Wow! What a conversation! We started out talking about the physical and digital archives of sex worker assets that have been collected by Jelena and are housed at the Hamilton Library for the benefit of sex workers and our allies. Then we talked about several very sensitive subjects that most people don’t discuss because it causes confrontation, including the division during COVID, medical transition of children, addiction on the streets and in our communities, and discrimination in health care. This woman is a brilliant, compassionate, driver of change. I am absolutely honoured and grateful to call her a friend.

Jelena Vermilion is the Founder and Executive Director of SWAP Hamilton which stands for Sex Worker’s Action Program. She is an award-winning sex worker and advocate of over a decade. Jelena has been featured in several national media outlets advocating for the decriminalization of the sale/trade of sexual services and the repeal of PCEPA / Bill C-36. She provides professional best practices workshop trainings and public speaking engagements for organizations and agencies who wish to affirm the rights and dignity of sex workers. She also advocates more broadly for marginalized women, intersex and non-binary folks, particularly those living with or at risk of contracting HIV. She is a consultant with Trans Pulse Canada and has helped co-author academic articles and research reports for community members and policymakers, as well as guest lecturing at multiple universities.

We’ve been following each other on socials for years and finally met in 2022 at the Answers Assembly Conference in Edmonton where Jelena, out of everyone, made me feel safe and welcomed in an environment where I had a lot of anxiety. I was coming out of the trauma of covid and didn’t trust anyone at the time. But Jelena invited me to sit with her and included me at every opportunity. It really meant a lot.

www.rightsnotrescue.ca

www.isis-intrepid.com

Twitter: @Isisintrepid

Twitter: @SWAPHamilton

Twitter: @SexWorkerFestCanada

Twitter: @Rights_not_resc

Minnie has a story that takes her from rock bottom to financial independence. Declared "disabled" by the Canadian government, she struggled to survive on a mere $1,368 per month. The constant judgment and stigma surrounding her situation were exhausting, and the thought of spending her golden years in poverty was terrifying.

She grew tired of living under a shadow of fear and shame, feeling trapped in a cycle where she couldn’t control her own financial affairs. But deep inside her, a spark ignited—a desire to re-evaluate her life and reclaim her autonomy. That’s when she discovered Dave Ramsey's book, "Total Money Makeover," which became her roadmap to financial freedom and the life raft she desperately needed.

By implementing Ramsey’s 7 financial Baby Steps, Minnie found clarity and confidence. This structured plan was not just about numbers; it reshaped her mindset, helped her eliminate debt, and allowed her to build a safety net that finally gave her some breathing room. More importantly, it opened the door to something greater:

Her journey into entrepreneurship has been a roller coaster ride, fueled by a desperate need to reclaim her financial autonomy. With a supportive community holding her accountable, each small step propelled her toward long-term stability and empowerment.

Sometimes, all one needs is a plan and a pinch of hope. Financial independence felt like a mountainous climb for Minnie, but with the right tools, she discovered the drive to aspire beyond mere survival and march firmly toward her dreams.

YT: www.youtube.com/mininieoncam

Blog “Disabled Wealthy” (coming soon!)

Social Media Links: https://allmylinks.com/minnieoncam

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

This is your sexy Christmas episode and we’re talking about sex, relationships, tantra, and more. Kandace and Gregory are high school sweethearts who grew up, got married, had children who are grown now, and during that time, they explored and embraced ethical non-monogamy.

They’ve written the story of their relationship which is coming out on Audible soon and are in the editing process of their second book. We had a frank, beautiful conversation about what it takes to have a healthy relationship and how ethical non-monogamy can make a bond stronger, if done right. I will definitely be following this amazing couple.

Twenty-three years ago, seeking to embrace more variety and excitement, Kandace and Gregory made the decision to open their marriage. During this period, Kandace and Gregory's experiences unearthed deep-rooted sexual trauma from their pasts. Through open communication and unwavering support for one another, they confronted these demons, ultimately leading to a profound understanding of themselves and their relationship. Their unwavering love and commitment guided them through the challenging process, strengthening the foundation of their connection. You can read about their journey in a tell-all book, called "Creating a Happily Ever After Through Non-Monogamy."

