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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.
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This week, Stauney and Sadie introduce the dark origins of nursery rhymes. While these seemingly innocent songs have become a staple of childhood, many were born from grim histories of plagues, political unrest, and even tragedy. From "Ring Around the Roses," believed to reference the Black Death, to "Humpty Dumpty," originally a cannon that fell during battle, and "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," thought to reflect religious persecution during Queen Mary I's reign, these rhymes hold hidden stories far darker than their playful tunes suggest. Join Stauney and Sadie as they delve into the twisted roots of these timeless verses, uncovering the unsettling truths behind the rhymes that shaped generations.
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This week, Stauney introduces us to Suzy Parker. As one of the most iconic faces of 1950s fashion and, at one point, the highest-paid supermodel in the world, Suzy Parker redefined the standards of beauty and fame. Not only did she dominate magazine covers and advertising campaigns, but she also became the first model to transition into film and television successfully. Suzy's influence extended beyond fashion, inspiring The Beatles' song "Suzy Parker." Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore this trailblazing model's life, career, and enduring legacy, whose remarkable impact continues to shape the fashion world.
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This week, Sadie introduces us to Dorian Leigh. Often hailed as one of the first true supermodels, Dorian Leigh not only defined an era of beauty and style but also inspired one of literature and film’s most iconic characters, Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Beyond her captivating presence on magazine covers, Dorian's life was marked by tumultuous relationships and a pioneering spirit that helped shape the modern model agency industry. Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore the life, influence, and enduring legacy of this trailblazing model who forever changed the face of fashion.
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This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into the uncredited women who played pivotal roles during one of the biggest boys' clubs in art history: the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. We'll introduce you to trailblazers like Julia Margaret Cameron, Christina Rossetti, Evelyn De Morgan, Elizabeth Siddal, Marie Spartali Stillman, and Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, whose influence on the movement and beyond is undeniable. Though often overshadowed by their male counterparts, these women were the true powerhouses behind the Pre-Raphaelite vision, shaping the art world in ways the "bros" could never have done alone.
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This week, Stauney introduces us to one of Coco Chanel’s fiercest rivals and a name experiencing a resurgence in the fashion world: Elsa Schiaparelli. Stauney and Sadie dive into Schiaparelli's strict and unconventional upbringing, her tumultuous marriage to a con artist, her journey as a single mother, and her deep connections with surrealist artists of her time. They also explore the rise and fall of her iconic fashion house and the lasting legacy she built—one that is being rediscovered and celebrated today. From surrealist collaborations to daring, imaginative designs, Schiaparelli's influence continues to shape modern couture unexpectedly.
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This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into one of society's most debated pastimes: Reality Television. Whether you love or loathe it, there's no denying these shows' significant cultural footprint on our country. Reality TV has done it all—from sparking cultural trends to encouraging toxic behaviors—its influence on society is truly a double-edged sword, creating both connections and divisions. Join Stauney and Sadie as they explore the origins of reality TV, its peaks and pitfalls, and how it both reflects and shapes the world we live in today.
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Emily Carr, one of British Columbia’s most celebrated painters, brought the vibrant spirit of Fauvism to North America, illuminating the deep artistic and cultural ties between the northern tribes and the landscapes of Canada and Alaska. This week on the show, Stauney introduces the remarkable Emily Carr, and together with Sadie, they explore her early years, the long journey to finding her true calling, the seven iconic painters from Canada, and the enduring impact she has left on the history of Canadian art.
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This week, Sadie introduces us to Katherine Dunham, famous for her anthropology research and introduction of tribal dance styles to the modern stage. We discuss her life, research, travels, accomplishments, and influence.
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This week, Sadie introduces us to Eleanor Greenwich, known as Ellie, who was the hit songwriter behind many of the greatest songs of the sixties pop charts. Stauney and Sadie discuss her life, the songwriting scene at the time, her undeniable talent and the mark she left on the music industry and pop culture itself with hits like "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Be My Baby", "Maybe I Know", "Then He Kissed Me", "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", "Hanky Panky", "Chapel of Love", "Leader of the Pack", and "River Deep – Mountain High", among others.
We also discuss the Ballerina Farms situation and our thoughts on relationships, sacrifice, and the arts.
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This week, Stauney and Sadie are talking about their monthly hyper fixations including The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, the "born sexy yesterday" movie trope, Hannah Montana, Katy Perry's most recent music video, self-promotion on TikTok... and Lizzie Borden. Also this episode is a shameless self-promo for our newsletter that you can find on substack called "More Muse News."
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This week, Stauney introduces us to Mary Blair, best known for her concept art for Disney in the 60's. Sadie and Stauney discuss her work on Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella, as well as her unique art that led to murals, it's a Small World, and other distinct styles throughout the parks that still influence the art of Disney today. There isn't a lot known about her, but her story and influence is worth celebrating.
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This week, Stauney and Sadie are diving into a century-long institution today that has faced a myriad of controversies and scandals... The Miss America Pageant. After watching the Hulu documentary "The Secrets of Miss America," we wanted to spotlight the racism, sexism, body issues, and mental health that exist within this giant organization. We talk about the history, the problems, and the different accounts of the documentary, and then discuss whether or not this is something worth saving.
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This week, Sadie tells us all about Lesley Gore, the pop sensation in the 1960s with hits like "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me." As a teenager, her heartfelt voice and relatable songs made her famous. But she was more than just a singer; she was also a strong advocate for women's rights and a gay pop icon later in her life. Stauney and Sadie explore her journey from a young pop star to a champion for equality, looking at her music, her impact on culture, and her lasting legacy as both a talented artist and a pioneer for women's empowerment!
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This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into the resurgence of gay pop and highlight the stars who are bringing it back into the mainstream. We explore how women's songs about women have evolved, and how the absence of the male gaze has paved the way for some of our all-time favorite artists. Join us as we introduce you to Chappell Roan (our queen), Peach PRC, Fletcher, Renee Rapp, MUNA, and Boygenius, along with a shout-out to other artists who have been capturing our hearts.
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This week, Stauney introduces us to the infamous and iconic Julie d'Aubigny. Also known as Mademoiselle Maupin, she was a remarkable figure in 17th-century France, celebrated for her exceptional talent as an opera singer and her prowess as a duelist. Stauney and Sadie discuss her young start to defying societal norms, mastering fencing, winning high-profile duels, and dressing in pants, and then dive deeply into her personal life, featuring daring romantic escapades, multiple affairs, and even joining a convent to rescue a lover (in which arson and faking death might have also been involved). Despite the chaos surrounding her, d'Aubigny achieved immense success on the stage of the Paris Opera, where her powerful contralto voice captivated audiences. Her legacy remains a testament to her fearless independence and extraordinary artistic abilities!
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This week, Stauney and Sadie explore the second half of the women behind The Beatles. In part two of this episode, we delve into the focus on the women who supported The Beatles, often at great personal cost, and great criticism.
We discuss Paul McCartney's first significant girlfriend, Jane Asher, an accomplished actress, and their broken engagement, and his first wife Linda Eastman, a photographer and musician, who is also often blamed for the break-up of The Beatles. Next, we look at Ringo Starr's marriage with hairdresser Maureen Cox and their messy affairs and divorce, followed by his marriage to actress and model Barbara Bach, who aided greatly in his substance abuse recovery.
These incredibly talented and accomplished women deserve their time in the spotlight, showcasing their significant contributions to the success of the famous London band. Check out last week for the women behind John and George!
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This week, Stauney and Sadie explore the iconic muses behind the most famous band of all time: The Beatles. In part one of this episode, we delve into the band's early days and eventual breakup, touch on the global phenomenon of Beatlemania, and then focus on the women who supported The Beatles, often at great personal cost.
We discuss John Lennon's first wife, art student Cynthia Powell, their tumultuous secret relationship, as well as his later, controversial love, multimedia artist Yoko Ono, who is often blamed for the band's split. Next, we look at George Harrison's relationship with model and photographer Pattie Boyd, celebrated as one of rock and roll's greatest muses, followed by his marriage to poet and producer Olivia Arias, who literally saved George's life during a home invasion.
These incredibly talented and accomplished women deserve their time in the spotlight, showcasing their significant contributions to the success of the famous London band. Tune in next week as we continue with the women behind Paul and Ringo!
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This week, Sadie introduces us to the best selling living woman artist in the world, Yayoi Kusama. With 90+ years of life focused on her artistic exploration inspired by a troubled childhood and hallucinations, she has built an empire beyond any explanation. Sadie and Stauney discuss her troubling beginnings, her artistic ideas being stolen by some of the most famous names of the 60's, and her eventual triumph in the age of social media as her vast "worlds" of mirrors, dots, and color send the viewers into a different world. She is the perfect example of how determination and variety can lead you to success.
TW: Mentions of abuse, mental health issues including depression and suicide attempts, and Trypophobia.
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This week, join Stauney and Sadie as they discuss the intricate history and inherent biases of the daily crossword puzzle. A staple of American leisure since the 1920s, the crossword has evolved significantly, reflecting shifts in societal norms and what's considered 'common knowledge.' Despite its enduring popularity, the puzzle often overlooks the experiences and contributions of women and minorities. Our hosts delve into the crossword's implementation, its strategic roles during wartime conflicts, its technological transformation in the 1990s, and its current standing in the digital age. Tune in to explore how this beloved pastime has both shaped and been shaped by the changing dynamics of our society.
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