More Than A Muse

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'.

Episodes

Glamour and Grit: The Untold History of Showgirls

October 1, 2025 • 42 mins
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 legacy t...
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Child Star and Hollywood Tragedy: Natalie Wood

September 23, 2025 • 47 mins
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 death, and ...
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The Eldest Daughter Effect

September 15, 2025 • 43 mins
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 both f...
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Elizabeth Taylor: Violet Eyes & Seven Husbands

September 8, 2025 • 71 mins
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 behind. Don't ...
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The Fate of Ophelia: The Art and Symbolism of a Tragic Muse

September 1, 2025 • 43 mins
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 enduring l...
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The Poet Who Never Held Her Tongue: Dorothy Parker

August 25, 2025 • 44 mins
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 her famous...
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The Problem with Shirley: Racism in Early Film Photography

August 20, 2025 • 36 mins
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 in visual ...
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Paint, Passion and a Puzzling Death: Amrita Sher-Gil

August 12, 2025 • 31 mins
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 enduring inf...
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The First Woman to Top the Charts: Connie Francis

July 28, 2025 • 44 mins
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 transcended ...
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The Tradwife Trap: Weaponizing Femininity

July 22, 2025 • 58 mins
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 navigate th...
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Bette Davis Eyes: The Fire & Feuds of a Hollywood Legend

July 14, 2025 • 58 mins
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, from ag...
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ENCORE: Was Shakespeare a Woman?

July 7, 2025 • 46 mins
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 may have ...
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Wearing the Pants: The Long History of Cross Dressing

June 30, 2025 • 50 mins
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 to challe...
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Frida Kahlo: A Ribbon Around a Bomb

June 23, 2025 • 64 mins
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, her conne...
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She Ran Away With the Circus: Miss Lala, Lillian Leitzel, Mabel Stark and more.

June 16, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step into the ring to uncover the stories of extraordinary circus women like Miss LaLa, the aerialist who defied gravity; Lillian Leitzel, whose daring acts made her a legend; strongwoman Katie Sandwina; tiger trainer Mabel Stark; the conjoined singers Millie and Christine McKoy, the lives of May Wirth, Lavinia Warren, Annie Jones and how their artistry, spectacle, and strength often masked a deep...
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The Longing of a Queer Pop Star: Dusty Springfield

June 9, 2025 • 50 mins
Dusty Springfield was one of the most powerful voices in pop music—and one of the most complicated women behind the scenes. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie take a closer look at her career, her image, and the emotional weight of being a closeted queer woman in the spotlight. From her iconic sad ballads to her private struggles with identity and perfectionism, Dusty’s story is one of longing: for love, for freedom, and for contro...
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Is art worth everything we give up for it? with Stephanie Elizondo Griest

June 2, 2025 • 43 mins
Today we are joined by Stephanie Elizondo Griest as we discuss her up upcoming book "Art Above Everything: One Woman’s Global Exploration of the Joys and Torments of a Creative Life" releasing on June 10th. We discuss her background as a writer, the process of the book, the struggles that come with being a women and an artist, and of course, the overarching question "is art worth everything we give up for it?" Learn more about your...
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The Return of Recession Pop

May 19, 2025 • 39 mins
This week, we’re diving into the origins of Recession Pop, the artists and songs that defined the genre, and the complicated question of whether this shiny, broke-girl aesthetic still works today. We explore what could make post-recession pop feel meaningful (mental health, real stakes, charitable impact) and when it just feels like rich people playing dress-up. Spoiler: Going to space might not be the move. Plus: our favorite rece...
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The Most Awarded Woman in Hollywood: Edith Head

May 12, 2025 • 40 mins
She’s the woman with more Oscars than any other woman in history—and the inspiration behind a fictional character in The Incredibles. This week, Stauney and Sadie are talking about Edith Head, the powerhouse designer who ruled Hollywood’s wardrobe departments for decades with her signature bob, tinted glasses, and an iron fist. From dressing Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to winning eight Academy Awards, Edith didn’t just stitch cl...
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The Fastest Drummer in the World: Viola Smith

April 28, 2025 • 32 mins
Known as "the fastest girl drummer in the world," Viola shattered expectations in the 1930s swing scene, advocated for women musicians during WWII, and kept playing drums until she was 107 years old! In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into her groundbreaking career, her fearless fight for women’s place in music, and why her legacy deserves a standing ovation today. From orchestra pits to swing bands to national television, V...
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