In this episode, Stauney and Sadie uncover the story of Linda Martell, a woman Beyoncé thanked for her album of the year win and the first Black female solo artist to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. She faced many barriers in country music, starting with a career in R&B before moving to the release of her groundbreaking album Color Me Country. Despite her talent and success, industry gatekeeping and racism pushed her out of the spotlight, leaving her contributions largely forgotten. Join us as we explore her impact, the struggles of Black artists in country music, and how her legacy continues to inspire today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Whether sealed with wax or sent with an emoji, love letters can capture human connection like nothing else. Join us as we explore how humanity has written love throughout the ages.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into Octavia Butler who didn’t just write sci-fi—she predicted our reality. Her work feels eerily prophetic from the rise of far-right extremism and “Make America Great Again” to climate change and wealth inequality. We explore how Butler, the first Black woman to gain prominence in sci-fi, used her writing to challenge power and imagine alternative futures. Through her struggles with racism and the literary establishment, she built a more relevant legacy than ever. Join us as we unpack how Butler’s dystopian fiction became today’s world and her lasting legacy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the life and legacy of the incomparable Judy Garland. They explore her rise from a vaudeville childhood to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, reflecting on the immense pressure she faced to embody "the girl next door" and the devastating toll it took on her physical and mental health. From the studio’s control over her identity to the relentless work schedules and impossible standards, Judy’s story reveals the darker realities of Hollywood’s so-called "Dream Factory" and the human cost of its manufactured perfection.

Join us as we celebrate Judy Garland’s unmatched talent and enduring influence while unpacking the systemic pressures that wore her down. The duo also examines why society remains fixated on "burn out", offering a sobering look at how the American dream often becomes a nightmare.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the life and legacy of the incomparable Jane Birkin. They explore her decades-long career as an actress and musician, reflecting on her iconic collaborations with Serge Gainsbourg and her enduring influence on art and culture. The duo also unpacks the fascinating story of the Birkin bag, tracing its origins from a chance encounter to become a global symbol of wealth, exclusivity, and status—particularly in the United States. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back! 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. Plus, they reflect on how Eggers’ signature style breathes new life into this haunting tale of love, death, and the supernatural, offering a profound exploration of the duality of womanhood and the complexities of human nature that reside within us all.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Against the backdrop of a restrictive Victorian society, these sisters poured their passions and struggles into novels that challenged conventions and explored themes of love, resilience, and identity. We'll delve into how their unique family dynamics and the wild landscapes they called home shaped iconic works like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre. Join us as we celebrate the Brontës' enduring influence and explore why their stories continue to captivate readers today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Join us as we dive into how the sisters deceived society and discover how their story became intertwined with 19th-century death culture and the ongoing search for connection beyond the grave.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. From "Ring Around the Roses," believed to reference the Black Death, to "Humpty Dumpty," originally a cannon that fell during battle, and "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," thought to reflect religious persecution during Queen Mary I's reign, these rhymes hold hidden stories far darker than their playful tunes suggest. Join Stauney and Sadie as they delve into the twisted roots of these timeless verses, uncovering the unsettling truths behind the rhymes that shaped generations.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Not only did she dominate magazine covers and advertising campaigns, but she also became the first model to transition into film and television successfully. Suzy's influence extended beyond fashion, inspiring The Beatles' song "Suzy Parker." Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore this trailblazing model's life, career, and enduring legacy, whose remarkable impact continues to shape the fashion world.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices