The Oldest Profession Podcast

The Oldest Profession Podcast

Author: Old Pros Language: English Episodes: 100
History is often told through the lens of the powerful, but what about those who operated in the shadows? The Oldest Profession Podcast turns the spotlight on the figures who shaped culture from the margins. Hosted by Kaytlin Bailey-a stand-up comic, advocate, and self-described notorious old pro-this series digs into the lives of specific sex workers from the past, placing them firmly within the context of their era. You’ll hear about courtesans who influenced politics, brothel owners who built empires, and street-based workers who fought back against oppression, all while drawing clear lines to the modern movement for rights and dignity. It’s a blend of rigorous historical research and the kind of candid, often humorous perspective that only someone with Bailey’s unique background can provide. Created in partnership with the team at Old Pros, this podcast doesn't just recount anecdotes; it argues that understanding these "old pros" is essential to understanding our collective story. The tone is engaging and accessible, merging the depth of a history lesson with the relatable punch of comedy. For anyone curious about the untold chapters of social history, this show offers a compelling, humanizing, and surprisingly funny journey.
Episodes
Old Pro Panel: Melania Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:24
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…
Shirley Cavanaugh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…
Holiday Special: Coming Out Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 Pr…
Decriminalization in Rhode Island [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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% dro…
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 aft…
History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 episod…
Decriminalization in New Zealand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 l…
Georgina Beyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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 po…
Carmen Rupe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
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…
Legalization in Nevada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 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…