Sunrise Life - beyond skin deep conversations with freelance nude models

It felt like we were in the same room together gossiping at a sleepover party when I did this podcast episode with Brennan! She has been modeling since she was a child, her first gig was for a K-Mart ad! To this day she is known for her outspokenness in model safety, most notably in publishing a blacklist that resulted in a frivolous lawsuit with one of the predatory photographers named who wanted to continue his shady business practices... Brennan continues to model and be successful, she thought the blacklist would end her career but it ended up having the opposite effect! PLUS she now has the benefit of being a natural repellent to creepy photographers. We laughed a lot during this episode, and she had some craaaayyyzy stories!! Check out Brennan on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/b_models

So this episode is a bit different than other episodes, this human Grant Klentzman contacted me to be on *HIS* podcast as he was also a fan of Sunrise Life. We were discussing what to talk about, when he told me I was not allowed to mention nudity or OnlyFans on *his* show. That was a bit of a dealbreaker for me... So naturally I asked why? He explained because he is a Christian conservative. My curiosity about why this person wanted to talk to me at all grew. He suggested we could have a chat about it on *THIS* podcast! After polling my audience, 60% of you said "yes" and 40% said "no"... so this bonus episode about religion versus nudity is for you 60% who wanted it to happen!! If you think we should prepare for a part 2, Let me know! We could probably come prepared a bit better next time, as our raw conversation was a bit triggering for both of us, yet we did our best to have a civil discussion. You can check out Grant on his instagram at http://www.instagram.com/grant_model

Marie Brooks is particularly interesting because she has NO address! As a fully nomadic freelance traveling model, Marie has storage lockers in different places around the world for her belongings. She hops between hotels, airbnbs and hostels with no true "home base". Of all the traveling models I have interviewed, Marie is the only one I know that is completely nomadic like this! She opened up about what it's like for her to date as she lives this nomadic lifestyle, you might find this part particularly intriqiung! Enjoy this episode of Marie, and find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themariebrooks You can find info on her group shoot events via her IG!

Dive into the captivating story of Poppy, a ballet dancer and freelance model! Poppy takes us on a journey through her life, revealing the highs and lows of her career – from her beginnings in Crimea to finding a sense of belonging in San Francisco. She discusses the challenges she faced in her career, her love for ballet, and how she used social media as a tool to carve her niche in the modeling industry. Listen as Poppy unveils her experiences as a global traveler and model, sharing tales from the streets of Italy, Atlanta, and San Francisco to the art classes where she posed nude. She discusses the struggles she had to overcome, and how her openness and audacity played a significant role in shaping her career and life choices. The podcast additionally goes into detail about her encounters with unprofessional practices within the industry, and how these experiences led to her exploration of trauma-informed teaching methods, contributing to the ongoing discourse around mental health. Poppy's story ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of safety, understanding, and mental health in all professions. As a closing note, our compelling conversation with Poppy centers around the significance of ballet technique in photography and her quest to capture the essence of her art form. Listen in on her story – an inspiring mix of determination, resilience, industry insights and a testament to the enduring spirit of artists everywhere. Cover image by ShaunTia

Femina is an amazing emotive model who loves the outdoors and enjoys working with like minded creatives who have artistic visions. Her journey to get to this position was a bit rough, though! She started modeling for agencies, doing fashion for companies. She did not enjoy this very much because they were very critical of her body, constantly measuring her waist and telling her to lose weight. This exacerbated an eating disorder that Femina struggled with for a long time. Eventually, her depression became too great and she decided to cut ties with the agency and become a freelance model. Femina craves self expression in her modeling, she does not like to be instructed to smile on command, she wants to share her true self and authentic feelings, which have had a dark past. Femina shared some of her struggles in childhood, including a suicide attempt at only ten years old. I had a fantastic time listening to her stories, check out the episode and let me know what you think! As always, please subscribe!! Website: https://viribusfemina.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viribusfemina/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/viribusfemina Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/femina Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viribus.femina.79 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/viribusfemina Contact: [email protected] Info about the gallery show she mentioned on Feb 10 at the House of Water in Dallas: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2gLIcBt8Mm/ Cover image by @EyesofJune

