More Than A Muse

Women didn’t just take the stage at Lilith Fair; they changed who the music industry believed belonged there. Stauney and Sadie dive into the festival that pushed back against the “one woman per bill” mentality, became a massive commercial success, raised millions for women’s charities, and still exposed some of the complicated contradictions of feminism in the ’90s. From Sarah McLachlan’s unlike...

In this episode, Sadie and Stauney cover a mix of current and nostalgic pop culture moments. They start with Olivia Rodrigo’s new song, then get into Coachella again, comparing Lana Del Rey’s minimal performance style with the expectations placed on artists like Justin Bieber. They also revisit Janet. by Janet Jackson and Homecoming by Beyoncé, talking through their cultural impact. A look back at The Devil Wears Prada ...

In this episode, Sadie and Stauney trace its evolution from Pearl Jam’s anti-Ticketmaster rebellion to the glittering, influencer-filled spectacle it is today. Along the way, they unpack the performances that defined the desert stage—from Beyonce's boundary-pushing performance to the wildly different energies of Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber.

We also discuss why some performances feel effortless while others are pi...

In this episode, Sadie and Stauney explore the moral dilemma of loving art created by deeply flawed or even abusive individuals, asking whether it’s truly possible—or ethical—to separate the art from the artist. Drawing on insights from Claire Dederer’s Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, they unpack how fandom, overconsumption, and social media intensify our emotional ties to creators, often blurring the line ...

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the cultural aftershocks of the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal and the raw, cathartic power of Alanis Morissette’s iconic album Jagged Little Pill—two moments that helped define how the ’90s talked about women, anger, and public shame. From the media treatment of Monica Lewinsky to the way Morissette turned heartbreak into one of the most influential revenge albums of a...

In this episode, Sadie and Stauney dissect the dark side of TikTok’s impact: the pile-ons, echo chambers, and the skewed justice that often leaves public figures, especially women, unfairly villainized. They break down iconic cases like Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard, Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Baldoni vs. Blake Lively, and the notorious beef between Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez: revealing how these digital o...

In this episode, we unpack the cultural spectacle of the female celebrity scandal and ask why women are so often judged differently when the spotlight turns harsh. From Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” to Winona Ryder’s highly publicized shoplifting arrest, we revisit some of the most talked-about media controversies of the past few decades. Looking beyond the headlines, we examine ...

In this episode, we delve into the dark world of paparazzi culture and its devastating impact on celebrities like Princess Diana, Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, and Kristen Stewart. From the origins in 1950s Rome to today's digital age, we explore how relentless photographers invade private moments, turning personal struggles into public spectacles. The tragic death of Princess Diana in a paparazzi-fueled car chase highlights the d...

This episode, Stauney and Sadie, dive into the way the media has shaped and often distorted the stories of women in the public eye. We revisit unforgettable talk show moments with Monica Lewinsky, Whitney Houston, Tonya Harding, and Meghan Markle to look at what was really happening beneath the surface. Who controlled the narrative? Who was allowed to be messy, emotional, or complicated, and who was punished for it? From studio aud...

Welcome to our new monthly segment, "Cultural Canon," where we explore culturally significant movies and albums. This episode features a deep dive into the latest controversial film, "Wuthering Heights," and the iconic album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." The hosts also discuss the cultural impact of Britney Spears' recent music catalog sale, the resurgence of millennial icons in literature, and the nuances of adapting classic...

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie explore the concept of stunt casting in theater, focusing in particular on the recent casting of Whitney Leavitt in Chicago. The conversation delves into the implications of using celebrities in theater, the history of stunt casting, and its impact on ticket sales and audience engagement. We discuss the ethical considerations surrounding stunt casting, the balance between art and commerce, and the...

In this episode, we unpack why Cinderella’s core elements—hidden labor, transformation, and escaping unjust systems—resonate across cultures and eras. You’ll learn about the original Greek tale, the Chinese ‘Ye Shen’ story with the magical fish, and how Charles Perrault’s version introduced iconic features like the glass slipper, fairy godmother, and pumpkin carriage. We explore how each ad...

In this episode, Sadie and Stauney explore the rising trend of analog hobbies that offer comfort and authenticity in a digital world. They delve into crafting, journaling, baking, and slow hobbies as antidotes to digital overload, sharing how these practices can be effortlessly incorporated into daily life. Discover the origins of scrapbooking and the brilliance of modern "junk journaling" for preserving memories, and learn why slo...

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step inside the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the eccentric American collector who refused to play by Boston’s rules and built a museum that doubled as her personal artistic manifesto. They unpack Isabella’s life as a patron and tastemaker, her bold curatorial choices, and the unconventional vision behind Fenway Court—a Venetian-inspired home filled with masterpieces, orchid...

This week, Stauney and Sadie delve into the life of Alma Mahler—composer, muse, and one of the most controversial women of early 20th-century Vienna. We explore how her relationships with towering figures like Gustav Mahler, Oskar Kokoschka, Walter Gropius, and Franz Werfel intertwined art, love, and obsession in ways that shaped her creative identity and public legacy. Beyond her reputation as a muse to geniuses, Alma’...

In this episode of More Than A Muse, hosts Stauney and Sadie explore the fascinating intersection of witchcraft and pop culture, particularly in the music industry. They discuss various musicians who have been accused of witchcraft, including historical bands like Coven and contemporary artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. The conversation delves into themes of hysteria, feminism, and the cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft toda...

In this episode of More Than a Muse, hosts Sadie and Stauney dive into the enduring allure of witches—both historical and modern. From Sadie’s recent trip to Salem and reflections on the infamous witch trials to conversations about how social media fuels today’s digital witch hunts, they explore the intersection of outrage, activism, and empowerment. The discussion also highlights the Three Witches of Surrealism&m...

In this episode of More Than a Muse, Sadie and Stauney take a deep dive into the spellbinding world of witches - from the dark myths that shaped them to the feminist icons they’ve become. They trace the roots of witchcraft through history, folklore, and literature, unraveling how stories of broomsticks, cauldrons, and curses often reflected fear of powerful, independent women. Then, they explore how modern witches from Sabrin...

Join Sadie and Stauney on "More Than a Muse" as they dive into the much-anticipated release of Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, "Life of a Showgirl." In this episode, they explore the album's themes, discuss their initial reactions, and share insights from the official album release party. From favorite tracks to unexpected surprises, Sadie and Stauney offer a thoughtful analysis of Swift's latest work, all while reflecting on the...