You Are Never Alone
The Break Free Weekly Newsletter - Edition #33
Out of the many nuggets of wisdom imparted from Matt Dobschuetz, Host of Porn Free Radio, in our discussion last week was the power of relating your story to the story of others.
Paraphrasing Matt, “initially, almost everyone feels like their relationship with porn and their struggle is unique” and that’s where progress can hit a dead end.
Due to the isolating nature of consuming porn, it is easy to convince ourselves that no one can relate to our story and if they knew our story, they would want nothing to do with us.
At that moment, it becomes the norm to give up on the endeavor of living a porn free life and giving into the temptation to escape into the world of pixelized seduction.
This is a mindset I fell into often in my teenage and early adult years, this mindset of feeling helpless, hopeless, and alone when it came to my secret life of indulgence.
The deep pain bottled up in private and released in private. Each event sinking my confidence and my resolve lower and lower into the pit of shame and self-loathing.
What changed?
A rock bottom moment 7 years ago and its aftermath led to a breakthrough that I I was not alone and that there actually was hope in this endeavor of breaking free from porn prison.
I remember listening to Matt’s first episode, “Coming Clean”, in the underground parking garage of my apartment complex and instantly connecting to his vulnerable tale of being caught with porn and the aftermath of that exposing moment.
I found his podcast because of my own moment of getting caught, only 6 months into my marriage, on my way to seek solitude in the mountains of Colorado with my dog Bo.
I was a complete mess of a man at that time.
Caught in a lie.
Lying about the lie.
Attempting to gaslight my wife.
Becoming defensive and venomous in my own hurt.
Facing the fact that I was not the man who people thought I was.
It was a terrible moment of reality.
Do or die.
I had to figure this out and seek out help, seek out something to make sense of this horror show.
And in my moment of despair, Matt spoke.
His words pierced through and hooked me like no porno ever could.
His words were those of a man who was broken like me.
A man who was confused, frustrated, and at wit’s end like me.
A man who’s story was like mine.
And there he was - telling his story with humility, with honesty, and with hope.
One podcast turned to two which turned to three which eventually turned into close to thirty on that three-day weekend of solitude in the mountains.
I fished.
I read.
I hiked.
I journaled.
I cried.
I laughed.
I thought.
I began to crack open the door that led into a new form of knowledge and existence.
All while I listened to this man who decided to change his life for the better.
That weekend started my road of recovery that I follow to this day.
The road that has had it’s detours, cracks, fissures, construction, etc but the road that has fundamentally transformed my identity as an individual, someone who is no longer interested in living a life of mediocrity, of secrets, of shame.
I write this all so that you can understand that you aren’t in this alone and that you will never be alone.
I urge you to take that first step into your new identity and to challenge the status quo existence that is keeping you chained.
Matt broke free.
I broke free.
You can too.
“Take Hope. Take Action” - Matt Dobsheutz, Porn Free Radio
Real Talk About Sobriety
👉 Guest Article: Newly Sober? Good. Now Let’s Cut the Bullshit by
If my story reminded you that you’re not alone, Adam’s story reminds you that no one’s coming to save you.
In early recovery, it’s easy to chase comfort, coddling, or a shortcut back to ease but Adam cuts straight through the noise:
“There are no hacks to the work.”
Recovery is not white-knuckling your way through the fog. Recovery is about becoming someone new.
Someone who doesn’t need the old vices because they’ve built something deeper - discipline, boundaries, integrity, and a life so solid that addiction simply no longer fits.
Read this if you’re done bargaining and ready to build.
✍️ This Porn Free Millennial poem is about perseverance amidst the storm.
🎙️Podcast Clip: Military Resilience instructor unpacks what stress really is and how to build unshakable resilience when life hits hard.
Community Spotlight:
Great wisdom shared by - it’s up to you to craft that version of you that you are proud of!
Check out ’s page for more wisdom - Sobriety as self-reclamation. Mindset shifts, clarity, and grounded living in a chaotic world.
52 Weeks of Freedom Series
52 Weeks of Freedom Series: Welcome to 2025, the year of Undivided Triumph! I'm dedicated to helping you achieve a porn-free year with a structured, week-by-week plan, a post each Friday this year, that builds a strong foundation for your future.
Join the Journey: Start with Week 1 - The Year Ahead – Recognizing the Problem and become part of the Porn Free Millennial community committed to breaking free from porn addiction.
For the whole collection - see this section of my publication.
Reflection
When we think beyond ourselves, we start the transformation of healing and forging an empowered identity.
Additional Resources
Book of the Month that I am currently reading:
Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
Porn Free Millennial Podcast of the Week:
Apps to Help You Stay Focused On Your Recovery:
Ever Accountable - I am proud to be partnering with the Accountability App Ever Accountable. Through my partnership, I can provide a 20% discount. Click the links for details!
Freedom - Blocks distracting apps
Stay Focused - Limits your screen time
I am Sober - Tracks your sobriety down to the second
1:1 Momentum Coaching
💬 What You’ll Get from Coaching with Me
🔥 A Personalized Roadmap to Freedom
Tailored to your story and goals → we’ll work to uncover the root of your struggle, and strategize how to shift your identity toward freedom.
