In this special crossover episode with Tryst blog's "Hobby Whores" column, host Jessie Sage sits down with Lana Hart, a sex worker, comedian, and writer, to explore the concept of "bed rotting." Described as the act of lying in bed to recharge and care for oneself, bed rotting is framed as an essential form of self-care—especially for those in demanding professions like sex work.

Together, Lana and Jessie discuss the mental and emotional demands of sex work, from the pressure of constant social engagement to the need for meaningful downtime. They challenge societal expectations around productivity, emphasizing that rest is a valuable activity rather than a guilty indulgence. The conversation also covers the balance between personal relationships and the intensity of their work, underscoring the importance of dedicating time to oneself. By embracing restorative activities like watching favorite shows or pursuing hobbies, the episode highlights the therapeutic benefits of rest and self-care.

In This Episode:

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

01:24: Overview of Podcast and Mission

02:44: Crossover Episode with Tryst Blog

03:58: Raffle Announcement and Future Episodes

05:16: Introduction of Guest Lana Hart

06:27: Lana Hart Discusses Bed Rotting

09:18: The Importance of Rest in Sex Work

17:30: Challenges of Maintaining Social Energy

20:08: Regular Clients and Relationship Dynamics

21:32: Bed Rotting as Self-Care Practice

Guest:

Lana Hart is a comedian, sex worker, and writer; a woman who wears many hats and sometimes wears nothing at all.

Lana moved to New York City in 2014 after graduating from Emerson College to pursue a career in stand up comedy and comedy writing. While doing nightly comedy shows, occasional tours, and various freelance gigs, she picked up multiple side hustles to support herself. In 2018, she finally found one that stuck when she began stripping. Lana’s experience with sex work made its way into her comedy writing, as she found a passion for presenting audiences with the radical idea that sex workers are people who deserve respect. She dedicated her punchlines to lifting up sex workers and punching down on narrow-minded people who discriminate against them. She also wrote multiple articles for Betches Media advocating for sex workers’ rights and the decriminalization of sex work. Her written work has also been featured on Reductress, Someecards, Paste Magazine, and Tryst.

You can find Lana:

X: @lanadelslayee

Instagram: @lanadelslayee_

Recommendations:

SLUTS: Anthology by Michelle Tea

Charli xcx

The Rest:

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," the hosts explore the themes of singlehood, societal expectations, and the importance of friendships through the lens of Gem DeMilo's story. Gem, who has chosen to remain intentionally single after past relationships, sheds light on the societal pressure to prioritize romantic relationships and how she values friendships instead. The discussion also delves into how societal norms often restrict men from forming intimate friendships and how this contributes to a loneliness epidemic. Moreover, the conversation highlights how being single can be an empowering choice rather than an indication of loneliness, as it allows individuals to focus on self-growth.

The hosts share personal anecdotes about navigating relationship dynamics and challenge the traditional view of relationships being solely romantic or monogamous. They emphasize that friendships and professional relationships, including those in sex work, can also provide fulfillment when the transactional nature is understood and respected. The episode concludes with an affirmation of the value of diverse relationships and the importance of expressing love and appreciation for friends.

In This Episode:

00:34: Hosts Introduce Themselves

00:51: Gem DeMilo's Choice to Be Intentionally Single

01:43: Societal Expectations of Relationships

03:06: Cultural Views on Monogamy and Intimacy

05:23: Masculine Socialization and Emotional Isolation

07:21: Financial Independence in Single Life

09:14: Redefining Relationship Dynamics

14:42: Singleness as Self-Actualization

33:33: Closing Thoughts on Relationships

People:

Guest: Gem DeMilo

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, Melissa Milk

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.

Host Jessie Sage sits down with Gem DeMilo for a heartfelt discussion about redefining fulfillment beyond romantic partnerships. Gem opens up about her solo journeys to Mexico City and Iceland, sharing how travel has deepened her life’s meaning and enriched her sense of self. Together, they explore the importance of close friendships, the unique joys of single life, and the ways society’s expectations can often obscure personal happiness. Gem emphasizes that her connections with friends and her beloved pet have brought her profound love and contentment.