Daisy Von reached out to me to offer condolences after my mom passed away and asked if I would be interested in talking about it on this podcast episode, for she had a similar situation a few years ago with her beloved father. Daisy's dad was her biggest fan, he had prints of her art and he read her blog and they talked on the phone about it all the time. After he passed away, Daisy dealt with immense grief for a long time. After talking about our parents for a while, we related to the grief of modeling for such a long time, many photographers we have know (who may have been elderly or in poor health) have also passed away. It's always a bit sad if they were a creative collaborator we connected with. We touched on the "therapist" aspect of being a nude model at shoots, and sometimes we end up being the one needing to vent at shoots when something traumatic is happening in our lives! Thanks so much for listening! You can check Daisy out on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/daisyvonmodel/ Cover image by Bill Cole Photographics

Taylor is an inspiring model from Seattle who has gotten into full time touring within the last year. She started working with an agency and also books tons of her own work across the US. Taylor had a job working with teenage athletes for quite some time. It wasn't until her modeling became more and more of a passion for her that some of her coworkers found out about her photos online and complained to management, resulting in her getting fired. She took this opportunity to become a full time traveling nude model, and I am so glad she did! We talked about so many things including mental health issues, which Taylor is a boss for dealing with! Apparently her parents were not so understanding, so she had to suffer through high school years unmedicated. It wasn't until she moved away from her parents that she was able to seek the help she needed. It was really fascinating to learn all this from her! Check out Taylor on instagram! http://www.instagram.com/xx.tbabe Cover image by @Skylar.shoots.photo

Michelle Sorensen aka Velveteen Serpent Queen is a super down to earth freelance model who also has a passion for bodily expression through dance. She teaches spine flexibility classes and other movement focused classes online and in person. She invented her modeling alias with the "Velveteen Rabbit" story in mind- for which the moral of the story is if you love something enough, it makes it come to life! Michelle's early modeling brought her to learn new things about herself, including overcoming an eating disorder. Through experience, she also learned that outdoor nude in nature modeling was her true passion, and favors that genre over any other modeling genre, though she did mention that it's really about the people she is working with, not just the setting. Good vibes only! I had such a fantastic time listening to Michelle speak about her life in such a candid way. I hope we can meet in real life sometime, enjoy listening to the episode! Check out Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velveteen.serpent.queen Also her classes and other links are here: https://msha.ke/sliiink.movement PS: Sorry I skipped a week of this podcast, my mom passed away and my world turned upside down. I do enjoy putting this podcast together... please don't hesitate to reach out if you enjoy listening :) I truly appreciate your comments!!

Aurora, aka Poetic Minx, is a world traveling model from Australia, who has also lived in Poland! She is passionate about creative photography and even coordinates destination photography events in stunning locations around the world. We talked about so many things including how the modeling community can be supportive but also at times, some can be competitive. Her crazy photoshoot story was really scary, she was almost taken out by a wave! Her hometown in Poland contacted her to interview her about her modeling, and it was really exciting for her but it also affected her family. Check out Poetic Minx on her instagram: http://www.instagram.com/poetic.minx Also on her website http://www.poeticminx.com Cover image by @StaceyMikePhoto2

Lucy is a dedicated art model from New Zealand who travels all over the world! Australia, Europe, and the USA are some places she frequents. Lucy studied music and drama and has an art degree. You will feel the cringe of her photoshoot fail story at a nude beach - I felt so bad for her too (awkward!!) Lucy has also gone above and beyond in her remote shooting experiences with photographers, sometimes even taking her gear and hotspot to an outdoor location so a photographer across the world can capture her in ponds and mountaintops in New Zealand. I was in awe! Check out Lucy's official website: https://lucyartmodel.com/ As well as her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artmodel.lucy Cover image by Steve Italiano

I met Beth MG in person at a group modeling event earlier this year and I just had to interview her for the podcast! Beth is very acrobatic, and I learned during our conversation that she did gymnastics as a kid. Art school was inspirational for Beth, even though she didn't feel confident in her artistic skills, the experience of class brought her into the modeling world. Photography students asked her to be their subject over and over, and she enjoyed some of the creative projects... posted some images on Fetlife, and found her first modeling gig that way! The rest is history, and you can learn more about the progression of Beth's modeling, her past relationships, her rising phoenix moment and more! Check out Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethemgee and on her Website: https://www.bethmg.com/ Cover image by Mark Wiles @markwilesphoto

Whitney Masters is a dedicated creative who loves the process of the photo shoot. She has traveled for modeling for quite some time, and reinvented herself over the years. Whitney comes from a very artistic background, she also has experience in acting. It's very apparent that Whitney loves what she does for a living, and will continue to be successful! She has a very positive mind and applies this to her creative career - look out for her poison ivy freak incident though! Check out Whitney on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitney.masters Also on her website: https://linktr.ee/whitney.masters Cover image by Jeffrey Sklan

