When We're Not Hustling: Sex Workers Talking About Everything But

S3 E12: I Needed to Do Something With My Hands—Now I Make Custom Leather Harnesses with Mia Walsch

In this special crossover episode of When We're Not Hustling and Hobby Whores, Jessie Sage speaks with Mia Walsch, an Australian leatherworker and former sex worker, about her journey into leather crafting during the extended lockdowns in Melbourne. The conversation explores Mia's transition from sex work to a creative outlet that became a side hustle, as she intricately crafts leather harnesses and other items, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of working with her hands. They discuss the challenges of selling on platforms like Etsy and the ethical considerations Mia faces as a vegetarian working with leather. The episode also touches on the broader themes of capitalism's impact on creative industries, the communal aspects of crafting, and the personal satisfaction derived from creating tangible art. In this Episode: 02:49 - Introduction of producer Emily Foster and guest Mia Walsh. 04:05 - Start of conversation with Mia Walsh. 06:14 - Discussion of Mia's leatherworking and Etsy experience. 10:04 - Insights on gig economy and capitalism. 17:40 - The joy of crafting and creating. 29:34 - Discussion on ethical considerations in leatherworking. 38:44 - Future plans for leatherworking and community involvement. 41:12 - Mia's memoir and challenges faced during its release. Guest: Mia Walsch is an author and visual artist from Melbourne, Australia. She studied Creative Writing at the University of Wollongong and has previously published three novels, the first of which won a Victorian Premier's Literary Award. Money for Something is her first non-fiction book. Instagram: @m1a.wal5ch [https://www.instagram.com/m1a.wal5ch/] Bluesky: miawalsch.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/miawalsch.bsky.social] Recommendations: Books: Neon Girls, by Jennifer Worely [https://www.amazon.com/NEON-GIRLS-Jennifer-Worley/dp/0062971328] Music: Gag Order, Kesha [https://open.spotify.com/album/5hOFWwfkeWetTEnMTbX4q9?si=u_jbIUqXQLeien1EldWdTQ] The Rest: Host: Jessie Sage [https://jessiesage.com/] Producer: Emily Foster Music: Benjamin J Benamati Sponsor: Assembly Four [https://assemblyfour.com/] Powered by Black Venom Digital [https://blackvenomdigital.com/] When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund [https://www.socialgoodfund.org/]. You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE [https://nothustling.com/donate-to-wwnh/].

S3 E11: What Does It Mean to Be Human? More Importantly, What Does It Mean to Have Humanity? with Zalika

In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage speaks with Zalika U. Ibaorimi, PhD, about the complex intersections of race, gender, and sex work. They discuss how Blackness disrupts conventional categories of identity and the limitations of the term "sex worker" in encompassing the diverse experiences within the sex industry. The conversation delves into the historical and systemic dehumanization of marginalized bodies, particularly focusing on the concept of "no humans involved" as a police code and its broader implications in Black studies. Zalika, an anti-disciplinary artist and professor, shares insights from her projects exploring Black femme identities and the societal constructs of humanism. Together, they examine the relational dynamics within sex work, the politics of coalition building, and the nuanced realities of being labeled a "whore." Through laughter and lived experiences, the episode offers a profound exploration of identity, existence, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights in both academic and sex work communities. In this Episode: 04:16 - Introduction of guest Zalika U. Mbararimi, her background, and her work on Black sexualities and humanism. 05:08 - Jessie and Zalika discuss their involvement in a book project with Working Girls Press. 09:15 - Explanation of the term "No Humans Involved," its implications, and its relevance to Black studies and sex work. 28:28 - Discussion on the complexities and critiques of the term "sex work" and its political implications. 41:40 - Jessie and Zalika discuss the challenges of coalition building, especially in relation to anti-Blackness and self-serving allies. 01:01:41 - Discussion on how Blackness disrupts traditional gender categories and the concept of womanhood. 01:06:48 - Zalika talks about her excitement for the I Hate My Job book and her critical porno project. 01:07:17 - Closing remarks, where to find Zalika and Jessie online, and podcast sign-off. Guest: Zalika U. Ibaorimi, PhD (she/they), also going under the artist's name n0humaninv0lved (N.H.I.), is a former sex worker, antidisciplinary artist, Assistant Professor of Black Sexualities in the Department of African American and African Studies at the Ohio State University and a 2021-2023 Carter G. Woodson Predoctoral Fellow at the University of Virginia. She engages Black material and digital publics as landscapes to trace the Human sexual geographies between the relation of the Black femme and spectator. Their relationality is tethered to the logics of shame, desire, and pleasure. Additionally, they consider the discursiveness of critical and revolutionary Humanism as modes to chart the (de)figuration of the Black wh0re vis-à-vis the counter and anti-Human. They are currently working on two book projects, Haunted Femmes, Haunting Spectators and (BE)CUM(ING): N.H.I. in Three Acts. Her performance, a crit-p0rno titled (be)cum(ing): on humanist edging, will screen beginning March 2025. Instagram: @hauntedfemme [https://www.instagram.com/hauntedfemme/] Bluesky: @n0humaninv0lved.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/n0humaninv0lved.bsky.social] Recommendations: Books: The Witch's Flight by Kara Keeling [https://www.amazon.com/Witchs-Flight-Cinematic-Modernities-Halberstam/dp/0822340259/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QARK1CE5P81D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zBXTZ77eeG_NrTlm46yjg26dbGbkGA8VmdxCp-UlVEP4FTa_jZ6x9dfIU_GLE_0kAeWdEriKB4e9OW-IW_lnlBtA-G7Y3xHzr-5G4gGOgkn43S4j0zVW52WHntFsGlZrsw78cBnSgcBD_us7BLiiFh0Tw2gEm2r39I51qKskANiYDUWHXfwmI4opfVfYiJdcF-jyBFoBvxibokJv97yobYc6aOl1Lg-I7IB8PrINkuE.vnOzuPaZMBXscZZEnbM7ptC-r3yLN-w9fiv2LHaQD20&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+witch%27s+flight&qid=1741984630&s=books&sprefix=the+witchs+flight%2Cstripbooks%2C93&sr=1-1] Showgirls: Portrait of a Film by Paul Verhoeven [https://www.amazon.com/Showgirls-Portrait-Film-Paul-Verhoeven/dp/1557042675] Music: Jazmine Sullivan [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7gSjFKpVmDgC2MMsnN8CYq?si=cPapg1-HR8ybFXoHIpWfhg] Mk.gee [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tr9pbgNEKtG0GQTKe08Tz] The Rest: Enter to win a custom leather harness by Mia Walsch! Contest closes on 3/21/2025. Visit our socials for instructions! Host: Jessie Sage [https://jessiesage.com/] Producer: Emily Foster Music: Benjamin J Benamati Sponsor: Assembly Four [https://assemblyfour.com/] Powered by Black Venom Digital [https://blackvenomdigital.com/] When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund [https://www.socialgoodfund.org/]. You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE [https://nothustling.com/donate-to-wwnh/].

