The Oldest Profession Podcast
The Oldest Profession Podcast reminds listeners that sex workers have always been part of the story. Each episode focuses on an “old pro” from history, contextualizing that figure in their own time and connecting their story to the ongoing struggle for sex worker rights. Your host, Kaytlin Bailey, is a nationally touring stand up comic, notorious old pro, and sex worker rights advocate. She’s partnered with the whole team at Old Pros to create an accessible and entertaining resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sex workers and our place in history. https://oldprosonline.org/the-oldest-profession-podcast
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History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1
11/18/2025
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1
In 1995, New South Wales, Australia became the first place on earth to fully decriminalize adult consensual sex work. How did that happen – and what can today’s decrim campaigns learn from it? In this first of two episodes, host Kaytlin Bailey traces the long arc of sex worker organizing in Australia, from colonial brothels and early feminist allies to the HIV/AIDS crisis and a massive police corruption scandal that forced lawmakers to change course. You’ll hear from three longtime sex worker rights leaders who were there: Elena Jeffreys – sex worker and lead advocate for Scarlet Alliance, the Australian Sex Workers Association, reflecting on the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sex worker leadership and the national movement. Julie Bates – former street-based sex worker, peer educator, and organizer who helped found the Australian Prostitutes Collective and later received royal honors for her activism. Julie walks us through street decrim in 1979, early safer sex campaigns, and convincing brothel owners and cops to join the cause. Eurydice Aroney – former sex worker, researcher, and advocate who lived and worked in Sydney’s red light district in the early 1980s and helped document the realities of policing, residential backlash, and the fight for reform. Together, they tell the story of how: Sex workers literally built colonial Australia and created vibrant working-class communities. Early feminists and left organizers pushed to repeal “victimless crimes,” winning the 1979 repeal of the Summary Offences Act and the first decriminalization of street-based sex work. Street-based workers led the way on HIV prevention, normalizing condom use even while brothel condoms were treated as evidence of a crime. The Wood Royal Commission exposed entrenched police corruption, forcing both major parties to confront the reality that criminalization fuels abuse, not safety. Transgender advocate, sociologist, and sex worker Roberta Perkins used rigorous community-based research to give sex workers a seat at the table and arm allies with the data they needed to argue for, and win, decrim. We end this episode at the moment decriminalization finally passes in New South Wales with comfortable majorities in both houses of parliament and support from both major parties. This sets us up part two, where we’ll dig into what happened next and what today’s movements need to know. This is Part 1 of our series on the decriminalization of sex work in Australia. Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who still thinks criminalization “helps” sex workers. Learn more and sign up for our weekly newsletter at oldprosonline.org.
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Decriminalization in New Zealand
08/26/2025
Decriminalization in New Zealand
New Zealand became the first country to decriminalize sex work in 2003. NZPC leaders Catherine Healy and Annah Pickering tell the story of how it happened—and what came after. For more information, including a complete list of sources You can buy . And learn more about We’d like to thank our Season sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.
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Georgina Beyer
10/21/2025
Georgina Beyer
Georgina Beyer made global history as the world’s first openly transgender mayor and member of parliament. In this episode, host Kaytlin Bailey traces Beyer’s path from boarding schools and strip clubs to the halls of power. We explore how her lived experience shaped her political courage and the critical role she played in decriminalizing sex work in New Zealand. This is a story of survival, dignity, and profound transformation.
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Carmen Rupe
10/07/2025
Carmen Rupe
Carmen Rupe was many things—drag queen, sex worker, business owner, activist, icon—and almost the mayor of Wellington. This week, Kaytlin Bailey tells the story of New Zealand’s most beloved old pro, tracing her journey from hula dancer to trans pioneer. Carmen’s life was one of glamour, resistance, and love. She built safer spaces, fought unjust laws, and carved a path for generations to follow. Special thanks to everyone I met in New Zealand who told me about this amazing old pro! Thank you NZPC for sponsoring my trip there. Thank you to the for letting us use some of the audio clips in this episode. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros. We’d like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.
