More Than A Muse

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’s o...

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 witchc...

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—Leonora Ca...

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 Sab...

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 reflecti...

In this episode of More Than A Muse, hosts Sadie and Stauney dive into the fascinating history and cultural impact of showgirls. As they prepare for the release of "Life of a Showgirl," they explore the evolution of showgirls from their origins in Paris to their iconic status in Las Vegas. The discussion covers the glamorous yet grueling life of a showgirl, the stereotypes and cultural perceptions surrounding them, and the...

In this episode of "More Than a Muse," hosts Sadie and Stauney delve into the life and legacy of Hollywood icon Natalie Wood. From her early days as a child star in "Miracle on 34th Street" to her acclaimed roles in "Rebel Without a Cause" and "West Side Story," Natalie Wood's career was marked by both triumph and tragedy. The hosts explore her complex personal life, the mysterious circumstances surrounding her untimely de...

In this episode of "More Than A Muse," Sadie and Stauney dive into the intriguing concept of "Eldest Daughter Syndrome." They explore the pressures and expectations placed on eldest daughters through personal anecdotes and cultural references, from Disney's Elsa to real-life figures like Britney Spears. Join them as they discuss the impact of birth order on personality and life experiences, and how these dynamics play out ...

In this episode of More Than A Muse Podcast, hosts Sadie and Stauney dive into the fascinating life of Elizabeth Taylor. From her iconic roles in Hollywood to her tumultuous personal life, including her infamous seven husbands, Taylor's story is one of glamour, resilience, and reinvention. Join us as we explore her impact on the film industry, her groundbreaking work in AIDS activism, and the enduring legacy she left behin...

Today on More than a Muse, Stauney and Sadie talk all things Ophelia, a character whose symbolism and artistic representation have captivated audiences for centuries. In this episode, we explore the layers of meaning behind her tragic story, examining how artists and writers have interpreted her character through various lenses. A highlight is John Everett Millais' iconic painting of Ophelia drowning, which has become an e...

This week on More than a Muse, join Stauney and Sadie as we delve into the fascinating life and works of Dorothy Parker, the iconic American poet, writer, and critic known for her sharp wit and keen observations.

From her early days at the Algonquin Round Table to her enduring legacy in literature, we explore Parker's most celebrated works and the impact she had on the literary world. Discover with us the stories behind he...

This week on More Than A Muse, Stauney and Sadie explore the fascinating history of Shirley cards and their profound impact on film photography. This episode delves into how these reference cards, used for color balance in film processing, inadvertently contributed to racial bias by prioritizing lighter skin tones. Join us as we uncover the evolution of film technology and its implications on representation and diversity i...

Join Sadie and Stauney in this episode as they delve into the life and legacy of Amrita Sher-Gil, a pioneering figure in modern Indian art. Discover how her unique blend of Western and Indian influences shaped her groundbreaking work, and explore the cultural and historical contexts that informed her artistic journey.

From her early years in Hungary to her impactful return to India, this episode celebrates Sher-Gil's endu...

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie delve into the remarkable journey of Connie Francis, a trailblazer in the music industry and the first woman to top the Billboard 100 chart. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, Connie's resilience and talent propelled her to international stardom. From her early hits like "Who's Sorry Now" to her innovative recordings in multiple languages, Connie's influence tra...

In this episode of "More Than a Muse," hosts Sadie and Stauney dive into the intriguing world of the "tradwife" movement. They explore the romanticization of traditional gender roles and the impact of social media influencers on this trend. From discussing the allure of domesticity to critiquing the notion of choice feminism, they unravel the complexities and contradictions within the tradwife lifestyle.

Join us as we nav...

This week, Stauney and Sadie are diving into the life and legacy of one of the most iconic—and uncompromising—women in Hollywood history: Bette Davis. From her early days battling the studio system to her legendary performances in All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Davis forged a path with talent, tenacity, and a stare that could stop anyone in their tracks.

Join us as we explore the many hurdles she faced,...

This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into one of history’s juiciest literary conspiracy theories: Was Shakespeare… a woman?

For centuries, scholars have debated whether the man from Stratford-upon-Avon actually penned the world’s most famous plays — or if “William Shakespeare” was a pseudonym hiding someone else entirely. In this episode, we explore the provocative Atlantic article that reignited the theory that Shakespeare m...

This week on More Than a Muse, Stauney and Sadie explore the rich history of cross-dressing in the arts—from ancient traditions to modern pop culture. From Shakespearean heroines and Mulan’s legendary disguise to drag, wartime subversion, and gender-bending on stage and screen, cross-dressing has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, survival, and self-expression. Join us as we discover how artists have used fashion ...

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo — the artist who turned her body, heartbreak, and political fire into radical self-portraiture. Frida's life was anything but ordinary, from her tragic accident at 18 to her iconic fashion, her tumultuous love story with Diego Rivera, and showing up in her bed at her gallery opening. We explore the evolution of her artistry, ...