The Oldest Profession Podcast

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 dives into a complex, groundbreaking figure who redefined sexual expression on her own terms. For more information, including a complete list of sources visit our website. You can buy Candida Royalle & The Sexual Revolution by Jane Kamensky here.

We'd like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network. We also want to thank Shhh.com, for sponsoring this episode. Shhh.com is making ethical porn for women– today.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights.

If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. 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 support our work at Old Pros.

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 exported globally under a false banner of feminism. In this episode you will hear how End Demand laws perpetuate stigma, encourage police harassment, and make it harder for sex workers to screen clients, negotiate boundaries, and seek help. Decriminalization isn't just kinder—it's more effective.

Thank you to Kira from Red Umbrella Sweden, Leo from Sweden, Astrid and Lilith from PION, Iselin from Norway and Logn and Mia from Red Umbrella Iceland for meeting with me and contributing to this episode. You can follow Kira on Facebook and Twitter/X, Leo on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter/X, Iselin on Instagram, and Logn on Instagram.

Check out our upcoming conference in Reykjavik happening on November 1, 2025, Sex Worker Stories and Public Policy, where you can hear directly from many of the people featured in this episode.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights.

If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. 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 support our work at Old Pros.

We'd like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.

Robin Byrd was more than a porn star—she was a pioneer creating one of Manhattan's most iconic cable shows, The Robin Byrd Show which she produced and starred in from 1977-1998. In this episode Kaytlin Bailey dives deep into the story of a woman who built her own stage and invited the world to join her. This episode explores Byrd's sex-positive activism, her quiet role in the AIDS crisis, her battles against censorship, and the enduring legacy of her red-lit studio.

We want to thank Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam for all their research and help shaping this episode. And thank you to Robin Byrd for telling and preserving her story and for sitting down with the team at Old Pros and answering all of our questions. You can still watch episodes of The Robin Byrd Show twice a day (at 10pm and 5am) on channel 1820 on Spectrum cable NYC!

Follow Robin Byrd on Instagram. For more information, and sources visit our website. You can see much more on Robin Byrd's website.

The Oldest Profession Podcast is produced by Old Pros, a non-profit media organization that uses storytelling to advocate for sex worker rights.

If you value our mission, please consider making a tax deductible donation. 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 support our work at Old Pros. This episode was made possible through recurring tax deductible contributions from listeners like you. We'd also like to thank our Season 6 sponsors M e g a P e r s o n a l s, Assembly Four, Tryst, A Great Idea, and the New Moon Network.

This week in Open to Debate a sex worker rights advocate and a human rights attorney have a passionate and vigorous debate about these laws, with the common goal of figuring out what's best for sex workers. Arguing "yes" it is ok to pay for sex, is Kaytlin Bailey, who is the founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization that seeks to change how society views sex workers. Arguing "no" is Yasmin Vafa, who has advocated on the federal and international level for protecting women and other vulnerable populations as the founder and executive director of Rights4Girls. She is also on several national task forces that help educate policymakers on preventing sex trafficking and violence.

In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey celebrates the life of Pamela Churchill Harriman, a remarkable woman whose journey kept her at the forefront of history through the 20th century. Born in 1920, Pamela came of age on the cusp of WWII, marrying Randolph Churchill days before Hitler began bombing London.

After divorcing the prime minister's son she embarked on a career as prominent socialite and companion of the rich and powerful in the high society of Milan, New York and Paris. Pamela's charisma and wit opened doors to powerful circles. However, it was resilience, political acumen, and fundraising ability that truly defined her legacy.

In 1990 Bill Clinton asked her to serve as the United States Ambassador to France, which she proudly did. Pamela Churchill Harriman is an iconic figure worthy of exploration in this captivating episode.

For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/pamela-churchill-harriman/

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 Idea, New Moon Network, Brian McVickar, 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.

n this thought-provoking episode of The Oldest Profession podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the shared historical context of the stigma and criminalization of homosexuality and prostitution. Kaytlin discusses the origins of negative attitudes towards homosexuality and "non-traditional" sexual practices in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This episode highlights how these religious beliefs have shaped social mores and contributed to the marginalization of both LGBTQ+ individuals and sex workers. This episode challenges misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of both communities in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ and sex worker rights.

Content Warning: This episode contains frank discussions and acknowledges the constantly evolving language used to identify stigmatized groups. Please be aware that sensitive topics related to marginalization, societal stigma, and historical erasure will be addressed. Listener discretion is advised.

For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/lgbtq-rights/.

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 Idea, New Moon Network, Mary Muse, 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.

In this eye-opening episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey dives into the dark history of the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland and the homes for unwed mothers in the United States. These institutions were once touted as charitable organizations for "fallen women" and pregnant teens, but concealed a dark reality of exploitation and abuse.

Kaytlin Bailey exposes the shocking treatment of these women, the heart-wrenching stories of forced separations from their children, and the whorephobic philosophy that justified their horrific treatment. Through compelling research, this episode sheds light on the pervasive impact of these institutions that exploited and harmed countless lives.

For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/magdalene-laundries-homes-for-unwed-mothers/

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 Idea, New 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.

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 Idea, New 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.

In this episode of The Oldest Profession Podcast, host Kaytlin Bailey explores the significance of December 17th, which is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This day has been observed by sex worker advocates and allies worldwide since December 17, 2003. Originally conceived as a memorial for the victims of the Green River serial killer in Seattle, this event reignited the sex worker rights movement and has kept the movement alive for the last twenty years.

In this episode, Kaytlin Bailey highlights the challenges faced by the sex worker rights movement in the 1990s and early 2000s, including violence, an increase in law and order policing, and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. She pays tribute to Annie Sprinkle, an accomplished performance artist and sex worker rights advocate and Robin Few, one of the founders of SWOP USA, who both played a pivotal role in organizing the first International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

This annual ritual hosted around the world on December 17th allows sex workers and their allies to gather, share their stories, and commemorate those who have lost their lives to violence. These events serve as a powerful reminder that sex workers are real people and deserve dignity, respect, and safety. We at Old Pros encourage listeners to attend or host a December 17th event to support the sex worker rights movement and create awareness about the violence faced by sex workers worldwide.

For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/december-17-international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers/

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 Idea, New Moon Network, Kam, Mary Muse, 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.

Join host Kaytlin Bailey on The Oldest Profession Podcast as she uncovers the chilling history of The American Plan, a government program that aimed to target promiscuity and prostitution in the United States from 1917 into the 1970s. Initially conceived as a necessary tool to protect enlisted men from venereal disease, these laws led to the forced institutionalization and imprisonment of thousands of women.

For more resources on this episode, please visit our website: https://oldprosonline.org/the-american-plan/

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 Idea, New 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.