Why Porn Addiction Isn't A Thing with Dr. Nikky Prause

Why Porn Addiction Isn't A Thing with Dr. Nikky Prause

Author: Danielle Bezalel, MPH: Sex Educator | Pleasure Expert August 12, 2026 Duration: 52:15

What is a "gooner" and what do they have to do with so-called porn addictions? DB sits down with Dr. Nikky Prause, a clinical scientist and researcher who's written on everything from asexuality to penis size preference to compulsive sexual behavior. And we found her in a pretty interesting way... from a YouTube video that claims to be a look into a real gooner's life and struggles, all revolving around a porn addiction. Dr. Prause was a featured expert -- but what's her side of the story?

IN THIS EPISODE: The YouTube video in question, "Inside Gooning: The Internet's Porn Epidemic"; Season 13 episode "Secrets of a Sex Cult: When Pleasure Gets Weaponized with Ellen Huet"; Dr. Prause's Medium article "'Pornography addiction' is not a diagnosis"; more of Dr. Prause's research on the Liberos website; Dr. Prause's research on asexuality on ResearchGate; and our ethical porn recs, Dipsea and Cheex! Not even sponsored, not even affiliate links -- we just love them.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Prause is a clinical scientist. Her training at Indiana University focused in neuroscience and statistics. She also holds a license in California as a clinical psychologist. Her research focuses on the effects of sexual behaviors on general health.

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ABOUT SEX ED WITH DB: Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education — delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. Season 14 of Sex Ed with DB is ALL ABOUT PLEASURE! Solo pleasure. Partnered pleasure. Orgasms. Porn. Queer joy. Kinks, sex toys, fantasies -- you name it. We're here to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and a whole lot more turned on to help YOU have the best sex.

GET IN TOUCH: Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH US: Instagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast; TikTok: @sexedwithdb; Threads: @sexedwithdbpodcast; YouTube: Sex Ed with DB; X: @sexedwithdb

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FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand"

SEASON 14 TEAM: Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) (she/her); Producer and Growth Marketing Manager: Wil Williams (they/them); Social Media & Communications Manager: Iva Markicevic Daley (she/her)

MUSIC: Intro theme music: Hook Sounds; Background music: Bright State by Ketsa; Ad music: Soul Sync by Ketsa, Always Faithful by Ketsa, and Soul Epic by Ketsa.; Thank you Ketsa!


You have questions about pleasure, intimacy, and your own body that feel too complex or awkward to ask out loud. Sex Ed with DB: smart, science-backed sex education is the space where those questions are not only welcomed but explored with depth and clarity. Hosted by Danielle Bezalel (DB), a sex educator with a Masters in Public Health, this podcast moves beyond basic biology to address the real, often unspoken, aspects of our sexual lives. Each episode is built on a foundation of credible research and compassionate insight, dismantling the myths and shame that so often accompany these topics. You’ll hear DB in conversation with leading experts, therapists, and researchers, translating their knowledge into practical advice you can actually use. Whether it’s navigating communication with a partner, understanding your own desires more fully, or simply seeking a more confident and joyful connection to your sexuality, this series provides a trustworthy guide. The tone is direct, inclusive, and refreshingly free of judgment, meeting you exactly where you are in your personal journey. Tune in for a re-education that focuses not on what’s wrong, but on what’s possible for a more fulfilling and informed intimate life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sex Ed with DB: smart, science-backed sex education
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