S3 E10: What Do Mobile Peepshows, Burlesque and Non Profits Have in Common? Ruby

In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage speaks with Ruby about her extensive work with the Peers Victoria Resources Society, a nonprofit supporting sex workers in Victoria, BC. Ruby shares insights into the organization's history and services, such as night outreach and harm reduction programs. She discusses the challenges sex workers face, including legal issues under the Nordic model and societal stigma, and highlights efforts to reform Canadian sex work laws. Ruby also touches on her personal journey from being sex work-adjacent to advocating for sex worker rights and her creative endeavors, including a traveling peep show and spoken word poetry. The conversation reflects on the importance of community support, inclusivity, and the intersectionality within advocacy work. In this Episode: 00:02:48 Emily Foster, the producer, introduces the episode and announces a giveaway. 00:06:07 Discussion on the Red Umbrella March and efforts to end violence against sex workers. 00:10:05 Overview of Peers Victoria Resources Society and its programs supporting sex workers. 00:15:21 Discussion on the legal challenges faced by sex workers in Canada, including the constitutional challenge against current laws. 00:21:03 Ruby shares her journey from being sex work-adjacent to becoming an advocate and worker. 00:28:12 Conversation on the intersection of burlesque and sex work, and changes in the burlesque community. 00:34:49 Importance of supporting marginalized voices within sex work advocacy. 00:41:00 Ruby discusses personal growth and accomplishments through her advocacy work. 00:48:09 Ruby performs her spoken word piece, "Bimbo," highlighting the sex worker experience. 00:52:03 Ruby describes her mobile peep show project and the challenges faced in promoting it. 01:00:39 Ruby shares her concerns and goals for mobilizing the community against potential conservative government changes. 01:02:02 Closing remarks and where to find more about Ruby and Peers Victoria Resources Society. Guest: Ruby is a bimbo with multiple personalities, an innovative visionary who has owned her own entertainment company for over 15 years. Ruby Entertainments fearlessly recreates the ritual of Bachelor Party Culture by combining sex positivity with consent through a playful platform of dance, connection, and touch. Notably she was granted a moderate sum from the BC government to build the world's first contemporary mobile Peepshow. Ruby's Pop Up Peepshow came to life in 2023! With a BA in Gender Studies she is the perfect mix of tits, wits, and glitz. As Ginger Kittens, she is a burlesque dancer in the award winning troupe, The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue. She is also an accomplished poet and playwright. Instagram: @RubyPeepShow [https://www.instagram.com/rubypeepshow?igsh=MWxnaXQ4d2NqZzlmZw==] X/Twitter: @RubyEntertains [https://x.com/RubyEntertains] Website: RubyEntertainments.com [http://www.rubyentertainments.com/] Recommendations: Journal: The Anti-Trafficking Review [https://www.antitraffickingreview.org/index.php/atrjournal] Podcasts: The Oldest Profession by Kaitlyn Bailey [https://open.spotify.com/show/2QbyAjZ7aNJFSgL0R8sa2y?si=5949b296ec8b4b91] Stripped by SIA [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zzkvuWptdxJnN3ezTrKNl?si=94c360a213ad45f0] The Rest: Enter to win a custom leather harness by Mia Walsh! Contest closes on 3/21/2025. Visit our socials for instructions! Host: Jessie Sage [https://jessiesage.com/] Producer: Emily Foster Music: Benjamin J Benamati Sponsor: Assembly Four [https://assemblyfour.com/] Powered by Black Venom Digital [https://blackvenomdigital.com/] When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund [https://www.socialgoodfund.org/]. You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE [https://nothustling.com/donate-to-wwnh/].

S3 E9: I'm an Immigrant Six Times Over, and My Heart Helps Me Find a Sense of Home with Savannah

In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, Jessie Sage interviews Savannah, a UK-based full-service sex worker turned webcam model and contemporary artist. Savannah discusses her self-care guide for sex workers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging sex workers as full people with complex lives beyond their jobs. She shares how art has helped her find a sense of home and belonging as an immigrant and how it aids in processing her experiences of survival and stigma. Savannah's work includes the Self Care for Sex Workers Journal, aimed at promoting well-being and balance for sex workers, and her latest book, Salute the Light Within You, which explores her journey through domestic violence and addiction recovery. The episode underscores the importance of destigmatizing sex work and recognizing the humanity of those within the industry. In this Episode: 00:04:07 Introduction to Savannah, a full-service sex worker and artist, and the topics of the interview including self-care and art. 00:06:46 Savannah discusses her background, her transition from full-service sex work to webcam modeling, and her art practice. 00:11:01 Savannah talks about how her art is a response to her experience of erasure and survival as an immigrant and sex worker. 00:19:09 Savannah and Jessie discuss the difficulty of recognizing safety and security after years of survival mode. 00:28:04 Discussion on the importance of self-care for sex workers and the creation of Savannah's journal. 00:32:42 Conversation about financial stigma and challenges faced by sex workers in managing money. 00:41:43 Discussion about the boundaries and care dynamics in sex work, and how these experiences translate to Savannah's art. 00:56:00 Jessie wraps up the episode with final thoughts and asks Savannah about her current interests and projects. Guest: Savannah is an Indian Web Cam Model, 6 time Immigrant and Contemporary Artist based in London, UK. In 2022 she published the Self Care for Sex Workers Journal which centres the lives, well being and spirits of Sex Workers as deserving and vital. Born from her understanding of Self Care and Community as Reclamation from a stigma induced Survival Mode existence, the Journal offers a holistic guide to well being through eye opening, step by step guidance around nutrition, finance, rest, pleasure and diversifying in business and life aspirations. Rooted in doing less and letting go, and creating expansion through rest and replenishment, the prompts provide release from the hustle and grind aspects of our Labour, to move from surviving to thriving, from burn out to balance. Instagram: @selfcare4sxwkrs [https://www.instagram.com/selfcare4sexworkers/] X/Twitter: @selfcare4sxwkrs [https://x.com/selfcare4sxwkrs] Website: myspacetobreathe.art [https://myspacetobreathe.art/collections/publications] Substack: substack.com/@annaandtheelephant [https://substack.com/@annaandtheelephant] Recommendations: Books: Three Women, by Lisa Taddeo [https://www.amazon.com/Three-Women-Lisa-Taddeo/dp/1451642296] Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams [https://www.amazon.com/Queenie-Candice-Carty-Williams/dp/1501196014] Podcasts: Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel [https://open.spotify.com/show/3fKOTwtnX5oZLaiNntKWAV?si=c5cac601a9404189] How's Work? with Esther Perel [https://open.spotify.com/show/0P13JasQfVZ1RiDCMZMYNU?si=dbfa143aac064d66] The Rest: Host: Jessie Sage [https://jessiesage.com/] Producer: Emily Foster Music: Benjamin J Benamati Sponsor: Assembly Four [https://assemblyfour.com/] Powered by Black Venom Digital [https://blackvenomdigital.com/] When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund [https://www.socialgoodfund.org/]. You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE [https://nothustling.com/donate-to-wwnh/].

