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

Harrison Haynes shares his journey from social media addiction to digital minimalism—discover tools to reclaim presence, mental health, and connection.

Are we more connected—or more isolated—because of our phones? In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Harrison Haynes to explore the realities of social media addiction, digital dependency, and the urgent need for digital minimalism.

Harrison shares his raw and honest experiences navigating screen addiction, online pressures, and post-COVID loneliness, and how switching to a "dumb phone" radically transformed his relationships and mental clarity. Together, they unpack how technology impacts intimacy, trust, and self-worth—and how intentional digital practices can restore balance and genuine connection.

Listeners will gain practical tools for creating boundaries with technology, embracing mindfulness, and reclaiming their lives from the constant pull of screens. From digital detox strategies to building real-life support systems, this candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking healthier relationships with technology, themselves, and others.

Topics Covered:

• How social media addiction erodes mental health and connection

• Digital minimalism and Harrison's journey with a "dumb phone"

• Rebuilding face-to-face connections in a post-COVID world

• Practical digital detox tips for clarity and presence

• Boundaries, mindfulness, and creating stronger relationships

This episode is for anyone who's ever felt drained by endless scrolling—or who longs for a life of presence, purpose, and authentic connection.

● The Light Phone 2
Link
A minimalist phone designed to be used as little as possible, supporting digital intentionalism.

● The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Link
Discusses the importance of slowing down in a hurried world, referenced by Harrison in his conversation on modern social spaces.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

00:17 The Impact of Technology on Relationships

01:01 Welcoming Harrison Haynes

01:19 Harrison's Mission and Technology

02:06 Post-COVID Digital Dependency

03:07 The Desire for Real Connections

03:40 Social Anxiety and Digital Distractions

06:18 Creating Intentional Spaces

10:30 The Digital Detox Journey

11:39 The Light Phone Experience

17:13 Mindfulness and Digital Minimalism

24:15 Weekly Digital Detox Practice

25:55 The Impact of Constant Availability in Relationships

27:17 Navigating Long-Distance Relationships with Limited Technology

27:48 The Healing Power of Limited Phone Use

29:20 The Dangers of Codependency and Urgency

32:18 Trust and Vulnerability in Modern Relationships

41:33 Practical Tips for Digital Intentionalism

46:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections

● Website: 7onsundays.com

● Instagram: @7onsundays

● Twitter: @7onsundays

● Facebook: 7 on Sundays

Hope shares her story of coerced sex, hookup culture, and porn's influence on teen relationships — and how she found healing and resilience.

First crush, hookup culture, coerced sex, and the impact of porn on teen relationships — these are the themes explored in today's 7 On Sundays™ episode.

Our guest Hope shares her story of what should have been an innocent first crush at age 15, but quickly turned into a jarring experience filled with sexual expectations she wasn't ready for. Like too many teens, Hope was left confused, scared, and shaped by the silence of cultural, family, and religious messaging.

This episode shines a light on how porn culture and lack of realistic sex education influence young people, leaving them unprepared to navigate intimacy or boundaries. Hope's story is also one of resilience: she leaned on her big sister for support and has since become a guiding light for others who have faced coercion, shame, or confusion in early relationships.

This raw and honest conversation is essential for parents, teens, and educators who want to understand the pressures of hookup culture, the dangers of porn's influence, and the importance of consent and communication in healthy relationships.

RESOURCES

National Sexual Assault Hotline FREE & CONFIDENTIAL 1.800.656.4673

or visit RAINN.ORG or Chat online at online.rainn.org

National Domestic Dating Violence Hotlines 800.799.SAFE (7233)

and Love Is Respect 866.331.9474 (A service of the National Domestic Violence Hotline)

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to Seven on Sundays Podcast

01:14 Hope's Courageous Journey

07:51 The Aftermath and Realizations

10:00 Seeking Help and Learning from Experience

12:57 Empowerment and Sharing the Story

16:56 Insights on Consent and Red Flags

23:59 Healing, Therapy, and Moving Forward

30:29 Addressing the Impact of Sexual Assault & Empowering Messages for Survivors

38:12 The Control of Porn Indoctrination

41:53 The Role of Family Support in Healing

47:35 The Importance of Education on Sexual Assault and Consent

49:58 Wrap-up & Our Final Thoughts

Lexi shares her journey with vaginismus, hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and intimacy struggles. A raw story of sexual health, hookup culture, and healing.

Sexual health struggles are more common than most people realize — but rarely talked about openly. In this powerful episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Stephanie Boye (sex educator) and Dr. Chez Leeby (licensed marriage and family therapist) sit down with Lexi, who bravely shares her personal journey through hymenectomy, pelvic floor therapy, and the emotional challenges of intimacy.

Lexi opens up about the physical pain, shame, and societal pressures she faced — and how she learned to advocate for her well-being and embrace vulnerability in relationships. Together, the conversation explores how hookup culture, generational trauma, and stigma around sexual health impact young women, and how healing and empowerment are possible.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Hymenectomy and pelvic floor therapy explained

• Overcoming pain during intimacy and tampon use

• The role of societal pressure and hookup culture in shaping self-image

• Healing the body-mind connection through therapy and support

• Tools for self-advocacy, communication, and empowerment

• Vulnerability and communication: Building trust in relationships.

This is an essential listen for anyone navigating intimacy challenges, sexual health struggles, or the journey toward reclaiming their voice.

Resources Mentioned

- **Pelvic Floor Therapy**: Learn more about pelvic health and therapy options [here](https://pelvicpain.org).

- **Psychology Today Therapist Directory**: Find a supportive therapist in your area: [Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/).

• **"It's Not a Trauma Olympics"** by Brené Brown: A guide to understanding and validating personal trauma.

Timestamps

00:00 Trigger Warning

00:17 Coming Up In This Episode

00:51 Welcome to 7 on Sundays

01:29 Lexi's Early Struggles with Tampons

02:39 Discovering the Hymenectomy

04:08 Navigating Sexual Experiences

16:57 Pelvic Floor Therapy

20:43 Exploring Transgenerational Trauma

22:29 Exploring Historical Trauma and Female Bonding

24:23 Navigating Hookup Culture in College

25:01 Personal Reflections on Hookup Culture

Connect with Us

- **Website**: [7onSundays.com](https://7onsundays.com)

- **Instagram**: [@7onSundays](https://instagram.com/7onSundays)

- **Twitter**: [@7onSundaysPod](https://twitter.com/7onSundaysPod)

- **Email**: contact@7onsundays.com

26:02 Challenges in Current Relationships

28:51 Communicating Vulnerability in Relationships

32:03 Mindset and Physical Tools for Pain-Free Intimacy

40:37 Wrap Up

42:03 The Importance of Validation and Finding the Right Physician

44:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Levi shares how hustle culture impacts mental health, balance, and purpose. A candid look at Gen Z, achievement pressure, and authentic living.

Hustle culture is everywhere — from college campuses to social media — but what is it really costing young people? In this episode of 7 On Sundays, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye sit down with Levi, a 20-year-old college student, who shares his personal journey navigating the overwhelming pressures of achievement, success, and societal expectations.

Levi opens up about the toll hustle culture takes on mental health, relationships, and identity, and how he's learning to redefine success on his own terms. The conversation explores the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual dimensions of hustle culture — and what it means to step back, reclaim balance, and pursue authentic purpose.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The hidden costs of hustle culture on Gen Z mental health

• How societal and family expectations drive burnout

• Finding identity and balance beyond productivity

• Tools for navigating stress, authenticity, and purpose

This raw, hopeful conversation is a must-listen for students, parents, and anyone seeking to break free from toxic hustle culture and redefine what truly matters.

● Chi Alpha Campus Ministries: chialpha.com A national organization providing spiritual and community support for college students.

● The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer: A book exploring the dangers of hurry culture and offering insights on slowing down to live a meaningful life.

● Website: 7onsundays.com

● Instagram: @7onSundaysPodcast

● Facebook: 7 on Sundays Podcast

● Email: contact@7onsundays.com

Betsy Stephenson shares her son Charlie's story, hidden signs of depression in young men, and the grief, stigma, and hope after suicide loss.

Depression, suicide loss, and parental grief are at the heart of this powerful continuation of our conversation with Betsy Stephenson, author of Blackbird: A Mother's Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide. In Part 2 of this 7 On Sundays™ series, hosts Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye dive deeper into the misunderstood signs of depression — particularly in young men — through the story of Betsy's late son, Charlie.

This episode explores:

• The hidden signs of depression in young men (irritability, withdrawal, loss of appetite, sleep changes)

• Why depression itself is "enough" and requires no other justification for concern

• Parenting, grief, and writing through active loss

• The role of community, conversations, and early intervention in mental health

• Breaking stigma around suicide, depression, and the right to feel pain

• The urgent need for mental health support in schools, fraternities, and colleges

Betsy's reflections, paired with Dr. Chez's insights, offer a compassionate, raw, and necessary discussion on how we can better support young people, parents, and communities impacted by depression and suicide loss.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:19 Interview with Betsy Stephenson Begins

00:54 Understanding Depression in Males

02:57 Personal Experiences with Depression

07:17 Coping Mechanisms and Therapy

08:42 The Importance of Open Conversations

13:22 Early Signs and Seeking Help

23:08 The Impact of Transitions and Modern Pressures

27:05 The Danger of Comparison and Grief

28:12 The Importance of Validating All Feelings

28:42 The Pressure of Perfection

30:55 Betsy's Unique Approach to Writing About Grief

37:38 The Power of Checking on Friends

44:55 Addressing Depression and Mental Health in Fraternities

49:35 Recognizing the Signs of Depression

52:32 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources Mentioned:

- *Blackbird* by Betsey Stevenson — [Buy the book](https://www.betseystevenson.com)

A memoir about grief and healing written in real-time by a mother who lost her son to suicide.

- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — [Call or text 988](https://988lifeline.org)

Free, confidential support available 24/7.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe and leave a review to help more listeners find these crucial conversations. And most importantly: check on your friends—it matters more than you know.