The Performers Pod With Chelsea Poe

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Performers Pod.

Created by Chelsea Poe in the wake of the infamous BBC article originally titled “Some lesbians are feeling pressured to have sex with trans women,” The Performers Pod was born from the need for performers to tell their own stories, on their own terms. After an interview Chelsea experienced as baiting and reductive one that attempted to conflate porn, dating, and anti-trans panic the resulting media storm, including Lily Cade’s violent manifesto and widespread backlash in the UK. That made one thing clear performers needed a space beyond the narrative being written about them.

Over the last five years and 100 episodes, more than 100,000 listeners have joined that conversation.

This milestone episode reflects on everything the podcast has carried Chelsea through winning Cam Performer of the Year on the same stage where she once felt humiliated as a 22 year old newcomer, auditioning for a lead role with A24, getting married, shooting her dream movie with Princess Donna, and becoming the first trans woman in a Public Disgrace-style scene. It also celebrates the unforgettable conversations that shaped the show including a nearly two-hour interview with Stoya, one of Chelsea’s biggest artistic inspirations, who announced her semi-retirement on the podcast.

Across 100 episodes The Performers Pod has explored porn history, labor, artistry, survival, and transformation across the world from Canada to Argentina, Germany to Australia, Japan to Texas. The show has featured performers from the 1980s who lived stealth as trans women, pioneers from the origins of camming in the 1990s and voices from the massive generational shift brought on by OnlyFans after the pandemic.

This episode is both a thank you and a turning point, a tribute to every performer who trusted the show with their story and to every listener who has been part of the journey.

Chelsea also announces her next project: a tenepisode series covering 130 years of porn history, from Paris in 1896 to AVN in Las Vegas in 2026. Featuring performers, academics, filmmakers, and other experts the series will trace porn’s story in a way rarely seen before through the people, politics, art, labor and cultural moments that make the industry so special

Mona Flowers has been a full time nude and fetish model + artist for 8 years and counting!

A lot of her drive comes from the foundations she bases her work -and life- on: Advocacy, Sexuality, Art.

She loves loves loves what she does and especially enjoy the odd and abstract -roles-positions-props.

Karlee Rose is a disabled content creator and social media personality known for her authentic storytelling, confidence, and unfiltered perspective on life. Through her content, she shares everything from daily experiences to empowerment, breaking stereotypes and redefining what visibility looks like online. Follow her journey on Instagram (@karleerosex), Twitter (@notkarleerose), and exclusive content on OnlyFans (@karleexrosesecret).

Dominatrix Rin has been a professional in the industry for 8 years. Owner of the Red Cathedral, and accomplished in the art of religious experiences. With a flair for vampirism and a talent for hypnotism, she brings and ethereal experience while she facefucks your soul. Come, tender prey, and be intoxicated

Meet your new favorite chaos conduit, Charlee Chaste. Fearless adult performer and unapologetic slut, Charlee is known for creating electrifying, playful, and boundary-pushing scenes that celebrate all forms of pleasure.

As a nerd with insatiable curiosity, Charlee also loves exploring all aspects of production, constantly trying to take their performance, both in front of and behind the camera, to the next level.

Off camera, you’ll find them headbanging at metal/punk shows, adventuring in nature, being a kinky hedonist with friends, or hyper-fixated on their current comfort puzzle game.

I have fellow The Cvlt BDSM collective member Goddess Cleo to chat about the rebirth of the SF Bay Area sex work community over the last year which saw major studios leaving The Bay, lawsuits and feelings of betrayal across the community. We talk about how her career thrived, the community support we both received and found healing with our new BDSM collective The Cvlt growing from a West Oakland Dungeon

A space for performers to talk about our industry in a real way that we usually aren’t given in the press.I want to explore all the ways people find this industry and the places it can take your life. I want to cover both the serious issues in the industry regarding racism, transphobia, consent on set. As well as all the other mundane, funny and heart warming things about our amazing global world of smut on film.

Dahlia Von Knight is a Swr since 2013 in all branches. She loves film making and especially love creating authentic queer porn. In her free time she enjoy painting, going to hardcore shows, car meets, and working for local mutual aids!

A space for performers to talk about our industry in a real way that we usually aren’t given in the press.I want to explore all the ways people find this industry and the places it can take your life. I want to cover both the serious issues in the industry regarding racism, transphobia, consent on set. As well as all the other mundane, funny and heart warming things about our amazing global world of smut on film.

Ria Bentley is making waves as a captivating talent whose vibrant creativity and approachable charm set her apart in every endeavor. Standing at 5’9” with striking hazel eyes and blonde hair, Ria balances natural confidence with a warm and genuine personality that leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.Over the last couple years, Ria’s career in front of the camera has taken off, with her working alongside acclaimed names such as Sage Hunter, Kaela Luna, Colby Jansen, Sage Roux, Pierce Paris, and Cailey Katts, as well as premier studios including Grooby, Queer Crush, and Trans Midnight. Known for her fearless artistry and relentless intensity, Ria constantly pushes boundaries with her work, making her a standout force in the industry. Ria Bentley is versatile but prefers topping and although she is very comfortable with gonzo-style content for its raw authenticity, she also enjoys storytelling projects that feature witty dialogue and engaging narratives. Her extraordinary talent has not gone unnoticed—Ria earned a nomination for the AVN Best Trans Newcomer within her first year and recently added a coveted TEA Award, as well as over 20 additional nominations to XMA, AVN, ASN, Faphouse, and Fanny Awards to her growing list of accolades, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic artist. Beyond her professional success, Ria’s passions extend into a rich and colorful personal life. Each day, she welcomes new challenges—both personal and professional—with an open heart and a determined spirit. Ria Bentley is driven by a deep sense of compassion, committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. She firmly believes that these core principles are the cornerstone of her work and serve as a guiding framework for all her future endeavors. Follow along with Ria on this journey as she continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her unique brand of creativity and passion.