On the Couch with Lydia Lee: Jennie Ketcham

I saw just yesterday that Jennifer Ketcham, aka Jennie Ketcham, fka Penny Flame, has written a book entitled, “I Am Jennie”. (link here–NSFW). I am so happy for her!! I got to interview her in 2010 and she was polite, candid, honest and unapologetic about her thoughts and views, which I appreciate. I hope the book sells millions and that she is doing very, very well!

(Select the image to pre-order “I Am Jennie”)

I posted earlier this week a piece on porn stars who turn religious, but wrapped it all up to say that if you do the work; if you are or were a sex worker, it is for you and only you to process and understand. I’m going to guess that Jennie’s views today are not so very different than they were in 2010.

Our interview covers her transformation back into Jennifer Ketcham and her feelings about the adult industry and performers at that time. We discuss the difficulty of exiting porn and getting a regular job, her role on Dr. Drew’s rehab shows, porn stars who turn religious, society biases and the fact that she doesn’t regret her past but would never choose to do it again.

She talks about AIM Healthcare, which is no more, but should she still choose to donate counseling time, could always donate her time at the Free Speech Coalition and their Adult Production Health and Safety Services (APHSS).

And to impose an answer to yet another question about Jennifer Ketcham at the source link above (I do this in the interview, as well)–at the risk being wrong–her “naked” photo for the book cover is probably a mateaphor for her stripped down personality. Just my best guess.

Enjoy!

The Rest of the Holly Hollywood Interview

I wish I had posted this sooner, but a tragedy only a few months after shooting diverted my attention. The time sensitive portion of this interview can be found at this link. Certainly not the bulk of the interview, but still it’s a lot packed into a short time so Holly Hollywood could get the word out about raising money for her daughter’s school. I hope my contribution helped.

This interview is over two years old but it still stands the test of time, and it was Alana Evans’ recent interview with Dr. Drew–answering the question of whether or not a porn star can be a good mother–that reminded me of it. (Link here)

I think it’s safe to say that people like Holly Hollywood prove that a porn star can not only be a good–if not amazing–mother, a porn star can be a magnificent human being. Period.

Holly’s website appears to be down for good, but I am friends with her through FaceBook, so I took a look and it shows her happy and living her life away from the adult industry, so I won’t add any links unless she asks me to. Mainly, I want this out in the world for her, and other capable women who also perform sex work who care for their families, don’t abuse drugs, and defy the stereotype that a porn star is a deviant, law-breaking victim/predator who abuses children and just hates people in general.

We talk about the condom mandate, how daunting the task is of finding a “regular” job after porn, her dog attack and successful surgery, sky diving, her day on the set of “Boogie Nights”, her many charity endeavors: cancer (because of a close friend); A is for Autism (because she has a special needs child); Ride to Recovery (a charity for veterans); a charity event she threw just for Stephanie Swift in Long Beach to help her through her own cancer ordeal. We talk about piracy and unions,  a book entitled “The Four Agreements”, taking your inspiration where you can find it and generally being a good person who cares and makes a difference in this world by example. She is a fascinating person and, very clearly, a good mother.

I highly recommend watching the first interview at the link above. The opportunity to meet people like Holly Hollywood was the reason I started shooting a documentary in 2010 and I wish her all the best in everything she and her family endeavors to do.

Enjoy.

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Gene Ross Interview

The iTunes synopsis:

Gene Ross talks about how he came to be involved in pornography, his transition from working at AVN to working in the offices of Extreme Associates in the early 2000′s, managing his website and where the industry is headed. It’s a great interview with a very entertaining adult industry writer!

And to elaborate, Gene talks about being familiar with Ron Vogel’s work when Ron was just a glamour photographer, running www.AdultFYI.com (NSFW) for ten years, ghost directing “The Party” (the first five-star review in the history of AVN), and why a lot of the formulaic porn does not compare to the three companies Gene feels know how to make porn. You’ll have to listen to find out who they are.

It’s a great interview and I thank Mr. Ross for taking the time and for the compliment on one of my scenes (though I think he might actually be talking about Lindsey Meadows now?? Ha!!). Regardless, it was a pleasure!

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Gene Ross Interview”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-gene-ross-interview

Also, plugged during the show:

Blackboard Jungle is playing The Roxy on June 2nd, so get your tickets for that while you still can (link here). And stay tuned for a full interview from another good mother, Holly Hollywood!

As promised, a Blackboard Jungle video!! “River of Love” live in Japan circa 1992:

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Bill Margold

Bill Margold: Maverick! Scoundrel!! Hooligan!!! (What you won’t hear is Bill being called reserved, shy, or demure–that’s for sure! )

I got to speak with Bill Margold, but mostly I got to listen. A controversial and outspoken figure, Bill’s been in the industry since 1971 and he has no regrets. You may not agree with everything he has to say, but his knowledge and insights are informative and I hope I get to interview him again because this was our first lengthy discussion.

One thing I didn’t get to do was respond to his observation about porn stars being lonely in a crowd and the kind of people who’d prefer a hug rather than a screw. I got out “You’re right” before the subject transition, so I’d like to take a moment and clarify my thoughts on that.

I spoke to Craig Gross about this briefly, as well, and there definitely being a relationship between carefree entertainment types and their later battles with agoraphobia, anger issues and spiritual quests–among other things.

Some of us rush to explore our humanity at a young age. Let’s face it, not everyone can be methodical and measured in everything they do, lest there be no one left to entertain! We are intensely curious about our bodies and minds and can rush into a number of things without much forethought: marriage, childbirth, drugs, the armed forces, porn… Most entertainers (comedians, musicians, etc.) suffer the same kind of flip in demeanor when they spend their youths throwing themselves into this and that. Balance being what it is, nothing lasts forever, and an overly carefree lifestyle can lead to inner turmoil later. I know many ex-sex workers who have fallen into angry bouts of disillusionment, or who embrace a vengeful God as a way of exorcizing their regret and shame. Either way, these people are just as misunderstood today as they were yesterday, and probably mostly by themselves. I agree with Bill that a good hard hug can go a long way. With Bill Margold, I’m guessing a good hard hug can go a really long way.

Enjoy the podcast and look forward to another interview with Bill in the near future!

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Bill Margold”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-interview-with-bill-margold

Bill’s website: http://billmargold.com

Mike South’s new book, how to help a friend and other things…

First of all, I said I’d post Mike South and Tim Case’s available book, so here it is!

Stripper Quotes and Other Tales from the Adult Industry available on Kindle (here) or in EPub format (here). A little late in my followup, but I did it! (lol)

To hear my Mike South interview, follow this link, and to read Mike’s observations about a multitude of things (including but not limited to the adult industry), check out his site here. (NSFW)

I’m interviewing adult industry legend Bill Margold tonight at 5:30pm PST, so don’t miss it! Listen in at the above feed (header), at my www.lydiaannlee.com/blog feed (right sidebar), or at my Mixlr page: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee

To download “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” and “The Doug & Lydia Show” podcasts–from your iTunes menu: Advance > Subscribe to Podcast > enter “http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee” > OK

Also, mine and Doug’s friend Tony Gamble has a new album out and a donation page to aid him in his battle with a rare blood disease called Prothrombin Factor II. It’s very rare and very complicated, so visit his donation page here. Also show your support by buying Echoes in the Silence through iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon.com, etc…, and also check out Tony’s YouTube Channel, and FaceBook Fan Page!

And from www.ChristianPost.com (SFW):

A new law that was recently passed by the Los Angeles City Council could have on-duty police officers watching pornography in an effort to enforce the current law.

The City of Simi Valley is known for its adult film production and the new law that took effect March 5 would require all pornographic productions to use contraception during the filming of their movies.

The law was written in an effort to make the industry safer in terms of spreading diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

As the law is written producers in Simi Valley have to submit their unedited copies of their adult films to the Simi Valley Police Department for review.

“I’d have to look into that, but that seems pretty absurd,” Edward Arenas, CEO of Naughty America, told the Huffington Post of the new law.

