The way we learn about sex, relationships, and connection is changing, and is for the better?
In this episode, we unpack new online safety changes aimed at limiting young people’s exposure to harmful content, and explore how p*rn, social media, and algorithms are shaping expectations around s*x, consent, and bodies. We talk through the “scripts” people absorb from p*rn — from coercion and aggression to unrealistic ideas of pleasure and performance — and how these can make it harder to understand what we actually want, communicate or respect boundaries, and experience safe, mutual intimacy. We dig into the science of rejection — why it can feel so intense, how it shows up across friendships, dating, and everyday life, and how to respond in ways that support both accountability and self-worth. Then we're joined by Callum from The Man Cave to chat about AI companions. We discuss why people are turning to them for emotional connection, and what they can and can’t offer when it comes to building real relationships.
Featuring: Callum Goodes (@themancave_aus)
Hosts: Anthony Stefanos (@anthonystefanos) & Tess Fuller (@tesssfuller)
This podcast is produced by Annabelle Kablean (@hellsbell.es), Teach Us Consent and I Want It Yesterday Studios, and supported by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
Want to go deeper? We've created hundreds of resources to help you get confident with consent, sex and relationships - visit teachusconsent.com.
Content note: This material contains sensitive content, and includes references to sexual harassment and assault, homophobia, and other forms of violence. Please listen with care and compassion for yourself, and feel free to switch off at any point.
References in this episode:
Two in five Aussies feel lonely — and many are turning to AI (YouGov)
https://yougov.com/articles/53225-two-in-five-aussies-feel-lonely-and-many-are-turning-to-ai
The pain of social rejection (APA)
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejection
Understanding and reframing the fear of rejection (UNSW)
https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2022/06/understanding-and-reframing-the-fear-of-rejection
Women's Experiences With Genital Touching, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Results From a U.S. Probability Sample of Women Ages 18 to 94 (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678639/
Support:
Lifeline: 13 11 14. Lifeline is a non-profit organisation that provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support service in Australia. Volunteer crisis supporters provide suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance, not only via telephone but face-to-face and online.
For a full list of support services, visit https://www.teachusconsent.com/get-support for resources such as 1800RESPECT and 13YARN, or call 000 in emergencies.
In Australia, Mental Health Care Plans are available through GPs and can provide access to subsidised sessions with mental health professionals. Reach out to your GP to discuss your options.
This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people. The Teach Us Consent team respects and honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders past and present, and their enduring connection to this land. We acknowledge that First Nations people disproportionately experience sexual violence, and we are committed to ending sexual violence.
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