In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling: The After-Party," hosts Jessie Sage and Emily Foster are joined by guest host Melodie KG for her final episode in September. The trio discusses their experiences with managing multiple public personas and the complications that arise from separating their professional and private lives. They delve into the challenges sex workers face when publishing under pseudonyms, sharing personal anecdotes about navigating privacy and safety concerns.

The conversation then shifts to reflecting on the interview with dominatrix and writer Stephanie Parent, who authored a Gothic horror novel set in a haunted LA dungeon where she worked. The hosts reflect on the process of confronting and exaggerating real-life fears and trauma for creative purposes, highlighting the psychological complexities involved. They draw parallels with their own experiences and discuss the broader implications of grappling with personal demons through art, particularly in the context of sex work.

In This Episode:

00:11: Welcome and Farewell to Melodie KG

00:29: Importance of Community 

01:10: Stephanie Parent: Dominatrix and Gothic Horror Writer

01:47: Navigating Publishing with Real vs. Pseudonyms

04:20: Complications of Public vs. Private Personas

06:48: Real-life Privacy and Digital Connectivity Challenges

10:51: Facing and Exaggerating Real-life Traumas in Writing

14:30: Shifting Preferences in Horror with Age and Experience

18:13: Interacting with Trauma and Mastery Over Fears

People:

Guest: Stephanie Parent 

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster,  Melodie KG

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual

When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.

You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.

A poem, read by the author.

To hear the full episode/interview with Stephanie Parent, listen to it HERE. 

You can find Stephanie:

Website: stephanieparent.net X: @sc parent Instagram: @sc parent

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling," Jessie Sage interviews writer and professional submissive Stephanie Parent. Stephanie discusses her journey into sex work, particularly her time working at a commercial dungeon in Los Angeles. She shares insights into the complexities of being a pro-submissive, the community and support among women in the industry, and the cathartic process of writing about her experiences. Stephanie's novel "The Briars," a gothic horror set in a dungeon, draws heavily from her real-life experiences, blending fiction with the emotional and psychological realities of sex work.

The discussion also touches on the challenges and decisions Stephanie faced in writing under her real name versus a pseudonym, and how her work has evolved over time. She highlights her recent publication "My Dungeon Love Affair," a non-fiction chapbook, and her upcoming poetry collection. Stephanie reads her poem "Sacrifice," which explores themes of desire, self-worth, and the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. The episode concludes with Stephanie sharing her excitement about returning to writing and physical activities like aerial dance, and providing information on how listeners can find her work online.

In This Episode: 

00:01: Introduction to When We're Not Hustling

00:43: Podcast welcome and intro song

02:44: Announcement of today's guest, Stephanie Parent

03:52: Stephanie Parent's background and professional experience

12:29: The process of writing and selling non-fiction

22:06: Writing the novel "The Briars"

37:03: Transition from Dungeon work to independent work

44:52: Experiences as a pro-submissive

48:03: Stephanie Parent reads her poem, "Sacrifice"

Guest:

Stephanie Parent is a graduate of the Master of Professional Writing program at the University of Southern California as well as a professional submissive and switch. After working for six years at a commercial dungeon in Los Angeles, she's now writing about her personal and professional experiences with BDSM for publications including the HuffPost, Hippocampus, Pithead Chapel, Entropy, The Whorticulturalist and Mookychick. Her work has been anthologized in Dating & Sex: The Mutual Theory of Self-Destruction and Slut Vomit: An Anthology of Sex Work. Her first poetry collection, Every Poem a Potion, Every Song a Spell, was released in August 2022 from Querencia Press. Her debut gothic horror novel, The Briars, came out in May 2023 from Cemetery Gates Media.

You can find Stephanie:

Website: stephanieparent.net X: @sc parent Instagram: @sc parent

Recommendations:

The Honeywitch by Sydney Shields

Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill

The Rest: 

RSVP to The Holy Hour Book Launch Event in Pittsburgh on Oct 16: HERE.

Host: Jessie Sage

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

Sponsor: Assembly Four

Powered by Black Venom Digital

When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.

