Dr. Trish Leigh Podcast
Episode 159: Spiritual Solution to Quit Explicit Matter — Dr. Trish Leigh
Date: February 12, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Dr. Trish Leigh focuses on the intersection of spiritual purpose and recovery from pornography (explicit matter) use. She explores how pornography creates a loop of immediate gratification and long-term disruption, ultimately derailing individuals from their authentic selves and divinely inspired paths. Through personal stories, neuroscience, and practical strategies, Dr. Leigh offers a spiritual framework and actionable steps for listeners aiming to break free from the cycle, rewire their brains, and reconnect with genuine purpose.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Recognizing the Impact of Explicit Matter on Life and Purpose
(00:10 – 06:35)
- The Downward Spiral: Pornography acts as a major distractor from “your divine purpose,” trapping users in a painful loop of pleasure-seeking and subsequent real-life dissatisfaction.
- The Loop Explained:
- Seeking pleasure through porn → experiencing more pain and dissatisfaction in real life → returning to porn for comfort ⇒ vicious cycle.
- Consequences Enumerated:
- Increased anxiety, depression, sexual arousal disorders, relationship issues, decreased productivity and focus, self-image and body-image problems.
- Quote:
- “It is taking you off track. It is a distractor from your divine purpose.” (Dr. Leigh, 01:00)
- Distraction from Divine Calling: Explicit matter dampens the mind's ability to hear “the whispers of your divine purpose.”
2. Finding & Reclaiming Authentic Self
(06:36 – 15:03)
- Inner Child Wounds:
- Early exposure to pornography “creates a stunt in your brain’s development… a maladaption that alters your future path.”
- Referenced Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development and her own upcoming book.
- Neuroplasticity & Hope:
- “You can change that trajectory back to adaptive at any point…if you can change that thing that happened, and in this case, it’s leaving explicit matter behind.” (Dr. Leigh, 11:47)
- The Three Cs for Authenticity:
- Clarity: Must quiet the mind to “hear the calling.”
- Courage: Required to take steps toward authenticity, even when fearful or resistant.
- Compassion: For oneself and others during the struggle and recovery.
- Quote:
- “Clarity, courage, and compassion, absolutely essential for you to figure out who you are.” (Dr. Leigh, 13:18)
3. Brain-Based Approach and Professional Help
(15:04 – 20:32)
- Technology & Brain Mapping:
- Dr. Leigh uses QEEG brain maps to visualize the effects of pornography on brain functioning, helping set specific "workouts" to restore optimal patterns.
- Importance of Professional Guidance:
- A comprehensive, neuro-biopsychosocial approach (technology, education, coaching).
- Emphasis on strategies, tools, and support tailored to the unique ways porn affects each individual.
- Science as Spiritual:
- “Neuroscience is one of the most wonderful things that…has been created from the creator. You’re a co-creator in your life.” (Dr. Leigh, 27:23)
4. Integrating Spiritual and Practical Support
(20:33 – 28:40)
- Role of Spiritual Leaders and Professionals:
- Spiritual leaders can provide guidance and empathy, but may not have the technical “formula” for brain and behavior change.
- Professionally trained experts (like Dr. Leigh) are “divinely equipped” to help, just as a baker, plumber, or oral surgeon has their calling.
- Quote:
- “A spiritual journey can include your church leaders, but that’s not where it stops...the journey includes all the people who…are on a mission, a divinely inspired mission to help you with exactly what you need.” (Dr. Leigh, 22:27)
- Analogy Parade:
- Dr. Leigh humorously explains calling on the right professional for each need (realtor for houses, oral surgeon for teeth), illustrating the importance of specialized help on the recovery journey.
5. Brain Hack Strategies for Recovery
(28:41 – 32:50)
- Step-by-Step Recommendations:
- Recognize and Realize that pornography is holding you back.
- Rewire Your Brain with professional or self-help resources (her book, courses, coaching).
- Multifaceted Program:
- Over 94 action steps in her digital program, personalized coaching, and tech-supported assessments.
- Science & Spirit Are Allies:
- Spiritual inspiration drives scientific discovery; both are needed for effective recovery and transformation.
6. Personal Reflections & The Call to Authentic Living
(32:51 – 37:40)
- Dr. Leigh’s Story:
- Childhood anecdotes and family memories underline her own journey from striving and fitting in, to finding and embracing her authentic self.
- Letting Go of False Selves:
- Echoes the call for listeners to “throw away the mask,” massaging their self-concept into a genuine identity.
- Quote:
- “Now you’re just going to show up as you, your real self, the true you.” (Dr. Leigh, 35:08)
- Final Encouragement:
- Everyone on your journey—the helpers, friends, spiritual advisors—are part of your spiritual path, if you recognize their role.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Consequence of Porn:
- “If your brain and your mind is so jacked up with explicit matter, there’s no room for the whispers of your divine purpose to come to you.” (03:38)
-
On Science and Spirit:
- “The people who do the science are in spirit. They are divinely inspired to do the scientific studies to show the things that work to help you.” (29:53)
-
Encouragement on Recovery:
- “I want you to think about porn recovery as if your life depends on it. Because it does. It literally does.” (10:52)
-
Final Mantra:
- “Control your brain or it’ll control you.” (37:39)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00 – Introduction and Purpose
- 01:00 – Realizing the Distraction of Porn
- 05:22 – The Painful Loop Explored
- 08:17 – Authentic Self and Developmental Wounds
- 11:47 – Possibility of Change through Neuroplasticity
- 13:18 – Three Cs: Clarity, Courage, Compassion
- 15:04 – Advanced Brain Mapping Strategies
- 20:33 – Role of Church and Professional Help
- 22:27 – On Diverse Callings and Support
- 28:41 – Brain Hack Strategies
- 29:53 – Science, Spirit, and Recovery
- 35:08 – Throw Away the Mask
- 37:39 – Outro: “Control your brain or it’ll control you.”
Conclusion
Dr. Leigh delivers a heartfelt, science-based, and spiritually attuned message: overcoming pornography is both a biological and spiritual journey. Recovery is about reconnecting with one’s authentic, divinely inspired self, and requires courage, clarity, compassion, and oftentimes, expert help. She encourages listeners to seek the support and tools they need, recognize the spiritual dimension in all helpers along the way, and cultivate the space needed in mind and spirit to rediscover true purpose.