This is a collection of podcast series and episodes that discuss important issues related to the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work.

Featured Podcasts

Clearer Thinking, Episode 129: Sex workers — empowered, or victims? (with Melissa Broudo)

DSW's Melissa Broudo joins Spencer Greenberg to discuss the effects of identity politics and social media on sex work, the pros of decriminalizing sex work, and the various legal frameworks for regulating sex work around the world.

The Crime Report: On Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz

The Crime Report launches its inaugural episode by discussing the complexities of sex work in the American criminal justice system. Does policing consensual adult sex work really keep sex workers safe, or does it just expose them to more dangerous situations? Ariela Moscowitz of Decriminalize Sex Work joins Isidro Rodrigues to answer this question and more.

Beyond the Image: Sex Sells Pt 3 – Decriminalizing Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz

This episode unpacks the act of having sex as a means of labor, and is an economic exploration into the world’s oldest profession and efforts to decriminalize sex work. “If you really hate it so much and you don’t want people to do it, the best thing you can do is to decriminalize it.”

This American Life: There. I Fixed It.; Catching Deer When You Wanted Lions (SESTA/FOSTA)

The United States Congress thought they could eliminate sex trafficking by passing SESTA/FOSTA. Producer Lina Misitzis looked into how the law played out for its targets and the others swept up in the “fix.”

You’re Wrong About: Human Trafficking

This episode examines how NGOs, activists, and George W. Bush resurrected the 'stranger danger' panic for the modern era. The commentators use cited research to distinguish myth from reality and demonstrate how orchestrated moralist zealots are actually harming trafficked people and voluntary adult sex workers.

Reply All: No More Safe Harbor (SESTA/FOSTA)

After the government passed SESTA/FOSTA and shut down backpage.com, Reply All investigated the consequences and spoke with a group of people who say that was a huge mistake.

Episode Library

Self-Ownership or Slavery? The Case for Decriminalizing Sex Work w/ Ariela Moscowitz
August 15, 2023

Self-Ownership or Slavery? The Case for Decriminalizing Sex Work w/ Ariela Moscowitz

Keith Knight's “Don’t Tread On Anyone” podcast for The Libertarian Institute
Clearer Thinking, Episode 129: Sex workers — empowered, or victims? (with Melissa Broudo)
November 3, 2022

Clearer Thinking, Episode 129: Sex workers — empowered, or victims? (with Melissa Broudo)

DSW's Melissa Broudo joins Spencer Greenberg to discuss the effects of identity politics and social media on sex work, the pros of decriminalizing sex work, and the various legal frameworks for regulating sex work around the world.
It’s So Hard: Episode 90: Police Sexual Misconduct feat. Isidoro Rodriguez
October 28, 2022

It’s So Hard: Episode 90: Police Sexual Misconduct feat. Isidoro Rodriguez

Tess Louise and Isidoro Rodriguez take a deep dive into police sexual misconduct, discussing the worldwide movement to decriminalize prostitution, the complicated relationship between sex workers and media, and more.
The Crime Report: On Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz
September 23, 2022

The Crime Report: On Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz

The Crime Report launches its inaugural episode by discussing the complexities of sex work in the American criminal justice system. Does policing consensual adult sex work really keep sex workers safe, or does it just expose them to more dangerous situations? Ariela Moscowitz of Decriminalize Sex Work joins Isidro Rodrigues to answer this question and more.
The Libertarian Christian Podcast, Episode 292: Decriminalizing Prostitution: Can Christians Support it?
September 16, 2022

The Libertarian Christian Podcast, Episode 292: Decriminalizing Prostitution: Can Christians Support it?

