Carol Erwin

Carol Erwin

Author: Old Pros November 22, 2023 Duration: 56:50

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 IdeaNew 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.

 


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Oldest Profession Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Belle Brezing Was Lexington, Kentucky's Most Successful Madam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:57
With razor sharp wit and a keen eye for business, Belle Brezing (1860 – 1940) clawed her way out of humble beginnings and eventually claimed her space as Lexington's most successful Madam. Belle Brezing's reputation was…
Old Pro News (Coming February 11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:24
Welcome to Old Pro News, your source for the latest in politics and culture affecting sex workers and everyone who supports our movement. Hosted by longtime human rights activist and former sex worker Lakeesha Harris, Ol…
Maya Angelou: Sex Worker History is Part of Her Esteemed Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:50
This week our host Kaytlin Bailey is joined by Old Pros historian, Dr. Charlene Fletcher for a powerful conversation about Maya Angelou's unapologetic past as a sex worker. To ignore this part of Maya Angelou's personal…
Nevada Brothels and the Truth About Legalized Prostitution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:27
Nevada brothels house the only legal prostitution in the United States. Why then does Nevada have the highest arrest rate per capita? Join The Oldest Profession Podcast host, Kaytlin Bailey, to learn why the legalization…
Coming Out Stories with Jessie Sage + Melrose Michaels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:24
Kaytlin Bailey sits down with Jessie Sage and Melrose Michaels from On the Whorizon Podcast. We all asked you to send in your stories about coming out, and being outed as a sex worker. Some of these stories are funny, so…
thotscholar & The Scarlot Harlot: Perspectives on Language [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:50
What is gained or lost by the language we use to define ourselves and our community? Where does this language come from and who gets to use it? In this season finale, two influential thinkers (thotscholar aka Moses and T…
Part 5 - A Tribute to Margo St. James w/ Miss Vera and Annie Sprinkle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:44
Margo St. James, who founded the prostitutes' rights organization COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics) and later the St. James Infirmary, passed away this year on January 11, 2021. As a tribute to Margo, we have the g…
Part 4 - A Tribute to Margo St. James w/ Miss Vera and Annie Sprinkle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:21
Margo St. James, who founded the prostitutes' rights organization COYOTE (Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics) and later the St. James Infirmary, passed away this year on January 11, 2021. As a tribute to Margo, we have the g…
International Whores' Day (Re-Release) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
June 2nd is International Whores' Day! To celebrate, we are re-releasing an episode from Season Two featuring Kaytlin Bailey & Ceyenne Doroshow. By doing this, we hope to draw attention to how far the sex worker rights m…