More Than A Muse Sadie Anderson, Stauney Hansen

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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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.
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This week, Stauney explores the life and legacy of Sylvia Plath, a poet renowned not only for her poignant works that emerged around the time of her untimely death but also for her profound struggles with depression. Inspired by a TikTok that highlighted similarities between the imagery in Taylor Swift's latest album and Plath's poetry, Stauney and Sadie delve into Plath's artistic genius, her battles with mental health, her complex personal relationships, and the enduring impact of her literary contributions.
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This week, Stauney and Sadie are indulging, and celebrating the release of a new favorite album. We HAD to do a recap on the latest Taylor Swift release and talk about how much we love it, as well as taking some time to appreciate some of the members of the Tortured Poets Department mentioned in her anthology. We discuss the criticism and different aspects of being an artist in the public eye that would influence your creativity and work. Then we take some time to talk about the Patti Smith and Stevie Nicks references, as well as explain the history of Clara Bow, the mythology of Cassandra and Diana of Ephesus, and the women from the podcast that we think would be members of the TPD.
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