This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into a long-awaited episode about the legend, Dolly Parton. Dolly has a legacy that we would be unable to sum up in just over an hour, so we give you a quick overview of her life story, and then dive into some of our favorite Dolly stories and the endless legacy she has created during her 5-decade long career. We talk about her songwriting, philanthropy, her look, Dollywood, her recent album release, and all the Dollyisms that make her beloved by everyone of all ages, genders, political affiliations, and more. Dolly Parton is truly a beacon of light in the entertainment industry, a woman with humility and dignity, an enduring icon, and could never be labeled as anything less than a national treasure.

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A woman who never sold a painting, but because she didn't want to? This week, Stauney brings us into the whimsical world of Florine Stettheimer, a New York native who opened an eccentric salon, created a whole new painting style, secretly wrote poems about the New York elite, designed furniture, costumes, fashion, stage sets and captured the spirit of the city in a way that hadn't been seen before and hasn't been seen since. She was just as famous as Georgia O'Keefe during her lifetime, and in her death, she was almost completely obliterated from the pages of art history. Join us in learning about her incredible life and legacy and championing her artistry again. Florine Stettheimer is truly unforgettable.

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In this week's episode, Stauney and Sadie delve into the culinary arts, spotlighting six women who revolutionized North American cuisine: M.F.K. Fisher, Buwei Yang Chao, Julia Child, Paula Deen, Lena Richard, and Rachael Ray. Their collective impact spans generations, covering diverse cuisines such as Chinese, French, Southern Comfort, and Creole, and going from writing cookbooks as experts to television shows as celebrity chefs. Additionally, we discuss the gender disparity in culinary courses and leadership roles, addressing societal expectations of women in the kitchen and the need for recognition and fair compensation for their culinary contributions!

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Have you ever thought about a time before the telephone when Mary didn't yet have a little lamb and there was no Thanksgiving? Those might not seem connected, but this week, Sadie takes us back to early America to talk about the woman who brings it all together, Sarah Josepha Hale. Hale was a 19th-century literary legend who left an indelible mark on American culture and was considered the greatest influence on early American trends and traditions. Best known for penning "Mary Had a Little Lamb," Hale's legacy extends far beyond, with a 40-year career as a pioneering editor, prolific writer, and staunch advocate for Thanksgiving as a national holiday, she played a pivotal role in shaping the entire landscape of her time. We'll discuss Hale, her enduring contributions to literature, and the spirited journey that makes her a timeless figure in American history.

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In probably some of the craziest stories we've ever heard, this week, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the world of "catfights" discussing how the term evolved from its historical roots to its current portrayal in modern media. We're going beyond the clichés to unravel the threads of catfight culture, exploring why these confrontations between women have become such a sensation. From ancient times to today's tabloids, we're untangling the drama, competition, and conflicts that make catfights a cultural phenomenon. Get ready for a truly wild ride through the history and controversy of these female clashes – it's way more than just hisses and hair-pulling!

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This week, Stauney talks about the Prima Ballerina, Maria Tallchief and how her pioneering spirit challenged the norms of the predominantly European art form and ushered in a new era for ballet in the United States. From her early training at the School of American Ballet to becoming the first American and Native American prima ballerina, Tallchief's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. This episode discusses the life and achievements of Maria Tallchief, from her formative years in the Oklahoma Osage Tribe to her extraordinary rise as a legendary ballet figure. We discuss her contributions of change to the future of ballet forever, her role in breaking down racial barriers, and her enduring influence on the world of dance. Maria Tallchief's remarkable and transformative odyssey is a testament to the enduring power of passion, talent, and cultural pride.

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Happy Halloween! To end our month of murder mysteries, this week Stauney and Sadie delve into the riveting realm of two iconic characters, Amy Dunne from Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" and Scarlett O'Hara from Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with the Wind," uncovering the eerie parallels in their psychopathic behavior, and the infamous stories they play the title role in.

We discuss the differences and parallels in their stories, sharing the plots of the books/movies and the impact that their portrayal of womanhood has on how we view feminity and the society of their time period. We also talk about the general idea of unlikable or villainous female characters, the rarity of psychopathy in women, and the ways that their motivations can be dissected to garner sympathy despite their outlandish actions.

Major thanks to this article by Shruthi Sailesh "Female Psychopaths in Literature: A Comparative Analysis" on Medium

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For this month's bonus episode, Stauney and Sadie share their thoughts on the book "Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession" by Rachel Monroe. This book covers the question "Why are women so obsessed with true crime?" by diving into four real stories from four different time periods (nutshell dollhouses, the Manson family murders, Satanic panic, and Columbine) and their individual obsessions with different true crime archetypes. We talk about the different people and time periods covered in the book as well as our individual relationships with true crime.

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Alfred Hitchcock, renowned as the "Master of Suspense," directed a range of films with equally intricate leading ladies. In this episode, we dive deep into the horrifying connections between Hitchcock and his female stars, shedding light on the secrets that have intrigued audiences for decades. We'll discuss the compelling and saddening stories of Hitchcock's "ice cold blondes" like June Howard-Tripp, Ingrid Bergman, Joan Fontaine, and Tippi Hedren. Furthermore, we'll explore Hitchcock's characterizations, which some interpret as potentially revealing a complex relationship with women. We'll also examine the pivotal contributions of his screenwriters, Joan Harrison and Alma Reville, who played a significant role in the director's legendary status and made him the film legend he was.

TW: We do discuss sexual assault as well as other topics commonly covered in Hitchcock films

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In our next installment of MTAM Murder Mystery Month, Sadie takes us into the enduring legacy of teenage all-American sleuth Nancy Drew! Although all the books were written under the pseudonym "Carolyn Keene," the real authors and creators were a cast of many people who helped make the icon she is today. We discuss her creation and Hardy Boy counterparts, the creator, editor, and authors including the most famous Mildred Benson), the controversy surrounding the ownership, and how she has inspired many prominent women with her independence, resourcefulness, and smarts.

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