In this episode, Decriminalize Sex Work's Melissa Broudo joins Kerry Baldwin to talk about how sex work decriminalization can line up with traditional Christian values. From bodily autonomy and agency to human trafficking to internet censorship and surveillance, Baldwin and Broudo touch on a wide variety of compelling topics.
You’re Wrong About: Porn Wars w. Nona Willis Aronowitz
August 4, 2022

You’re Wrong About: Porn Wars w. Nona Willis Aronowitz

This episode takes "a field trip to Times Square with Nona Willis Aronowitz, author of Bad Sex, to learn about Deep Throat, 'porno chic,' and the unresolved feminist battle over whether to eradicate pornography or make more of it. Digressions include Carol Clover, this discovery of the clitoris, and Harry Reems (Joel Reems’ distant cousin)."

Aella: Libertarian Sex Worker Turned Data Scientist
May 2, 2022

Aella: Libertarian Sex Worker Turned Data Scientist

Meet Aella, the daughter of evangelical Christians, turned sex worker, turned data scientist. Reason's Liz Wolfe interviewed Aella for a wide-ranging conversation about everything from how sex work made her a better data scientist to why many successful practitioners in her industry are selling not only sex but also the personal connections that so many of us are missing in our lives.

Running Red-Lights: Survival to Security
April 22, 2022

Running Red-Lights: Survival to Security

From Texas Public Radio, this is episode four of a miniseries examining sex work and San Antonio's historic red light district. In the shadow of Texas's new law making it a felony to buy of sexual services, this episode asks "How do changing laws impact the day to day lives of sex workers? And where is the line drawn between work and trafficking?"

Beyond the Image: Sex Sells Pt 3 – Decriminalizing Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz
April 20, 2022

Beyond the Image: Sex Sells Pt 3 – Decriminalizing Sex Work with Ariela Moscowitz

This episode unpacks the act of having sex as a means of labor, and is an economic exploration into the world’s oldest profession and efforts to decriminalize sex work. “If you really hate it so much and you don’t want people to do it, the best thing you can do is to decriminalize it.”

HeidiWorld: The Heidi Fleiss Story, Chapter 1
April 14, 2022

HeidiWorld: The Heidi Fleiss Story, Chapter 1

A podcast about the rise and fall of the young Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss in early 90s Los Angeles, but also a narrative about the long overdue need to Decriminalize Sex Work. Link is to the show on Spotify; episodes can be found on all major podcast platforms.
The Capitol Pressroom: Shifting the state’s perspective on sex work
February 8, 2022

The Capitol Pressroom: Shifting the state’s perspective on sex work

DSW's Legal Director Melissa Sontag Broudo, discusses DSW's 2022 report "By the Numbers: New York's Treatment of Sex Workers and Trafficking Survivors."
How We Work: Sex work gave her agency. The pandemic had other plans.
January 26, 2022

How We Work: Sex work gave her agency. The pandemic had other plans.

A sex worker in Michigan is interviewed about how the pandemic and the criminalization of consensual adult sex work has impacted her life.
Serious Inquires Only: What the Science Actually Says on Porn Consumption
September 25, 2021

Serious Inquires Only: What the Science Actually Says on Porn Consumption

Part 2 of 2 of their "sex stuff" series. Dr. Lindsey Osterman takes listeners on a deep dive into porn related research.
Serious Inquiries Only: “Banning Sex Work and Sex Work Websites Is Bad and We Should Stop Doing It”
September 15, 2021

Serious Inquiries Only: “Banning Sex Work and Sex Work Websites Is Bad and We Should Stop Doing It”

Part 1 of 2. Dr. Lindsey Osterman presents empirical evidence against the war on porn and sex work, which is supported by conservatives, anti-porn feminists, and misguided prominent thinkers like New York Time’s Nicholas D. Kristof.
Kennedy Saves Your Fall Employment
August 27, 2021

Kennedy Saves Your Fall Employment

In this episode, Kennedy sits down with DSW founder and former communication director, comedic writer, and former sex worker Kaytlin Bailey. Kaytlin discusses how she originally got into that line of work, the history of her industry and why she disagrees with the policing of prostitution. Kennedy and Kaytlin also talk about why criminalizing certain industries ultimately makes everyone less safe.
This American Life: There. I Fixed It.; Catching Deer When You Wanted Lions (SESTA/FOSTA)
July 2, 2021

