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Stripcast: True Stories from a Stripper with a PhD

My name is Lux ATL, and I am a mother, wife, business owner, former university instructor, and lifelong stripper. From the halls of academia to the strip club stage, my life as a post-academic feminist sex worker has been filled with unique sociological insight, unforgettable friendships, and a thousand beautiful messes in between. These are my true stories of the highs and lows of an ex-academic and lifelong stripper pole dancing for pay on stages all across the South.
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Stripcast: True Stories from a Stripper with a PhD
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Now displaying: 2016
Dec 28, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.

Today’s episode is about some of the things that stripping has bought me. I keep wanting to come to some conclusion and come down on one side or the other.

Was stripping a gift to me? Or was it a trauma? Did stripping give me everything I have, or did it take more than it gave?

I’ve spent years trying to come to some conclusion on one side or the other. Somewhere, I can stand and say, “Listen, sex work is this.”

But you know what? At the end of the day, it is all of those things. The traveling, the nice cars, the house full of beautiful furniture, the ability to leave a career I hated and pursue something different, stripping made all of that possible.

But the sleepless nights, the deep-seated fear and distrust of men, the throwing up, the anxiety, the 5:00 am mornings with heart pounding staring at the ceiling, not being able to sleep and now knowing why, all of the messed up things going on in my brain, stripping gave me a lot of those too.

But today, let’s talk about some material shit.

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com

Dec 21, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD. Today's episode is a letter to my younger self.  

Dear girl, I never forgot you. Every code I crack, every door I unlock, every success, the obsessive hustle: every one of these is a fulfillment of a wish I made in a dark bedroom on some lonely night in Danville, Virginia, halfway through puberty and already one foot in the grave, an insomniac child whispering requests to the future, sad and weird and alone.  

If they ever ask me to whom do I dedicate my work, my art, this life, my answer will be this: myself, at age 13.   

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Dec 14, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD. 

Today’s story is about the strange, perverse ways we desire the very things we hate. The ways we want the very things that destroy us.... The way that nothing is sexier than somebody who's gonna treat ya bad.   

Today’s episode is about a one-night stand that I had, long ago. With a man that at once embodies everything I hate—and everything I desire.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Dec 7, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD. 

When I started this podcast, I began with a goal of recording one of these a week for a year. We are now on episode 35, unbelievably. 

If you’ve listened to all of them. Thanks! You are awesome! This means that I have less than 20 episodes left to write. 

What am I going to do when I reach the full 52 episodes? 

Well… I’m going to take a little break.  

I love this format, and I love this medium. I love this podcast and storytelling.  

Once again, I am so appreciative of you awesome friends for listening. 

However, I have this lifelong dream of buying my own book at Barnes & Noble, so I’m going to take a little break to put all of these stories together and rearrange and edit things into one piece, so I can publish it. 

Today’s episode is about doing laundry.  

Recently, I had an awesome retreat called Stripcabin. As I was going through all of my stripper gear trying to decide what I was going to wear in front of all of these great ladies at Stripcabin, I started thinking about the stories and experiences that happened when I was wearing these rhinestones. 

Today, my friends. I’m going to go through a little bit of dirty laundry...  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Nov 30, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Last week, I went into the club as a customer. I was just hoping to see a few of my old friends and throw some money at some budding female entrepreneurs.  

I ran old friend of mine. A woman who I wasn’t expecting to see that night. A woman whom I used to work with and share many heartfelt conversations over cigarettes and vodka sodas.  

Sometimes when you hear somebody else’s story, it takes a lot of work to put yourself into their shoes and empathize. Other times, when you hear someone else’s story, man, that shit is easy.  

Today, I am going to tell you a tale of stripper burnout and deals with the devil. What happens when you just can’t deal with it anymore, but still have bills to pay. I’m going to tell you my friends story, but in many ways, it is my story too. 

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com   

 

Nov 23, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today, I’m gonna do something I’ve never done before—today, I have a guest story teller!  Maybe you’ve heard of her. Her name is Jacqueline Francis, but you probably know her as Jacq the Stripper.  

Me and her have been internet friends for years. I was a fan of her comics and social commentary on Twitter @JacqTheStripper. You should check out her book, “The Beaver Show”, and check out her art and musings at her website www.JacqTheStripper.com.  