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Legalization in Nevada
09/23/2025
Legalization in Nevada
Nevada is the only U.S. state with legal brothels—but is it working for sex workers? In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey sits down with Jupiter Jetson, who works in a legal brothel, Dr. Barbara Brents, sociologist and expert on legal brothels, and Amy-Marie Merrell, executive director of The Cupcake Girls. From outdated STI testing laws to the dangers of arrest outside the brothel, we explore why Nevada's model is not the answer—and what could be instead. You can listen to our episode about the history of how Nevada brothels came to be regulated the way that they are in . For more information, and sources You can buy , an anthology edited by Dr. Barbara Brents, Bernadette Barton and Angela Jones. You can follow . Please support by donating to their work and you can follow . This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.
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Candida Royalle
09/09/2025
Candida Royalle
Candida Royalle was a 1970’s porn star who went on to found Femme Productions, the first feminist production company that made porn for women. In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey tells Candida's extraordinary story covering her art, activism, and lasting legacy. Featuring commentary from historian Jane Kamensky, whose stunning biography and archival work helped preserve Royalle’s story, this episode dives into a complex, groundbreaking figure who redefined sexual expression on her own terms. For more information, including a complete list of sources You can buy . We’d like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network. We also want to thank , for sponsoring this episode. is making ethical porn for women– today. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros.
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End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland
08/26/2025
End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland
The End Demand model, also called the Nordic model, claims to protect sex workers by criminalizing clients. The evidence is in; this model doesn’t keep sex workers safe. In fact, it makes things worse. Kaytlin Bailey sits down with sex workers who have worked under this policy for decades in Sweden, Norway and Iceland and breaks down how this policy, first implemented in Sweden in 1999, was exported globally under a false banner of feminism. In this episode you will hear how End Demand laws perpetuate stigma, encourage police harassment, and make it harder for sex workers to screen clients, negotiate boundaries, and seek help. Decriminalization isn’t just kinder—it’s more effective. Thank you to Kira from , Leo from Sweden, Astrid and Lilith from , and Logn and Mia from for meeting with me and contributing to this episode. You can follow Kira on and , Leo on , , and , Iselin on , and Logn on . Check out our upcoming conference in Reykjavik happening on November 1, 2025, , where you can hear directly from many of the people featured in this episode. The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros. We’d like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.
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Robin Byrd
08/12/2025
Robin Byrd
Robin Byrd was more than a porn star—she was a pioneer creating one of Manhattan’s most iconic cable shows, The Robin Byrd Show which she produced and starred in from 1977-1998. In this episode Kaytlin Bailey dives deep into the story of a woman who built her own stage and invited the world to join her. This episode explores Byrd’s sex-positive activism, her quiet role in the AIDS crisis, her battles against censorship, and the enduring legacy of her red-lit studio. We want to thank Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam for all their research and help shaping this episode. And thank you to Robin Byrd for telling and preserving her story and for sitting down with the team at Old Pros and answering all of our questions. You can still watch episodes of The Robin Byrd Show twice a day (at 10pm and 5am) on channel 1820 on Spectrum cable NYC! Follow . For more information, and sources You can see much more on . The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights. If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop support our work at Old Pros. This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.
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Open to Debate: “Is it OK to Pay for Sex?”
07/02/2024
Open to Debate: “Is it OK to Pay for Sex?”
This week in Open to Debate a sex worker rights advocate and a human rights attorney have a passionate and vigorous debate about these laws, with the common goal of figuring out what’s best for sex workers. Arguing “yes” it is ok to pay for sex, is Kaytlin Bailey, who is the founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization that seeks to change how society views sex workers. Arguing “no” is Yasmin Vafa, who has advocated on the federal and international level for protecting women and other vulnerable populations as the founder and executive director of Rights4Girls. She is also on several national task forces that help educate policymakers on preventing sex trafficking and violence.
