S2 E17: I'm Happier, Wealthier, and More Satisfied Single with Gem DeMilo
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
Release Date: 10/28/2024
S3 E12: I Needed to Do Something With My Hands—Now I Make Custom Leather Harnesses with Mia Walsch
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this special crossover episode of When We're Not Hustling and Hobby Whores, Jessie Sage speaks with Mia Walsch, an Australian leatherworker and former sex worker, about her journey into leather crafting during the extended lockdowns in Melbourne. The conversation explores Mia's transition from sex work to a creative outlet that became a side hustle, as she intricately crafts leather harnesses and other items, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of working with her hands. They discuss the challenges of selling on platforms like Etsy and the ethical considerations Mia faces as a vegetarian...
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S3 E11: What Does It Mean to Be Human? More Importantly, What Does It Mean to Have Humanity? with Zalika
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage speaks with Zalika U. Ibaorimi, PhD, about the complex intersections of race, gender, and sex work. They discuss how Blackness disrupts conventional categories of identity and the limitations of the term "sex worker" in encompassing the diverse experiences within the sex industry. The conversation delves into the historical and systemic dehumanization of marginalized bodies, particularly focusing on the concept of "no humans involved" as a police code and its broader implications in Black studies. Zalika, an anti-disciplinary artist and...
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S3 E10: What Do Mobile Peepshows, Burlesque and Non Profits Have in Common? Ruby
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage speaks with Ruby about her extensive work with the Peers Victoria Resources Society, a nonprofit supporting sex workers in Victoria, BC. Ruby shares insights into the organization's history and services, such as night outreach and harm reduction programs. She discusses the challenges sex workers face, including legal issues under the Nordic model and societal stigma, and highlights efforts to reform Canadian sex work laws. Ruby also touches on her personal journey from being sex work-adjacent to advocating for sex worker rights and her...
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S3 E9: I'm an Immigrant Six Times Over, and My Heart Helps Me Find a Sense of Home with Savannah
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage interviews Savannah, a UK-based full-service sex worker turned webcam model and contemporary artist. Savannah discusses her self-care guide for sex workers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sex workers as full people with complex lives beyond their jobs. She shares how art has helped her find a sense of home and belonging as an immigrant and how it aids in processing her experiences of survival and stigma. Savannah's work includes the Self Care for Sex Workers Journal, aimed at promoting well-being and balance for sex workers,...
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S3 E8: I Am a Pro Domme and a Pro Wrestler—I Like to Play the Heel with Katarina
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, host Jessie Sage and guest Katarina "The Domme Kat" Pierce delve into her journey from TV production and journalism to becoming a co-founder of the Sex Work Survival Guide, a nonprofit providing crucial resources and education to sex workers. The conversation covers the challenges and stigmas within the sex industry, the importance of safety and community, and the unique blend of creativity and empowerment found in wrestling and BDSM. Katarina highlights her passion for wrestling as both an art form and a means of personal expression, illustrating...
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S3 E7: I Make Art From Bones and I Like Homesteading, Too with Miss Faith Rae
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of the When We're Not Hustling podcast, host Jessie Sage welcomes Ms. Faith Rae, a Canadian sex worker and multidisciplinary artist. The conversation explores Faith's life outside her work persona, delving into her passions for sustainability and art. Faith shares her unique craft of creating art with ethically sourced animal bones, a practice that connects her with nature and offers a sense of healing and honoring life cycles. Her dedication to sustainability extends to her lifestyle choices, including plans to build a homestead with permaculture principles. Throughout the...
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S3 E6: Stripping and Cam Modelling Isn't as Fun as Making Instant Noodles with Steph Sia
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, host Jessie Sage sits down with Steph Sia, a multidisciplinary artist and content creator from Vancouver, to discuss her diverse experiences in the adult industry. As a stripper, podcaster, and online content creator, Sia shares insights into balancing work and personal life while navigating the challenges and misconceptions surrounding sex work. The conversation also explores her unique YouTube channel, Sia Slurps, where she reviews instant noodles, highlighting her passion for creative expression beyond the industry. Throughout the episode, Sia...