Their conversation also delves into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding polyamory, as well as the critical role financial independence plays for women. Gem shares insights from her path of healing past relationship traumas, finding empowerment in being single, and reclaiming her self-worth beyond societal standards. The episode wraps up with Gem's excitement for her upcoming 40th birthday celebration in New Orleans, and her commitment to financial literacy as a tool of empowerment for herself and others.

In This Episode:

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

02:44: Updates & Upcoming Events

05:20: Announcement of Collaboration with Tryst

07:52: Introduction of Guest Gem DeMilo

09:08: Gem DeMilo Discusses Being Single

17:20: Gem's Life Changes & Moving to North Carolina

21:31: Finding Love & Fulfillment Outside of Relationships

32:25: Discussion on Solo Poly & Single Life

42:34: Reflections on Self-Worth & Letting Go

54:44: Conclusion & Excitement for Future Plans

Guest:

Gem DeMilo is a North Carolina based escort, originally from Chicago. She got her start in sex work back in 2009 working for a commercial dungeon as she worked on her MFA in creative writing. She quickly transitioned to sugaring, and transitioned to escorting quickly from there. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, barre and volunteering with animals. She often snuggles with her feline son and soulmate, Jean-Claude.

You can find Gem:

Website: professordemilo.com

X: @meetgemdemilo

Instagram: @shesageminnc

Recommendations:

The Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds by Camilla Falkenberg, Emma Due Bitz and Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen

Conan Obrien Needs A Friend

Crime Junkie

Important Note:

This episode was recorded prior to Hurricane Helene. Gem, who lives in Western North Carolina, would like to highlight several charities providing essential relief to Asheville and nearby communities.

Beloved Asheville

Manna Food Bank

Brother Wolf Asheville

The Rest:

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," the hosts discuss Kaytlin Bailey, a multifaceted individual who has significantly influenced the podcasting, sex work, and activist communities. Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, and Milk Glass delve into Kaytlin's extensive contributions, including her critical feedback shaping the show's messaging that sex work is legitimate work. They also highlight her historical insights and her juxtaposition of personal experiences, such as her father's military service and her own sex work, to explore broader societal issues. The conversation underscores Kaytlin's impact on the hosts and the themes of their show, emphasizing the importance of recognizing sex work as valid and respectable.

Additionally, the hosts discuss Kaytlin's dynamic career, which includes being a comedian, sex worker, historian, and boxer. They admire her ability to weave together various aspects of her life into a cohesive narrative that challenges societal norms and addresses issues like misogyny, PTSD, and legislative impacts on sex work. The episode is a tribute to Kaytlin's intelligence, resilience, and the transformative power of her work, encouraging listeners to appreciate the depth and complexity of her endeavors. The hosts' admiration for her as a "main character" in their lives reflects the profound influence she has had on them and their audience.

In This Episode:

00:02: Introduction to the After-Party Podcast

00:23: Host and Co-Hosts Introductions

00:42: Kaytlin Bailey's Impact on the Podcast

01:44: Validating Sex Work as Legitimate

03:38: Comedians' Intelligence and Timing

04:21: Discussing Rap's Cognitive Demands

05:22: Kaytlin's Show and Social Commentary

07:54: Boxing and Kaytlin's World Tour

10:33: Gender, Kink, and Feminine Rage

14:00: Transformative Experiences and Emotions

People:

Guest: Kaytlin Bailey

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, Melissa Milk

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.

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling: The After-Party," the hosts, Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, and Melissa Milk, engage in a lively discussion about their personal experiences and reflections on the topics of spirituality, sexuality, and consciousness. They start by expressing their love for October and share some amusing anecdotes about Halloween costumes and quirky questions from clients. As the conversation progresses, they delve into deeper subjects, such as the importance of understanding bodily functions and hygiene, especially in the context of working with clients who have high support needs. The hosts also touch on their backgrounds and how their upbringing and personal experiences have influenced their perspectives on these topics.

