More Than A Muse Sadie Anderson, Stauney Hansen

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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney delves into the story of Mata Hari, a Dutch woman who rose to fame as a captivating exotic dancer and later became a prominent courtesan in France, only to be coerced into espionage during World War I. Stauney and Sadie discuss her tumultuous life, her romantic struggles, her remarkable career, and the tragic misrepresentation that ultimately led to her execution by firing squad, unfairly scapegoated for France's wartime setbacks. With her tale often misunderstood, it's a poignant opportunity to celebrate a woman of resilience and dignity amidst profound adversity.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices