Shawn Ryan Show Episode #196: Joshua Broome - "Rocco Reed," Inside The Adult Film Industry

Release Date: May 1, 2025

In Episode #196 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan engages in a candid and profound conversation with Joshua Broome, widely known in the adult film industry as "Rocco Reed." The episode delves deep into Joshua's tumultuous journey from a small-town upbringing in South Carolina to the bright lights of Hollywood, his extensive career in the adult film sector, the personal and societal ramifications of his experiences, and his transformative path to faith and redemption.

1. Early Life and Entry into the Adult Film Industry

Joshua Broome opens up about his challenging upbringing in South Carolina, marked by his mother's young age and his father's absence. This early instability sowed seeds of insecurity and a relentless drive to seek validation through external achievements.

[33:50] Joshua Broome: "I had this conflict and this chaos that I didn't understand. The best I can do is try to overcome."

At the age of 22, Joshua pursued his acting dreams in Hollywood. Amidst his growing success in modeling over acting, he was approached by talent scouts from the porn industry, leading him to make the pivotal decision to enter adult films.

2. Navigating the Adult Film Industry

Joshua recounts his initial encounters with the industry, highlighting the manipulative tactics used by agents to lure aspiring actors. He provides a stark portrayal of the industry's facade, contrasting the marketed glamour with the underlying exploitation and superficial connections.

[03:40] Joshua Broome: "We're just plugging and playing. So now they can be talking to 30 people at once, but they're talking to no one at all."

Throughout his seven-year tenure, Joshua amassed over 1,000 films, earning recognition as one of the top male performers. However, the relentless pursuit of fame and the inherent challenges of the industry began taking a toll on his mental and emotional well-being.

3. Personal Trauma and Its Consequences

The conversation takes a harrowing turn as Joshua shares his deepest moments of despair, including experiences of being drugged and raped during shoots. These traumatic events led him down a path of self-destructive behavior, culminating in severe depression and suicidal ideation.

[61:32] Joshua Broome: "What you ingest once it metabolizes, there has to be somewhere for it to go."

Joshua emphasizes the psychological impact of the industry's transactional nature of intimacy, where genuine connections are sacrificed for performance. The constant suppression of his true self led to a profound sense of worthlessness and isolation.

4. The Turning Point: Embracing Faith and Forgiveness

A pivotal moment in Joshua's life occurred during a near-suicidal attempt, where an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger reignited his dwindling hope. This encounter, coupled with his mother's unwavering love, propelled Joshua towards seeking forgiveness and embracing a spiritual awakening.

[73:07] Joshua Broome: "I forgive him because... I have free will. So I had to take ownership of my mistakes and I had to let go of that with him."

Joshua details his journey of forgiveness, not just towards his absentee father but also towards himself. This internal reconciliation was instrumental in his departure from the adult film industry and his subsequent dedication to pastoral work and ministry.

5. Insights on Pornography's Impact on Society and Youth

Joshua passionately discusses the pervasive effects of pornography on society, especially its detrimental impact on children and young adults. He highlights alarming statistics on early exposure to porn, the rise of addictive behaviors, and the disturbing trend of incest-related content.

[12:59] Joshua Broome: "In around 60% of the sexual assault cases that happen to children in the United States, the perpetrator is between 10 to 14 years old, and it's a sibling."

He underscores the importance of open dialogues about sex within families and communities, advocating for proactive measures to shield children from the insidious reach of pornographic content.

6. Transition to Pastoral Work and Family Life

Joshua's transformation culminates in his role as a pastor, where he leverages his experiences to guide others out of similar destructive cycles. He shares the profound influence of mentors and his deepened relationship with his wife and children, who have become pillars of his renewed life.

[22:58] Joshua Broome: "I have something for you. My book, 'Seven Lies That Will Ruin Your Life,' helps eradicate those lies with truths from God's word."

His dedication to teaching, counseling, and fostering spiritual growth is evident as he intertwines his past struggles with his mission to offer hope and redemption to those ensnared by vices like pornography.

7. Reflections on Forgiveness and Personal Growth

A significant portion of the dialogue revolves around the concept of forgiveness. Joshua shares his heartfelt journey of forgiving his father, emphasizing that forgiveness is less about the other person and more about liberating oneself from the chains of resentment and shame.

[42:31] Joshua Broome: "Forgiveness is for yourself. Because you imprison yourself in that fucking resentment and that anger and it just never leaves."

He illustrates how embracing forgiveness has been transformative, enabling him to build meaningful relationships and lead a purpose-driven life centered around faith and family.

8. Concluding Thoughts and Spiritual Warfare

As the episode nears its end, Joshua delves into the notion of spiritual warfare, discussing the invisible battles individuals face against internal and external vices. He stresses the importance of recognizing and combating these hidden adversities through faith, support systems, and personal accountability.

[163:41] Joshua Broome: "The enemy wants to kill, steal, and destroy. You're not interested, but he's got legions of demons that know your wounds."

His testimony serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit's capacity to overcome profound adversities through faith, love, and resilience.

Key Takeaways

• The Dangers of the Adult Film Industry: Joshua's experiences shed light on the manipulative and exploitative practices prevalent within the industry, emphasizing the psychological toll it exacts on its participants.

• Impact on Youth: The episode underscores the alarming effects of early exposure to pornography on children, advocating for open conversations and protective measures.

• Power of Forgiveness: Joshua's journey highlights the liberating power of forgiveness, both towards oneself and others, as a pathway to personal healing and redemption.

• Role of Faith: Embracing faith and spiritual guidance plays a crucial role in overcoming deep-seated traumas and vices, fostering a life of purpose and fulfillment.

• Spiritual Warfare: The discussion emphasizes the ongoing invisible battles individuals face against internal and external adversities, advocating for vigilance and support in combating these challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Joshua Broome on the Superficiality of Pornographic Connections:

  "[03:40] Joshua Broome: We're just plugging and playing. So now they can be talking to 30 people at once, but they're talking to no one at all."

• Joshua Broome on Forgiveness:

  "[42:31] Joshua Broome: Forgiveness is for yourself. Because you imprison yourself in that fucking resentment and that anger and it just never leaves."

• Joshua Broome on the Power of God's Love:

  "[109:57] Joshua Broome: ...God loves me..."

Conclusion

Episode #196 of the Shawn Ryan Show offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Joshua Broome's life, portraying the harrowing realities of the adult film industry and the profound journey towards healing and faith. Through his story, listeners gain invaluable insights into the destructive cycles of vices, the transformative power of forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit when anchored in unwavering faith.