Vivian loves to live creatively, and she expresses herself in all aspects of her life in this way. She has a rebellious spirit and loves being her own boss. With a history in acrobatics starting as a pre-teen, Vivian progressed to other forms of dance to express herself, and landed in the Contact Improv community. It's a form of dance that relies heavily on creative movement and flow, rather than standard motions or choreography. A good friend of Vivian brought her to some photoshoots, and she fell in love with art nude modeling! Vivian is so passionate about artistic nude modeling in nature, she has become a co-organizer for multiple events that host model photography trips! Check out her trips: https://www.venusdetierra.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/femmenuephotoretreats/ Also find Vivian on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vivian.cove and on her official website: https://www.viviancove.art/ Cover image by Frankie @fotos_by_frankie

The internet can be a harsh, dehumanizing space... especially when it comes to displaying "18+" imagery! David Bollt founded Model Society as a place to celebrate the art of figurative nude photography, to embolden creatives and to create a community where this type of photography can be appreciated. I have been so curious about "the man behind the curtain" of Model Society, since they are a team of like-minded humans who facilitate the web community. Other websites that freelance models and photographers use for portfolio hosting or networking are either muddled with low quality/ exploitative imagery, or are over-censored and not welcoming of nude artistry. David shared with me his back story, involving his history in the tattoo community, and how that transformed into artistic nude photography for him, and the reasons why he pursued fine art photography and creating this community around it. We went down the rabbit hole on transcending trauma through art, the differences between various model photography genres and their place in our world, and how art nude photography bridges gaps between humans of various walks of life. I really enjoyed talking with David on these topics! Even if you're not a model or photographer, http://www.ModelSociety.com is a great place to enjoy and appreciate figurative fine art nude photography for fans as well! Check out their newsletter, see the latest and greatest figurative fine art photography, and enjoy the Magazine as well!

Zoe West was arrested in downtown NYC while nude in body paint! Videos of it went viral online. She has always been a daring model, and perhaps one of "loose morals" as she mentioned during this podcast, and her vibrant spirit has allowed her much success and fun in her modeling career! Zoe has been published in Penthouse and traveled the world. Though she has had major success in modeling, she still struggles to find her true place in the world. Burnout has affected her at times, so she has experimented with many different jobs and careers, but has always come back to modeling because (as she put it), there is nothing else in the world like it. Cover image by Andrew J Bacha Check out Zoe on IG! https://www.instagram.com/zoecelestawest/

Ann Teak is one of the rare professional models over 50, which makes her unique in our community. I had so many questions for her! She has modeled for film photographers back in her college days, but didn't serious about modeling until much later in life - after a career, marriage, a mortgage, having kids and all that! Hollywood film noire is one of her favorite genres, as well as artistic nudes. Ann loves modeling and takes really good care of her physical and mental health so that she can really bring value to a photo shoot. Human connection and love for art drives Ann to continue modeling. She does not like working with superficial people who tend to discriminate against her because of her age. Check out Ann Teak (formerly known as Vox Serene) on instagram! http://www.instagram.com/ann.teak.noire Ann is also on Model Society (the best website for figurative fine art nudes!) http://www.modelsociety.com/model/vieille-modele Cover image by Kevin Albinder

Jayde reached out about the podcast and I am so glad she did! I had a great time getting to know her over the course of this episode: she's from the PNW and her dad even had an interaction with a known serial killer... Jayde's modeling reflects her vibe and creativity - she loves urbex abandonment shoots, moody vibes, and she loves the winter! Jayde is very self aware and has gone through phases of losing herself then finding herself again in her creative career. She has a love for community and is active in model safety groups as well. She dropped the names of some local designers in seattle, check them out! Walace Style https://www.instagram.com/walacestyle_fashion/ Helene Hawthorne https://www.etsy.com/shop/hhfashions Gilded Apparition https://www.facebook.com/gildedapparition/ Follow Jayde on IG! https://www.instagram.com/jaydeonfilm/ Cover image by Violet Jillane PhotoArt @violetjillanephotoart This episode is brought to you by Model Society: The best source for figurative fine art photography! Check them out at www.modelsociety.com

Dakota Simone is a Los Angeles based nude model whose love for life shines through her work. She has been published in Playboy Magazine and has been featured in mainstream music videos. Dakota loves to dance and be herself, you can see her on instagram being goofy as well as elegant across her portfolio of images and videos. We talked about how empathy for the models at photoshoots is important, after she told me a story that left my jaw dropping! She could have died or been hospitalized because of the photographer's negligence... We are lucky to have Dakota today, here to create beautiful content and impact the world with her wisdom. We also talked about her relationship with her parents, especially her mother. Dakota was so very vulnerable in our conversation! Listen now! Check Dakota out on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dasimonexx/ She is also on youtube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeLsjg-NxUUsIt-sEu8hgGA This episode is brought to you by Model Society: the best source for figurative fine art photography! Check it out at ModelSociety.com

Mika Lovely is a dedicated creative model who lives and breathes her art. Her hot goth vibe emanates from her social media presence. Though we have met in person years ago and been connected online for so long, I never felt like I knew Mika all that well until we had this amazing podcast conversation!!! I am so glad we did, because I learned we have so much in common! Mika used to work in customer service before she became a model, once she crossed over into full time modeling, she decided she didn't ever want a manager to dictate her schedule again! We commiserated about our struggles with getting de-platformed on various social media platforms, talked about some crazy hosting situations, pussy tape, promo modeling and more! Check out Mika Lovely on her website: https://www.mikalovely.com/ She is also on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikalovely Cover image by Holy Vesper This episode is brought to you by Model Society: the best website for figurative fine art photography! Check it out at http://www.ModelSociety.com

Sophia and I met at Muses in Wonderland earlier this year, and I was so happy to get to know her better through the course of this podcast!! Some of her stories were so intense I found myself gasping with intense cringe!!! She was gifted with good model friends who helped coach her into professional nude modeling! Her career launched pretty fast, even though she had good guidance, some of her experiences were shocking. Sophia has learned quickly that burning bridges is harmful to a successful freelancing career, so she has reinvented herself and has had the emotional intelligence to see herself and her career from an outside perspective to continually improve as a person and as a model. I truly enjoyed our chat!! Check Sophia out on instagram at http:://www.instagram.com/sophiacilauro This episode has been brought to you by Model Society! The best source for figurative fine art photography - join at http://www.modelsociety.com :)

Her crazy photoshoot story was soooo cringe! The photographer presented himself as a female online, so she trusted them, and the shoot got real weird real fast!! You have to listen to the whole episode to find out what happens!! Louise opened up quite a bit in this episode. She exposed to me that she had a past life of addiction that she is grateful to have escaped from, but it was very challenging and a past love was involved. We also talked about how cliques in the freelance modeling world seem to function. It was such a great time talking with Louise Rosealma aka Tiny Little Spitfire :) Check her out on IG! https://www.instagram.com/tinylittlespitfire3/ Also on her website: https://www.tinylittlespitfire.com/portfolio This episode is brought to you by Model Society, the best website for figurative fine art nude photography! https://modelsociety.com/

Jenna Citrus is so dedicated to her originality and her craft! It was really inspiring listening to her talk about the lengths she goes for her content creation- she even learned how to produce her own music so that she would not get flagged for using certain audio tracks on her monetized youtube channel! I almost died laughing at her photoshoot story involving a wipe out that was filmed and featured on Fail Army, you gotta listen to her tell the story! Jenna is such a refreshing bundle of joy, but she also has impostor syndrome, as many of us models and content creators do! We talked a bit about that, listen to her unique perspectives about what it's like to live this creative life! Check out Jenna Citrus on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennacitrus/ And all her other links are here! https://beacons.ai/jennacitrus/ Cover image by Evelyn Sinclair This episode is brought to you by Model Society, the best website for figurative fine art photography! Check it out at http://www.ModelSociety.com :)

I was a little starstruck to have the opportunity to interview Dakota Lee for the podcast! She is such a powerhouse! Her professionalism exudes from her online presence. Dakota has rebranded herself in many ways over the years. From becoming a professional photographer to quitting nude modeling and having new doors open for her as a result, my conversation with Dakota had me thinking about freelancing from a fresh perspective! Oh, and her photoshoot fail story was CRAZY!! It was a good thing her photographer had a gun with him!! You will have to listen to find out what happened! Check out Dakota Lee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msdakotalee/ And on her website: https://eventswithdakota.com/ Cover image by Kevin Deal This episode is brought to you by Model Society - the best website for figurative fine art photography! Check out http://www.ModelSociety.com

Keira Grant is such a light hearted and beautiful human! Her first photoshoots were by her friend when she used to socialize at her local nude beach. After being photographed nude and eventually starting a portfolio, Keira entered the world of traveling freelance modeling! Painting and music are also some of Keira's passions. She is somewhat mysterious about her music in her social media though, she says she likes it that way. Hear her story about why she doesn't do body glitter any more! It was pretty funny! Unfortunately, Keira had lost some good friends over her choice to be a nude model. Listen to the whole episode to find out more! Check out Keira Grant on her website: https://www.keiragrant.com/ And on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/keiragrantart Cover Image by Glimmermere This episode is brought to you by Model Society, the best website for figurative fine art nude photography! https://modelsociety.com/

Over the course of time I have known Bunny, they have transformed so much into someone who is very self aware and very conscious of what makes them happy. When we first met, Bunny photographed me in a very unique way: double exposures with me as a subject and nature as the second exposure in the image, and this is one of Bunny's specialties! Bunny Luna's photography came before their modeling career, and they modeled primarily with photographers who treated them as the unique individual they are, not the kind of photography that has a narrow depiction of humanity or a stereotypical vibe. Bunny was married to a man for many years, and in this episode you get to hear what happened after they separated, and the transformation that occurred after Bunny decided to grab life by the horns and delve into what truly made them fulfilled. In recent years, Bunny has created ways to be connected with others who have similar interests, some of these creations are in events for businesses Bunny runs or participates in, you can check out all Bunny Luna's projects in these links! Bunny on Patreon: https://patreon.com/bunnyluna Sol Harmony Fest Sept 22-24: https://solharmonyfest.com Info about virtual nude gatherings: http://bunnyluna.com/virtual-nude-gatherings Apply to join a virtual nude gathering: https://bunnyluna.com/virtual-nude-gatherings/virtual-community-guidelines/ Youtube w all ecosexuality videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkw2L6aYCpFduzAiiJbQv6mqPjeof4D5_\ Join Bunny's mailing list: https://bunnyluna.gr8.com/

Between the crazy stories Dane shared with me, I also felt a bit like she was interviewing me too!! We both got down to the nitty gritty of how we relate to sensuality and to the world, how modeling has affected our lives, how we deal with photoshop, and more! From her almost getting sacrificed early in her career to her navigating relationships with friends and lovers while being a traveling model, Dane Halo did not hold back on anything! You will thoroughly enjoy this episode! Check her out at her website: https://theredbomb.com/dane-halo-model-portfolio And on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/theredbomb_model/

Shaun Tia had been successfully touring as an art model before me, and I always heard about how amazing she was at posing! I finally met her in real life and we became friends. On this podcast episode we talked in depth about what it was like for her to transition from modeling to primarily photography. She had some really funny and some rather effed up stories to share! Especially that one photographer who forced her to shave her pubic hair, that was so sad! Shaun Tia also went into detail about some of the unfortunate family dynamics she has had to deal with due to her nude modeling, and some people in her current city befriending her then ghosting her after learning about her artistic preferences. Check Shaun Tia out on her website: https://shauntia.com/ And on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/shauntiamodel/ Cover image by Evan Romine

I learned so many interesting things about Marcus Rasaan that you will surely find fascinating as well! Their career has been a progressive challenge because many photographers want to photograph Marcus in narrow stereotypes - either hyper sexualizing or characterizing them. Though Marcus is a trained dancer and flexible gymnast with a vast range of emotive posing and depth, so many photographers wanted to depict them as a super masculine black man, which is not Marcus' vibe at all! Marcus Rasaan is no longer modeling, however they have remained active in the creative world. Anime style art is one of Marcus' passions. Also they are now spearheading a valuable asset for the model photography community: a consent document for photoshoots detailing specific levels of clothing, nudity, comfort zones, and erotic limits. The purpose of this document is so that freelance models and photographers can come to an agreement in writing what specifically is being created together, and to reduce or eliminate coercion and unfair power dynamics at some photo shoots. Check out Marcus Rasaan on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_rasaan/ Also check out their art! https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-marcus-reignite-the-dream-of-animation? Also join the Consent and Boundaries Webinar Aug 27, 2023 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/consent-and-boundaries-in-model-photography-webinar-tickets-667186301187?

