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The Oldest Profession Podcast

The Oldest Profession Podcast

Old Pros 145 Episodes Feb 17, 2026

The podcast explores the historical presence of sex workers, dedicating each episode to an "old pro" from the past. It places these figures in their historical context and draws connections to today's sex worker rights movement. Host Kaytlin Bailey, a comedian and advocate, leads the discussion with the Old Pros team. The show aims to be an accessible educational resource.

Episodes

Old Pro Panel: Melania Trump
Old Pro Panel: Melania Trump Feb 17, 2026 01:44:24 On the historic Election Night of 2020, Kaytlin Bailey and Dr. Charlene Fletcher of The Oldest Profession Podcast sat down for a candid discussion about Melania Trump. The conversation explored whether or not Melania can be considered an old pro, if she is part of our movement, and how Kaytlin had circus performers at her wedding. A panel discussion truly for the ages.
Shirley Cavanaugh
Shirley Cavanaugh Jan 3, 2026 37:08 Shirley Cavanaugh, a down on her luck sex worker, blew the lid off a corrupt police department in Pittsburgh in the 1950s. By chance she was falsely accused of shooting a cop, but instead of backing down, she fought back. What happened to her triggered a major investigation that ended in the disbandment of the Pittsburgh Vice Squad. In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey explores Shirley's story, her ent
Holiday Special: Coming Out Stories
Holiday Special: Coming Out Stories Dec 16, 2025 48:57 Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicidal thoughts. Coming out as a sex worker can be an act of courage, a moment of rupture, or a slow, ongoing negotiation with the world. In this holiday special of The Oldest Profession Podcast, Kaytlin Bailey shares powerful listener-submitted stories about coming out, being outed, and finding—or losing—community. Released in recognition of December 17,
Decriminalization in Rhode Island
Decriminalization in Rhode Island Dec 2, 2025 53:03 For decades, Rhode Island effectively decriminalized indoor, consensual sex work—and the sky didn't fall. It got safer. Kaytlin traces the legal fight, the raids, and the politics, then digs into new evidence: a ~40% drop in gonorrhea among women and ~30% fewer reported rapes during the decrim window. With voices from attorney Michael Kiselica, ACLU's Steven Brown, COYOTE RI's Bella Robinson, and
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2 Nov 25, 2025 42:48 In this second and final episode on the decriminalization of sex work in Australia, host Kaytlin Bailey picks up where we left off: the 1995 vote to decriminalize sex work in New South Wales. We look at what happened after decrim passed, what it actually changed for sex workers and their neighbors, and how the fight has moved from the streets and brothels to city councils, state legislatures, and
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1 Nov 18, 2025 48:35 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 corr
Decriminalization in New Zealand
Decriminalization in New Zealand Nov 4, 2025 53:10 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 visit our website. You can buy Taking the Crime Out of Sex Work here. And learn more about NZPC here. We'd like to thank our Season sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l
Georgina Beyer
Georgina Beyer Oct 21, 2025 50:05 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, dign
Carmen Rupe
Carmen Rupe Oct 7, 2025 01:00:46 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.
Legalization in Nevada
Legalization in Nevada Sep 23, 2025 52:58 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 Neva
Candida Royalle
Candida Royalle Sep 9, 2025 01:07:59 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 d
End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland
End Demand in Sweden, Norway, & Iceland Aug 26, 2025 01:04:26 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 export

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