Driven by a desire to empower others, they followed up with subsequent writing projects, exploring themes of sexuality, spirituality, and the swinger lifestyle; challenging societal norms and providing a platform for open, honest conversations about personal desires and relationships.

www.evolutionarysex.org

www.churchofunreasonablehappiness.org

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Intimacy Coach, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

Nerd Alert! If you love science, especially when it is about health and the body, then this interview is for you! Also, you have to be VERY FEARLESS to even talk about vaccines these days! Kudos to Dr. Bean for her courage!

My chat with naturopathic doctor, Taylor Bean, was fascinating and meaningful to me because I experienced a vaccine injury in 2008 that led to me ultimately living with a permanent ostomy today. Before it happened, I didn’t even know that vaccines had risks.

Dr. Bean is an expert and educator on the importance of “Informed Consent” and what happens to our bodies when we take vaccines. She administers vaccines in her practice in such a way as to minimize potential adverse reactions and optimize health outcomes. She is also very knowledgeable about hormone therapy, homeopathy, and functional medicine.

Dr. Taylor Bean is a Naturopathic Doctor and owner of TaylorMade Wellness in Salmon Arm BC. Becoming a mother is where her core value of achieving informed consent was born. While her profession taught her to be curious and treat each patient individually, it was her positive birthing experiences that changed her perspective on what a true doctor-patient relationship means.

Her career started in Singapore where she supported patients all over SE Asia. She has been supporting Canadians since 2016. Dr. Bean has been drawn to supporting women achieve an optimal pregnancy, labour preparation, paediatric wellness as well as more complex ailments that involve looking into methylation, genetic variants, chronic infections and other complex paediatric conditions.

https://drtaylorbean.com

https://vaccineoptimization.com

https://taylormadewellness.com

https://www.instagram.com/drtaylorbean/

https://www.instagram.com/taylormadewellnessclinic/

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Intimacy Coach, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

OF: https://onlyfans.com/tntannie

Wow! I had the pleasure of interviewing Cid V. Brunet, a person I have been following and admiring for a few years now. It was so much fun to talk about the fears, challenges, and processes we both used in writing our memoirs. But the conversation went even deeper as we shared our perspectives on addiction, trauma, sex working with a disability, dating in the sex industry and more. Learn about the projects we are working on now. This was definitely a heart-to-heart talk about all things vulnerable and surprising in sex work and life.

Cid V. Brunet is a Canadian author, who wrote: “This is my Real Name” about their experiences working as a stripper in Canada. With recent poetry publications in CV2 and Eavesdrop magazine, they currently work as the editor of Reviews at PRISM, an international literary magazine Cid is currently working on a historical fiction novel.

Cid spent 10+ years working in the sex industry. They primarily worked as a dancer at strip clubs across Canada. Their memoir describes these experiences through their protagonist, Michelle. This Is My Real Name is described as, “Intensely personal.” It, “demystifies stripping as a career with great respect and candour, while at the same time exploring the complex, sex-positive relationships that make it meaningful.”

Website: https://www.cidvbrunet.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cidvbrunetwrites

Don't forget to buy their book: https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/T/This-Is-My-Real-Name

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Life Coach, Intimacy Consultant, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

I have been excited about this interview for some time because I see Lexci doing some really incredible promotions in her business, as well as organizing and hosting with her colleagues, some of the coolest events I’ve ever heard of – targeted specifically to clients of sex workers. What a woman! Prepare to get excited in more ways than one when you listen to this interview.

Lexci is a dedicated community builder from Victoria and Vancouver, passionate about fostering connections through events and information sharing. With 14 years of experience in the adult industry, she operates safe, provider-run incalls and hosts engaging socials and group events, creating supportive spaces for both providers and clients. Additionally, she writes for The Georgia Straight newspaper and serves as a life coach and mentor for fellow professionals, empowering them in their journeys.

www.lexcilust.com

https://www.instagram.com/lexcilust/

https://x.com/LexciLust

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Life Coach, Intimacy Consultant, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

Sophie and I talked like we’ve known each other forever. The similarities in our journeys were shocking with both of us being sex workers, activists, mothers, and Crohn’s survivors. We talked about all kinds of things and time flew by but some of the most interesting things we discussed were about how our disabilities impacted our decisions to do sex work and how sex work impacted our disabilities. There will definitely be future conversations to further explore the topics of stripping in the 90’s and doing activism because Sophie and I barely scratched the surface!

Sophie Hallée believes that her sexuality is a source of immense power—one that belongs solely to her. She decides how to express and share it, not society’s moral compass or its views on sex. Sophie began stripping in Montreal in the 1990s, a decision that gave her the independence she longed for and needed. She traveled across Quebec and Ontario, eventually ending up in Windsor. Those who judged her at the time said she would regret the choice, but Sophie later realized that her only regret was quitting—not stripping. While she has held many jobs since, stripping was the one that suited her best. Sophie danced during a transformative era in the industry, witnessing the shift from no-touch performances on small wooden boxes to full-contact lap dances, a pivotal evolution in the industry. In her 40s, Sophie returned to sex work as a part-time online content creator for a few years, before fully immersing herself in sex work activism, advocating for the rights, safety, and recognition of sex workers. She is also passionate about researching the history of strippers, recognizing that the history of sex workers is often missing from archives, and hopes to help fill this gap one day.

https://www.instagram.com/baring.it/

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Life Coach, Intimacy Consultant, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy. Diagnosed with Crohn’s when her children were young, Annie spent years of her life between home and the hospital. She now lives with a permanent ostomy and understands the fears that many people have about their bodies and health challenges when looking for love. Annie sincerely believes and wants others to know that we all have the capacity to feel desirable, valuable, and worthy of passionate love, no matter who we are.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

I’ve been an admirer and follower of Tara Burns for about two decades. I was extremely honoured and excited to interview her about her research, activism, and experiences as a sex worker and she did not disappoint! We talked about a few different important and fascinating subjects including sex trafficking, the way research can be taken out of context and used against sex workers, and the role of police in the lives of sex workers in Canada vs the USA since FOSTA/SESTA came into effect. Listen to how Tara was able to challenge and change laws in Alaska that were harming sex workers. She is a force, this woman!

Tara Burns is an Alaskan sex worker and a sex trafficking survivor living off-grid and remote. She is the research and policy director of COYOTE RI, a founding board member of the Community United for Safety and Protection, a former co-chair of the International Steering Committee of the Red Umbrella Fund, and has done groundbreaking academic research and lobbying for sex workers and sex trafficking survivors. She is the author of the Whore Diaries series and her writing about sex work policy issues has appeared in publications like the Anti-Trafficking Review, Vice, AlterNet, and the Anchorage Press.

Sex worker leaders have long observed the relationship between anti-trafficking legislation and anti-sex work policy. Now, a new book out from the USA brings together the findings of 6 separate participatory action research projects to explain and unpack what the conflation of trafficking and sex work looks like in practice. Alaska’s' anti-trafficking laws criminalize most sex work activity, making this jurisdiction a perfect case study for researching the strengths and weaknesses of policy that conflate the two. Rhode Island is another case study, important because anti-trafficking campaigners successfully oversaw new laws to criminalize sex work in 2009 after 6 years of 'accidental' decriminalization. Surveys before and after the bi-partisan FOSTA/SESTA anti-trafficking and anti-exploitation legislation are also examined in the book, as well as a survey conducted at the height of COVID-19, and a nationwide study that is the largest survey ever done of US sex workers and sex trafficking survivors.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/river.alchemy/