You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling at the Afterparty," hosts Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, along with guest host  Melodie KG, discuss a variety of topics, including the recent acquisition of 501(C)(3) status for their show, allowing fans to make tax-deductible donations. Jessie shares a humorous and embarrassing story from her childhood, highlighting the pitfalls of dressing up for school spirit days. This leads to a broader conversation about the value of comfort and confidence in personal and professional settings.

The discussion then transitions to the impact of AI and technology on their work and personal lives. The hosts explore the potential benefits and ethical considerations of using AI for tasks like preparing for therapy, job interviews, and even scripting social interactions. They highlight the importance of finding balance and joy outside of their professional roles, emphasizing the need for breaks and engaging in activities that foster happiness and community. The episode underscores the significance of resisting the pressures of a work-focused society and actively seeking joy as a form of personal and collective revolution.

In this episode:

00:00: Welcome Back Introduction with Hosts

00:28: Meet Melody KG, Sex Worker Supporter

00:57: Exciting Announcement: 501(C)(3) Status Achieved

02:30: Discussing Courtney Trouble and Peep Show Memories

04:48: Emily's Hello Kitty Pajama Pants & Comfort in Meetings

07:13: Embarrassing School Story 

10:11: AI & Therapy

13:00: Using AI for Scripting & Creative Work Support

20:54: AI's Role in Sex Work & Respectful Engagement

24:41: Importance of Pursuing Joy and Activities Outside Work

People:

Guest: Courtney Trouble

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster,  Melodie KG

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

You can read Melodie KG's new column HERE.

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual

When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.

You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling," Jessie Sage interviews Courtney Trouble, a longtime friend who has been involved in the queer porn industry for over two decades. Courtney discusses their journey from starting in the queer punk scene in Olympia, Washington, to moving to San Francisco, where they became a central figure in the queer porn movement. They also talk about their involvement in organizing the annual "Queerly Beloved" party, which has grown from a backyard gathering to a large-scale event that celebrates queer culture, music, and community. Throughout the conversation, they touch on topics like the impact of AI on their work, their recent autism diagnosis, and the importance of integrating various facets of their life and passions.

Courtney also shares their experiences and thoughts on balancing their work in the porn industry with other creative endeavors, such as DJing and organizing events. They emphasize the significance of having interests outside of sex work to maintain a fulfilling and diverse lifestyle. Jessie and Courtney discuss the challenges and rewards of their respective journeys, highlighting the importance of community and self-acceptance. The episode underscores the value of creating and nurturing spaces that allow for both personal and professional growth, especially within marginalized communities.

In This Episode: 

00:01: Introduction to When We're Not Hustling podcast

01:23: Podcast purpose and mission by Jessie Sage

02:46: Introduction of guest Courtney Trouble

06:35: Courtney Trouble's background and early career

13:47: Discussion on AI and its impact

20:02: Courtney's experience with neurodivergence

33:40: Ad break and sponsor message

53:23: The significance of the annual Queerly Beloved party

01:00:03: Closing questions: Reading, listening, excitement, and where to find Courtney

Guest:

Courtney Trouble has been crafting and curating queer porn, art and experiences since 2000, seamlessly blending their passion for underground music, art, nightlife, love, and sex wherever in the world it takes them. An XBIZ Award-winning feminist pornographer, they hold an MFA in Studio Arts and Photography, bringing a unique artistic vision to everything they create - among them, their groundbreaking porn site TROUBLEfilms.Com. When they're not crafting erotic art, you'll find them DJing and caring for their dogs and houseplant babies who keep them grounded amidst all the hustle.

You can find Courtney:

Website: courtneytrouble.com

X: @courtneytrouble

Insta: @courtneytrouble

Recommendations:

Charli xcx 

Chappell Roan

The Rest: 

RSVP to The Holy Hour Book Launch Event in Pittsburgh on Oct 16: HERE.

Host: Jessie Sage

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

Sponsor: Assembly Four

Powered by Black Venom Digital

When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.

You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling: The After-Party," hosts Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, and Melodie KG discuss their recent interview with Dominique Rystan. The conversation centers around the critique and premise of the show. Dominique's primary concern is about the extent to which sex workers — who are often public — should share their personal lives and how much of their existence becomes consumable content. The hosts reflect on this, discussing how they've navigated the balance between maintaining privacy and sharing parts of their lives with their audience.