🚀 Momentum That Lasts
You don’t need more willpower → you need systems, habits, and a mindset built for freedom.
🛡️ A Judgment-Free Zone
This is a safe space for honesty and healing → zero shame, all support.
📈 Accountability That Works
You’ll have someone in your corner, helping you stay on track and keep growing.
If you are ready to take your recovery to the next level - message me and we will set-up a free 30-minute consultation to discuss where you are currently at with your recovery and where you want to be.
Challenge for the Week: Break the Isolation Loop
This week, share one part of your story with someone you trust. It doesn’t have to be the whole manuscript of your life, just one step toward the light. One sentence. One honest moment. One text.
If you don’t have that person yet?
Find them.
Start with a podcast, a group, a coach, or a community.
Isolation is where addiction festers.
Connection is where healing begins.
Let someone in.
And let this be the week you realize that you were never alone to begin with.
Final Thought
Porn’s power comes from living in the dark and listening to the lies in your head.
What you think may be a release is actually the shackles on your soul.
I know that it will be difficult and hard to face the music, I’ve been there many times - but I also know that once honesty is practiced and your story is shared, there will be a heavy weight lifted from your conscience.
Take action this week and do the right thing.
You are never alone.
Keep fighting for your freedom.
Much Love,
Mac
Break Free.
Stay Free.
Be Free.
Keep fighting the good fight!
P.S. If this resonated with you, like this post and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
And if you have thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment or send me a message!
Become a Paid Subscriber:
Unlock exclusive benefits and take your journey to the next level by becoming a paid subscriber!
As a paid subscriber, here’s what you now have access to:
💡 1:1 Coaching Discount – Get 15% off one-hour coaching sessions to accelerate your progress. (If you're interested, email me at pornfreemillennialcoaching@gmail.com or message me for a free consultation!)
➡️ Weekly 52 Weeks of Freedom Series Friday Posts – A step-by-step guide to help you build momentum and break free from porn prison, one week at a time.
🎙️ Monthly Paid Subscriber Podcast – I’ll dive into your questions and cover key topics to provide deeper insights and practical strategies.
💬 Direct Chat Access – Ask me anything and get personalized insights along the way.
Founding Members Enjoy Even More:
20% Discount on all 1:1 Momentum Building Coaching Sessions.
A special recognition as one of the early supporters of this mission, helping to shape the future of this community.
Your support as a paid subscriber not only enhances your personal journey but also helps sustain and grow this platform, allowing me to continue creating impactful content and providing valuable resources. Thank you for being an essential part of this thriving community!
Personal Coaching: A Path to Freedom
Are you feeling stuck in the cycle of porn addiction and seeking a way out? My personal coaching sessions are designed to help you regain control, build momentum, and provide you the tools to live a life free from the destructive behavior of porn addiction.
What You Can Expect from Coaching with Me:
Personalized Guidance: Every individual’s journey is unique. I tailor each session to your specific needs, challenges, and goals, ensuring that you receive support that resonates with your personal experiences.
Momentum Building: The road to recovery begins with small, consistent steps. I’ll help you identify actionable strategies to build momentum, stay on track, and create sustainable change in your life.
Safe and Supportive Environment: I understand the courage it takes to confront these challenges. My coaching sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your struggles and progress.
Accountability and Encouragement: Recovery is a journey, and it’s easier with someone by your side. I’ll be here to hold you accountable, celebrate your victories, and help you navigate any setbacks with resilience.
Who Can Benefit?
Anyone ready to break free from the grip of porn addiction.
Individuals seeking to rebuild their self-esteem and relationships.
Those who want to understand the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier habits.
Session Details:
Duration: 1-hour sessions
Format: Remote (via Zoom)
Frequency: Tailored to your needs, whether it’s a one-time session or ongoing support.
Exclusive Discounts for Subscribers:
Paid Substack Monthly & Yearly Members: 15% discount on coaching sessions
Founding Substack Members: 20% discount
How to Get Started:
Book a Free 30-min 1:1 Coaching consultation here
Where Else You Can Find Me
Let’s thrive together and break the chains that bind us!
Podcast: Listen to the Porn Free Millennial podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Substack: Explore my fictional writings on Mac’s Musings Substack.
Donate
If my journey and content resonate with you, consider supporting my work through a donation.
Your contributions help me continue creating valuable resources, podcasts, and articles that inspire others to break free from addiction and live with purpose.
Every donation fuels the mission to empower individuals on their path to freedom.
Thank you for being a part of this transformative journey!
It’s so important to know you aren’t the only person this has ever happened to, despite the intense isolation it causes. There’s a community for everything, even folk who’ve fallen down destructive wells like this.
To have people around you in a similar position if you dare speak out or search for them radically improves belonging and wellbeing and, I guess as a consequence of those things, success rates of behavioural change.
What you’re doing here is spot on, brother.
Thank you for the mention.