#196 Joshua Broome - "Rocco Reed," Inside The Adult Film Industry
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, guest Joshua Broome discusses his experiences in the adult film industry, where he performed in over 1,000 films under the name "Rocco Reed" and earned more than $1 million. Broome shares insights about the industry's impact on performers' mental and physical health, including widespread substance use, and describes how a chance encounter with a bank teller led to his decision to leave the industry.
The summary covers Broome's transition from adult film performer to pastor, including his path to recovery through faith and relationships. Broome discusses working with spiritual warfare expert Victor Marx to address childhood trauma, describes the role of his wife Hope in his healing process, and explains how forgiving his absent father contributed to his personal transformation.
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Joshua Broome's Path: From Porn to Pastor
Growing up in South Carolina without a father figure, Joshua Broome struggled with understanding healthy relationships and intimacy. Seeking acceptance and validation, he entered the adult film industry, where he achieved significant success as "Rocco Reed," starring in over 1,000 films and earning more than $1 million.
Despite his financial success, Broome's involvement in the industry led to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. His relationships became increasingly dysfunctional, and his mental health deteriorated until a transformative encounter with an empathetic bank teller sparked his decision to leave the industry.
Dark Realities and Harmful Effects of Porn Industry
Broome reveals the disturbing realities of the porn industry, including the widespread use of numbing agents and erectile dysfunction medication, and the normalization of problematic themes. He describes witnessing colleagues succumb to addiction, with many dying from overdoses or suicide, while the industry continued to profit from their work posthumously.
The mental health impact extends beyond performers, as Broome notes the industry's connection to broader exploitation issues, including the tragic cases of teens falling victim to image-based sexual abuse and former performers struggling with stigma even after leaving the industry.
Joshua's Awakening, Redemption, and Forgiveness
Broome's transformation began through an encounter with a devout church member and a powerful sermon about God's grace. His relationship with his wife, Hope, whom he met at church, proved instrumental in his healing journey. A crucial step in his recovery was forgiving his absent father, leading to attempts at reconciliation through shared activities like hunting and fishing.
Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming With Faith and Relationships
In discussing spiritual warfare with Shawn Ryan, Broome describes his ongoing battles against various forms of addiction and negative self-worth. His work with spiritual warfare expert Victor Marx helped him confront childhood traumas and identify destructive patterns in his life. Broome emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in his recovery, particularly crediting his wife Hope's loving guidance and truth-telling as essential to his ongoing healing journey.
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Actionables
- You can start a personal journal to explore your understanding of healthy relationships and intimacy, reflecting on the influences in your life and how they've shaped your perceptions. By writing down your thoughts and experiences, you can identify patterns and areas for growth, similar to how Broome reflected on his past to aid his recovery.
- Engage in community service or volunteer work that supports individuals recovering from exploitation or addiction. This hands-on approach allows you to contribute positively to the lives of others while gaining a deeper understanding of the systemic issues connected to industries like porn, as well as the personal struggles that come with leaving such industries.
- Practice forgiveness exercises, such as writing forgiveness letters to people who have hurt you or whom you've hurt, even if you don't send them. This can be a powerful step in personal healing, as forgiving his absent father was for Broome. It's a way to release negative emotions and move towards a more peaceful state of mind.
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Joshua Broome's Path: From Porn to Pastor
Joshua Broome's journey from the adult film industry to pastoral work is a story of personal transformation and redemption.
Joshua Broome, Lacking a Father Figure in South Carolina, Sought Acceptance in the Adult Film Industry
Without the presence of a father figure in his life, Broome grew up in South Carolina feeling rejected and lacking guidance in understanding healthy relationships and intimacy. His father was in the same town but never played an active role in his life, leading to feelings of rejection. Observing dysfunctional relationships within his immediate family, with his mother in an abusive marriage and his grandparents in a detached one, Broome found himself struggling to grasp what a healthy relationship should look like. This confusion extended to Broome's discovery of pornography at an early age and his promiscuous lifestyle, in which he attempted to emulate what he saw in an effort to feel fulfilled. Broome thought that fame in the adult film industry might compensate for his absent father figure by making him feel wanted, seen, heard, and known.
Broome, aka "Rocco Reed," Became a Top Male Porn Star, Featuring In Over 1,000 Films and Earning Over $1 Million
As Rocco Reed, Joshua Broome found significant success in the porn industry, starring in over 1,000 films and earning over $1 million. He became one of the top male performers, won numerous awards, directed for major companies, and featured in some of the most financially successful pornographic movies. However, the intensity of his career - shooting up to 20 scenes a month and sometimes multiple times a day - took an emotional toll on him.
Broome's Porn Involvement Led To Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, and Distorted Self-Worth
Broome's involvement in the porn industry led to severe emotional challenges. Experiencing dehumanizing acts during filming, Broome found himself feeling degraded, reaching a point where he wanted to die. The exploitation he faced due to his desire for fame and money led him to engage in acts that caused internal turmoil.