Read more here…

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion, The Advice Sage

This description (available on iTunes), says it all:

Lydia Lee talks to Mandy Lion about crotch sweat while wearing leather, three-breasted alien women, perverts and the internet, and his shows for charity May 25 & 26 in Nevada–all part serious/part funny, entirely entertaining!

Gasping… for…air… LOL

Mandy gave me yet another great interview. I spun the comedic aspects of talking to him, but the reason he’s such a great interview is because he’s honest and heartfelt. Even when giving a funny answer to an absurd question.

Among the many things we talked about, we discover that Mandy does not sweat in his leather pants because he has fans built into them that, incidentally, bump his “trouser pet”–but in a good way. We now know that three-breasted women are common in The Heartland; he tells us a very funny story about playing Whitefish, Montana with Jake E. Lee; assures us that the internet is good because it helps freaks meet other freaks; and that literally millions of women raped him after his last serious relationship. Practical, sensical, applicable stuff!

On a serious note, please support Mandy and his band when they play Las Vegas, Nevada on May 25th (link here), and Reno, Nevada on May 26th (link here). In conjunction with U Rock On and The Green Army Foundation, they are raising money to help our veterans repair their life after combat. Mandy mentioned an organization called Helmets to Hardhats that helps veterans transition into construction work–link here.

Anything I can do to help Mandy share his hilarious (albeit twisted) humor and good works, I will do. He’s a terrific musician and human being, so check out all of his links and support him!! He’ll be back on “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” very soon.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion, The Advice Sage”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-mandy-lion-the-advice-sage

Lion Links:

Two links will get you to Mandy’s Official Website: http://www.mandylionwwiii.com/ and http://www.mandyliononline.com/
For Mandy’s blog at Metaleater.com: http://www.metaleater.com/thelionsden.php
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MandyLionRock
The Twitter he will probably never use again: https://twitter.com/mandylionrocks
Mandy’s MySpace (doesn’t appear to use that either–but the blog backlogs are worth rummaging through!): http://www.myspace.com/mandylionmetal
Mandy’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MandyLionWWIII

Craig Gross is a Nice Guy

I got to speak with Craig Gross of XXX Church last week in a very laid-back interview-but-not-an-interview fashion, and I feel confident now that the overwhelming consensus about him is correct. Craig Gross really and truly is a nice guy. (lol)

Gross established XXX Church in 2002 and started going to porn conventions to reach out to porn stars. Early on he was a youth counselor and ran into an ever increasing number of porn watchers among the underage. It encouraged him to do something proactive.

I remember watching a news report about Gross and others from his ministry going to a Nevada brothel with pillows and blankets and things, just to spread happiness and a love message. (I can’t find that news clip, but here’s a ‘makeover’ video: X3TV Ep 28 Extreme Make Over Brothel.) This makes Gross a controversial kind of guy–just as controversial as any pro- or anti-porn activist or blogger. The difference being that Gross isn’t controversial for exposing truths. His ministry and mission is controversial for its acceptance and relentless concern for porn performers (and prostitutes!) without expectations and without judgment. He feels that is the only way to approach helping people; by being Christ-like.

Gross says the church is where he gets most of his criticism because they balk at his ease around pornographers, even though they agree with the overall intent. But he stands by his choice, asserting that he doesn’t feel sitting in a pew is the way to get the message across. He doesn’t think waiting for people to come to him is productive at all. He very literally seems to be someone who asks himself ‘What would Jesus do?’

It’s easy to be from the adult industry and defensive against outsiders. I have written critical posts about Craig and his ministry from that kind of defensive standpoint. There is and has always been a general caricature of the industry as a dungeon-like place full of evil people, predators, victims, malice. And even though predators and victims certainly exist, documentarians and anti-porn activists have made it a constant and inevitable practice over the years to highlight only the lesser situations as a way to promote their own agenda and sell movies and books.

