Sold In America

3,578

Sold in America is an eight-episode journey into the world of selling sex in the United States. Hosted by journalist and activist Noor Tagouri, this deeply personal, deeply reported series takes listeners across the country to meet the human faces of this billion-dollar trade – and uncovers its surprising misconceptions.

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Recent Reviews
  • Haystacks Calhoun 135743:
    All about Noor
    The host cannot resist making the story all about her. It is okay to personalize the subject, but Noor makes everything about her. Even the title card is “all about Noor.“
  • taylormusic
    Informative and Impactful
    I had no idea the extent of this in the US. I learned so much and Noor completely changed my perspective
  • GS215*
    So good
    Love it but felt so bad for the victims of trafficking.
  • Nurse Natasha
    Not Great, but ok.
    Noor is very young and green and not really a journalist, but more of an editorialist, like most of today’s media, making too much of the story about herself. Not sure why her face is on the cover. Seems totally inappropriate unless she herself was sex trafficked. Lovely photo, but it’s not about you, honey. The content was interesting, and I really liked hearing what is going on in different states. Noor needs to mature a little bit and learn what being a real journalist entails. She has some potential. Also, I appreciate you all leaving politics out of the podcast.
  • KO ESQ
    Interesting topic yet somehow boring
    Tried two episodes, didn’t come close to finishing either.
  • readingrenee
    Stop that background music
    This has a good start but from the first episode it’s already so commercial. Too much background music I hate this!! The episodes are big production with a lot of fluff and dramatic pauses. I will keep it in mind but overall after a few episodes I got nothing I didn’t already know
  • tttt2505
    Love this podcast
    Such a great and informative podcast! Sheds light on a topic that has so many key parts. Will there be another season??
  • sarahdriggsgarcia
    Different Understanding....
    I started listening to this podcast and had my mind set in a specific direction. How can sex trafficking be seen for anything other than it is? This podcast, the interviews, and hearing the stories of real-life people brought a new perceptive into focus. Sure, the Team may be young and have a different view, but I feel like that’s what makes this podcast interesting & real. I recommend this podcast and are anxious for the next series!
  • DoodleSnips
    Absolutely CAPTIVATING!
    I am absolutely enamored by this series! Great reporting!!!! By the way.... “ What words were you saying in your prayer that your producer talked about? We couldn’t hear?” And great job at facing your fears!
  • Lsubv3
    Worth the Listen But..
    I’ve been coming back to this podcast for almost 2 years now. While I do think it is excellently done and very well researched, my biggest problem is that it’s evident throughout that Noor has her own prejudices against sex workers. Some episodes left me feeling that she consistently leaned into judgement with sex workers she interviewed and that this was very thinly veiled as her being an “ally” It bothered me and I get every feminist isn’t going to agree with sex work, but with Noor it came off as insincere and judgmental. I think she could have done better in that regard.
  • MeggFarr
    Gentle and Empathetic Reporting
    Noor has such a gentle and empathetic way of reporting on such a sensitive subject!
  • lili woods
    Great Information
    I never knew how sex work worked, and this is such a great walkthrough. But I will say that I have been attempting to text the number to experience it with them, but it isn’t working. I haven’t received any videos or links back.
  • alhann
    Good subject however
    The narrator is young and inexperienced. This could have been better with a more mature team of investigators. The narrator is constantly making herself the topic and drawing attention to herself. Episode 1 is repeating the same mantra over and over.
  • mistressofthesea
    It could have been great platform for sex trafficking...
    The research is poor and nothing I haven’t heard before. Noor acts like a frightened child and not a reporter who wants to immerse herself in the minds or world of the sex workers, traffickers, clients, etc. It’s just not good.
  • BPBinCH
    Interesting story, amateur reporting
    The storyline is worthwhile to understand, the reporting style, preparedness, and ability of the lead reporter to express herself are mediocre.
  • LML0606
    a MUST listen to!
    This podcast sheds light on the injustices to women, men and children across the U.S. We, as Americans, tend to think this only occurs in other countries, but in this eye opening podcast we learn the truths about what is occurring within our own communities. Well done!
  • Seamistcd
    Worth listening to but lots of prejudice
    Noor is a good talker and easy to understand. Lots of good information and interviews and I think Noor learned a lot during this investigation. Noor like most journalist does have prejudice and they are apparent in this series. If you are a white man be prepared to be labeled white privilege and abuser of women. In all these episodes she only interviewed one “John” or “Buyer” and that one man was in a court ordered class to reprogram him to see how he is abusing women by buying sex.
  • caredenuftoreview
    Superficial and self-absorbed
    I cringe when she talks to anyone who is a survivor or sex worker. And why is her face the cover?
  • Sbunten0756
    Good but annoying
    Good story, well researched but with a lot of annoyances. Noor gets a little too dramatic and pauses on the wrong spots. The most annoying thing is the stopping to give a phone number to receive a picture via text. It is worse than commercials. I see what they are trying to do but it is very annoying.
  • jloplah798
    Thank you
    Excellent. Loved interviews and showing multiple views of the sex industry. Very eye opening. Great job Noor!
  • Ptop5
    I am grateful for this podcast.
    As someone who used to work in sexual assault survivor advocacy and crisis intervention, I am grateful for this podcast. Thank you for humanizing the survivors and educating the public.
  • ~claire?bear~
    Well done!
    I have enjoyed this podcast immensely so far. I’m only on episode 5 but I’m sure I’ll finish the rest by tomorrow because I can’t stop listening. I can feel Noor’s emotions through my speakers and that makes me love this show even more.
  • mcsherry66
    Important information!
    This subject needs more attention. Noor does a beautiful job of bringing it into the light.
  • sh8di
    Amazing
    I really enjoyed this podcast! Gave me a new perspective for sure!
  • BBSANE
    Thought provoking
    It is a thought provoking podcast; however, I disagree with the underlying message. Should everything be legalized to “prevent” harm?
  • crystalsprings
    Amateur
    While this podcast does reveal some interesting facts about sex workers, trafficking and trade in America, it stops short of truly digging into the issue. The narrator takes a very self-oriented approach, constantly remarking how she had trouble wrapping her mind around what she is learning. She almost has a gee-whiz approach; once she gets to an interview she seems underprepared and seemingly makes up her questions on the spot. Each episode could have been 10 minutes shorter, easily.
  • Winston707
    “Like”
    Podcast is well done. I appreciate and support the message it stands for although I would like to share my feedback. Decrease use of the work “like” as a filler word. It makes listening more difficult and almost takes away from the seriousness of the subject of the podcast.
  • Bens4vcobra
    There’s always a choice
    If you want hear constant rationalizations for people’s individual bad choices, then this is the podcast for you (like, for instance, people become sex workers because capitalism is heartless, or something). If you prefer a less naive, reality-based point of view, then I would pass on this particular podcast.
  • 希望此表达我幸福
    Girl bye
    Wow exactly what we need. Another woman acting the part of someone who cares. Also further blurring the lines of SW and trafficking. One is a job the other is slavery. Also WHY IS HER FACE THE COVER??
  • EllieCortes
    Just a beautiful podcast.
    More people should be talking about this! I heard this podcast months ago but have been recommending to all the women in my life. It’s so important to be informed. Power is in knowledge.
  • cdoc81
    Eye opening
    I’m a pretty educated woman on social justice issues. But this podcasts taught me about sex workers and changed my perception on sex trafficking. Thank you.
  • Rregn
    Misleading but anecdotal enough to listen.
    This is definitely about sex work politics under the guise of being about trafficking.
  • Mizzfoxxfire
    Honesty
    This is more about Prostitution then Sex Trafficking. Sex trafficking they are forced to do this. Kidnapped and drugged This is off base these women were not trafficked they volunteered. Still sad and love the honesty.
  • Saltandpepperbaby
    Educational and thought provoking
    I thought this podcast was well done and offered an inside look at the lives of the sex workers who were interviewed. I found the topics covered to be extremely educational and it changed my opinion on sex work. After listening to the podcast, I feel like it’s difficult to write legislation to govern a subgroup of people that are poorly understood. Moving forward, I believe that the sex worker community should be consulted and be at the forefront of creating new laws for their own.
  • Wow54328
    Good
    I think she’s great at speaking and telling a story. I do think this ended up turning into the legalities of sex worker vs trafficker. And also about changing the laws to allow people to sell sex legally. I did enjoy the podcast as a whole, would have been nice to hear more actual stories from real incidences with the facts. I also really enjoyed being able to text a number to see pictures while listening to the podcast. Can’t wait to see what she does next.
  • Mmttbb
    A bit of a let down
    I agree with some of the other reviewer’s that this should be really hard-hitting topic. However I feel like the reporter frequently asked subjects close ended questions that do not elicit robust responses. Additionally I feel like the reporter feels uncomfortable talking about some of the topics and that comes through in the podcast. Finally I think that some of the examples tow a dangerous line between wanting to see a problem when there is not one there. For example the doctor in Kentucky she said she sawA girl who had issues with STDs and had previously had an abortion and would not look her in the eye she says she assumes now that this girl was being trafficked for sex we have no way of knowing that and it did not seem like there was true science behind the training that was being provided.
  • Holcomb Carolyn
    Disappointed
    This podcast is more about prostitution and making it legal. I’m sorry but I do not believe in prostitution there are other opportunities out there. Every Walmart I know is hiring
  • giggleblue
    Plus and Minus
    The show was very informative however sometimes I can’t tell if Noon just needs another outlet to talk about herself or if she really wants to hear from survivors. The lines get really really blurred on several episodes. If you can listen past Noon consistently centering everyone else’s story back to herself, her story, her fasting, and her family’s philanthropy work.
  • Gk1180
    Didn’t learn much about sex trafficking
    As others have stated, I’m not sure how this podcast got such a high rating. It’s definitely NOT about sex trafficking, but more about the rights of sex workers. It’s almost like Noor is trying to convince us that sex work should be legal and that’s the solution to all trafficking problems??? I enjoy Noor’s thoughts, and I don’t think she’s egotistical. I don’t agree with others about that. However, I do think that the way this podcast is advertised is misleading and irresponsible. The subject matter is not something to be toyed with, and to say you’re going to examine sex trafficking only to interview mostly people who CHOOSE to sell sex for a living is irresponsible reporting I’m sure Noor had the best intentions, and really is trying to spread the word and make a difference, but I do not believe she met her goal with this podcast.
  • Nkay666
    Well done and interesting but....
    ...it’s turning sex trade into entertainment in some way, but I guess it’s a way to raise awareness? I hope victims will hear and find a way out. Also, it would be nice if there was a website that you can write to.
  • Prettyterp
    Great Multifaceted Examining
    Such a well rounded and thoughtful examination of a very scary topic. This is often met with harsh judgment and condemnation, but this shows that there is much more beneath the surface. Thank you for delving into this topic. Hopefully lawmakers will give this greater thought in the years to come.
  • aav24
    It’s more complicated than we want to think it is.
    The subject of sex traffic is far more complicated than what we would like to think. I loved this podcast because the reporter came to realize that fact and did her best to convey it rather than cherry picking information that would rile people up but in the end do little to help and maybe even hurt. Like most of our societal ills the solution is complicated and great care must be taken. Rash decisions and laws do more harm than good. We don’t like to hear that because it’s so much more work. But I appreciate this journalist taking the time to really explain this issue and the subtlety of it. Everyone should listen to this podcast.
  • Jewels200
    Lackluster
    There is something about listening to a podcast on a topic that is so globally important that sets you up for high expectations, but when the reporter sounds entirely unprofessional, it’s hard to take seriously. I don’t feel like I know anything that I wasn’t aware of before which was very disappointing. While I think the podcast had good intent, it lacked any information that you couldn’t find in a quick Google search.
  • fahensha
    Noor is doing the Lord’s work
    Okay, I don’t actually mean the Lord’s work. I’m not Christian or even religious at all; I just use that phrase when I mean that someone is doing work that seemingly no one wants to do, and they’re doing it in an effective and selfless way. Noor’s entire philosophy of changing minds through story telling, and the way she is genuinely interested in passing her mic to the very people who we need to hear the most but always seem to get ignored is very admirable. Just when I think that nobody will change and nothing will get better, Noor proves to me that progress is possible through her open mind and commitment to honest reporting. The people Noor spoke to were very generous and brave in sharing their stories, and Noor always makes sure she tells them that. Overall I thought the series was thought-provoking, honest, and provided an incredible opportunity of personal growth through learning about people who are marginalized but were more like me than I ever thought before. After listening through the entire series, I can’t wait to get involved in the local youth homeless shelters and try to make a difference by helping in the small ways that I can. I also feel more confident about communicating my opinion to my elected officials to restore the power in our democracy and help protect the sex workers affected by legislation like FOSTA SESTA.
  • TheRealC
    Interesting Topic
    I liked how she covered a lot of topics and investigated different issues.
  • Hiciane88
    Amazing
    It definitely goes through and opens your eyes to things you would’ve never known before. The best part about all of this is that Nora, goes through and gets both sides. This is not a one-sided documentary but gets the opinions from everyone good and bad left or right. Well thought out and inclusion of the listener makes this one is the best documentary podcast out there!
  • LJ and Mom
    Hard to hear but beautifully Conveyed
    Noor, such beautiful reporting by someone so young. I truly look forward to see what you have to offer moving forward.
  • B-Macker
    Shows many sides...but not all sides
    Good survey of many thoughtful perspectives, but scant attention was paid to moral considerations other than the expressed view that scruples about sex work are antiquated and no longer the prevailing view...without any validation of this opinion. The one statement I found irresponsible was in the final episode, which expressed that white people fighting sex trafficking are inherently white supremacists...which seemed bigoted to me. Otherwise, the series is interesting and generally well-produced.
  • Mother Goose Adoptions
    Fascinating
    Noor, please please please bring your investigative skills to more subjects.
  • SkyGirl2256
    ...please, you one star people.
    Clearly the one-stars are not interested in the whole picture...they all want the ugly sex trafficking stories and that’s all. Fortunately, this is a WHOLE PICTURE podcast. Thank you for taking us through all of the facets of the legal and illegal sex work industry.
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