The discussion also delves into the broader implications of sharing personal information in professional settings, comparing the dynamics in sex work to other professions. Both Jessie and Melodie talk about their experiences and how different aspects of their work, from GFE (Girlfriend Experience) to BDSM, require varying levels of intimacy and disclosure. Emily reflects on the idea of keeping some beautiful aspects of life private, inspired by Dominique's stance.

The conversation ultimately raises thought-provoking questions about authenticity, privacy, and the pressures of monetizing personal content, while also acknowledging the unique challenges sex workers face in maintaining a balance between their public and private selves.

00:12: Introduction and Welcome Back

00:23: Melody KG Introduces Herself

00:35: Emily Foster's Reminder to Like and Subscribe

00:45: Dominique Rystan's Critique on Show Premise

01:58: Importance of Genuine Criticism

03:10: Melody KG 's Perspective on Constant Hustling

04:52: Jessie Sage on Work and Hobbies

07:43: Sharing Personal Life as Public Figures

12:10: Hypothetical World Without Hustle

24:24: Professional Relationships and Privacy

Make a tax-deductible donation to the pod HERE. 

Get tickets to our first live podcast event HERE.

People:

Guest: Dominique Rystan

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster,  Melodie KG

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual

In the podcast episode "When We're Not Hustling," host Jessie Sage interviews Dominique Rystan, a seasoned porn performer and dominatrix. Dominique shares her journey of maintaining a clear separation between her work and personal life. She emphasizes that while she enjoys her work, she prefers to keep her hobbies and personal experiences private to avoid them being consumed as content. This separation helps her preserve her personal space and spirit, protecting her interests from being tainted by her professional persona.

Dominique also discusses the complexities and challenges of being a public figure in the sex industry, including dealing with parasocial relationships where fans assume undue familiarity based on the content she shares. She highlights the importance of maintaining boundaries and advises new sex workers to be careful about what they share online, as it can blur the lines between their personal and professional lives. Despite the challenges, Dominique remains engaged and excited about her work, sharing plans for a new COVID-safe pornography project and expressing enthusiasm for her future endeavors.

In this Episode:

00:01: Introduction & Mission of "When We're Not Hustling"

00:01:23: Podcast Overview by Host Jessie Sage

02:42: Raffle Winners & Web Design Announcement

04:04: Introduction of Guest Dominique Rystan

05:46: Dominique's Approach to Separating Personal and Work Life

10:03: Discussion on Content and Personal Boundaries

16:00: Evolution of Sharing Personal Life Online

21:10: Advice for New Sex Workers

38:24: Dominique's Interests & Exciting Projects

Guest:

Dominique Rystan is a trans porn performer residing in the desert of Arizona who is a self-proclaimed lesbian, dominatrix, goddess, hetero-breakup enthusiast, and lover of rotting girls

You can find Dominique:

X: @DomRystan

Insta:@domrystan

Recommendations:

Baths

Benoît-Pollard.

The Rest: 

Make a tax-deductible donation to the pod HERE. 

RSVP to The Holy Hour Book Launch Event in Pittsburgh on Oct 16: HERE.

Host: Jessie Sage

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

Sponsor: Assembly Four

Powered by Black Venom Digital

When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund.

You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE.

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling the After-Party," Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, and Melodie KG discuss Amber Délice, who runs an immersive theater business intertwined with her sex work. The hosts express their fascination with Amber's unique approach, which includes elaborate, long-term dates and specially curated experiences designed to foster intimacy and self-reflection. They marvel at the creativity and depth of Amber's services, such as a "conversational pilgrimage" and immersive role-playing scenarios for couples and individuals. They also reflect on the transformative potential of these experiences, which can help people explore their identities and rejuvenate their relationships.

The conversation delves into the logistics and emotional impact of such immersive experiences, with Emily sharing her passion for creating scavenger hunts and surprise events for loved ones. The hosts appreciate the meticulous planning and personal touches involved in Amber's work and discuss how similar, albeit smaller-scale, efforts can be personally rewarding and beneficial for relationships. They conclude by pondering the broader implications of Amber's work and the potential for everyone to experience such thoughtful, transformative interactions while reminding listeners to engage with their podcast by liking, subscribing, and sharing.

