In this deeply insightful episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa Hadley Barrett sits down with Jeremy Lipkowitz — a former Buddhist monk turned mindfulness teacher and men’s recovery coach — to explore how compulsive behaviours like porn addiction can quietly undermine men’s sexual health, relationships, and sense of self. 

Jeremy shares his personal journey from genetics research at Duke University to living as a monk, and how mindfulness, neuroscience, and self-compassion became the tools that helped him (and now others) break free from addiction. Together, Melissa and Jeremy unpack the neuroscience of porn use, its impact on intimacy and erectile function, and how men can rewire their brains to rediscover genuine connection and confidence. 

In This Episode, We Cover: 

• Jeremy’s unique path from scientist to monk to men’s recovery coach 

• How porn addiction develops — and why it’s often hard to recognise early 

• The neuroscience of addiction: dopamine, neuroplasticity, and “amygdala hijack” 

• How compulsive porn use impacts erectile function, libido, and intimacy 

• The truth about porn, body image, and unrealistic sexual expectations 

• The role of mindfulness and meditation in rewiring the brain and regaining control 

• How to “urge surf” — using 90 seconds of awareness instead of autopilot 

• The power of community and accountability in creating lasting change 

• How mindfulness helps men face emotions rather than escape them 

Key Takeaways: 

• Addiction isn’t about weakness — it’s about avoiding uncomfortable emotions. 

• Porn rewires the brain to crave novelty, dulling connection and satisfaction in real life. 

• Mindfulness builds awareness and self-control, allowing men to choose consciously rather than react automatically. 

• Healing comes through connection, compassion, and understanding — not shame. 

• You don’t have to be perfect to make progress; awareness is the first step to change. 

About Jeremy Lipkowitz: 

Jeremy is a certified mindfulness and emotional intelligence teacher, former Buddhist monk, and founder of Unhooked Academy — a global community helping men break free from compulsive behaviours and build discipline, purpose, and fulfilling relationships. He also hosts the Unhooked Podcast, where he interviews experts and shares practical tools for self-mastery and recovery. 

Learn more: www.UnhookedAcademy.com 
Follow Jeremy: @jeremylipkowitz 
Listen to his podcast: Search “Unhooked” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyLipkowitz 

 
 Resources & Links: 

• Book a telehealth consult with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic 

• For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com 

Listen & Subscribe 

• If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app. 

Connect With Us 

 We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: [email protected] 
 

Websites: 

https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders 

https://makehardeasy.com.au  

https://melissahadleybarrett.com  

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett  

TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett 

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/ 

 TEDX: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA