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.