Penny A. Petersen

In this captivating discussion, Penny A. Petersen, author of *Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront*, unearths the hidden stories of Minneapolis's past. She reveals the regulated prostitution system thriving along the riverfront and the complexities faced by madams like Nettie Conley. Petersen highlights how economic survival compelled women into the trade, while also offering a nuanced look at class dynamics within brothels. The conversation explores the transformative impact of societal changes on these women's lives and the legacy they left behind.