American Prestige E336 - The Political Economy of Porn w/ Molly Lambert
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Dec 2, 2025 Molly Lambert, a journalist and podcaster behind Jenna World and Heidi World, dives into the history of the porn industry, tracing its roots from underground stag films to the mainstream. She examines the dynamics of gender and power in 80s-'90s Los Angeles and how the San Fernando Valley became a pivotal hub. Lambert tackles the influence of formats like VHS on adult content, the rise of stars like Jenna Jameson, and the impact of the internet in deprofessionalizing the industry. The conversation captures the intricate relationship between porn and evolving cultural narratives.
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Valley As Hollywood's Shadow Backlot
- The San Fernando Valley functioned as a backlot and has recurring boom–bust economic cycles that shaped industry formation.
- Porn Valley mirrored Hollywood's outskirts identity and repeatedly predicted wider media trends.
From Stag Loops To Porno Chic
- Porn moved from clandestine eight-millimeter loops to legal 'porno chic' theatrical films after the Hays Code repeal.
- That legal opening briefly framed porn as art before conservative backlash and commercialization arrived.
Hirsch Family's Midwestern-To-Valley Tale
- Stephen Hirsch's family moved to the Valley and worked together in early porn distribution, normalizing the industry within the household.
- That Midwestern Jewish assimilation story influenced how Vivid later marketed sex as mainstream consumer culture.