How Porn Affects Connection in Relationships

How Porn Affects Connection in Relationships

From Consider Before Consuming by Fight the New Drug

May 13, 2026 · 48 min · Episode 164

About this episode

This episode explores how pornography impacts connection in relationships with insights from clinical psychologist Dr. Nicholas Lawless.

In this episode of Consider Before Consuming, we’re joined by Dr. Nicholas Lawless, a clinical psychologist and couples therapist, to explore how pornography can impact connection in relationships. Does porn affect relationships? Can porn change how you see your partner? Is watching porn considered cheating? Why does porn sometimes feel like a betrayal? Dr. Lawless shares what he’s seen in both research and real-life couples—how shifts in attention and expectations can lead to disconnection over time, and what it looks like to rebuild connection. If you’re wondering whether porn is affecting your relationship, or how to reconnect if something feels off, this episode offers a clear, practical perspective. This episode is sponsored by Relay, a secure peer-support app that connects you with a small group of people who understand what you’re going through and help you stay accountable on your journey to quit porn. CBC listeners can try Relay free for 7 days when they sign up at http://ftnd.org/joinrelay Episode Resources: Articles: How Porn Can Impact Relationships Documentary: Brain, Heart, World Dr. Lawless' Practice: DRT Psychology Advertising Inquiries…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Nicholas Lawless

Topics covered

  • pornography
  • relationships
  • connection
  • couples therapy
  • psychology

Keywords

  • pornography
  • relationships
  • couples therapy
  • connection
  • betrayal
  • disconnection
  • rebuild connection

Sponsors

Relay

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DRT Psychology

Books & works: Brain, Heart, World

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