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 desi...
Contagious Chaos: Women and the History of Mass Hysteria
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.
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1:04:45
They Killed Women, Not Witches: The Salem Trials
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.
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54:30
Screaming, Crying, Throwing Hands: When Fans Fight Back—And Win
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.
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57:02
Mic Drop: The Women Who Built Hip Hop
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.
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1:11:10
Before Beyoncé took on Country: Linda Martell
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.
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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