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Touch and sexual expression are a fundamental part of our humanity, a powerful way to connect with others and ourselves. Sex as a means of making a living - an ancient art - is rarely encouraged by career counsellors; so, what leads someone to become a sex worker, what’s it like and how does it impact them?

This episode is a departure. For the first time, I’ve invited men into this space. Inspired by the last Sex Workers - Life Lessons episodes, a listener suggested a conversation with mid-life straight male sex workers. To succeed in this work, I imagine it requires an ability to listen to and connect with women in an intensely personal way, so I was intrigued to hear about their experiences, views, and feelings. 

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We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

We all have a different understanding of our sexuality. Depending on our circumstances and upbringing, many of us are left to discover it on our own. If there's any education, sex is generally taught as something precious and private between two people in a relationship, with an emphasis on baby-making, not pleasure. Touch and sexual expression are a fundamental part of our humanity, a powerful way to connect with others and ourselves, experience pleasure and express desire. Sex as a commodity, as a means of making a living - an ancient art - is rarely encouraged by career counsellors; so, what leads one to become a sex worker, what's it like and how does it impact you? 

Guided by host Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to sex work, their experiences and revelations. Three women of different generations, one in their thirties, seventies and eighties, share their intimate stories and life lessons. It's a revolutionary and revelationary discussion, including advice for those considering the profession.

Please note: * Content warning for discussion of sexual assault, rape, suicide and child abuse that some viewers may find distressing—intended for an adult audience. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue. 

Sex Worker's Outreach Project (SWOP)
https://swop.org.au/what-we-do/swopconnect

Scarlett's alliance - https://scarletalliance.org.au/
Australian Sex Workers Association. 

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

We all have a different understanding of our sexuality. Depending on our circumstances and upbringing, many of us are left to discover it on our own. If there's any education, sex is generally taught as something precious and private between two people in a relationship, with an emphasis on baby-making, not pleasure. Touch and sexual expression are a fundamental part of our humanity, a powerful way to connect with others and ourselves, experience pleasure and express desire. Sex as a commodity, as a means of making a living - an ancient art - is rarely encouraged by career counsellors; so, what leads one to become a sex worker, what's it like and how does it impact you? 

Guided by host Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to sex work, their experiences and revelations. Three women of different generations, one in their thirties, seventies and eighties, share their intimate stories and life lessons. It's a revolutionary and revelationary discussion, including advice for those considering the profession.

Please note: * Content warning for discussion of sexual assault, rape, suicide and child abuse that some viewers may find distressing—intended for an adult audience. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue. 

Sex Worker's Outreach Project (SWOP)
https://swop.org.au/what-we-do/swopconnect

Scarlett's alliance - https://scarletalliance.org.au/
Australian Sex Workers Association. 

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

What happens when you can't pay the rent or find anywhere cheaper? Perhaps you or your dependents are ill, divorce or loss has left you short, or you're unemployed or retired with minimal savings, or you've left a bad situation. No one imagines they will one day become homeless. Women over 55 are the largest growing cohort in Australia. What's it like to face homelessness?   

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of hardship, how they came to the point of homelessness and the subsequent impact on their lives. 
In the first episode, they share their life stories and the process they went through to find a home; in this second episode, they share personal triumphs and trials, discuss their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others who may find themselves facing homelessness or want to advocate for others. 
Please note:  * Content warning for discussion of child sexual abuse and sexual violence that some may find distressing. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.

• TA = temporary accommodation
• HAAG = Housing for the Aged Action Group                https://www.oldertenants.org.au/haag/about
• CHIA = Community Housing Industry Association https://www.communityhousing.com.au/
• Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge                                                                                                             Crisis and emergency accommodation in Sydney, NSW.
• Homeless Persons hotline
• CBT = Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 
• Departing of Community Housing                                             https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/dcj-housing

COPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

What happens when you can't pay the rent or find anywhere cheaper? Perhaps you or your dependents are ill, divorce or loss has left you short, or you're unemployed or retired with minimal savings, or you've left a bad situation. No one imagines they will one day become homeless. Women over 55 are the largest growing cohort in Australia. What's it like to face homelessness?   

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of hardship, how they came to the point of homelessness and the subsequent impact on their lives. In this first episode, they share their life stories and the process they went through to find a home; in the second episode, they discuss their views on what needs to change, share personal triumphs and trials and offer advice for others embarking on the process.
 * Content warning for content covering child sexual abuse and sexual violence that some listeners may find distressing. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.

• TA = temporary accommodation
• HAAG = Housing for the Aged Action Group                https://www.oldertenants.org.au/haag/about
• CHIA = Community Housing Industry Association https://www.communityhousing.com.au/
• Wesley Edward Eagar Lodge                                                                                                             Crisis and emergency accommodation in Sydney, NSW.
• Homeless Persons hotline
• CBT = Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 
• Departing of Community Housing                                             https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/nswgovdirectory/dcj-housing

COPD = Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

Part Two - we highly recommend listening to Part 1 first!

In Australia, drinking alcohol is invariably a rite of passage into adulthood, an intrinsic part of our culture for better or worse. It’s fun, relaxing and a social lubricant; sometimes, it becomes a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety or unpleasant emotions. What happens when you’re compelled to drink even though you know it’s causing you problems? 

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how drinking alcohol became problematic and the steps they took to get help, recover and grow from the experience. Speaking anonymously, they share the misconceptions, silver linings and pitfalls and offer advice for others embarking on the process. 

* Content warning - adult themes. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

In Australia, drinking alcohol is invariably a rite of passage into adulthood, an intrinsic part of our culture for better or worse. It’s fun, relaxing and a social lubricant; sometimes, it becomes a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety or unpleasant emotions. What happens when you’re compelled to drink even though you know it’s causing you problems? 

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, three articulate women share their stories of how drinking alcohol became problematic and the steps they took to get help, recover and grow from the experience. Speaking anonymously, they share misconceptions, silver linings and pitfalls and offer advice for others embarking on the process. 

* Content warning - adult themes. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue.

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

We leave school with plans to study or work and an idea of how life might unfold, but as the saying goes: "Life is what happens when we're busy making other plans." Some people want to change course or expand, returning to study at a later age. Is it ever too late to start again? Tonight's club is Mature Age Students. 

Beth Armstrong guides a conversation between three generous, articulate and thoughtful women who speak anonymously about how and why they came to study in mid-life and beyond,  their fears, experiences,  and discoveries. 

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

This is Part 2.  We highly recommend you listen to Part 1 first.

When we partner and have children, no one imagines they will end up in family court fighting to access those children or keep them safe from a person once trusted.  What is it like to deal with the family court in Australia?  

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, the guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. 

* Content warning for discussion of coercive control, domestic violence, suicidality and child abuse. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/

Send us a text

When we partner and have children, no one imagines they will end up in family court fighting to access those children or keep them safe from a person once trusted. What is it like to deal with the family court in Australia?  

Guided by the host, Beth Armstrong, three guests share their stories of how they came to be at Family Court, their experience and how it has impacted their families and lives. Speaking anonymously, they give their views on what needs to change and offer advice for others embarking on the process. 

Please note this episode is a little unusual in that the first part is the story of one woman who had to purge her story; the other two stories and discussion are in Part 2. 

* Content warning for discussion of coercive control, domestic violence, suicidality and child abuse. If you need help, please call Lifeline or Beyond Blue

For an in-depth ABC article on this subject, please read "False Witness" by Heidi Davoren for Background Briefing: 
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-19/family-court-report-writer-recording-expert-witness-ahpra/102185414?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

And a podcast link:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/backgroundbriefing/false-witness/102485342

Share women's wisdom worldwide - for everyone.

To help, please write a review on your platform and share episodes. And please donate to help us record accessible and advert-free episodes via PayPal using this link.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7KGVGCLPX45K8

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions.
Contact Beth at: [email protected]

Sound production: Unison Sound.
Producer: Luke Mynott, Beth Armstrong
Host: Beth Armstrong
Editor: Tom Herdman, Mija Healey.
Sound Engineer: Micayla Laurence, Cihan Siral.
Composer: Biddy Connor
Artwork: wisebrownfox

https://www.instagram.com/curveball_media/