Authentic Relationships Int.

Gene McConnell is a subject matter expert on living authentically.  His perspectives on relevant cultural topics are revealing and refreshing, yet challenges the trends that are taking place in our society today.  

Here you will find a range of articles and videos that will give you insights you will not find anywhere else.

Articles, Videos, Podcasts

Iron Sharpens Iron

Network, Team-build, and connect with other men as we sharpen our understanding of authentic manhood God's way.

Seismic Shift: Living out your faith in a sex-saturated culture

Navigating a world in a sexual free fall is something every parent, kid, grandparent, teacher, and pastor must learn. We are positioned to lose the next generation by ignoring the truth. On the other hand, if we raise up the next generation with the skills and awareness to navigate with faith in such a world, the culture can change.

Gene McConnell: Shame Fuels Trafficking

Gene unpacks a vital message about the critical need we all have for intimacy, shedding light on true intimacy versus the illusion of intimacy.

Gene McConnell: The Progression of Pornography Addiction

My story followed the typical progression of addiction to pornography: early exposure, addiction, escalation, desensitization and acting out sexually. Then one person’s response to my story changed my life.

The Impact of Pornography on Relationships

Sex and pornography addictions still carry a tremendous amount of shame and secrecy, thus preventing those struggling from finding effective support and recovery.

Gene McConnell: Honest Thoughts From a Man Now Free

The fallacy of turning to pornography to attempt to fulfill a God-given longing for intimacy.

The Complexity of Shame and "Shame Free Zone" Parenting

A 1 hour and 8 minute podcast with Exodus Cry International.

Berlin Symposium

This symposium is a focus on the demand side of human sex trafficking, and how to combat what is fueling the industry in Germany.

Dollar Bill Analogy

A quick video clip that illustrates that what has happened TO you does not DEFINE you.

Keynote speaking: Catacumba 5

A 48 minute keynote presentation given in Puerto Rico at the Catacumba conference, 2107.

Sex Buyers Can Change

Exodus Cry Podcast. 1 hour and 47 minutes podcast. A frank and revealing discussion about someone who is a consumer in the sex trade industry.

The Impact of Legacy and Shame: How Christians can help others on the road to recovery and redemption

I was 6 years old. We had just celebrated my birthday, and I was so excited because I had actually gotten the exact gift I had hoped for!  A real cowboy outfit, complete with chaps, a vest, a cowboy hat, and of course, the dual pistols that would make any cowboy feel complete. I felt such tremendous pride when I wore this, I truly felt like I was on top of the world.

Shame: Abolition Summit

A powerful message about shame and healing.

You Cannot Heal What You Hide

Shame is the greatest sabotager of healing. A short, yet powerful message about how the things we hide simply cannot be healed.

Secrets from a former sex buyer - Exodus Cry

I was six years old. We had just celebrated my birthday, and I was so excited because I had actually gotten the exact gift I had hoped for! A real cowboy outfit, complete with chaps, a vest, a cowboy hat, and of course, the dual pistols that would make any cowboy feel complete. I felt such tremendous pride when I wore this, I truly felt like I was on top of the world.

Disturbing - How could anyone think that child sex dolls were a good idea?

Children being used for sex is perversion. And Sexbots – child sex dolls – are a dangerous fuel that feeds this perversion. Child sex dolls are a tease. They are a taste. They aggravate and multiply the sinful and perverted desire of those who seek to consume children for their own morbid, sexual pleasure. Who are we kidding here? Are we, as a society, seriously considering catering to and feeding this toxic and depraved thinking?

Addressing Demand in our Porn Saturated Culture

Hope Restored Canada features Gene McConnell in their October blog. Click the image above to visit their blog and read more

The real legacy of Playboy Inc.

Hugh Hefner, founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine, recently died at the age of 91. In the brief time since his passing, dozens of articles that portray and celebrate his legacy as a businessman and advocate for sexual freedom have been written. I personally struggle with my feelings about Hugh Hefner’s life work and legacy.

Why James Dunn's Tweets matter: Pedophilia is no joke​

Hollywood director, James Gunn, was fired from Disney last month after a series of disturbing tweets he made, over six years ago, became public. One of the alarming statements tweeted by Gunn referenced NAMBLA, The North American Man-Boy Love Association. This organization advocates for the support of sexual relationships between men and boys who are under the age of consent, claiming that having an “age of consent” is unjust and harmful to the child.

Are we allowing the Harvey Weinsteins of the world?

As allegations against Harvey Weinstein are mounting, we can’t resist shaking our heads in utter disgust. We are so angry at the extensive legacy of harm that the Weinstein network has brought upon countless vulnerable women and children.