I've been super curious about Alice for quite some time, now I finally got to ask her all the questions I was wondering about! She has been modeling since she was in high school (through Barbazon) and started her Model Mayhem account in 2016. Alice has had some traumatic experiences when she was younger, and modeling has become a way for her to express her beauty and interact with other people socially in a safe setting. Safety in the modeling industry is very important to Alice, she even started her own group photo events and model academy to help empower models to learn and work in a positive environment. Check out Alice on IG!! https://www.instagram.com/alicetakeover And her website has more on her too (Including her Moxie Academy) https://www.aliceantoinettemodel.com/ Photo credit: Robert DeVaul @devaulports

Creating photos with intent in mind is certainly important, and my conversation with Roarie brought this into a more obvious space. It's fun to show up and "wing it" but sometimes you nail things better when you set an *intention* for where you want the creativity to be enjoyed. We also talked about how modeling has evolved over the past decade, shoot etiquette, and rebelling from norms in modeling! I was super happy that Roarie agreed to do this podcast with me! I had been following their work for SO LONG and so I feel like we finally "met" over the call ;) Check out Roarie on IG https://www.instagram.com/roarie_yum Cover image by Eva Zocher

Jay Ban is a nurse as well as a nude model, she juggles both of these lives elegantly! We talked quite a bit about what it was like for her to just love modeling for the joy of creating art, modeling "tfp" (meaning unpaid) for so many years before deciding to take her efforts more seriously. Photographers offered to hire her frequently! So she made the shift into professional freelance modeling. My eyes were bugging out of my head when she told the story of the crazy passerby who caught her and another model posing nude for an outdoor photoshoot!! It was so fun and interesting having this conversation. Check Jay Ban out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jaybanmodel/ She is also on Model Mayhem https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/3719216 Cover image by Jim Hagen

In the last decade, models have been privately sharing information with each other in secret invite only groups on FB and in IG group chats etc... Merrique was the sole moderator of a prolific group for traveling freelance models, unfortunately some horrible things outside her control happened within the model community and the backlash of it caused her to close that group down. It has been a few years now, and I wanted to chat with Merrique to see how she is doing since then. She has learned to protect her energy by delving into various creative methods - modeling being just one of her many creative passions. Though her thoughts have gone to dark places at times, Merrique has remained true to herself. It was really fantastic to chat with her through the podcast. I am happy to have reconnected and I hope you enjoy listening to us talk about some crazy stuff! Check Merrique out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/st.merrique/ Also, Merrique manages a Patreon page, check her out! https://www.patreon.com/SundayBest/posts Cover image shot by John Patton

Julia is such an inspiring human! Don't let her cute doe eyes fool you, she has way more life experience than you would expect! Julia exposed what it's like becoming a model after she survived life threatening cancer as a young teenager. Now her perspective on life is that everything is a blessing. So many others who have been scarred and maimed have reached out to her about the scar she shows in her modeling images, and so Julia has these unique connections with war survivors and other trauma survivors who see themselves in her modeling work. Julia is not defined by her past, despite what she has survived she is extremely hilarious and fun to talk to. Her craziest story about a photographer in an underground bunker just got weirder and weirder as she told it to me! Listen to the episode to find out what happened there... Check out Julia on her instagram! https://www.instagram.com/explodedgalazy/ Image credit @emotepro.creative

I was so nervous and excited to interview Angelina Duplisea, aka @AnActingAngel from IG. Her art nudes on instagram had drawn me to her social media page, particularly her work with Sylvie Blum. It wasn't until I was preparing to do our call thatI discovered Angelina had been featured in MANY mainstream platforms with celebrities like Dr. Phil & Miley Cyrus (and many more, look her up!) Our conversation progressed from the superficial - body shapes and sizes - to more niche in depth rabbit trails, like the atmosphere of modeling in LA, how she came from a troubled past and made her way to the Hollywood scene, and the crazy things she has endured, and the wild art scenarios with celebrities and known artists she has been a part of (including bondage suspension, getting waterboarded with milk and cherries, and more!) I truly enjoyed my conversation with Angelina and I hope we can be connected in the future as well. Check her out on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anactingangel/ and her wordpress: https://anactingangel.wordpress.com/2021/11/17/the-past-few-years-2/ Cover image by Corwin Prescott

Muirina Fae is a beautiful traveling nude model from Eastern Europe. As I got to know her through this podcast recording, I felt I related to her so much! She always felt like an outcast or "the weird kid" in high school, and that social anxiety crossed over into her 20s while working at some non-modeling jobs, before she went full time. Muirina clearly feels welcomed and fulfilled in the nude art community! There's something about being comfortable in our skin and using it for artistic purposes that brings us together. So many unique perspectives came up while we were talking, male nudity, dick picks, sexual assault while working abroad, and of course her doozey of a photoshoot fail story!! Check out Muirina Fae on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/faemuirina/ Cover image by Michelle Kenyon Photography :)

