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.

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.

Sam shares her story of hookup culture, codependency, and healing from past trauma — and how she built self-worth through boundaries and respect.

Hookup culture is often glamorized as casual and carefree — but for many young adults, it leads to feelings of emptiness, confusion, and self-doubt. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Sam, a recent college graduate, who bravely shares her journey of navigating hookup culture, unpacking childhood trauma, and reclaiming her self-worth.

Sam opens up about the lasting impact of early family dynamics on relationships, her struggle with codependency and superficial validation, and the pivotal moment she realized the need for clear boundaries and self-respect. Together, the conversation sheds light on how young people can break free from destructive cycles and embrace healthier, more meaningful connections.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• How childhood experiences shape adult relationships.

• The emotional toll of hookup culture and casual sex.

• Recognizing and healing from codependency.

• Building self-respect through boundaries and communication.

• Choosing healthier, intentional relationships.

This candid and inspiring discussion is a must-listen for anyone navigating modern dating, seeking authentic love, or healing from the past.

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

01:17 Sam's College Experience and Hookup Culture

03:51 Seeking Validation Through Hookups

06:34 Codependency and Early Relationships

18:03 Impact of Childhood and Parental Influence

22:51 Healing and Self-Realization

29:50 Transformation and Moving Forward

35:45 The Importance of Communication in Relationships

37:41 Empowerment Through Boundaries

38:33 Parental Influence and Personal Development

41:30 Navigating Dating and Setting Expectations

55:14 The Role of Courage in Building Relationships

57:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts