What Does Research Say About Pornography? | Nick Stumbo
02/05/25 • 52 min
Did you know 61% of the U.S. population (men and women) say they view pornography and 54% of practicing Christians (men and women) say they view pornography—only a 7% difference—according to the latest research. Additionally, only 11% of practicing Christians say they feel comfortable talking to their pastor about this struggle. Pornography is pervasive among our culture, even those with a Christian worldview. On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, Rob Philo talks with Nick Stumbo, executive director of Pure Desire, an organization dedicated to providing resources for those struggling with sexual brokenness, addiction, and betrayal. Nick shares his personal testimony with sexual brokenness and redemption. He also breaks down the latest research Pure Desire conducted with Barna Group regarding pornography use. The data is surprising. Tune into this fascinating conversation!
Note: This conversation is focused on building a healthy, thriving marriage. If you are experiencing abuse in your marriage, or someone you know is, contact the National Hotline for Domestic Abuse. If someone is monitoring your device, call the hotline 24/7 at 1−800−799−7233. Learn more about what defines an abusive relationship.
----------
Time Stamps:
(1:58) What first inspired Nick to step into the sexual brokenness and redemption space
(11:50) Understanding the inspiration behind the research study Pure Desire conducted with Barna Group
(19:41) Why people may be afraid to share their struggle with pornography with their community
(22:58) The impact of pornography on mental health and well-being
(25:40) How pornography use affects marriage
(31:17) Taking the first step towards recovery
(37:08) What advice Nick would give to someone as a first starting point who is struggling with a pornography addiction
(46:06) Resources for those interested
----------
Links:
Pure Desire https://puredesire.org/
Beyond the Porn Phenomenon https://marriage.winshape.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/BTPP-Media-Fact-Sheet.pdf
5 Steps to Freedom from Porn https://puredesire.org/5-steps-to-freedom-from-porn/
7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma https://puredesire.org/free-ebook-7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/
Genesis 1:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A27&version=ESV
James 5:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205%3A16&version=ESV
WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/
WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/
100 Date Ideas for Couples https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/100-date-ideas-for-couples/
The Journey https://marriage.winshape.org/journey/
----------
Relevant Resources:
"How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/
Did you know 61% of the U.S. population (men and women) say they view pornography and 54% of practicing Christians (men and women) say they view pornography—only a 7% difference—according to the latest research. Additionally, only 11% of practicing Christians say they feel comfortable talking to their pastor about this struggle. Pornography is pervasive among our culture, even those with a Christian worldview. On today’s episode of The WinShape Marriage Podcast, Rob Philo talks with Nick Stumbo, executive director of Pure Desire, an organization dedicated to providing resources for those struggling with sexual brokenness, addiction, and betrayal. Nick shares his personal testimony with sexual brokenness and redemption. He also breaks down the latest research Pure Desire conducted with Barna Group regarding pornography use. The data is surprising. Tune into this fascinating conversation!
Note: This conversation is focused on building a healthy, thriving marriage. If you are experiencing abuse in your marriage, or someone you know is, contact the National Hotline for Domestic Abuse. If someone is monitoring your device, call the hotline 24/7 at 1−800−799−7233. Learn more about what defines an abusive relationship.
----------
Time Stamps:
(1:58) What first inspired Nick to step into the sexual brokenness and redemption space
(11:50) Understanding the inspiration behind the research study Pure Desire conducted with Barna Group
(19:41) Why people may be afraid to share their struggle with pornography with their community
(22:58) The impact of pornography on mental health and well-being
(25:40) How pornography use affects marriage
(31:17) Taking the first step towards recovery
(37:08) What advice Nick would give to someone as a first starting point who is struggling with a pornography addiction
(46:06) Resources for those interested
----------
Links:
Pure Desire https://puredesire.org/
Beyond the Porn Phenomenon https://marriage.winshape.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/02/BTPP-Media-Fact-Sheet.pdf
5 Steps to Freedom from Porn https://puredesire.org/5-steps-to-freedom-from-porn/
7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma https://puredesire.org/free-ebook-7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/
Genesis 1:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201%3A27&version=ESV
James 5:16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%205%3A16&version=ESV
WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/
WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/
100 Date Ideas for Couples https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/100-date-ideas-for-couples/
The Journey https://marriage.winshape.org/journey/
----------
Relevant Resources:
"How To Find a Marriage Counselor” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/how-to-find-a-marriage-counselor/
Previous Episode
Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Happy Valentine’s Day—almost—from WinShape Marriage! We know Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so Marlee Arnold and Rob Philo pulled together a list of 20 Valentine’s Day gift ideas—10 for the guys and 10 for the gals. Even if you think Valentine’s Day is overrated, don’t miss the opportunity to show your spouse a little extra love by getting something meaningful for them. We have a variety of ideas ranging from experiential to material and budget-friendly to more expensive. You’ll have no reason not to get your husband or wife a Valentine’s Day gift after listening to this episode!