Unfortunately Darian's first two years in the modeling industry have been tainted by unnecessary drama- let's all reach out to her with kind words of encouragement to show her what the love in our community can really be like! I recently met Darian at a group event (Muses in Wonderland) and had the chance to photograph her and make friends. This was her first ever podcast! We discovered we have fought with the same giant stuffed octopus in Pennsylvania, there is a photographer/ videographer there who has a fascination for that... Darian also wanted to share an experience that traumatized her... she had to use her words carefully for fear of being sued... but to me it sounded like a sexually coercive workshop where she was expected to perform a surprise threesome! The aftermath resulted in toxic gossip and a massive witch-hunt targeting her on facebook. Darian is very talented and very sweet, she has lots of dance experience and she is already making her full time income from freelance modeling within her first two years in front of the camera! Check her out and tell her I said hi on instagram!! https://www.instagram.com/darianleyce/ Cover photo by Robert Beasely

Floofie is a veteran model who was one of my main inspirations to pursue full time nude modeling. She started out modeling fashion and decided she wanted to try nudity, since her height seemed to affect her paying opportunities in fashion. Floofie goes into detail on a super wild story of a music video shoot late at night in a lava tube cave in the mountains. We also share our experiences about freezing cold shoots and out policies about the cold. Learn what it was like for her to bear a child while modeling, and how her career progressed through the pandemic and other life challenges. Floofie paints and does makeup artistry as well! Check her out on instagram at http://www.instagram.com/floofie Cover image by Nick Johnson

This is a special episode that dives deep into 4 of my craziest modeling experiences, things that made me go "WHAT THE F#CK" in the moment, and some that I still ponder about to this day... I had a denim fetish kidnapping scare, an interesting interaction with a pedal pumping fetish producer, and... some rando who approached me on the beach during a bodypaint shoot... it was weird just trust me LOL Enjoy! Share with your friends!!!

Perhaps the CRAZIEST photoshoot story I have ever heard! ModelAdventurer, Aka Starla was held at gunpoint! You just have to listen to the episode to find out what happened, I was shakin in my boots just listening to her! Starla was really fun to talk with, we vibed on underwater nuances as that is how we met last year- talkin about holding our breath and sinking! Starla is an open book and we go deep into what it's like being put in a box, being sexualized and deciding to learn how to rebrand onesself. Check her out on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/modeladventurer/ And here is her website: https://themodeladventurer.com/ Cover photo by Brittabug

Amelia is one of the old school freelance model veterans of our era. She knew from early in her career that she preferred to create nude art over any fashion or lingerie glamour, and it shows! Over the years I have linked up with Amelia in different parts of the country at photo events, we reminisced about some noteable events (the quirky, the creepy, and the awesome!) Amelia has been modeling long enough to have nurtured some amazing friendships with many of the photographers who hire her. We talked quite a bit about how sad we are when a photographer we've worked with many times is reported to have passed away. I really enjoyed catching up with Amelia on the phone, she may come out of retirement! (crosses fingers!) Check Amelia out on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_modelamelia_/

For 25 years old Ayeonna seems incredibly self aware! Modeling and traveling brings her joy, but it's also an escape for her to indulge in, as she is perpetually running from something within her. Ayeonna really opens up to the point of tears in part of this episode. I felt extremely honored to have this talk with Ayeonna, and so grateful that she trusted me to be so vulnerable in this interview. She also recalls a fucked up story where a hosting photographer entered her room and she woke up to him touching her, startling her! Listen to this episode and follow Ayeonna on Instagram! http://www.instagram.com/a.gabrielle.model cover image by Nevada Fantasies / Butch Padilla

Lillias escaped a Morman upbringing and has found happiness. Self expression through modeling and photography has been healing for them. We reminisced about our international travels, then Lillias shares a crazy fucked up story about a predatory photographer who coerced them into creating explicit photos for his "private collection" That photographer blackmailed Lillias, causing extreme stress in Lillias' personal life. Listening to Lillias describe their education in gender identity and human sexuality is a journey into their own self actualization. After knowing Lillias for so long, and now witnessing their self discovery has allowed me to become a more open minded person as well. Lillias and I both share a bond over loving fart humor, so you're welcome. You can check out Lillias on IG at https://www.instagram.com/lillias_right/ Also all their links are at https://www.lillias-right.com/ Cover image by Carolyn Jean