Me and Jacq got together last weekend when she travelled from NYC to ATL and then roadtripped with me to Tennessee to attend my women-only retreat, Stripcabin. We had 30 women, zero dudes, dancing, joy, celebration and friendship, along with 2 hot tubs, a bunch of food, way too much alcohol and a little bit of smoke. Let’s just say it was a beautiful feminist empowerment session, in which we laughed, cried, and talked politics. 

Today, my home girl Jacq is going to tell you about dealing with the fuckboys she encountered in great northern Canada, lovely gentlemen who showed their appreciation for her stage show by throwing coins at her. Being a stripper is so glamourous! Enjoy!  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Nov 16, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

A friend's father died recently, and again I find myself in an abyss of sadness, unable to focus on anything other than my own lost father. So I did the only thing I am capable of doing at this time: writing a letter to my dead Dad.  

Dad, you are so much bigger than my sadness. You are so much bigger than what happened to you. Today, let me tell you all the things I loved about you.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Nov 9, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about robbing a vicious asshole. He has it coming.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Nov 2, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

In today’s episode, I’m going to talk about religion. It’s not something I talk about very much, as my atheism is the number one thing that pisses people off. 

But you know what? Today’s episode isn’t about not believing in god. It’s quite the opposite. Today’s episode is about believing, very much, in god. 

It’s about me trying to find some redemption as a young teenager. Looking to Jesus for acceptance and love. Being totally sold and drunk on these possibilities.  

Yet, at the same time, wondering why I can’t stop wanting this boy and this love.   

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Oct 26, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.

Today’s episode is about a man that came to me a few years ago with a proposition to invest in my business. In a major way. At this point, I had a totally different game plan.

I was actually planning on opening up a pole studio here in Atlanta. A venture that I am now thankful that I did not pursue.

However, at the time it was my great dream. I was putting in so much work at the strip club and socking away money to invest in this business.

I figured it was going to take me a year to save 15 grand, but I was willing to do it. Then one day, I met a man at the club, and he promised to change everything for me.

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com

 

Oct 19, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

I grew up in the South. Where I come from, confederate flags fly, and cotton and tobacco fields stretch into the horizon. My homeland is the home for former slaves and former criminals against humanity.  

I grew up in the South. I stayed in the South. I stripped in the South. The sins of our fathers do not stop at the strip club door.   

In Atlanta, there are two types of clubs. There are black clubs, such as Onyx and Magic City—there are the really famous clubs. Then there are "mixed" clubs like The Cheetah, Oasis, and Pink Pony—places I worked.   

These “mixed” clubs are mixed in name alone. At almost any "mixed club," there is a "black girl quota," often unspoken but ever there—a finite number of brown-skinned women allowed to walk these floors. For these women of color, the expectations are higher, and the rewards often lower. Today's episode is about that dynamic.   

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Oct 12, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about an incident that someone like me always worries about happening....your student from your English class discovers you naked on stage at the titty bar.   

Has this ever happened to me? The answer is yes, on more than one occasion. Today, I’m going to talk to you about just one of those times.  

People have certain expectations of stripper life and stripper consequences, and they are usually dire. Today, I'd like to play with some of these expectations, and compare them to my reality.  

It’s complex.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Oct 5, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

In this industry, aging is impossible to ignore.   

All these new girls--girls who were 12 years-old, 8 years-old, 2 years-old when you were at the height of your stripper game.  

You look at them--so bright and full and fresh. They have no stretch-marks, perfect tits, happy faces, and no wrinkles.   

You think, that used to be me. The world has changed. You don’t know any of these girls. Then you go to the dressing room and look in the mirror and realize: it isn’t only the world that has changed, it is you, too.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Sep 28, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

One of the things people often ask me is what’s the weirdest shit a customer has asked for. Ironically, I find that question as perversely voyeuristic as any act a customer has asked of me. Still, let me entertain you here with a few examples today.   

This morning I sat out on my porch with a cup of hot tea reflecting back on my stripper life. Trying to think back to some of the weirdest and strangest requests that came my way. It didn’t take too long to think.   