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Pamela Churchill Harriman
01/05/2024
Pamela Churchill Harriman
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey celebrates the life of Pamela Churchill Harriman, a remarkable woman whose journey kept her at the forefront of history through the 20th century. Born in 1920, Pamela came of age on the cusp of WWII, marrying Randolph Churchill days before Hitler began bombing London. After divorcing the prime minister's son she embarked on a career as prominent socialite and companion of the rich and powerful in the high society of Milan, New York and Paris. Pamela's charisma and wit opened doors to powerful circles. However, it was resilience, political acumen, and fundraising ability that truly defined her legacy. In 1990 Bill Clinton asked her to serve as the United States Ambassador to France, which she proudly did. Pamela Churchill Harriman is an iconic figure worthy of exploration in this captivating episode. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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LGBTQ+ Rights & Sex Worker History
12/22/2023
LGBTQ+ Rights & Sex Worker History
n this thought-provoking episode of The Oldest Profession podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the shared historical context of the stigma and criminalization of homosexuality and prostitution. Kaytlin discusses the origins of negative attitudes towards homosexuality and “non-traditional” sexual practices in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This episode highlights how these religious beliefs have shaped social mores and contributed to the marginalization of both LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers. This episode challenges misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of both communities in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ and sex worker rights. Content Warning: This episode contains frank discussions and acknowledges the constantly evolving language used to identify stigmatized groups. Please be aware that sensitive topics related to marginalization, societal stigma, and historical erasure will be addressed. Listener discretion is advised. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: . This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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Magdalene Laundries & Homes for Unwed Mothers
12/08/2023
Magdalene Laundries & Homes for Unwed Mothers
In this eye-opening episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey dives into the dark history of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland and the homes for unwed mothers in the United States. These institutions were once touted as charitable organizations for "fallen women" and pregnant teens, but concealed a dark reality of exploitation and abuse. Kaytlin Bailey exposes the shocking treatment of these women, the heart-wrenching stories of forced separations from their children, and the whorephobic philosophy that justified their horrific treatment. Through compelling research, this episode sheds light on the pervasive impact of these institutions that exploited and harmed countless lives. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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Carol Erwin
11/22/2023
Carol Erwin
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, your host Kaytlin Bailey explores the life of prolific madam, Carol Erwin, who daringly thrived across the American West during the Great Depression and World War II. Kaytlin Bailey brings Carol's journey to life, with a particular focus on her establishment in Fairbanks, Alaska. Set against the backdrop of gold rushes and boomtowns, Carol's story shines a light on women's resilience amid legal constraints. Shaped by a nomadic upbringing and fearless spirit, Carol Erwin embarked on a diverse range of experiences, from train hopping to running her own brothels and finally establishing a career as a painter. Throughout her ventures, Carol's unwavering independence portrays a pioneering woman who deserves a place in the annals of Wild West history. A special shoutout to Alaska based sex worker rights advocate Tara Burns for drawing our attention to this amazing woman. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
11/10/2023
December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the significance of December 17th, which is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This day has been observed by sex worker advocates and allies worldwide since December 17, 2003. Originally conceived as a memorial for the victims of the Green River serial killer in Seattle, this event reignited the sex worker rights movement and has kept the movement alive for the last twenty years. In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey highlights the challenges faced by the sex worker rights movement in the 1990s and early 2000s, including violence, an increase in law and order policing, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. She pays tribute to Annie Sprinkle, an accomplished performance artist and sex worker rights advocate and Robin Few, one of the founders of SWOP USA, who both played a pivotal role in organizing the first International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This annual ritual hosted around the world on December 17th allows sex workers and their allies to gather, share their stories, and commemorate those who have lost their lives to violence. These events serve as a powerful reminder that sex workers are real people and deserve dignity, respect, and safety. We at Old Pros encourage listeners to attend or host a December 17th event to support the sex worker rights movement and create awareness about the violence faced by sex workers worldwide. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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The American Plan