I spoke with a friend recently who used the documentary The Price of Pleasure as an example of outsiders coming in and saying they want to show every side and then only showing the side they feel will sell. One woman claims to have been in the industry and yet also over-exaggerates the negatives of working in porn because people think she’s taking their donations and giving it to the porn stars she literally “saves” from their job. Unfortunately, she’s usually spending it on herself.

Craig Gross does not seem to be the sort of person who is scamming people. He says he goes to church regularly, he’s written nine books, travels the world speaking to people with the exact same message he has always shared, and he’s not anti-porn. It seems he knows the importance of practicing what you preach. Too often we are bombarded by news of a Republican politician bedding down with someone that is not his wife; non-profit leaders getting caught in scandal. One moment of indiscretion can obliterate years of work. Gross seems to understand this. By practicing basic principles, upholding a high standard of living and genuinely caring about people–while definitely wanting to make a living doing what he loves–he also seems to have a good heart that is in the right place. In his life/career, it appears that it is just not enough to mean well. He is setting an example to other’s and I, personally, can find not fault in that.

I’m not religious, but I can relate. I am a scientific-minded person who must also feel information is correct. It is enough for me to see the person next to me and logically conclude that if I am sharing this existence with you now, I will most likely be sharing the next one with you, as well. It’s a calming thought that seems a practical and inspiring foundation from which to weave the current tapestry of my life. If I’m taking it with me past this body, I want to take the best version of myself. I do not need a religion to do it, but I can respect someone who understands basic principles and, therefore, feels the same way I do.

Here are some sum-up bits:

• He tries to not let Bible language limit his ability to communicate with people.
• He does not expect people to just stop what they’re doing and join his cause.
• We determined that it seems it’s easy to misjudge people on either side; religious people as overly sheltered and bizarre and porn people as morally deficient and bizarre (definitely not always the case).
• He says it is not surprising at all that so many people from excessive lifestyles (porn, rock-n-roll, mainstream acting, etc.) eventually find themselves on a spiritual journey in life.
• He agrees with me that the church can function as a kind of extended family for people who are lost for kindness and friendship and in need of people around them who aren’t just out to get what they can from them.
• He laughed when I told him I think the descriptions of Heaven sound morbidly boring.
• He feels there are a lot of kind people in porn whose jobs do not define them. For instance, he travels with Ron Jeremy and they are good friends. I can attest to many porn people being just as nice and likable as Ron; the kind of people you wouldn’t mind leaving with your children. In fact, he mentioned a Christian woman who sells space for the porn conventions who doesn’t like the show, but who has adhered to most of the people she’s met. Her church encourages her to get a different job, but Gross encouraged her to keep her job because she’s a good person, isn’t part of the show, and because she gets to meet a lot of great people.

I was raised Southern Baptist by my Christian mother, aunts and grandmother, but most others I’ve met do not actually embody that kind of love. After meeting a Seventh Day Adventist/doctor named Tim, and after talking to Craig, it’s nice to know there are people around L.A. who do truly care and try to help people here and beyond. (Tim is currently in South Africa donating his time and expertise to aiding sick people in remote and destitute regions.)

In closing, I would encourage anyone at a future porn convention who happens to see a cross and is curious, to make sure the words ‘XXX Church’ are present. Craig Gross seems like a nice guy, first; a religious person, second. And I think that’s the way to go: Kindness being the motivator for the agenda, as opposed to the agenda being the motivator for kindness.

On the other hand, if you see a pink cross, you might want to run the other way…

To watch an amazing program, go to Craig’s personal website and check out the video “Q and A with Tony Jones from ABC television in Australia”. Germaine Greer is funny and has some AMAZING insights!! 

Mandy Lion Interview Next Tuesday on “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee”

Mandy Lion isn’t just an established musician who’s played with the likes of George Lynch, Jimmy Bain, and Jake E. Lee (just to name a few). He’s an animal lover and dog activist who particularly advocates for “fighting” dogs (pit bulls, molosso romanos, mastiffs, etc). He keeps rock alive, drives a motorcycle the size of a house, owns a hearse, and is one of my closest friends.

