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 legacy of her character, capturing the haunting beauty and profound tragedy of her fate. Join us as we unravel the mystery and beauty of one of literature's most iconic figures (and discuss all things Taylor Swift).

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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 quotes and the personal struggles that shaped her unique voice. Tune in for an insightful journey into the life of one of the 20th century's most remarkable literary figures.

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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 media.

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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 influence and the vibrant legacy she left behind, along with the mystery of her early death. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on art, identity, and the power of creative expression.

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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 borders and genres. Join us as we explore her enduring legacy, her impact on music history, and the resurgence of her song "Pretty Little Baby" in today's digital age.

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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 the pipelines leading women into this movement and question the authenticity of the online portrayals. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on feminism, societal expectations, and the pursuit of genuine fulfillment.

The Rise and Fall of the Trad Wife | The New Yorker

Tradwife Aesthetic: When Being the Beauvoirian Other Reemerges as a Social Media Trend | Blog of the APA

No, You Are Not a Tradwife Just Because You Like to Cook or Crochet | by Charlie Brown | Bitchy | Medium

Tradwives, stay-at-home girlfriends, and the dream of feminine leisure

Trad Wives, MAHA, and the Women’s Wellness Pipeline

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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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