10/27/2023
The American Plan
Join host Kaytlin Bailey on The Oldest Profession Podcast as she uncovers the chilling history of The American Plan, a government program that aimed to target promiscuity and prostitution in the United States from 1917 into the 1970s. Initially conceived as a necessary tool to protect enlisted men from venereal disease, these laws led to the forced institutionalization and imprisonment of thousands of women. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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Margo St. James
10/13/2023
Margo St. James
Join us on The Oldest Profession Podcast as we pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Margo St. James. Known as the mother of the contemporary sex worker rights movement in the United States, Margo's impact was immeasurable. In 1973, she founded COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics), a pioneering organization that championed the rights of sex workers. She organized the first and second World Whore’s Conference bringing sex worker rights advocates from all over the world together. Her dedication to the cause led to the establishment of the St. James Infirmary in 1999, a health clinic established by and for sex workers in San Francisco. Margo inspired countless individuals and played a pivotal role in bringing sex worker issues into the mainstream. Through her media savvy and relentless advocacy, Margo challenged unjust laws, overturned her own conviction, and fought for the rights and dignity of sex workers. Listen in as we celebrate the extraordinary life of this trailblazer, honoring Margo St. James and her enduring contributions to sex worker rights. For more information about this incredible woman, please visit . For resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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The Mann Act a.k.a. The White Slave Law
09/29/2023
The Mann Act a.k.a. The White Slave Law
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, hosted by Kaytlin Bailey, we go on a journey to uncover the history and lasting legacy of the Mann Act, also known as the White Slave Law. Enacted in 1910, the Mann Act made it illegal to transport women across state lines for “immoral purposes.” Sold to the American people as a way of combating “white slavery” the Mann Act was broadly interpreted to include extra marital affairs, consensual interracial relationships in addition to adult sex workers. We explore the impact of the Mann Act on Americans and its ongoing legacy on sex workers and other marginalized communities. Your host, Kaytlin Bailey, unpacks the law's controversial history and the ways in which it has been used to perpetuate oppression. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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Carol Leigh a.k.a. The Scarlot Harlot
09/15/2023
Carol Leigh a.k.a. The Scarlot Harlot
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey pays tribute to Carol Leigh, a hero in the sex worker rights movement. Carol Leigh, also known as “The Scarlot Harlot," was a multi-talented artist, author, performer, filmmaker, advocate, and political provocateur. She is credited with coining the term "sex work," which became a cornerstone of the sex worker rights movement. Carol Leigh founded the San Francisco Sex Worker Film and Arts Festival and co-founded BAYSWAN, the Bay Area Sex Worker Advocacy Network. Carol Leigh's impact on the sex worker rights movement was truly global. Her memorial film, featuring testimonials, photos, and archival footage, showcased her influence worldwide. Premiering at the San Francisco Sex Worker Arts and Film Festival that she founded, you can still watch the film at . For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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The Comstock Act, Contraception & Sex Worker Rights
09/01/2023
The Comstock Act, Contraception & Sex Worker Rights
In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey dives into the life of Anthony Comstock who dedicated his life to eradicating “obscenity” and restricting women's reproductive rights. This episode uncovers how Anthony Comstock's lobbying efforts resulted in the Comstock Act, which criminalized the distribution of “obscenity” which included information about contraception. It also highlights the stories of individuals who fought against Comstock's oppressive campaign, including sex educators. Through this historical lens, the episode underscores the importance of understanding the shared history between the criminalization of porn and the criminalization of birth control, emphasizing the relevance of sex worker rights for the broader movement to increase access to reproductive health care. For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors , , and . Original Music by Music by Epidemic Sound The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by , a non-profit media organization creating conditions to change the status of sex workers in society. If you value our mission, please consider making a recurring contribution that you can commit to, and that we can count on. To learn more visit us at , which is also where you can get Old Pros t-shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and more. Of course, proceeds from our shop go to support Old Pros.
