Podcast Summary: Joshua Broom

Introduction

• Joshua Broom discusses his life journey from a prominent porn star to a pastor.
• He highlights the impact of the adult film industry on his life and how he found redemption through faith.

Joshua's Experience in the Porn Industry

• Entered the industry at 22 after being approached by scouts while pursuing acting in Hollywood.
• Worked for seven years, becoming a top performer, and won the industry’s highest awards.
• Sex in the industry was depicted as performance art, not a personal interaction.
• Witnessed widespread substance abuse used to cope with emotional fallout, not to enhance performance.
• Struggled with identity, suppression of reality, and suicidal thoughts during his time in the industry.

The Turning Point

• During a degrading shoot in Atlanta, Joshua had a moment of crisis about his life choices.
• Decided to quit the industry after a bank teller addressed him by his real name, which reminded him of his identity.
• Moved back home and sought a fresh start by becoming a CrossFit trainer.

Path to Redemption

• Met Hope, the woman who introduced him to Christianity and became his wife.
• Attended a church service, where he learned about God’s unconditional love and grace.
• Fully embraced faith, finding a new sense of self-worth and purpose in Jesus Christ.

Impact of the Porn Industry

• Portrayed the industry as manipulative, with a significant number of participants battling with mental health issues, addiction, and suicide.
• Promoted awareness about the false freedom that the industry projects onto the performers and the real personal harm it causes.

Forgiveness and Healing

• Shared a profound journey of forgiving his absent father, understanding the importance of forgiveness for personal peace.
• Emphasized the transformative power of understanding God’s love and grace.

Closing Thoughts

• Joshua advocates that anyone feeling trapped by their past or current circumstances can find rescue and transformation through faith and community.
• Encourages open conversation about the impacts of pornography and the potential for healing and redemption.

Key Takeaways

• Identity in faith rather than past mistakes.
• The necessity of forgiveness, not for others, but for personal freedom.
• The destructive nature of the porn industry concealed by perceived fame and success.
• Hope and change are achievable no matter the depth of prior entrenchment in negative cycles.