Superbly unapologetic on her passion for equality and politics, Diana has become a resource for valuable information through the stories on instagram. She knew she wanted to be creative her whole life, and she has stayed true to her authentic self in doing so. 14 years of her life Diana has modeled a variety of niches: including acting for major films and in mainstream commercials through an agency, as well as freelance modeling for photographers she has found online. Diana thrives off of working with people who are uniquely inspired, and loathes the "cute girl turning in circles getting naked" type work, and I agree with her on that!!! You can check Diana out on her website: https://www.dianajeanoliphant.com/ She also shoots reference packs of nude and lingerie self portraits for artists, check those out here: https://www.dianajeanoliphant.com/store And follow Diana on IG! https://www.instagram.com/diana_jean_o/

Astrid Kallsen is a majestic muse that has turned her passion into her career. It was really interesting to learn that she just happened into modeling for photographers initially to document her blue hair. She loved that creative process so much that she pursued it! From artistic nudity to fantasy fashion, underwater and more! Astrid will work with anyone whose motivations come from a creative heart. She is also a talented photographer, and has helped new learning photographers with their gear and settings on many of her shoots. The story of the progression of her career is very fascinating and inspiring!! And that experience with the drunk stylist will have you ripping your hair out with sympathetic frustration. Check out Astrid's modeling portfolio here: http://www.astridkallsen.com You can also follow her IG at http://www.instagram.com/astridadventure

Such a welcoming smile and an amazing guest, Katarina Keen! She ditched her manager in the beginning of her career to go rogue, and has been highly sought after by photographers across America. Katarina has her fair share of crazy photo shoot experiences, especially one that occurred at a nude beach (listen to find out!) In addition to modeling, Katarina is also an inspired artist. She utilizes many mediums to express herself, and currently cinemagraphy and video editing is her go to artistic expression. She is also working on a documentary! It was a really great chat and we went in depth on so many levels, you will truly enjoy this episode with Katarina Keen! Follow her on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/keenmodel Cover image by Keen Photo

Taylor White's life story is rather shocking (and inspiring at the same time!) She was emancipated at age 16 and started her own business selling clothing, and modeling those clothes to market them. Taylor has suffered hardships of a rocky life, yet she remains positive and creative and keeps her head up, always looking forward to the next tour where she can collaborate with new and interesting people. Her passion for maintaining strong friendships with people along the road has helped her in times of need. She has had her fair share of INSANE stories that she freely shares (while my jaw was dropping!!!) as well as hear touching experience mourning the death of a beloved friend and photographer, Bob Robichaud. You can check Taylor out on instagram here! http://www.miss_taylorwhite And her website with her modeling portfolio is here: http://www.taylorwhitemodel.com Thanks for listening Cover image by @Studio1764Andy

Jessa Ray is controversial to the traveling nude model scene- but the reason for that might seem a bit odd... You have to listen to the episode to find out! A mom of two with a devoted husband, Jessa has been modeling full time since the summer of 2021, but has a total of 11 years of modeling experience. She started her creative freelance life as a hola hooper - active in events and street performing. Getting turned down and outcast by popular models did not seem to stop her, and Jessa now has turned her desire for multi-model collaborations into a photoshoot excursion business called Muses of the West (check it out here: www.jessaraymuse.com/workshops-events/ ) You can also follow Jessa on IG at https://www.instagram.com/jessaraymuse cover image by Kat Kingston

Rebecca Lawrence had one crazy story after the next to share! She is an OG freelance model, opened her portfolio on One Model Place ("OMP") in 2006! Through the years Rebecca has continued to create artsy and sexy images with creatives across the country, and she is no stranger to off-the-wall experiences! My jaw was dropping when she told her period helicopter story, and her wild confrontation with some "nosey" cops! You will love listening to her bubbly voice as her story of her career pours out of her! Check out Rebecca on social media at https://www.instagram.com/bexlaw/ Cover image by Ron Bowers

Bella Donna - a nude in nature model who also embraces the beauty of sensuality. I had a fantastic chat with Bella about some wacky photographers. Bella is changing the way people perceive onlyfans creators - one acquaintance at a time! She does not hide any part of herself, and had some exciting stories to tell! Check Bella out on her Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bellatrixortreat2 Thumbnail photo by April Alston Mckay

Erin Divine shared some super explicit details about her erotic modeling career in such a candid tone! From not worrying about her butthole showing up on the internet to reinventing her entire income structure by deleting her onlyfans, and everything in between! We also talked about how some photographers ask for more sexual services at photoshoots. Some taboo topics were also discussed, you just gotta listen to get the naughty details! Overall I am so glad to have connected with Erin over the last year :) You should check her out too!! Erin Divine's Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2001226 Erin on Instagram: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2001226