Pod-Alization: Sex Empire Exposed; Delaware Money Launderers; Trans Truths

Hollywood Sex Club in New Podcast “Sanctum Unmasked”

  Marketing experts have their own set of commandments, and a prominent one is that "sex sells." That's especially true when the sex is surrounded by an actual empire, an elite sex club, and cults.

iHeart Podcasts and School of Humans have debuted Sanctum Unmasked, a new eight-part podcast series that explores the secretive sex empire known as SNCTM. In 2013, Damon Lawner founded what became known as the most elite sex club in the world. Sanctum Unmasked follows that journey and throughout the series asks listeners – What really happens when you shed societal expectations and unapologetically pursue personal sexual freedom?

Sanctum Unmasked takes a nuanced, fun and comedic look into money, power and sex, set in the backdrop of Hollywood. Along the way, listeners will experience Damon Lawner’s personal exploration of sexuality and taboo — one that reflected the experiences of his guests and performers — and how it would ultimately turn his life upside down.

 Sanctum Unmasked is hosted by American writer, television host and producer, Karley Sciortino. Sciortino is the founder of Slutever, a website that focuses on sex and sexuality, and executive producer and host of the Viceland documentary series of the same name. Sciortino also writes Vogue's online sex and relationships column, Breathless.

 You can listen to Sanctum Unmasked on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Rumors abound that the podcast has full-frontal sound. 

 

 Freakonomics Radio podcast asks: Why do money launderers love Delaware?

Delaware does not get a lot of press. And it should. It's a great state to live in with low taxes, a superior public education system, and low crime rate. In addition, the people are nice, too. You never hear someone from Delaware say, "fuhgeddaboudit."

The Freakonomics Radio podcast just released an episode that investigates why the tiny state of Delaware has become such an attractive haven for corporations, bankruptcy lawyers, tax avoiders, and money launderers.

In the episode, host Stephen Dubner interviews a member of the Chancery Court, from which much of Delaware's unique status originates; an academic who studies corruption; a prominent local lawyer who defends the current system; and a former U.S. Treasury Department investigator who spent years chasing money launderers – often finding them in Delaware. "This is state government greed," he says. "That's the bottom line."

Dubner concludes: "Critics say the Delaware 'franchise' is undemocratic and corrupt. Insiders say it’s wildly efficient. We say: they’re both right"

Listen to the episode "Why Does One Tiny State Set the Rules for Everyone?" at freakonomics.com (there's a full transcript there too) or wherever you get podcasts. 

It's a shame that Dubner doesn't investigate why the Delaware Memorial Bridge from South Jersey to Delaware always has at least one lane closed. People from the tri-state area (DE, NJ, PA) all knows about this. We need a podcast about this!

Beauty Translated podcast begins second season about the trans community

Beauty Translated is an original show from NextUp fellow Carmen Laurent. The podcast is back for a second season––and, in the words of Laurent, "it’s bigger and bolder than ever before."

 In this show, host, skin therapist and trans woman Carmen Laurent discusses topics related to the legal, medical and emotional changes as a part of gender transition. 

With each new episode, launching on Wednesdays, join Carmen for brand-new conversations with friends, authors, elders and trailblazers that dive into the discourse going on within and outside the trans community. 

Whether you’ve been transitioning for years, wondering where to begin or would just like to relate to a friend, co-worker or loved one going through their own gender transition, Beauty Translated is for whoever needs it.

 In the April 12th episode, host Laurent talks with well-known author Julia Serano about her 2007 book Whipping Girl that defined trans feminism, and how those concepts hold up today- and maybe even need to be reintroduced to younger generations of queer and trans people. Host and guest also discuss her 2019 book Sexed Up and how some of those concepts may explain the current wave of gay and trans people being labeled as "groomers" by the rising Christo-facist movement in the US.

For anyone who listens to right-wing extremist podcasts, check out Beauty Translated. The podcast will offer you information that is balanced and cuts through all the culture war nonsense. You should know the truth, even though "You can't handle the truth."