This American Life: There. I Fixed It.; Catching Deer When You Wanted Lions (SESTA/FOSTA)

The United States Congress thought they could eliminate sex trafficking by passing SESTA/FOSTA. Producer Lina Misitzis looked into how the law played out for its targets and the others swept up in the “fix.”
Truer Crime: The Botched Investigation of Samuel Little
May 18, 2021

Truer Crime: The Botched Investigation of Samuel Little

DSW's team was interviewed for this show, which discusses murders of sex workers. This episode explores who is looked for, who is seen, and who is forgotten.
Babble On: Episode 6
May 5, 2021

Babble On: Episode 6

DSW’s Ariela Moscowitz is featured in this podcast that asks “who is talking about sex workers and why?”
Babble On: Episode 1
May 5, 2021

Babble On: Episode 1

DSW’s Ariela Moscowitz is featured in this podcast that asks “who is talking about sex workers and why?”
Secular Sexuality: The case for decriminalizing sex work, with Christy Powell, Nate Smith and Jack Parker
April 29, 2021

Secular Sexuality: The case for decriminalizing sex work, with Christy Powell, Nate Smith and Jack Parker

Sex Worker activist Jack Parker is interviewed by Secular Sexuality about why it is past time to decriminalize sex work.
New York Gritty: Episode 9 – Pandemic Sexposure
April 6, 2021

New York Gritty: Episode 9 – Pandemic Sexposure

DSW's Legal Director Melissa Broudo was interviewed for this episode about what happened to sex workers in New York city after the shut down in March of 2020.

You’re Wrong About: Wayfair and Human Trafficking Statistics
August 10, 2020

You’re Wrong About: Wayfair and Human Trafficking Statistics

Mike tells Sarah about the Wayfair sex trafficking conspiracy theory and the sketchy statistical screenshots that have shown up in its wake. It is recommended to listen to this after hearing the You're Wrong About "Human Trafficking" episode.
Six Feet Apart with Alex Wagner: Sex
May 12, 2020

Six Feet Apart with Alex Wagner: Sex

DSW's J. Leigh was interviewed for this episode about how covid has impacted sexual appetites.
You’re Wrong About: Human Trafficking
November 25, 2019

You’re Wrong About: Human Trafficking

This episode examines how NGOs, activists, and George W. Bush resurrected the 'stranger danger' panic for the modern era. The commentators use cited research to distinguish myth from reality and demonstrate how orchestrated moralist zealots are actually harming trafficked people and voluntary adult sex workers.
The Takeaway: The Movement to Decriminalize Sex Work
October 31, 2019

The Takeaway: The Movement to Decriminalize Sex Work

Senior Vox reporter Anna North, and activist Monica Jones were interviewed to understand what the decriminalization of sex work means in practice.
Criminal: Cecilia
May 24, 2019

Criminal: Cecilia

Cecilia Gentili runs a policy reform organization called Trans Equity. She’s active in efforts to decriminalize sex work in New York, and to repeal SESTA-FOSTA.
Reply All: No More Safe Harbor (SESTA/FOSTA)
April 20, 2018

Reply All: No More Safe Harbor (SESTA/FOSTA)

After the government passed SESTA/FOSTA and shut down backpage.com, Reply All investigated the consequences and spoke with a group of people who say that was a huge mistake.

Podcast Series

They Talk Sex, with Elle Stanger

They Talk Sex, with Elle Stanger

Certified Sex Educator, adult entertainer, decriminalization advocate, and DSW ally, Elle Stanger hosts weekly guests to discuss...
Running Red-Lights: The History of Sex Work in San Antonio

Running Red-Lights: The History of Sex Work in San Antonio

San Antonio had one of the busiest red-light districts in the country, where brothels and other vice...
HeidiWorld: The Heidi Fleiss Story

HeidiWorld: The Heidi Fleiss Story

A podcast about the rise and fall of the young Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss in early 90s...
Babble On

Babble On

Babble On is a podcast that asks “who is talking about sex workers and why?” This six...
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