Substack: http://taraburns.substack.com/

COYOTE RI's socials are:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coyoteri

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Coyoteri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coyote_ri/

YouTube (tons of content): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3T7fQFD-bTIKnopshv9FGw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03P2FVG5OoyVWRJ23ZKVvy?utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@COYOTERI

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Life Coach, Intimacy Consultant, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy.

https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

Rae and I talked about kink, healing trauma through kink, consent and boundaries, latex, communication in the bedroom, some of the sexual challenges both men and women face and more. This was definitely one of the SEXIEST conversations I’ve had on the Fearless Living Podcast. We even shared some of our own sexual preferences and turn-ons. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Rae Szereszewski is an Options for Sexual Health certified sex educator and relationship coach.  She aims to empower people to make authentic and informed choices in both their relationships and their sex lives. Her past lives included making body positive latex clothing, and creating sex positive events at a swingers and lifestyle club. 

https://www.sharewithrae.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wifebaerae/

https://www.instagram.com/sharewithrae/

Talked about during podcast:

Endurance Wipes 15% off with code WIFEBAE
https://hey-sense.com/?sca_ref=6804428.oYmaDjoGLf&fbclid=PAY2xjawGYrwFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpqJr8WuGbT1RZ9cd52UiE6HaxlhUY_5iHbuQGMXl9siA8QZBMsxvJBRt6g_aem__HJYl2JbNXVyVUZgrnKj7A

Learn how to “pleasure” a woman.
https://www.omgyes.com/

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Certified Life Coach, Intimacy Specialist, Author, Speaker, and Educator with over 25 years of experience in the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has spent her life advocating for sex workers and the people who love them. She became a bestselling author for her groundbreaking industry guide for sex workers, “Annie Temple’s Business Bible for Erotic Entrepreneurs” as well as her stereotype-smashing memoir, “How Sex Work Shaped My Life.” She’s currently working on a book about intimacy. Diagnosed with Crohn’s when her children were young, Annie spent years of her life between home and the hospital. She now lives with a permanent ostomy and understands the fears that many people have about their bodies and health challenges when looking for love. Annie sincerely believes and wants others to know that we all have the capacity to feel desirable, valuable, and worthy of passionate love, no matter who we are.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple

Lauren and I had a super fun conversation that flew by, we were so tuned in with each other's vibes! We talked about working in adult entertainment, how hard it is to leave the industry, and ways to make the process of transitioning out of adult entertainment more fulfilling.

Dr. Lauren Casey has over 25 years’ experience working with individuals and their families, providing senior care management and international coaching services. She utilizes a strengths-based approach in her work, recognizing the inherent potential, capabilities and resiliency of individuals and their families to facilitate recovery and empowerment. Dr. Casey delivers crisis management training at professional organizations worldwide, and she is the recipient of several awards including the Center for Addictions Research of British Columbia, Association of Substance Abuse Professionals, and the Integrated Mentorship Program in Addictions Research Training (IMPART). Dr. Casey is a regularly invited guest speaker at international academic conferences, forums and events and has delivered more than 100 presentations worldwide.

https://www.laurencasey.com/

Thank you for checking out the Fearless Living Podcast! If you enjoy my content, please like, share, and subscribe!

Buy Me A Coffee and I will THANK YOU Via Video! https://buymeacoffee.com/annietemple

Intimacy Specialist | Erotic Entrepreneur | Fearless Living Coach | Author | Speaker | Ostomate

With 25+ years in and around the adult entertainment industry, Annie Temple has done it all. She started as a stripper in 1997 and she left adult entertainment and returned to it, time and time again. Her exploits include stripping, nude modeling, being a content creator, and more. Annie is a tree-hugging lover of all things natural and also a gun-owning, gardener. She is a mother of three and she's passionate about healing division and helping people feel more connected and valued in our society.

Website: https://www.annietemple.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/annietemplexoxo/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/annietemplexoxo/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@annietemplexoxo

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@annietemple