Mia Khalifa Opens Up About The Dark Side Of The Adult Entertainment Industry | E248

The Diary Of A CEO59 minutes read

Sarah Joe, once an adult film star, now a business owner and social media activist, shares her journey of overcoming challenges, low self-esteem, and anxiety to find confidence through achievements and self-forgiveness. Despite facing struggles and criticism, she emphasizes ethical consumption and support for sex workers while promoting mental health awareness and the importance of forming positive relationships for personal growth and self-improvement.

Insights

  • Sarah Joe, a former adult film star turned business owner and social media activist, highlights the importance of self-confidence, emphasizing that it is gained through setting and achieving goals while learning from past mistakes.
  • Despite facing immense challenges and public attacks, Sarah Joe found humor and character-building from trauma, ultimately advocating for ethical consumption and support for sex workers, criticizing the predatory and abusive nature of the mainstream porn industry.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Sarah Joe?

    Former adult film star turned business owner.

  • What is the book "The Diary of a CEO" about?

    Contains 33 laws for business, marketing, and life.

  • Why did Sarah Joe leave the adult entertainment industry?

    Felt overwhelmed by rapid changes and realities.

  • How did therapy impact Sarah Joe's life?

    Facilitated self-awareness, accountability, and growth.

  • What are Sarah Joe's views on the mainstream porn industry?

    Criticizes it as predatory, abusive, and unethical.

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Summary

00:00

"From Adult Film Star to Business Owner"

  • Sarah Joe, a former adult film star turned business owner and social media activist with over 50 million followers, shares her story.
  • She faced conflict in Lebanon before moving to America, where she was bullied for being Middle Eastern, especially around the time of 9/11.
  • Encouraged by her husband at 18, she entered the adult entertainment industry, signing a predatory contract.
  • Sarah's anxiety peaked when major production companies targeted her publicly, leading to a period of self-neglect.
  • Despite her past, Sarah has written a book called "The Diary of a CEO" with 33 laws for business, marketing, and life.
  • The book, based on extensive research and interviews, is now available for pre-order with only 5,000 signed copies.
  • Sarah emphasizes the importance of confidence, gained through accomplishing goals and learning from mistakes.
  • She reflects on her struggles with confidence, stemming from colorism in Lebanon and bullying in America.
  • Sarah's low self-esteem led her to make choices seeking validation, including entering an abusive relationship at 16.
  • At 18, Sarah eloped and got married, highlighting the impact of her low self-esteem and vulnerability in that relationship.

16:41

Navigating Relationships, Weight, and Therapy Journey

  • Relationship dynamic not typical, more like a toy to play with, person involved was in the Army.
  • Introduction to the adult entertainment industry by the person, encouragement to join.
  • Offer to consider the industry through a business card, initial dismissal followed by acceptance.
  • Impact of unhealthy mental state on relationship choices and boundaries.
  • Self-forgiveness emphasized over forgiving the other person.
  • Transition to studying history at university without clear career goals.
  • Weight issues affecting self-esteem, gradual improvement through therapy.
  • Weight loss methods initially unhealthy, therapy pivotal in progress.
  • Therapy's role in self-awareness, accountability, and understanding past behaviors.
  • Therapy's impact on relationships, self-perception, and personal growth.

31:26

Navigating Challenges: From Adult Industry to Advocacy

  • The individual left the adult entertainment industry due to feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes and unexpected realities of the industry.
  • Transitioned to working as a paralegal for an insurance defense firm, finding it boring and corporate.
  • Later worked at a construction company doing bookkeeping and office work, feeling uncomfortable due to being recognized from her previous industry.
  • Anxiety has been a significant part of her life, stemming from her upbringing in Lebanon during times of conflict.
  • Peak anxiety was experienced in 2019-2020, post-Austin move, during public attacks from the porn company she previously worked with.
  • Despite facing immense challenges, she found a silver lining in humor and character-building from trauma.
  • Criticizes the mainstream porn industry as predatory, abusive, and unethical, highlighting the need for ethical consumption and support for sex workers.
  • Reflects on impulsive decisions made in the past and the importance of acting on instinct in navigating life changes.
  • Found solace in forming a core group of friends in Austin who encouraged her to seek therapy, leading to positive changes in her mental health.
  • Currently sponsored by Whoop and Hills nutrition products, emphasizing the importance of managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

47:12

Overcoming Depression and Anxiety: A Journey

  • Vanilla Fudge and RTD are favorite products from Heel, with Vanilla Fudge tasting like a healthy milkshake with ice.
  • Depression is distinct from anxiety, often linked to past thoughts, while anxiety is associated with future worries.
  • In 2019-2020, the interviewee faced depression, undergoing therapy, taking Lexapro, Propranolol, and beta blockers for anxiety and depression.
  • Concerns about AI, deep fakes, and lack of control cause anxiety, leading to feelings of claustrophobia and breathlessness.
  • Support from therapists and psychiatrists, along with medication like Lexapro, aided in overcoming depression.
  • The interviewee faced legal threats and privacy violations from a porn company using her name without consent.
  • The interviewee's marriage ended due to irreconcilable differences, not solely because of attention from her fame.
  • Transitioning from feeling ashamed and embarrassed to being proud and comfortable with recognition took time and personal growth.
  • Tick Tock is a favorite app for the interviewee, who aims to have a two-car garage, successful companies, and a child in ten years.
  • A potential partner for the interviewee should possess emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal growth.

01:03:04

Building Confidence, Early Life Impact, Airbnb Opportunities

  • Confidence is built through gaining evidence from experiences, leading to a shift in beliefs.
  • The impact of the first seven years of life is significant psychologically, shaping individuals.
  • Airbnb offers opportunities to earn extra income by renting out spare rooms or unused spaces.
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