----------
Time Stamps:
(1:28) #1 – Comfortable socks
(2:45) #2 – Cozy gift basket featuring socks, bath bombs, candle, eye mask, etc.
(4:10) #3 – Heated coffee mug
(4:34) #4 – Morning to yourself and breakfast in bed
(5:17) #5 – Gift certificate for a lesson such as a golf lesson
(5:50) #6 – Gift certificate for a spa day
(6:45) #7 – Devotional
(7:13) #8 – Planned date night
(9:13) #9 – Pickleball paddles
(9:34) #10 – Bible
(10:25) #11 – Tickets for a sporting event
(11:09) #12 – Getting the car detailed
(12:24) #13 – Wallet
(13:06) #14 – Personalized blanket
(14:34) #15 – Tool set
(16:12) #16 – Watercolor painting of first home
(17:30) #17 – Massage gun
(18:35) #18 – Perfume
(19:27) #19 – Adventurous experience
(20:02) #20 – Digital photo album
----------
Links:
WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/
WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/
----------
Relevant Resources:
“30 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/30-valentines-day-gifts-for-him/
“30 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/30-valentines-day-gifts-for-her/
“15 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Couples” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/valentines-day-date-ideas/
“DIY Valentine’s Day Baskets for Your Spouse or Kids” https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/diy-valentines-day-baskets-for-your-spouse-or-kids/
Next Episode
The Marriage Advice That Changed Our Lives
What’s the best marriage advice you’ve ever received? In this episode, Rob Philo and Marlee Arnold sit down to reflect on the wisdom, lessons, and practical tips they've learned during their time with WinShape Marriage. From profound spiritual insights to helpful daily reminders, they unpack the life-changing advice that has helped them navigate marriage in the early years.
----------
Time Stamps:
(3:49) “Women like to process life together and men like to do life together.”
(8:30) Luke 2:52—Jesus grew in wisdom and stature
(12:31) It’s OK to just sit and be together with your spouse
(17:00) “Is it your spouse or the season?”
(20:55) When you “do” something with your spouse, how do each of you experience it differently?
(26:20) What is actually happening when you experience conflict
(31:09) “I already know what you’re going to say...because I am you.”
(36:51) “Do you want to be right or in relationship?”
(38:31) “Am I listening to understand or to respond?”
(40:40) It is vital to continue celebrating and playing together throughout your marriage
----------
Links:
Luke 2:52 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A52&version=NIV
The Magic Ratio: The Key to Relationship Satisfaction https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-magic-ratio-the-key-to-relationship-satisfaction/
Can You Read Your Spouse’s Mind? https://www.instagram.com/p/CfcYZW8lZxa/?img_index=1
WinShape Marriage Website https://marriage.winshape.org/
WinShape Marriage Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winshapemarriage/
100 Date Ideas for Couples https://marriage.winshape.org/resource/100-date-ideas-for-couples/
Pastor & Ministry Leader Retreats https://marriage.winshape.org/ministry-retreats/
----------
Relevant Episodes:
Intimacy Is More Than Just Sex | Dr. Juli Slattery https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-Ky8vS5aWo&t=1544s
What Research Suggests About Husbands and Wives | Shaunti Feldhahn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFbdfLEuFew&t=1770s
Understanding the Honeymoon Phase and the Seven-Year Itch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAXg5K_cIEE
How To Have Better Arguments With Your Spouse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdfGBQ-yU7s&t=338s
Making Your Marriage Fun Again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjZQkSDz3UA&t=883s
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-winshape-marriage-podcast-550620/what-does-research-say-about-pornography-nick-stumbo-83694224"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to what does research say about pornography? | nick stumbo on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy