Before cat-eye glasses were a fashion staple, they were a radical act of design — and behind them was Altina Schinasi: sculptor, filmmaker, inventor, and unapologetic creative force. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie follow Altina’s kaleidoscopic life, from designing the iconic harlequin frame to creating politically charged art and championing social causes. A daughter of immigrants who defied expectations at every turn, Altina made a spectacle of herself in all the best ways — shaping not just how we look, but how we see. Join us as we explore the bold vision of a woman who refused to stay in the lines — and made the world a little sharper because of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode of More Than a Muse, Stauney and Sadie explore the charged landscape of feminine rage and resistance through the lens of dystopian fiction and discover what happens when women are silenced, controlled, or underestimated. Join us as we explore how feminist dystopian fiction— The Handmaid’s Tale , Vox , The Power , and Red Clocks —turns voice, body, memory, and community into tools of resistance and rage. These aren’t just stories of oppression—they’re blueprints for fighting back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

All throughout history, Women have ignited revolutions, challenged regimes, and reshaped societies through protest. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie explore ten powerful women-led uprisings that changed the world—each sparked by urgent demands for bread, peace, equality, or justice. From the March on Versailles and the Bread and Roses Strike to Iceland’s Women’s Day Off, the Liberian sex strike, and the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran, join us as we examine the slogans that stirred crowds, the strategies that forced change, and the legacies that continue today. These protests weren’t footnotes in history—they were turning points. This is what happens when women revolt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

From mewing nuns to phantom slashers, history is filled with bizarre outbreaks of collective hysteria—many of which disproportionately affected or were led by women. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie unravel the eerie stories of mass panics throughout history: the frenzied dancers of the Middle Ages, the trembling hands of school girls, the unseen gassers that struck fear into entire towns, and the contagious laughter that spread like wildfire through a Tanzanian school. What do these strange episodes tell us about society’s perception of women, their emotions, and their bodies? And how have they shaped the way we talk about “female hysteria” today? Tune in as we dissect the psychology, the stigma, and the lasting impact of these mysterious and unsettling events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie unravel the dark, chaotic history of the Salem witch trials—one of the most infamous chapters of mass hysteria in history. What began as paranoia and superstition quickly spiraled into widespread persecution, with devastating consequences for the women (and even men) accused. We break down the tangled web of misogyny, racism, and religious extremism that fueled the trials, exploring how societal anxieties and power struggles led to a frenzy of accusations, forced confessions, and executions. Beyond the 17th century, we also examine why Salem’s witch trials remain such a cultural touchstone, from their lasting impact on the perception of women’s power to their eerie parallels with modern-day moral panics. Join us as we dissect the fear, the spectacle, and the lasting legacy of one of history’s greatest injustices—because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that witch hunts never really go out of style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the unstoppable force that is fangirls—their influence, their impact, and their ability to shake entire industries. While often dismissed as overly emotional or obsessive, these fans have proven time and time again that their passion holds real power, from crashing Ticketmaster and reviving canceled TV shows to demanding change in music and media. We explore key moments in fan history, including how Beyoncé's country music era sparked a cultural conversation, the organized movements that resurrected beloved series, and the collective action that’s changed the way artists tour, movies are made, and music is released. Whether they’re mobilizing online or screaming in stadiums, these fans aren’t just spectators—they’re the architects of modern pop culture. Join us as we celebrate the fandoms that won’t take no for an answer, the movements they’ve built, and why underestimating a passionate fanbase is always a mistake. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie tune into untold stories of the women who helped build Hip Hop from the ground up. While the genre is often defined by its male icons, it was women like Cindy Campbell—who threw the legendary party that birthed Hip Hop—and Sylvia Robinson—who brought it to the mainstream—that made it all possible. We dive into the origins of the genre, from basement parties to block-wide movements, and spotlight 12 trailblazing women who shaped the genre: Sha-Rock, The Mercedes Ladies, Roxanne Shanté, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, and Missy Elliott. From pioneering MCs to groundbreaking producers, these women didn’t just break into the scene—they rewrote the rules, using Hip Hop as a platform for empowerment, activism, and cultural change. Join us as we explore the often-overlooked queens of Hip Hop and their lasting impact on music, feminism, and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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…