Porn is everywhere, and let’s be honest, watching it is super common. It’s a way a lot of people explore their sexuality. But it’s not all harmless. 

In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpacks what porn actually does to our brain chemistry, and how it might be influencing our romantic and sexual relationships, often without us even realising.

You'll also learn:
How porn has become more accessible and why
What actually happens to the chemicals in our brain when we watch porn
Porn addiction and how it differs from sex addiction
How to re-examine a negative relationship to porn and move toward healthier intimacy

Watch the podcast on YouTube here. 

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support. 

Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health. Complete our short survey here for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

Want to get in touch with us? DM @butareyouhappypod on Instagram or send us a voice memo. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas—think of it as free therapy!

CREDITS:

Hosts: Ashani Dante & Dr Anastasia Hronis

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Porn is everywhere, and let&rsquo;s be honest, watching it is super common. It&rsquo;s a way a lot of people explore their sexuality. But it&rsquo;s not all harmless.&nbsp;
In this episode of But Are You Happy, clinical psychologist Dr. Anastasia Hronis unpacks what porn actually does to our brain chemistry, and how it might be influencing our romantic and sexual relationships, often without us even realising.
You'll also learn:
<ul>
<li data-start="510" data-end="526">How porn has become more accessible and why</li>
<li data-start="510" data-end="526">What actually happens to the chemicals in our brain when we watch porn</li>
<li data-start="510" data-end="526">Porn addiction and how it differs from sex addiction</li>
<li data-start="510" data-end="526">How to re-examine a negative relationship to porn and move toward healthier intimacy</li>
</ul>
Watch the podcast on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ButAreYouHappyPodcast/featured">here</a>.&nbsp;
If you or someone you know needs support, contact <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/">Lifeline</a> on 13 11 14 or <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/">Beyond Blue</a> on 1300 22 4636. Both services are available 24/7 for free, confidential mental health support.&nbsp;
Help us understand how you're looking after your mental health.&nbsp;Complete our <a href="https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8275908/Medibank-Study-2025">short survey here</a> for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!
Want to get in touch with us? DM <a href="https://www.instagram.com/butareyouhappypod/">@butareyouhappypod</a> on Instagram or <a href="https://help.mamamia.com.au/en-US/send-a-podcast-voice-note-467960">send us a voice memo</a>. Our hosts are ready to hear your dilemmas&mdash;think of it as free therapy!
CREDITS:
Hosts: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashanidante/">Ashani Dante</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anastasia.hronis/?hl=en">Dr Anastasia Hronis</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zotheysay/?hl=en"></a>Executive Producer: Naima Brown
<a href="https://www.flexmami.com/"></a>Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman
Audio Producer: Jacob Round
Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Join Ashani Dante and Clinical Psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis as they give you the no-bullsh*t self-development and mental health information you really need. Because no, another personality quiz won’t fix you.

Join Ashani Dante and Clinical Psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis as they give you the no-bullsh*t self-development and mental health information you really need. Because no, another personality quiz won&rsquo;t fix you.

But Are You Happy?

The Fascinating Way That Porn Warps Your Brain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/3ea926be-9be7-482a-8ac3-a44f016e43d1/clips/b4a651ca-7e1a-4ce9-a265-b34500475a45/transcript