In This Episode:

00:51: Jessie discusses guest Amber DeLice's long dates

02:04: The diversity of sex work practices

03:01: Amber's immersive theater business

03:33: Transformative conversational pilgrimage

06:19: Emily's scavenger hunts for her daughter

07:58: Sexy sensory surprises and client experiences

10:18: Personal anecdotes about romantic surprises

Enter the BLKVNM X WWNH free website raffle HERE.

Get tickets to our first live podcast event HERE.

People:

Guest: Amber Délice

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster,  Melodie KG

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling," host Jessie Sage engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Amber Délice, an independent provider and companion based in Boulder, Colorado. Amber explains how her work in immersive theater involves creating transformative and artistic experiences for individuals and couples, often helping them navigate life changes, emotional challenges, and relationship dynamics. These experiences are carefully crafted to involve various sensory elements and often incorporate elements of chance and spontaneity to create memorable and impactful moments.

Amber draws parallels between her immersive theater work and her work as a sex worker, noting that both involve creating meaningful, intimate connections through role-playing and storytelling. The episode concludes with Amber sharing her excitement about launching new projects that further integrate her theater work with her intimate work with couples.

In this Episode:

02:24: Partnership Announcement and Website Giveaway

03:45: Introduction of Guest Amber Délice

04:59: Amber’s Background and Work as a Provider

07:23: Amber’s Work in Immersive Theater

14:21: Examples of Immersive Theater Projects

25:01: Integrating Theater into Companionship Work

49:33: Impact of Theater Work on Companion Role

55:00: Book, Music, and Future Plans Recommendations

Guest:

Amber is an independent provider and companion based in Boulder, Colorado (just a quick hop away from Denver). She is blessed to travel often and has clients who not only fly her to them but come to visit for adventures in Colorado. She loves sensuality, writing, dance, immersive theater, travel, and poetry. She is also an ex-food and wine journalist.

You can find Amber:

Website: meetamberdelice.com

X: @meetamberdelice

Instagram: @meetamberdelice

Recommendations:

Courting the Wild Twin, by Martin Shaw

Sofiane Pomart

The Rest: 

Black Venem Digital raffle entrance: here.

RSVP to The Holy Hour Book Launch Event in Pittsburgh on Oct 16: here. 

Host: Jessie Sage

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

Sponsor: Assembly Four

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual

In the latest episode of "When We're Not Hustling: The Afterparty," hosts Jessie and Emily welcome Melodie KG as the guest host for September! The episode kicks off with a light-hearted conversation on various topics, including Melodie's upcoming column on sex work and counterculture, inspired by Jessie. The hosts also dive into the nuances of sex work, discussing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding it. Jessie announces a partnership with Black Venom Digital to provide a website giveaway, emphasizing the importance of supporting sex workers and adult industry professionals with quality digital services.

The conversation further explores the intersection of literature and sexuality, highlighting Adrie Rose's love of romance novels and fan fiction. The hosts also touch upon the broader cultural implications of fan fiction and romance novels, noting how these genres can shape individual sexual identities. The episode wraps up with Jessie and Melodie reflecting on the complexities of sex work and the importance of creating space for ambivalent or negative experiences within the industry. Emily concludes by encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast and support their Patreon for early access to episodes.

In This Episode:

01:27: Introducing Melodie KG and her diverse roles

02:24: Melodie's upcoming bi-monthly column 

03:46: Freezing glass dildos article controversy

05:53: Demographics of newspaper readership

10:00: Black Venom Digital partnership announcement

11:43: Romance novels and their impact on sexuality

15:57: Adrie Rose's book on sex work ambivalence

The Incredible Pros and Potentially Devastating Cons of Freezing Glass Dildos, by Jessie Sage

Enter the BLKVNM X WWNH free website raffle HERE.

Get tickets to our first live podcast event HERE.

People:

Guest: Adrie Rose

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster,  Melodie KG

Producer: Emily Foster

Music: Benjamin J Benamati

You can support the show at pateron.com/sapiotextual