S3 E8: I Am a Pro Domme and a Pro Wrestler—I Like to Play the Heel with Katarina

In this episode of When We're Not Hustling, host Jessie Sage and guest Katarina "The Domme Kat" Pierce delve into her journey from TV production and journalism to becoming a co-founder of the Sex Work Survival Guide, a nonprofit providing crucial resources and education to sex workers. The conversation covers the challenges and stigmas within the sex industry, the importance of safety and community, and the unique blend of creativity and empowerment found in wrestling and BDSM. Katarina highlights her passion for wrestling as both an art form and a means of personal expression, illustrating how it allows for a dynamic interplay of strength, storytelling, and connection with clients. The episode also touches on the broader cultural narratives surrounding sex work and wrestling, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing one's true self and the support found within the sex work community. In this Episode: 00:02:49 Emily Foster introduces herself as the producer and talks about upcoming projects, including Jessie's book and TEDx Talk. 00:03:55 Introduction of Katarina, discussing her work and her nonprofit. 00:06:11 Katarina shares the challenges of entering the industry and the purpose behind the Sex Work Survival Guide. 00:09:30 Discussion about the format of the Sex Work Survival Guide conferences and speaker series. 00:18:19 Katarina discusses her journey into sex work and the reasons for choosing this path. 00:28:15 Jessie and Katarina discuss the dynamics of submission and fetishism in their work. 00:42:39 Discussion about the body emphasis in wrestling and how it intersects with sex work. 00:50:12 Katarina explains how sessions are like improv dance and the importance of consent. 00:57:04 Katarina shares one of her most fun sessions, involving role play and exploration. 01:02:02 Katarina and Jessie discuss their intentions for balancing work and personal life. Guest: Katarina "The Domme Kat" Pierce is a NYC-based fetish wrestler, ProDomme, adult actress and producer, kink educator and experience creator. With Tiana "Glittersaurus Rex" and Dr. Ash Dark, Kat co-founded SW Survival Guide, a non-profit dedicated to the idea that life-saving information shouldn't be gatekept because "survival shouldn't be a luxury." Katarina comes from the world of TV production and print journalism. When she's editing content and her mom calls to ask what she's doing, Kat gets to say, "Using my college degree." Instagram: @domina_katarina [https://www.instagram.com/domina_katarina/] X/Twitter: @TheDommeKat [https://x.com/TheDommeKat] Bluesky: thedommekat.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/thedommekat.com] Website: theDommeKat.com [http://thedommekat.com/] or www.thedominakatarina.com [https://www.thedominakatarina.com/] Recommendations: Books: Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts, by Rebecca Hall [https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Hidden-History-Women-Led-Revolts/dp/1982115181] Music: Marc Anthony [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO2EsWju] Podcasts: The Mystery Hour-Rabia Chaudry [https://open.spotify.com/show/6c003br3coRNMn6RXYyecr] The Hidden Djinn - Rabia Chaudry [https://open.spotify.com/show/3st4QUCUQrHF9z4rGC8CeZ] The Rest: Host: Jessie Sage [https://jessiesage.com/] Producer: Emily Foster Music: Benjamin J Benamati Sponsor: Assembly Four [https://assemblyfour.com/] Powered by Black Venom Digital [https://blackvenomdigital.com/] When We're Not Hustling is a 501(c)(3) non-profit project of the Social Good Fund [https://www.socialgoodfund.org/]. You can support our show with your tax-deductive donation HERE [https://nothustling.com/donate-to-wwnh/].