The discussion takes a more profound turn when they reflect on a recent interview with Galen Grace, a tantric massage practitioner. They share their initial skepticism about tantric practices due to their misuse in some contexts but are ultimately moved by Galen's genuine and heartfelt approach. They discuss the significance of Galen's story about experiencing a life-threatening aortic dissection during a session, which highlights the deep connection between physical and spiritual healing. The hosts also explore the broader implications of sexual energy and its role in personal growth and well-being. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and the transformative power of shared experiences and open dialogue.

In This Episode:

00:10: Welcome and Favorite Months Discussion

00:26: Halloween Tattoo and Fantasy Talk

00:43: Halloween Costume Ideas

05:25: Show Introductions and Partners

06:30: Jessie and Melissa's Fun Session Story

09:37: Transition to Galen's Interview

11:02: Spirituality and Healing Discussion

20:15: Cultural Differences and Moving to Pittsburgh

28:15: Psychedelics and Consciousness

People:

Guest: Galen Grace

Hosts: Jessie Sage, Emily Foster, Melissa Milk

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.

Galen Grace, our S2 E15 podcast guest, shares this piece he wrote. We liked it so much, we decided to make it a bonus episode!

Galen Grace was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Massachusetts, and presently resides in Pennsylvania, but he lives wherever he happens to be at that moment, feels at home everywhere in the universe, and steps through almost any door that opens to him. He's worked in academic and professional theatre, published a pair of award-winning novels, and performed sacred, healing touch since 2014.

The piece he’s going to read for us is a work of creative nonfiction intended for live storytelling. Structured around a tattoo he got this summer, it recounts two trips he took to the desert southwest in recent years – “trips” in multiple senses of the word – as part of a quest to heal his grief from a series of personal losses and get his “spiritual groove” back. The events changed his life in ways he never imagined and brought him face to face with his mortality.

You can find Galen:

Website: thegalengrace.com

X: @TheGalenGrace

Instagram: @thegalengrace

In this episode of "When We're Not Hustling," Jessie Sage interviews Galen Grace, a Pittsburgh-based tantric massage therapist and writer who shares his profound spiritual journey and life experiences, including a near-death health crisis, spiritual awakenings through plant medicine, and the integration of his spiritual practice into everyday life. Galen's spoken word performance recounts his transformative trips to the desert Southwest and his endeavor to recover from significant personal losses and health challenges.

Throughout the discussion, Galen elaborates on his background in theater and writing, his transition to offering sacred touch professionally, and the impact of his spiritual practices on his resilience and well-being. He emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual experiences into daily life and how these practices have helped him navigate physical and emotional trauma. The conversation concludes with Galen sharing his current reading list, music preferences, and his excitement for the future.

In This Episode:

00:00:00: Introduction to "When We're Not Hustling" Podcast

00:02:44: October Guest Lineup Overview

00:05:04: Announcement of Live Event in Pittsburgh

00:08:06: Guest Introduction: Galen Grace

00:15:36: Galen Grace's Spoken Word Performance

00:34:30: Discussion on Spiritual Practices and Integration

00:53:22: Personal Health and Healing Journeys

01:06:18: Closing Remarks and Where to Find Galen Grace

Guest:

Galen Grace was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Massachusetts, and presently resides in Pennsylvania, but he lives wherever he happens to be at that moment, feels at home everywhere in the universe, and steps through almost any door that opens to him. He's worked in academic and professional theatre, published a pair of award-winning novels, and performed sacred, healing touch since 2014.

You can find Galen:

Website: thegalengrace.com

X: @TheGalenGrace

Instagram: @thegalengrace

Recommendations:

Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life

by Dacher Keltner

Secure Love: Create a Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime by Julie Menanno

Krishna Das

Jai Uttal

Sleeping at Last

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.