History of Sex Work in America

History of Sex Work in America

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Medieval Europe's Biggest Sex Scandal

This is the wild story of a 12th century French philosopher, Abelard, who fell in love with his student, Heloise.There are a lot of problematic issues going on. Not least their age gap, the resulting power dynamic, and, oh yes—Abelard was castrated.So why does this love story end ...  Show more

The Truth About Coco Chanel

You know her from the perfume, the little black dress, the double C bag clasp, but who was the woman, Coco Chanel? What even was her real name?From her origin story, through her inspirations and affairs, to her connections to the Nazi party - today we find out more about Chanel.K ...  Show more

Recommended Episodes

Sex Work in Medieval Times
Gone Medieval

Prostitutes were everywhere in the streets and neighbourhoods of medieval cities. In one and the same building, there might be a school upstairs, while downstairs prostitutes plied their nefarious trade. But how did such a situation come to pass? And how could such a world exi ...

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Part Two: Sex Work in the American West & the Start of a Labor Movement
Cool People Who Did Cool Stuff

In part two of this week's episode, Margaret continues her conversation with writer and podcast host Courtney Kocak about how legal sex work shaped American culture in the Old West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 

Sex Work in Pompeii
The Ancients

This episode contains some strong language references to sexual content.


Pompeii is shrouded in myths and legends about it's vibrant, after hours, night life. With theories of carved stone penis' pointing towards brothels, frescoes of graphic images, and baw ...

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Red, White, and Taboo: America's Sexual History
The Next Big Idea Daily

American history is kinkier than you think. 📕 Fierce Desires by Rebecca L. Davis 📩 Check out our daily Substack and our weekly LinkedIn newsletter