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Season 5 - Trailer
08/24/2023
Season 5 - Trailer
Exciting news! Get ready for the triumphant return of The Oldest Profession Podcast — Season 5 is coming your way! Hosted by Kaytlin Bailey, this season will feature 10 compelling episodes focused on historical old pros, the origins of bad laws that continue to wreak havoc on our lives today, and resource guides to help our audience become even better allies in the movement for sex worker rights. Save the date for the big premiere on September 1st and stay tuned for new episodes dropping every other Friday. The Oldest Profession Podcast reminds listeners that sex workers have always been part of the story. Available on all major podcast platforms. Hosted by Kaytlin Bailey Produced & Edited by Marie Cecile Anderson Original Music by Adra Boo
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Why January 25th Still Matters Today
01/25/2023
Why January 25th Still Matters Today
On January 25, 1917, over 300 sex workers in San Francisco marched to protest the imminent closure of their brothels. This was the first sex worker led protest in the United States. But why does January 25th still matter today? Tune into , hosted by Kaytlin Bailey, to learn more about this important date in American history. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo
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Lizzie Lape: The Most Prolific Madam in Ohio
11/30/2022
Lizzie Lape: The Most Prolific Madam in Ohio
Lizzie Lape (1853-1917) was a prolific businesswoman and Madam in the Midwest during the 19th century. She owned numerous brothels and saloons throughout Ohio and even maintained a future President of the United States as one of her regular customers. Lizzie Lape traversed the state of Ohio seeking, establishing, and succeeding in every business venture she touched. Yet most Americans have never heard of her until her great-great-granddaughter set out to uncover and share her story. This week on , we're honored to bring you the story of Lizzie Lape. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound
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The Maimie Papers with Ruth Rosen
11/16/2022
The Maimie Papers with Ruth Rosen
This week we are delving into the story of Maimie Pinzer, a Jewish SWer born in Philadelphia, PA in 1885. Her life was brilliantly preserved in a remarkable correspondence she had with a wealthy philanthropist, Fanny Quincy Howe. The Maimie Papers is Maimie’s side of that correspondence and gives us another first-hand account of the lives of SWers at the turn of the twentieth century. The Maimie Papers was written by historian Ruth Rosen, an award-winning journalist and Professor Emerita at University of California Davis. Ruth Rosen joins host Kaytlin Bailey to discuss the life and legacy of Maimie Pinzer. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo
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Mae West: Unapologetic Sex Symbol
10/05/2022
Mae West: Unapologetic Sex Symbol
Mae West was an actress, writer, and unapologetic sex symbol. She enchanted the American stage with unabashed humor and demand for social change. Mae West dominated every facet of performing arts for eight decades, from vaudeville to Broadway, Hollywood to the Vegas Strip. She left an indelible legacy on this nation's history and carried a torch for sex workers. Learn more about Mae West's legacy on The Oldest Profession Podcast, with your host Kaytlin Bailey. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound
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Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part Two)
09/21/2022
Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part Two)
Madison Phillips is back again for the second episode of our two part series on the Old Pros of Raleigh, NC. Madison is a recent graduate of NC State University with a masters in Public History, centered on museum studies and local history. In this episode, Madison shares more of her thesis research and riveting stories about the colorful characters who lived and worked as SWers in Raleigh during the early 1900s. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo
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Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part One)
09/07/2022
Madison Phillips: Old Pros of Raleigh, NC (Part One)
Madison Phillips is a recent graduate of NC State University with a masters in Public History, centered on museum studies and local history. Madison wrote her thesis about the Old Pros of Raleigh, North Carolina, focused from about 1900 to 1930. Joining us for a two part series on The Oldest Profession Podcast, Madison shares her thesis research with your host, Kaytlin Bailey. The two discuss the colorful characters who lived and worked as SWers in Raleigh, NC during the early 1900s. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo
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The Infamous Madams of Water Street in Portsmouth, NH
08/24/2022
The Infamous Madams of Water Street in Portsmouth, NH
The infamous madams of Water Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, were dear friends and colleagues. Mary Amazeen Baker (1859-1930) and Alta Warren Roberts (1855-1940) operated houses near each other and were well-known for their different but equally compelling reputations about town, and enduring commitments to their communities. Learn more about Mary and Alta on this week’s episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, with your host Kaytlin Bailey. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound
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Lulu White: Storyville’s “Diamond Queen of the Demi–Monde”
08/10/2022
Lulu White: Storyville’s “Diamond Queen of the Demi–Monde”
Known as the “Diamond Queen of the Demi–Monde,” Lulu White was one of the most notorious and financially successful madams of the Storyville red-light district of New Orleans. Much of Lulu White’s early life remains a mystery, but we do know that she was born in Selma, Alabama in 1868, and over the course of her life, she named Cuba, Alabama, and Jamaica as her birthplaces. Learn more about Lulu White and her legacy on this week’s episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast with Kaytlin Bailey. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Theme song by Adra Boo Music by Epidemic Sound
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Madam Fan Jones of Bangor, Maine
06/22/2022
Madam Fan Jones of Bangor, Maine
In 1867, Madam Fan Jones bought the Sky Blue House of Pleasure just outside of Bangor, Maine’s red-light district called “The Devil’s Half Acre.” The Sky Blue House of Pleasure was the most popular and longest running brothel in the city and stood until 1950. Today it is the site of a parking lot for the Federal Building in downtown Bangor, but her story lives on. Learn more about Madam Fan Jones and her legacy on this week’s episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast with Kaytlin Bailey. For more resources on this episode, visit our website: Music by Epidemic Sound
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We Organized! OPN Black Sex Worker's Roundtable
06/17/2022
We Organized! OPN Black Sex Worker's Roundtable
On this special episode, host and human rights activist Lakeesha Harris gathers a legendary roundtable of leaders in the Black Sex Worker movement: performer/activists Sinnamon Love and Jet Setting Jasmine of the BIPOC Adult Industry Collective, and historian/professor Dr Charlene Fletcher. Together, they discuss the legacy of sex workers in fine art museums, Black women who are silenced in the archives, pleasure influence, mental health care, colorism at the strip club, and more! And Lakeesha gives a raw and righteous farewell to Old Pro News, asserting that no conversation surrounding workers rights and labor organizing is complete without sex workers at the table. Sinnamon Love is a visual artist, published writer, community organizer, and Black Feminist Pornographer. For almost 30 years, Sinnamon has created media that shifts narratives around sex work, BDSM, and motherhood. Love is a fierce advocate for Black Lives Matter, Trans Rights, Sex Workers Rights, & Decriminalization of Sex Work & Cannabis. In 2018 & 2020 she served as a Fellow of the Sex Worker Giving Circle at Third Wave Fund, the first-ever philanthropic organization to put sex workers in a position of grant making. In 2020, Sinnamon founded the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Collective, a national human rights organization dedicated to bridging the race-based, wage gap in the online sex trades by providing access to mental health resources, financial assistance, and peer-to-peer education. In 2021, she participated in a Delphi Panel at Boston University, creating sex education curriculum for US high school students. At the top of 2022, Sinnamon joined the restructure team at the CAST-LA & The National Survivor Network, the largest network of anti-trafficking organizations, to help them move towards a pro-sex work stance. Sinnamon identifies as a kinky, bi, poly, grownup. She is a vibe curator, yogi, Hip Hop & House head, writer, cannabis enthusiast, recovering serial monogamist, #naturallygrey, and happily #singleinbrooklyn. Sinnamon is learning to live with a traumatic brain injury in NYC. You can find out more about Sinnamon at SingleinBrooklyn.com. The BIPOC Adult Industry Collective: https://www.bipoc-collective.org/ Charlene Fletcher: Historian, educator, and writer, Charlene J. Fletcher is the Emerging Voices Postdoctoral Research Associate in Slavery and Justice at Brown University. She holds a Ph.D. in History from Indiana University, specializing in 19th century United States and African American history and gender studies. She also served as a lecturer of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York and an adjunct lecturer in Global and Historical Studies at Butler University. Charlene’s research and forthcoming book explores the experiences of confined African-American women in Kentucky from Reconstruction to the Progressive Era, specifically illuminating the lives of confined Black women by examining places other than carceral locales as arenas of confinement, including mental health institutions and domestic spaces. She seeks to explore how these women both defied and defined confinement through their incarceration, interactions with public, social, and political entities of the period, as well as how they challenged ideas of race and femininity. Charlene’s work is motivated by her personal and professional experiences — particularly her work with individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and incarceration — and these experiences continue to fuel her passion for her work today. Jasmine is a Psychotherapist with a strong emphasis on Intimacy Post Injury/Illness. She is the owner and lead therapist of Blue Pearl Therapy. Jasmine co-owns, with partner King Noire, award winning Royal Fetish Films and together have over 20 years of experience as adult entertainers, directors and producers. The duo’s love of the arts, film and sex education are combined to produce erotica that stimulates and engages the audience to explore their sexual boundaries. Their work on the Decolonization of Sex & Porn and Politics has been featured in Huffington Post, Rolling Stones, Paper Magazine, VICE, Playboy, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, BBC, Psychology Today and more.
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