Today’s episode, my friends, is about the requests you don’t get everyday. Today’s episode is about the fetishists.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Sep 21, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about men being nice to me. Ya’all like that shit? I’ve had a number of requests, lately, that I write about happier topics, so I sat down and made a concerted effort to do just that. Today, you are going to hear about some tales of some dudes warming my heart and shit. But, don’t worry, it’s all couched in the usual tales of despair and woe that keep you coming back for more.  Much love, friends. Enjoy!  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Sep 14, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

After a long absence from stripping—nearly a year--I recently did my first stripping gig: a private bachelor party in a cabin in the woods. What could go wrong?    

Turns out, it was a great fucking experience with a great fucking audience, an experience that reminded me of all the feelings that kept bringing me back—the pleasure that kept drawing me in—the shit that I loved about that life: all of the wonderful things about stripping.   

The weekend this bachelor party occurred, I just so happened to have some of my oldest, bestest girlfriends in town visiting me. I had the great fortune to take my three home girls with me to this bachelor party. They're going to throw their two cents in at the end--so hang around for that.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Sep 7, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about what they would say about me on the diss track. 

You guys know what a diss track is, right? A diss track is when you are responding to what somebody has said--basically, just talking as much shit as you can about them.   

All the bad shit that you could dredge up about me...I’m going to deliver it on a plate for ya.   

Today’s episode... this is the content of what they could say about me on their diss track.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com

Aug 31, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

The PhD gave me an intellectual sophistication that changed everything. I could never be who I am without that education.  

However...the strip club taught me a thing or two, as well.   

Drive. Ambition. Focus. Hustle.   

The strip club made a business woman out of me. The strip club made an independent woman out of me. And so today’s episode--is an homage to that.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Aug 24, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Recently, a friend asked me what I was doing on September, 11th 2001. You know what? I know exactly what I was doing.   

This story is about that day, and the day that led up to it. But really, this story is about all of the hopes and dreams, the love and happiness that think will always be there—but that will,  in an untold instant, be gone.  

But...isn’t that moment before the twist just the sweetest thing in life?  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Aug 17, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s story is about a man being nice to me. Today’s story is about PTSD….The kind of PTSD you get from moving through life  as a woman. The kind of PTSD that sex workers like myself perhaps deal with more than other women. 

That deep distrust... of any man... doing anything for you... the distrust that his kindness must always have ulterior motives. Thinking always, what does he want? What is he gonna do to me? 

But, you know, sometimes...they don’t want to do anything but be nice to you.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Aug 10, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about drugs: loving drugs. Admiring drugs. Looking to those doing drugs… getting drunk… getting fucked-up...and seeing rock stars. Idols. Who you wanted to be. Where I come from, loving drugs is my inheritance. It is my legacy. 

...And I wish I could say I was done.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com.

Aug 3, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Stripping: it's just a job, right? It's just about the money...right?     

Today’s episode is about the lies we tell ourselves, the justifications we manufacture, in order to fill the insecurities we try so desperately to mask.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

 If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Jul 27, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.  

Today’s episode is about prestige...walking away from it and refusing to disappear.   

After spending 12 years getting three degrees, I realized that my dream of becoming an intellectual artist and cultural influencer weren’t going to be realized teaching Freshman Composition.  

That is when I walked away, and took the biggest risk I have ever taken on: becoming Lux ATL.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.  

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com 

Jul 13, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD.

Today’s story is about the weird ownerships that go on in stripclubs. The fight for regulars, the suspicion of other women, the constant competition that we are actually manufacturing ourselves. People often ask, “how much do you girls hate each other”?

The answer is usually “not at all”, but sometimes “it’s quite a fuckin bit”...

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl.

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com

 

 

 

 

 

Jul 6, 2016

What’s up, dudes? Thanks for tuning in to Stripcast: True Stories From a Stripper With a PhD. 

Today’s episode is drawing on my past. When I was a senior in high school, just a couple of weeks before my senior prom, I paid one of the worst prices that I’ve ever paid for “being a whore”. I was utterly brutalized by my boyfriend who was in his twenties, several years older than me. This is the story of the great beating I received due to my “whoreishness.” 

This is also a story about another man, a kind man, someone who tried to heal me from these wounds, but he needed to first heal himself.  

You can connect with Lux on Facebook at facebook.com/lux.atl or follow Lux on Instagram @lux_atl

If you enjoyed these true stories from a stripper with a PhD, feel free to share or leave a review on iTunes. You can learn more about Lux ATL and subscribe to her newsletter at LuxATLSpellBook.com  

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