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 ageism and sexism to her infamous feud with Joan Crawford, and how she still came out on top. Plus, we unpack the story behind the hit song “Bette Davis Eyes” and how it became an unlikely tribute to her unforgettable allure.

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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 been a woman — possibly Emilia Bassano — and the heated responses that followed.

Join us as we unpack the authorship debate, the knowledge embedded in the Bard’s work, and what it meant to be a female writer in the 16th century. Was Shakespeare a woman ahead of her time… or just a man with an incredible quill?

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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 challenge norms, blur boundaries, and expand what it means to perform gender.

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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 connection to surrealism (whether she liked it or not), her fight against fascism, and the cultural forces that both revered and misunderstood her. Join us as we meet the real woman behind the myth.

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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 deeper story of exploitation, objectification, and resilience. Join us as we discover how, from sideshows to center stage, these women balanced performance and survival in a world that marveled at their existence while profiting off their bodies.

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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 control over her own life and legacy. Join us as we break down her biggest hits, her influence on modern music, and why her story still matters today.

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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?"

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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 recession pop anthems, what defines authentic pop in hard times, and if we can expect bangers alongside our bankruptcies the rest of this year.

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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 clothes—she shaped characters, crafted icons, and changed the way people were seen on screen. Tune in as we dive into her legendary career, her unexpected rise from Spanish teacher to studio insider, and how she built a brand of creative control in a male-dominated industry—one costume at a time.

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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, Viola proved that talent has no gender — and no expiration date.

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