The Porn Industry Exploited Broome's Desire For Fame and Money, Leading Him To Depraved Acts
The porn industry preyed on Broome's vulnerability and aspirations. A recruiter manipulated him based on his situation, promising quick success and exploiting Broome for value extraction. Despite achieving peer recognition and winning the performer of the year award in 2012, Broome's self-worth remained warped, his feelings of worthlessness unabated.
Broome's ...
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Joshua Broome's Path: From Porn to Pastor
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Actionables
- Reflect on your personal history to identify patterns that may influence your current behavior, such as seeking validation in unhealthy ways. Write down any significant events from your past, especially those related to family dynamics or early experiences, and consider how they might be affecting your choices today. For example, if you recognize a tendency to seek approval through work achievements, consider setting boundaries to prioritize personal relationships and self-care.
- Create a support network by reaching out to people who exhibit healthy relationships and asking them about their experiences and strategies. This could involve joining community groups, finding a mentor, or engaging in online forums dedicated to personal growth. By learning from others, you can develop a clearer understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like and how to cultivate it in your own life.
- Volunteer for organizations that support individuals ...
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Dark Realities and Harmful Effects of Porn Industry
The podcast delves deep into the seedy underbelly of the porn industry, exposing the exploitation and normalization of dehumanizing behavior that pervades the business. Former porn actor Joshua Broome shares his personal experiences to shed light on the often glossed-over dark side of the industry.
Porn Industry Fueled by Exploitation and Normalization of Dehumanizing Behavior
Porn Actors Use Numbing Agents and Ed Medication, Lacking Genuine Intimacy and Pleasure
Joshua Broome opens up about the grim realities of the porn industry, where actors rely on numbing agents and erectile dysfunction medication to perform sexual acts that are void of any genuine intimacy or pleasure. Often, directors even coerce them to use Kaverjak—a medication that can cause prolonged erection—to fulfill their filmic duties, ignoring the severe risks to their health. The actions are tailored for camera visibility, not for the welfare or enjoyment of the performers.
Porn Industry Fuels Incest Themes and Minor Exploitation, Exposing Kids By Age 8
The porn industry stands accused of normalizing and promoting problematic themes like incest. Broome discusses the niche of incest in pornography, connecting it to a broader issue of sexual exploitation within the industry. Furthermore, Broome highlights the alarming fact that children are being exposed to pornographic content as early as eight years old, raising grave concerns about the societal implications.
Porn Industry Harms Mental Health, Causing Addiction, Depression, and Suicide
Broome Witnessed Friends and Colleagues Die From Overdoses or Suicide, With the Industry Profiting From Their Deaths
The mental health impact on those within the industry is also devastating. Broome recounts the industry's cycle of addiction, where drugs and alcohol become coping mechanisms for those who perform degrading acts on screen. Sadly, many of Broome's former roommates and colleagues succumbed to addiction, resulting in death by overdose or suicide—yet the industry continues to exploit them posthumously by selling compilation films of their work.
Broome personally experienced deep feelings of disgust and hopelessness during his time in the porn industry. He shares an anecdote from the film "Redeeming Love," where a character’s attempt to scrub away her feelings of dirtiness is likened to his own struggle to wash away the internal feeling of degradation after performing in porn.
The dark realities extend far beyond mental tolls. Broome recounts a harrowing experience in which he was drugged and raped by a fashion organization owner, underscoring the extent of exploitation in related realms. The discussi ...
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Dark Realities and Harmful Effects of Porn Industry
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the realities of the porn industry by reading books or articles written by former performers to gain a deeper understanding of the issues they face. This knowledge can help you make more informed decisions about your consumption habits and the way you discuss the topic with others. For example, reading autobiographies or essays by ex-performers can provide personal insights into the industry that are not visible on screen.
- Support organizations that offer assistance to current and former adult industry workers by donating or volunteering. These organizations often provide mental health support, career transition programs, and legal aid, which can help individuals reclaim their sense of worth and battle identity issues post-industry. Look for reputable nonprofits that focus on these areas and see how you can contribute, whether it's through a financial donation or offering your time to help with their programs.
- Engage in conversations with pe ...
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Joshua's Awakening, Redemption, and Forgiveness
Broome's Life Changed After Experiencing God's Grace and Love, Leading To a Spiritual Awakening
Joshua Broome's journey to spiritual awakening began with an encounter that would lead him to change his life course.
Broome's Encounter With a Church Member and Sermon on God's Love Led To His Decision to Give His Life to Christ
Initially, Broome had struggled with managing perceptions and trying to "put good dirt on bad dirt" without a genuine spiritual transformation. However, his life began to shift when he encountered a woman who had been faithfully following Jesus since seventh grade. This interaction reignited parts of his humanity that had lay dormant. Deeply moved by her perspective and invitation, Broome attended church, where he listened to a sermon that utilized the story of King David's kindness to Mephibosheth as an example of grace. Broome related to the feelings of unworthiness and surprise at such generosity, and in this sermon, he saw himself in the narrative. This moment resulted in Broome giving his life to Jesus, falling to his knees, and upon standing, feeling a weight had been lifted.
