Curious Minds Podcast

• The Impact of Pornography on Sexual Expectations and Relationships

  Pornography is more accessible than ever in the digital age, with young people often encountering explicit content online at an early age. While some view pornography as a tool for exploring sexuality and pleasure, its widespread availability has sparked significant debate about its impact on perceptions of sex, intimacy, and relationships. For many young people, pornography serves as an early and often unfiltered introduction to sexual behaviour. However, it frequently presents an unrealistic portrayal of sexual encounters, focusing on exaggerated performances and unattainable physical ideals. These portrayals can shape expectations about how sex should look and feel, influencing individuals' self-esteem, body image, and interactions with partners. In real-life relationships, the influence of pornography may lead to dissatisfaction, distorted expectations, and challenges in achieving emotional intimacy. Furthermore, the lack of emphasis on consent, communication, and mutual respect in many forms of explicit content contributes to harmful misconceptions about healthy sexual relationships. In this episode, we delve into these issues, examining both the potential benefits and the significant risks of pornography consumption. By addressing how pornography shapes sexual expectations and behaviour, the episode encourages young people to develop a healthier, more realistic understanding of intimacy and relationships. Host: Mavis Aryee Panelists: Prince, Margaret, Jemima, Hannatu, Ralph, Ransford, Kenneth, Enoch, Michael and Edmund. Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro - The Curious Ring Interlude Music -  Fallen Angel by Smallgod feat. Black Sherif Closing Music - Twa Wonan Ase by NiiQuaye feat. Kirani Ayat & Pure Akan Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana

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• Consent vs Coercion: Where Do the Lines Get Blurry?

  Consent is a cornerstone of healthy sexual relationships, defined by mutual agreement, free will, and clear communication between all parties involved. Yet, the distinction between genuine consent and coercion can often become blurred, especially in complex scenarios influenced by power dynamics, cultural expectations, or emotional manipulation. Coercion involves using pressure, threats, guilt, or manipulation to obtain consent, making it neither free nor enthusiastic. Many individuals, particularly young people, may not fully recognize when consent transitions into coercion. This is often due to a lack of education about consent, societal norms that trivialize manipulation, or personal experiences where coercion is normalized. For example, subtle tactics like guilt-tripping a partner into saying "yes" or using authority to influence decisions can undermine autonomy, even if explicit verbal consent is given. Understanding these nuances is critical to fostering healthy, respectful relationships and ensuring that all parties feel empowered and respected in their choices. In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, we unpack these complexities, providing listeners with the tools to identify coercive behaviour, set boundaries, and advocate for enthusiastic, mutual consent in all aspects of sexual and reproductive health. Host: Mavis Aryee Panellists: Edmund, Margaret, Jemima, Hannatu, Ralph, Ransford, Kenneth, Prince, Enoch, and Jemaimah. Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro - The Curious Ring Interlude Music - Killi Ni by Cina Soul Closing Music - Excellent by KOJO BLAK & Kelvyn Boy Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana

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• The Legality of Abortion in Ghana and the Scary Truth About Unsafe Abortions

  Abortion is a deeply divisive issue in many societies, including Ghana, where strong cultural and religious beliefs often influence public perceptions. Ghanaian law permits abortion under specific conditions, such as when a pregnancy endangers the mother’s life, is the result of rape or incest, or poses significant risks to the foetus. However, many people are unaware of these provisions, leading to widespread misconceptions that abortion is outright illegal. This lack of awareness fuels stigma and prevents women from seeking safe and legal procedures. Instead, many turn to unsafe abortions carried out by untrained providers or under unhygienic conditions, often resulting in severe health complications or death. According to the Ghana Health Service, unsafe abortions remain one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the country, highlighting the urgent need for better education and access to reproductive health services. In this episode, we address the gap between the law and public understanding, exploring why unsafe abortions persist despite the legal framework for safe procedures. The episode also examines the societal, cultural, and systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing safe abortion care and the role of education and advocacy in reducing the prevalence of unsafe practices. Host: Mavis Aryee Panellists: Edmund, Margaret, Jemima, Hannatu, Ralph, Prince, Enoch, and Jemaimah. Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro - The Curious Ring Interlude Music - Kwakwa by Hammer Of The Last Two and Kwaw Kese Closing Music - We No Go Gree by worlasi Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana

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• Beyond Condoms: When Does Sex Become Unsafe?

  For many, the idea of "safe sex" centres primarily on physical protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often emphasising condom use as the main preventative measure. However, true sexual safety goes far beyond just physical health; it includes emotional readiness, mental well-being, and relational respect. These aspects are equally crucial, as situations without these foundational elements can create a space where sex is emotionally or mentally unsafe, even if physical protection is in place. Factors like consent, communication, mutual respect, and power dynamics all play a role in determining when sexual interactions are truly safe and healthy for everyone involved. Unfortunately, the emotional and mental dimensions of sexual safety are often underemphasised in traditional sex education, leading to misunderstandings about what "safe sex" really entails. In this episode, we unpack these elements and provide a well-rounded understanding of sexual safety, encouraging listeners to approach their intimate experiences with awareness and care. Host: Mavis Aryee Panellists: Samuel, Hannatu, Jemima, Kenneth, Ransford, Charles, Francisca, Nii Narh, Prince and King James, Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro - The Curious Ring Interlude Music - Perfection by Worlasi Closing Music - Princess by Joey B Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana

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• The Everyday Reality of Normalised Sexual Harassment and Assault

  Sexual harassment and assault often bring to mind extreme or violent acts, but many behaviours that violate personal boundaries occur daily and are normalised within societal and cultural contexts. These actions such as catcalling, unsolicited sexual advances, inappropriate touching, or derogatory comments, are frequently dismissed as "harmless" or a “normal” part of interactions, especially in public spaces. However, these behaviours perpetuate a culture where personal boundaries are ignored, and consent is trivialized. The normalisation of these actions is deeply rooted in societal structures, including gender inequality, power dynamics, and cultural attitudes that excuse or overlook such violations. Victims often feel powerless to speak out due to fear of being ignored, judged, or blamed. This silence allows these behaviours to persist, creating environments where individuals, particularly women and marginalised groups, feel unsafe and undervalued. This episode shines light on the pervasive issue of normalised sexual harassment and assault, examining how cultural acceptance enables these behaviors and exploring strategies for challenging and dismantling this harmful culture. Host: Mavis Aryee Panellists: Jemima, Margaret, Hannatu, Ralph, Kenneth, Enoch, Jemaimah and Michael. Producer: Michael Tetteh Doku Music Intro - The Curious Ring Bridge - Fefe Na Efe by Fela Kuti Interlude Music - Child Abuse (Refix) by Tulenkey feat. Medikal Closing Music - Invisible by M.anifest Connect with us: X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/cmghana Instagram: https://instagram.com/cmghana Facebook: https://facebook.com/CuriousMindsGhana LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cmghana

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