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

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

When We're Not Hustling is a twice-monthly podcast that explores the lives and identities of sex workers outside our personas. Each episode features a long-form interview with a sex worker, where we talk about everything but work: personal philosophies, ambitions, family, relationships, passions, hobbies, mental and physical health, identity, spirituality, meaning-making, and more. On this show, we learn who sex workers are outside of the work they are known for. When We're Not Hustling is an exploration of the people behind the fantasies.

Publisher

Jessie Sage

Category

leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

7 Jan 2024

Latest episode

24 Mar 2025

Latest episodes

96 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Mar 2025

   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 Bluesky: miawalsch.bsky.social Recommendations: Books: Neon Girls, by Jennifer Worely Music: Gag Order, Kesha 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/).

2. 

   17 Mar 2025

   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 Bluesky: @n0humaninv0lved.bsky.social Recommendations: Books: The Witch's Flight by Kara Keeling Showgirls: Portrait of a Film by Paul Verhoeven Music: Jazmine Sullivan Mk.gee 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/).

3. 

   10 Mar 2025

   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 X/Twitter: @RubyEntertains Website: RubyEntertainments.com (http://www.rubyentertainments.com/) Recommendations: Journal: The Anti-Trafficking Review Podcasts: The Oldest Profession by Kaitlyn Bailey Stripped by SIA 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/).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

13 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

86

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

77