In this episode of “When We’re Not Hustling,” host Jessie Sage and her co-hosts, Emily Foster and Ashley Ramos discuss the complexities and emotional intricacies of sex work, drawing from Charlotte Shane’s books “An Honest Woman” and “Prostitute Laundry.” They delve into the contrasting experiences of being a younger, unattached sex worker versus an older, married one, highlighting the different types of client relationships and the challenges of maintaining boundaries. Jessie shares personal anecdotes about the emotional labor involved in sex work, such as dealing with clients’ feelings of love and the eventual end of these professional relationships when boundaries are crossed. They also touch on the societal implications and personal struggles of balancing professional detachment with genuine human connection.
The conversation then shifts to a broader discussion about the nature of creative work and personal relationships. The co-hosts talk about the necessity of compartmentalizing emotions and maintaining professional boundaries to protect oneself from emotional burnout. They also discuss the challenges of being creatives and the importance of having personal space to foster creativity while managing personal relationships. The episode concludes with a recommendation to read Charlotte Shane’s books for a deeper understanding of the life stages and emotional experiences of a long-term sex worker.
00:27: Meet the Co-Hosts
00:46: Ashley’s Magnetic Draw
02:22: Support the Podcast
03:08: Discussing Charlotte Shane’s Books
05:37: Conflicted Feelings About Heterosexuality and Marriage
09:34: Complexity of Client Relationships
14:10: Performance and Authenticity in Relationships
21:17: Creative Work and Personal Boundaries
28:33: Closing Remarks
Guest: Charlotte Shane
Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, Ashley Ramos
Producer: Emily Foster
Music: Benjamin J Benamati
Sponsor: Assembly Four
You can support the show at Patreon.com/sapiotextual