
102 episodes

The Oldest Profession Podcast Old Pros
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- History
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4.7 • 207 Ratings
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Our MISSION is to tell better sex worker stories and our VISION is to change the stories people tell about sex workers. Because changing the story changes everything.
The Oldest Profession Podcast is an irreverent history that reminds listeners that sex workers have always been part of the story. A public history project, each episode of The Oldest Profession 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 historian Dr. Charlene J. Fletcher and producer and audio engineer Marie Cecile Anderson 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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The Everleigh Sisters’ Best Brothel in Chicago
On February 1, 1900, the Everleigh Sisters (Minna and Ada) opened what would become the best brothel in Chicago, and for a time, the world. The Everleigh Sisters successfully ran their establishment for eleven years, frequented by politicians, princes, and other men of influence. Why then did the mayor force them to shut down in 1911 after gaining such notoriety? Learn more about the Everleigh Sisters, this week on The Oldest Profession Podcast with Kaytlin Bailey.
For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/everleigh-sisters
Music by Epidemic Sound -
Stella Darby: Beloved Madam of Pendelton, Oregon
Stella Darby, beloved madam of Pendelton, Oregon, was said to be a benevolent person, always giving food and clothing to those in need and encouraging her employees to pursue an education, save money, and to strive for more. Stella Darby’s kindness and strong relationships within her community led to the success of her brothel, becoming one of Pendleton's most popular locations for over forty years — a location you can still visit today! Learn more about Stella Darby this week on The Oldest Profession Podcast.
For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/stella-darby-madam-oregon
Music by Epidemic Sound: "West of the Soul" - River Foxcroft -
The Age-Old Stigma of Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is one of the most famous, mysterious, and perhaps controversial women in the Bible. She’s been called a friend to Jesus, his wife, one of his most devout followers, and a prostitute. Who is Mary Magdalene and how did her story become aligned with sex workers around the world? Find out this week, as Kaytlin Bailey rewrites the age-old stigma of Mary Magdalene on The Oldest Profession Podcast.
For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/stigma-of-mary-magdalene
Stock Media provided by sounddogs / Pond5 -
Brothel Owner Mrs. Lake's Secrets Revealed in Boston's "Big Dig"
Together Old Pros Historian, Dr. Charlene J. Fletcher, and podcast host, Kaytlin Bailey, discuss Boston’s infamous “Big Dig,” a construction project that unearthed a trove of archeological treasures from a 19th century brothel. According to census records, the “parlor house” in question belonged to brothel owner Mrs. Lake, who set high standards for her SWers’ self-care and personal hygiene.
For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/brothel-owner-mrs-lake -
Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson: Trailblazer of the Wild West
It’s unclear if Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson was a SWer, but what we do know is she was a renowned pioneer of the Wild West. She was a ranch owner, entrepreneur, and woman who sought to challenge gender norms to live life her own way. Why then is her name notorious throughout American history? Join your host Kaytlin Bailey as she reclaims the often misremembered story of the infamous Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson.
For more resources on this episode, visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/cattle-kate -
Old Pro News: Unapologetically Generational
Check out the newest show from Old Pros! Introducing Old Pro News, hosted by longtime human rights activist and former sex worker Lakeesha Harris. Old Pro News is a biweekly podcast that reports on and contextualizes current events affecting the sex worker rights movement and community. We don’t just report on sex worker related news. We’re here to help you understand what’s really going on!
SUBSCRIBE today to Old Pro News, so we can work together towards positive change!
Listen now to the latest Old Pro News episode, Unapologetically Generational – with Desi. In this episode, Old Pro News updates you on exciting new pieces legislation regarding sex worker safety at the state and federal levels, as well as some troubling developments from Russian Only Fans creators. Our very special guest this week is host Lakeesha Harris’ daughter, Desiree. They share a personal conversation on generational sex work.
For more information on today's episode and headlines, visit https://oldprosonline.org/oldpronews-003.
Customer Reviews
Witty, informative, and relevant
I love this podcast and always look forward to new episodes. The history is told in and engaging way that ties the past to the present. This show is about much more than the oldest profession…it’s about the status of sex and women in society.
GREAT podcast - enlightening
I really enjoy this podcast. It’s always a slice of history I hadn’t heard of or considered before. It reminds me of the unseen forces that change our society. It’s also funny and entertaining. Total package.
Amazing
I love this podcast. Highly recommend