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Where we stage our secret selves: Malta’s globalized sex industry

Where we stage our secret selves: Malta’s globalized sex industry

by Isotta Rossoni

Non-Profit Documentary

Season 1

Episode 8: "Behind the Blacked-Out Windows: selling toys and pleasure on a small island” with Ranier

This episode is a bit different from the previous. Izzy chats with Rainer, owner of ToysFourPlay in Malta, about the challenges of setting up a sx toys shop on the island. Their conversation explores aspects of the expression of sxuality which were and still are taboo in Malta, contributing to the broader conversation around sx work and stigma. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 7: "I teach men how to respect women" with Maria Isabel (IN SPANISH)

In this episode, Maria Isabel and Izzy chat about Maria Isabel's migration journey from Colombia to Europe, her experience in the sx industry and her work as mistress. Maria Isabel shares all the insights about her body and human sexuality, that she's garnered along the way. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 6: "Content creation, nude modelling and more" with Lou

In this episode, Lou chats with Izzy about her migration journey from Argentina to Europe and her experiences with nude photography/modelling, content creation and more. Lou also digs deeper into some of the challenges faced with access to documents in Europe. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 5: "I bet you've never heard of an erotic escape room" with Trickster

In this episode, Trickster and Izzy chat about his experience working in an erotic escape room, as well as his experience interacting with strip clubs in Malta, and his engagement as "dungeon master". Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 4: "Balancing the hustle : Variety & complexity in the sex work industry" with Madison (IN SPANISH)

In this episode Madison and Izzy chat about their various experiences in the sex work industry, in Malta and abroad, from escorting to sugar-babying and more. Madison shares a frank view of the sector and of their experiences within it, including in terms of financials and interactions with clients. They also speak openly of the dangers migrant sx workers face in contexts where the law does not protect them. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 3: "Seduction as Power: Lessons from a Maltese Siren" with Undine

In this episode, Undine chats with Izzy about how she got into burlesque, eventually founding her own school (BAM - Burlesque Academy of Malta). Undine reflects on how Maltese society has changed in the past few years and shares some insights into her experience on Only Fans and organising fetish parties on the island. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Episode 2: "Between Cultures: Navigating Liminal Sexual Worlds" with Emily

In this episode Emily chats with Izzy about travel and relocation, digging deeper into how being foreign to a specific cultural context also opens up space for experimentation with one's sexuality. While highlighting the perks of relocation and experimentation, Emily also taps into the sexualisation of "foreignness" reflecting on her own experiences in Malta. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC

Start here : Episode 1. Where we stage our secret lives: Malta's globalised sex industry

In this episode you'll get to meet a range of people with diverse experiences of the sex work industry. This podcast draws on interviews conducted by the author in 2025. Most participants were identified via pseudonym and their voices dubbed for anonymity purposes. Pandora Peaks answered her questions in writing and these were read out by an actress. Many thanks to Renee, Juan, Violetta, Giulia and Ilana for their dubbing services. Please note that subsequent episodes published only represent a small portion of interviewees who were comfortable with their original interview being published. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces License code: ROYPFY0OIGJEM0CC