The Woman Who Built a Masterpiece: Isabella Stewart Gardner
In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step inside the world of Isabella Stewart Gardner, the eccentric American collector who refused to play by Boston’s rules and built a museum that doubled as her personal artistic manifesto. They unpack Isabella’s life as a patron and tastemaker, her bold curatorial choices, and the unconventional vision behind Fenway Court—a Venetian-inspired home filled with masterpieces, orchids, and her own unapologetic flair.
The conversation then turns to one of the most infamous art heists in history. With empty frames still hanging on the walls as Isabella demanded, the Gardner Museum stands as both a tribute to her legacy and a reminder of the thirteen stolen works that have never been recovered.
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40:25
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40:25
The Scandalous Muse of Vienna: Alma Mahler
This week, Stauney and Sadie delve into the life of Alma Mahler—composer, muse, and one of the most controversial women of early 20th-century Vienna. We explore how her relationships with towering figures like Gustav Mahler, Oskar Kokoschka, Walter Gropius, and Franz Werfel intertwined art, love, and obsession in ways that shaped her creative identity and public legacy. Beyond her reputation as a muse to geniuses, Alma’s own musical compositions reveal a woman striving to define herself within the confines of a male-dominated world.
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42:20
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42:20
The Witch Hunt of Women in Music: From Coven to Beyoncé
In this episode of More Than A Muse, hosts Stauney and Sadie explore the fascinating intersection of witchcraft and pop culture, particularly in the music industry. They discuss various musicians who have been accused of witchcraft, including historical bands like Coven and contemporary artists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. The conversation delves into themes of hysteria, feminism, and the cultural beliefs surrounding witchcraft today. The hosts also reflect on the nature of creativity and how it can be perceived as otherworldly, linking it to the idea of witchcraft.
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43:58
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43:58
The Three Witches of Surrealism: Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, & Kati Horna
In this episode of More Than a Muse, hosts Sadie and Stauney dive into the enduring allure of witches—both historical and modern. From Sadie’s recent trip to Salem and reflections on the infamous witch trials to conversations about how social media fuels today’s digital witch hunts, they explore the intersection of outrage, activism, and empowerment. The discussion also highlights the Three Witches of Surrealism—Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, and Kati Horna—three visionary artists who fled war-torn Europe for Mexico and found creative freedom through mysticism and sisterhood. Together, they trace how the witch has transformed from a symbol of persecution into one of power, rebellion, and artistic magic.
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46:42
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46:42
Season of the Witch: From Myth to Modern Feminism
In this episode of More Than a Muse, Sadie and Stauney take a deep dive into the spellbinding world of witches - from the dark myths that shaped them to the feminist icons they’ve become. They trace the roots of witchcraft through history, folklore, and literature, unraveling how stories of broomsticks, cauldrons, and curses often reflected fear of powerful, independent women. Then, they explore how modern witches from Sabrina to The VVitch reclaim that narrative, transforming symbols of persecution into emblems of autonomy and empowerment. Tune in for an enchanting discussion on what witches reveal about society’s relationship with women, power, and the magic of self-determination.
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Welcome to MORE THAN A MUSE, a weekly podcast where we explore the lives of women artists, musicians, writers, sculptors, and more. Join Stauney (a graphic designer) and Sadie (a singer-songwriter) EVERY MONDAY as we reframe art history and pop culture with feminism, empowering women to be educated, unapologetically angry, and champion those whom history has forgotten. Through in-depth historical discussions and pop culture chats, we spotlight unsung heroines, all while challenging the status quo. It's time to remember every woman artist as 'More Than A Muse'.
Ireland