131 episodes

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

The Oldest Profession Podcast Old Pros

    • History
    • 4.8 • 253 Ratings

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

    Pamela Churchill Harriman

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/pamela-churchill-harriman/ 
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Brian McVickar, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.

    • 48 min
    LGBTQ+ Rights & Sex Worker History

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/lgbtq-rights/.
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Mary Muse, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.

    • 39 min
    Magdalene Laundries & Homes for Unwed Mothers

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/magdalene-laundries-homes-for-unwed-mothers/
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.

    • 28 min
    Carol Erwin

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/carol-erwin/
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.
     

    • 56 min
    December 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/december-17-international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, Kam, Mary Muse, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.

    • 27 min
    The American Plan

    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: https://oldprosonline.org/the-american-plan/
    This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We’d also like to thank our Season 5 sponsors A Great Idea, New Moon Network, and Tryst.link.
    Original Music by Adra Boo
    Music by Epidemic Sound
    The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, 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 oldprosonline.org, 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.

    • 41 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
253 Ratings

253 Ratings

ajsreading ,

Love it

Love the topics, love the support, love the community. I wish that Bailey would go back and rerecord some of the earliest episodes, because I feel like a lot of material got glossed over and I would learn more from a redo.

HighSocietyMurdersAreSoExtra ,

Good Podcast

First episode I heard was Pamela Digby Churchill Hayward Harriman. Hats off for doing this cunning & interesting woman a place. She may have been one of Truman’s Swans, but she stood out. What other swan had such power as to have a Eulogy by Bill Clinton? Far & Few women define this profession, Pamela outdid her own self. Great Awareness podcast

Socialfit ,

Ramones

Hello all,
May this blurb find you doing more than well. The first show I listened to on your podcast was the Dee Dee Ramone episode. I was extremely impressed at your knowledge of the band and how you got the story right. As a band that changed my life in a very positive way (in my mind) I certainly appreciate it. May you continue to rock on with your bad selves and continue doing what you’re doing in good health and love. Thanks again friends. Stay well. Love the podcast!
J-Haint /Sonic Haints

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