—never intending to release it. When friends heard it and insisted he share it, something remarkable happened. The track went viral around campus, leading to a performance opportunity that awakened something dormant within him. Music became more than art; it became ministry.

Today, SELYM creates Christian hip-hop that speaks directly to mental health struggles, heartbreak, and finding identity in faith rather than others' expectations. His story breaks critical barriers around Black male vulnerability while offering hope to anyone facing similar battles. As he puts it: "Be the light. Let your light so shine before men that they see you do good works which glorify your father, which is in heaven."

Follow SELYM's journey across all platforms @SELYM and experience music that doesn't just entertain—it heals. Because sometimes our greatest purpose reveals itself on the other side of our deepest pain.

We are so appreciative of you listening we want you to be part of the Up To It movement!

Book your presentation now
Download the Brightn Wellness App
https://www.brightn.shop/discount/uptoit10
https://www.instagram.com/uptoitaz/
https://www.facebook.com/Uptoitpodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Tik Tok- @uptoitaz