You’ve probably heard many Mandy Lion interviews, but you’ve never heard one like this! I’m going to get Mandy to open up about our first encounter at “Porn Star Karaoke”, his upcoming shows, music, plans, his favorite Pink Panther movie, and whether or not he should start his own relationship-themed editorial. (To a guy asking what’s wrong with “bitches” and why a woman won’t go out with him: This girl was trying to be nice to you when you asked her out. She was trying to protect your obviously fragile male ego so she complimented you and tried to let you down in the nicest possible way. You didn’t get it the first time so she continued trying to be nice to you until she finally realized you are neither smart nor man enough to take a hint. She found out that unless she tells you to f**k off you won’t go away. – LOL!!! Link here).

Look, all I know is that aside from loving his badass, heavy-hitting, gritty, balls-to-the-wall rock-n-roll music, Mandy is also one of my FAVORITE people on the planet. He’s pretty damn perfect… minus his owning a dog so large and protective that you can’t actually get close to him. Ha!!

Join me here live next Tuesday at http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee
or http://www.juliemeadows.com/blog/2012/02/07/my-welcome-page/–> 5:30pm PST, 7:30 CST & 8:30 EST.

I will tweet about it all week and several times on Tuesday at https://twitter.com/lydiaannlee! SQUEEEEEE!!!!!

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Mike South

For my 5th installment of “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” I interviewed adult industry veteran and insider, Mike South.

Listen here: Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Mike South

The main reason I wanted to interview Mike–aside from his being a friend and someone I respect and admire–is because he is one of the few controversial figures in porn who will come right out and say what he thinks without regard to how it will be received. He doesn’t live in L.A., so he has a different take on things, and while I know many (including myself, at times) don’t agree with his every perspective, he knows a lot and has the trust of many people, namely performers. That trait ranks very high with me, being an ex-performer, myself.

Mike was able to elaborate on exactly how performers become ostracized by the industry for preferring to work with condoms; he shares information few people know about Manwin (while admitting that he can’t share everything he knows). Mike also talks about .XXX, AHF, Rob Black and Max Hardcore and the reasons why porn performers are unique as an athletic group of people and how they are, typically, ill-informed about the risk involved in doing what they do.

Mike will be speaking at the XBiz Summit this May in Miami, Florida. Check Mike’s site and Twitter for more appearance information at www.mikesouth.com & https://twitter.com/mikesouth1226

Also, stay tuned for a book coming out entitled “Stripper Quotes & Other Tales from the Adult Industry”, co-written by Mike South and Tim Case–available soon through Amazon.com. I will keep tabs on that and announce it here as soon as they have a release date.

Thank you, Mike, and everyone who contributed.

Music during intermission and end of podcast by Bleeding Deacons from their new album “Wake The Dead” available at: http://www.bleedingdeacons.com/merch.html

To download the “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” podcasts, go to the iTunes menu bar and select Advanced > Subscribe to Podcast and enter this url into the box: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: The Tony Gamble Interview

(Reposted from www.lydiaannlee.com/blog)

Check out the latest “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” podcast!

Musician and guitar virtuoso, Tony Gamble, talks about growing up in L.A., the unexpected pitfalls of fame, how he came to love the ukulele, as well as his latest album “Echoes in the Silence” and a health turn for the worst that he is using to make the most of his future endeavors.

Tony isn’t just a great guy, he’s a friend, and I’m thrilled that he so graciously allowed me to ask him questions and find out more about what he’s doing.

You can download ”Echoes in the Silence” from iTunes next Friday, March 23rd, and you can hear four songs from his album during the podcast: “Beautiful”, “Broken”, “Sometimes” and “Ukeus-Dorkus”–a funny name for a gorgeous instrumental.

Thank you, Tony!!

I’ll be posting next Friday to remind everyone to go and download the album!!

(You can find existing albums from Tony Gamble and The Tony Gamble Band on iTunes (“Breaking Tradition” & “Read Between the Lines”), check out Tony’s YouTube Channel, and don’t forget to ”Like” Tony’s FaceBook Fan Page!!)

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