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S3 E5: The Most Taboo Subject in the World Isn't Sex, It's Perimenopause
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In S3 E5 of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage sits down with Jet Setting Jasmine, an award-winning adult film director, psychotherapist, and master fetish trainer, to discuss perimenopause, evolving identities, and the challenges of navigating life, family, and sex work with autonomy and care. They explore the impact of bodily changes, the importance of boundary-setting, and Jasmine’s unique approach to parenting and education through travel. This episode offers a candid look at embracing new phases of life with confidence, community, and self-acceptance. In this Episode: 00:02:51...
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S3 E4: I'm No Longer the Object of Men's Desires—I'm the Subject of My Own Story with Suzannah Weiss
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, host Jessie Sage sits down with Suzanna Weiss, a sexologist and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject. Weiss shares her journey toward sexual empowerment, beginning with overcoming an eating disorder tied to societal objectification and evolving through experiences like sex parties and sex writing. Her book challenges traditional narratives around women’s sexuality, urging women to reclaim agency and become active participants in their own desires, rather than passive objects of male fantasy. This episode offers a nuanced discussion on...
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S3 E3: Urban Warriors Sometimes Carry Seeds and Scythes with Xanthe Rhea
When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But
In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage sits down with long-time friend Xanthe Rhea to discuss her journey from stripping to full-service sex work. Xanthe shares insights into the financial pressures dancers face, including the challenges of "pay-to-work" club systems, and how these experiences shaped her transition within the industry. Beyond sex work, the conversation explores Xanthe's passion for urban farming, her background in herbalism, and her commitment to holistic health practices. They discuss the philosophical differences between herbalism and Western medicine, as...
info_outlineHost Jessie Sage sits down with Gem DeMilo for a heartfelt discussion about redefining fulfillment beyond romantic partnerships. Gem opens up about her solo journeys to Mexico City and Iceland, sharing how travel has deepened her life’s meaning and enriched her sense of self. Together, they explore the importance of close friendships, the unique joys of single life, and the ways society’s expectations can often obscure personal happiness. Gem emphasizes that her connections with friends and her beloved pet have brought her profound love and contentment.
Their conversation also delves into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding polyamory, as well as the critical role financial independence plays for women. Gem shares insights from her path of healing past relationship traumas, finding empowerment in being single, and reclaiming her self-worth beyond societal standards. The episode wraps up with Gem's excitement for her upcoming 40th birthday celebration in New Orleans, and her commitment to financial literacy as a tool of empowerment for herself and others.
In This Episode:
00:01: Introduction to When We're Not Hustling Podcast
02:44: Updates & Upcoming Events
05:20: Announcement of Collaboration with Tryst
07:52: Introduction of Guest Gem DeMilo
09:08: Gem DeMilo Discusses Being Single
17:20: Gem's Life Changes & Moving to North Carolina
21:31: Finding Love & Fulfillment Outside of Relationships
32:25: Discussion on Solo Poly & Single Life
42:34: Reflections on Self-Worth & Letting Go
54:44: Conclusion & Excitement for Future Plans
Guest:
Gem DeMilo is a North Carolina based escort, originally from Chicago. She got her start in sex work back in 2009 working for a commercial dungeon as she worked on her MFA in creative writing. She quickly transitioned to sugaring, and transitioned to escorting quickly from there. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, barre and volunteering with animals. She often snuggles with her feline son and soulmate, Jean-Claude.
You can find Gem:
Website: professordemilo.com
Instagram: @shesageminnc
Recommendations:
The Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
Girls Just Wanna Have Funds by Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen
Important Note:
This episode was recorded prior to Hurricane Helene. Gem, who lives in Western North Carolina, would like to highlight several charities providing essential relief to Asheville and nearby communities.
The Rest:
Host: Jessie Sage
Producer: Emily Foster
Music: Benjamin J Benamati
Sponsor: Assembly Four
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When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.
You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.