It's time for our most anticipated episode of the year! This week, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the rich history of Barbie, tracing her origins from the visionary mind of Ruth Handler in 1959 to her present-day status as an iconic figure. Despite sparking controversies surrounding her portrayal of beauty, Barbie has undergone significant transformations, emerging as a symbol of progress and empowerment. Over time, the brand has actively embraced inclusivity by expanding the range to represent diverse skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes, and responding constantly to criticism. As Barbie ventured into various career paths, she defied traditional gender roles and encouraged girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Join us as we unveil the fascinating history of Barbie, explore her invention, the controversies she has faced, and the brand's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, revealing the profound impact she has made on popular culture.

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In the realm of landscape architecture, one name stands out as a true pioneer and visionary. This week Stauney introduces us to Beatrix Farrand, known for breaking barriers and reshaping the field during a time when it was predominantly male-dominated, Farrand's remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of design. With her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and environmental stewardship, she transformed gardens into breathtaking works of art that harmonized with the natural world. Join us as we delve into the life, legacy, and extraordinary achievements of Beatrix Farrand, whose green thumb genius and innovative spirit continue to inspire generations of landscape architects.

Episodes like this: Marion Mahoney Griffin

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Amidst the chaos of war, one daring woman stood fearlessly behind the camera, capturing the untold stories and unyielding spirit of conflict—and then history completely erased her. This week, Stauney and Sadie are joined by Lorissa Rinehart, the author of "First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent" which will be released on JULY 11th. We discuss her journey to uncovering Chapelle, our personal love of the book, why it's more relevant today than ever before, and our adoration for the stories of women coming forward into history once more. Chapelle is truly a force of humility, courage, fearlessness, and compassion and we can't wait for all of you to adore her as much as we do after reading Rinehart's biography.

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Imagine writing a book that was so obviously gay that the censorship committees couldn't even tell what it was. This week, Sadie brings us up to speed on Djuna Barnes, a fascinating and influential figure of the 20th-century modernist literature movement. Known for her provocative and experimental writing style, Barnes pushed boundaries through her life and writing with an unapologetic embrace of her queerness. With an unconventional childhood, a career in journalism, poetry, and writing, and her unique blend of modernism, feminism, and social critique, Barnes left a lasting impact as a trailblazer in the literary world.

Also, check out our Provincetown Players episode!

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We're no strangers to talking about "the male and female gaze" but do we know what this means and represents for the art and media we consume? This week on the podcast, Stauney and Sadie are talking about the history of the male and female gaze. We discuss how it has existed in art, especially depicted in female nudes and depictions in modern media. We also discuss the difference between a female and male gaze, how different they are, the implications of the male gaze, and how we can hold ourselves accountable for how we view men and women in the stories we enjoy.

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Before Bob Dylan, a young woman in Greenwich New York wrote songs, sang, and played her guitar, becoming the first record of a modern singer-songwriter. This week, Stauney introduces us to Connie Converse, a woman who escaped her strict Christian household to chase her dreams in New York City, only to be met with so much disappointment she would completely disappear never to be heard from again. Years later, her recordings would hit the radio airwaves and raise a cult following of the talent that was so far ahead of its time and yet barely missed lifetime fame by a few years. We talk all about her music, her life and letters, her mental health, her discovery, and the mystery that surrounds her disappearance.

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We've gone from vibrant hues to neutral "clean girl" and why is that? This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into the world of color and how the modern world has used marketing, production, psychology, prejudice, and more to justify the diminishing details and 50 million shades of gray that are popular today. Sad beige nurseries, birds, and coral reefs losing color due to environmental impacts, Kim Kardashian's house, all included. We'll also discuss the importance of color, why we should try to celebrate it in our art despite the trends, and more.

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This week, Sadie introduces us to Maria Callas, resilient and immensely gifted, who shattered barriers and redefined what it meant to be an opera star. Her turbulent journey, from a challenging childhood to unfair attacks by the press, vocal struggles, and a diverse range of talents, only served to fuel her determination and leave a permanent legacy. We discuss her childhood, her rise to fame, the moments when she shined the brightest, and the press backlash for her independence. When you have a divine voice, life must not be as easy as you’d hope.

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This week, we're taking it back to the 2000s and the internet phenomenon that swept through pop culture: the "not like other girls" trope. One of the most famous examples of this was Paramore's hit song "Misery Business," which both was popularized and criticized for its portrayal of women. We delve into the trope, analyzing its origins and impact on pop culture, and then focus on the development and backlash of "Misery Business," and how it reflected the views of society at the time. We also address the sexism that Hayley Williams faced as one of the few women in the punk scene and how it has affected her career, exploring how the trope has evolved (and how it hasn't) since the 2000s, and how it's developed throughout time with women in music.

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This week on the podcast, Stauney introduces us to Mary Jewett Pritchard. Pritchard was a Samoan textile designer and cultural advocate and was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of the traditional Samoan art of Siapo, which involves creating decorative textiles using bark cloth. She learned the techniques of Siapo from the women of her community and went on to create an exporting business, employing many women and providing a reason for the art form to be brought back to the forefront of the cultural heritage. Pritchard also traveled extensively to showcase Siapo and other Samoan handicrafts, and her work helped to bring international attention to Samoan art and culture. We discuss her childhood, the art form, and how important cultural crafts are to our society and heritage.

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