Season 4 of The Oldest Profession Podcast is focused on historical figures, mostly from the 19th century, in regions where sex workers are currently organizing against criminalization. Each episode has an annotated bibliography and accompanying essay written by Dr. Charlene Fletcher.
Kaytlin Bailey — Host
Charlene J. Fletcher — Historian
Marie Cecile Anderson — Producer & Audio Engineer
Adra Boo — Intro Music Composer
Leah Moon — Website Developer & Designer
Why January 25th Still Matters Today
On January 25th, 1917, 300 sex workers stormed the Central Methodist Church in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district to protest the closure of their brothels.
Lizzie Lape: The Most Prolific Madam in Ohio
Lizzie Lape was a prolific businesswoman and Madam in the Midwest during the 19th century. She owned numerous brothels and saloons throughout Ohio.
The Maimie Papers with Ruth Rosen
The Maimie Papers was written by historian Ruth Rosen, an award-winning journalist and Professor Emerita at University of California Davis.
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.
Madison Phillips on Old Pros (Sex Work) in Raleigh, North Carolina
Based on her thesis research, Madison Phillips contributed to this episode about the history of sex work in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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 Baker (1859-1930) and Alta Roberts (1855-1940).
Lulu White: Storyville’s “Diamond Queen of the Demi–Monde”
Lulu White was one of the most notorious and financially successful madams of Storyville, New Orleans, and known as the Diamond Queen of the Demi–Monde.
Madam Fan Jones of Bangor, Maine
Madam Fan Jones successfully ran Bangor, Maine’s most popular and longest running brothel called the Sky Blue House of Pleasure.
Who was Jezebel?
Who was Jezebel? How did her legacy become synonymous with loose, misfit, morally depraved, wicked women?
The Everleigh Sisters’ Best Brothel in Chicago
The Everleigh Sisters successfully ran the best brothel Chicago had ever seen from 1900 to 1911. Why did the mayor force them to shut down?
Stella Darby: Beloved Madam of Pendelton, Oregon
Stella Darby, beloved madam of Pendelton, Oregon, had a heart of gold. She is now remembered with a bronze statue and Underground Pendleton Tours.
The Age-Old Stigma of Mary Magdalene
The stigma of Mary Magdalene has endured throughout biblical times into the current era. How did she become aligned with sex workers?
Brothel Owner Mrs. Lake’s Secrets Revealed in Boston’s “Big Dig”
Thanks to Boston’s “Big Dig,” artifacts from a 19th century brothel were unearthed, shedding light on the life of brothel owner Mrs. Lake.
Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson: Trailblazer of the Wild West
Ella “Cattle Kate” Watson was a Western trailblazer. An independent and industrious woman, she sought to challenge gender norms to live life her own way.
Lycoris the Mime was the Most Influential Courtesan in Ancient Rome
Evidence of the oldest profession can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Lycoris the Mime is among the oldest and most influential pros in history.
The Legend of Punk Rockstar & Hustler Dee Dee Ramone
Hustler Dee Dee Ramone, bassist and founding member of the Ramones, pioneered punk rock and side hustled as a sex worker to pay for his heroin addiction.
Belle Brezing Was Lexington, Kentucky’s Most Successful Madam
With razor sharp wit and dogged determination, Belle Brezing claimed her space as Lexington, Kentucky’s most successful Madam.
Maya Angelou: Sex Worker History is Part of Her Esteemed Legacy
The Oldest Profession Podcast: Maya Angelou – sex worker past matters, and to ignore her experience does a disservice to her legacy.
Nevada Brothels and the Truth About Legalized Prostitution
The Oldest Profession Podcast: Nevada brothels house the only legal prostitution in the US; then why the highest arrest rate per capita? Nevada brothels model doesn’t work.