More Than A Muse
Welcome to MORE THAN A MUSE, a weekly podcast where we explore the lives of women artists, musicians, writers, sculptors, and more. Join Stauney (a graphic designer) and Sadie (a singer-songwriter) EVERY MONDAY as we reframe art history and pop culture with feminism, empowering women to be educated, unapologetically angry, and champion those whom history has forgotten. Through in-depth historical discussions and pop culture chats, we spotlight unsung heroines, all while challenging the status quo. It's time to remember every woman artist as 'More Than A Muse'.
26
Contagious Chaos: Women and the History of Mass...
63 min
27
They Killed Women, Not Witches: The Salem Trials
53 min
28
Screaming, Crying, Throwing Hands: When Fans Fi...
56 min
29
Mic Drop: The Women Who Built Hip Hop
70 min
30
Before Beyoncé took on Country: Linda Martell
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie uncover the story of Linda Martell, a woman Beyonce thanked for her album of the year win and the first Black female solo artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
44 min
31
Words of the Heart: The History of Valentines &...
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie trace the history of Valentine’s Day, uncovering its murky origins and how it transformed from a saint’s feast day to a global celebration of romance. Then, we dive into the enduring art of love letters—who wrote them, how they shaped history, and what they reveal about the changing nature of relationships.
46 min
32
The Sci-Fi Author Who Predicted 2024: Octavia B...
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into Octavia Butler who didn’t just write sci-fi—she predicted our reality.
58 min
33
Judy Garland: Worn Out by the Dream Factory
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the life and legacy of the incomparable Judy Garland.
67 min
34
The Basket, the Bags, and the Woman Behind it a...
Join us as we celebrate Birkin’s artistic impact, examine how her name became synonymous with luxury, and discuss what the cultural obsession with the Birkin bag reveals about modern society.
64 min
35
Nosferatu: Reimagining Death and the Maiden
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie explore Robert Eggers' latest masterpiece, Nosferatu. They delve into the origins of the story with the iconic 1920s silent film, examine the creative changes that elevated the remake to its modern brilliance, and discuss the timeless "Death and the Maiden" motif as it weaves through both the film and art history.
43 min
36
The Brontë Sisters: Wild Moors and Wuthering Words
This week, as the last installment of our "Month of Macabre," Stauney and Sadie journey to the windswept moors of Yorkshire to uncover the haunting lives and works of the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne.
80 min
37
Echoes from the Beyond: The Fox Sisters and Vic...
This week, to continue our "Month of Macabre", Stauney and Sadie explore the Victorian era’s obsession with death and its intricate mourning traditions—hair art, death portraits, and mourning dolls—all shaped by high mortality rates. Amid this fascination with the afterlife, we discuss the phenomenon of the Fox Sisters claiming to communicate with spirits and therefore sparking the rise of spiritualism.
67 min
38
Twisted Lullabies: Nursery Rhymes' Hidden Histo...
This week, Stauney and Sadie introduce the dark origins of nursery rhymes. While these seemingly innocent songs have become a staple of childhood, many were born from grim histories of plagues, political unrest, and even tragedy.
63 min
39
The Highest Paid Supermodel in the World: Suzy ...
This week, Stauney introduces us to Suzy Parker. As one of the most iconic faces of 1950s fashion and, at one point, the highest-paid supermodel in the world, Suzy Parker redefined the standards of beauty and fame.
31 min
40
The Supermodel Who Inspired Holly Golightly: Do...
This week, Sadie introduces us to Dorian Leigh. Often hailed as one of the first true supermodels, Dorian Leigh not only defined an era of beauty and style but also inspired one of literature and film’s most iconic characters, Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's.
47 min
41
Brushing Past the Boys’ Club: The Pre-Raphaelit...
This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into the uncredited women who played pivotal roles during one of the biggest boys' clubs in art history: the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. We'll introduce you to trailblazers like Julia Margaret Cameron, Christina Rossetti, Evelyn De Morgan, Elizabeth Siddal, Marie Spartali Stillman, and Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale
68 min
42
Elsa Schiaparelli: The Lost Luminary of Haute C...
This week, Stauney introduces us to one of Coco Chanel’s fiercest rivals and a name experiencing a resurgence in the fashion world: Elsa Schiaparelli.
39 min
43
Not Here to Make Friends: How Reality TV Shapes...
This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into one of society's most debated pastimes: Reality Television. Whether you love or loathe it, there's no denying these shows' significant cultural footprint on our country.
52 min
44
Honoring the Native Wilderness: Emily Carr
Emily Carr, one of British Columbia’s most celebrated painters, brought the vibrant spirit of Fauvism to North America, illuminating the deep artistic and cultural ties between the northern tribes and the landscapes of Canada and Alaska.
47 min
45
Queen Mother of Black Dance: Katherine Dunham
This week, Sadie introduces us to Katherine Dunham, famous for her anthropology research and introduction of tribal dance styles to the modern stage.
39 min
46
The Hitmaker Behind 60's Pop: Ellie Greenwich
This week, Sadie introduces us to Eleanor Greenwich, known as Ellie, who was the hit songwriter behind many of the greatest songs of the sixties pop charts.
41 min
47
Miscellaneous Musings: A Collection of Thoughts...
This week, Stauney and Sadie are talking about their monthly hyper fixations including The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, the "born sexy yesterday" movie trope, Hannah Montana, Katy Perry's most recent music video, self-promotion on TikTok... and Lizzie Borden.
51 min
48
The Visionary Behind Disney’s Whimsy: Mary Blair
This week, Stauney introduces us to Mary Blair, best known for her concept art for Disney in the 60's. Sadie and Stauney discuss her work on Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella, as well as her unique art that led to murals, it's a Small World, and other distinct styles throughout the parks that still influence the art of Disney today.
30 min
49
Is it time for Miss America to Retire?
This week, Stauney and Sadie are diving into a century-long institution today that has faced a myriad of controversies and scandals... The Miss America Pageant. After watching the Hulu documentary "The Secrets of Miss America," we wanted to spotlight the racism, sexism, body issues, and mental health that exist within this giant organization.
62 min
50
'It's My Party' Pop Princess: Lesley Gore
This week, Sadie tells us all about Lesley Gore, the pop sensation in the 1960s with hits like "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me." As a teenager, her heartfelt voice and relatable songs made her famous.
43 min