Broome's bond with his wife, Hope, whom he met at church and who became his mentor, was vital for his spiritual growth. Hope's influence and the requirement of unconditional love in their relationship allowed him to work through past wounds and strengthened his faith.
Broome also referred to the biblical parable of the prodigal son, likening his experience to this story of return and redemption. He had attended church as a child through his grandparents.
Forgiving His Father Was Vital for Broome's Healing Journey
Broome's Resentment and Path to Forgiveness For Healing
One of the most profound aspects of Broome's healing was forgiving his father. He carried deep resentment for his father's absence, which led to various challenges throughout his life. The decision to forgive his father became a pivotal moment for Broome, which he acknowledges was difficult given the uncertainty of reconciliation. Upon forgiving his father, Broome noted how much he had missed him and needed him, and that by forgiving, he was releasing the frustration from his heart. Broome's father apologized for not being there, and Joshua hoped this gesture wo ...
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Joshua's Awakening, Redemption, and Forgiveness
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Actionables
- You can start a daily reflection journal focusing on moments of grace and forgiveness in your life to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and personal growth. Each day, write down instances where you've experienced or extended forgiveness, and reflect on the feelings associated with these moments. This practice can help you recognize patterns in your relationships and personal development, encouraging a more forgiving and grace-filled approach to life.
- Create a "forgiveness roadmap" to guide you through the process of reconciling with someone you've harbored resentment towards. Begin by identifying the person and the reasons for your resentment. Then, outline steps towards forgiveness, such as understanding their perspective, acknowledging your emotions, and planning a conversation or letter to express your forgiveness. This structured approach can make the daunting task of forgiveness more manageable and concrete.
- Engage in ...
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Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming With Faith and Relationships
Shawn Ryan and Joshua Broome delve into the ways spiritual warfare has impacted Broome's life and how faith and relationships serve as a foundation for overcoming such challenges.
Broome's Life: Battling Spiritual Forces Manifesting In Addictions, Shame, and Distorted Self-Worth
Broome describes how he has faced evil and battled spiritual forces throughout his life. These battles have manifested as various addictions and vices, such as seeking acceptance, fame, money, and affirmation.
Broome's Meeting With Spiritual Warfare Expert Victor Marx Helped Confront Life's Shaping Lies and Traumas
Broome acknowledges the influence Victor Marx has had on his life, implying that Marx helped him confront the lies and traumas that shaped him. He shares his belief in a demonic assignment for each person and suggests that sin invites opportunities for deception and battles against spiritual forces that try to hold on to one's past and failures.
Broome's Dedication to Relationships Aids His Battle Against Spiritual Adversities
Broome's conversation with Marx during a filmed spiritual warfare documentary involved a retooling prayer to identify and address any demonic oppression. During this session, he recalled a suppressed childhood memory that led him to understand the lie he believes the enemy told him: that he's not good enough.
Broome's Journey Shows Grace, Forgiveness, and God's Power to Overcome Obstacles
Broome's Message of Hope and Redemption, Drawn From His Experiences, Can Inspire and Guide Those Trapped In Addiction, Shame, and S ...
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Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming With Faith and Relationships
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Counterarguments
- The concept of spiritual warfare and demonic oppression is not universally accepted and lacks empirical evidence; alternative explanations for Broome's struggles could include psychological or socio-economic factors.
- The effectiveness of prayer in addressing personal issues is a matter of faith and may not resonate with individuals who rely on evidence-based treatments for addictions and mental health issues.
- The idea that each person has a "demonic assignment" is a religious belief specific to certain Christian denominations and may not be acknowledged by other faiths or secular perspectives.
- The notion that sin invites deception and spiritual battles could be seen as an oversimplification of complex personal and societal issues.
- The emphasis on faith and relationships as the primary means of overcoming life's challenges might overlook the potential benefits of professional therapy or medical interventions.
- The belief that one's past does not define them after converting to Christianity may not be shared by those who believe in the importance of personal history and experiences in shaping identity, regardless of religious conversion.
- The narrative of redemption and transformation through faith may not resonate with those who find meaning and recovery through other philosophi ...
Actionables
- Create a personal reflection journal to explore your own experiences with adversity and how they've shaped you. Start by writing down any negative beliefs you have about yourself and trace them back to their origins. This could be a specific event, a series of events, or messages you received from others. Reflect on how these beliefs have influenced your behavior and relationships. By doing this, you can begin to identify patterns and work towards understanding and overcoming them.
- Establish a 'grace jar' in your home where you write down moments of forgiveness or grace you've experienced or witnessed. Whenever you encounter a situation where you see grace in action, or when you practice forgiveness, jot it down on a piece of paper and place it in the jar. This visual and physical practice serves as a constant reminder of the power of grace and forgiveness in overcoming life's challenges.
- Initiate a 'relationship audit' to strengthen your support network. Make a list of your current rel ...
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