More Than A Muse

Women didn’t just take the stage at Lilith Fair; they changed who the music industry believed belonged there. Stauney and Sadie dive into the festival that pushed back against the “one woman per bill” mentality, became a massive commercial success, raised millions for women’s charities, and still exposed some of the complicated contradictions of feminism in the ’90s. From Sarah McLachlan’s unlikely idea to the meaning behind the name Lilith, this is the story of what happens when women stop waiting for the industry to make room and instead build their own stage.
And nearly 30 years later, that blueprint is still alive. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields brought the same spirit into a new era: pairing an all-women-forward lineup with nonprofits, women-owned vendors, surprise legends, and a whole lot of joy. Stauney and Sadie explore the connection between these two festivals and ask a bigger question: What happens when activism doesn’t have to be angry, inaccessible, or serious all the time — but can be wildly successful, beautifully branded, and actually fun?
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In this episode, Sadie and Stauney cover a mix of current and nostalgic pop culture moments. They start with Olivia Rodrigo’s new song, then get into Coachella again, comparing Lana Del Rey’s minimal performance style with the expectations placed on artists like Justin Bieber. They also revisit Janet. by Janet Jackson and Homecoming by Beyoncé, talking through their cultural impact. A look back at The Devil Wears Prada leads into a conversation about how women are portrayed in media and how that’s changed over time. They wrap up by zooming out to broader cultural trends and what they reveal about how audiences think, respond, and evolve.
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In this episode, Sadie and Stauney trace its evolution from Pearl Jam’s anti-Ticketmaster rebellion to the glittering, influencer-filled spectacle it is today. Along the way, they unpack the performances that defined the desert stage—from Beyonce's boundary-pushing performance to the wildly different energies of Sabrina Carpenter and Justin Bieber.
We also discuss why some performances feel effortless while others are picked apart, and try to answer the question of whether or not we are holding women to a higher standard on one of the biggest stages in the world. From iconic moments to uncomfortable questions, this episode breaks down the festival that somehow manages to be both a launchpad and a microscope for modern pop culture.
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In this episode, Sadie and Stauney explore the moral dilemma of loving art created by deeply flawed or even abusive individuals, asking whether it’s truly possible—or ethical—to separate the art from the artist. Drawing on insights from Claire Dederer’s Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, they unpack how fandom, overconsumption, and social media intensify our emotional ties to creators, often blurring the line between admiration and complicity. The conversation challenges simplistic ideas of guilt, innocence, and “canceling,” while examining how gender biases, cultural myths like the “suffering artist,” and systems of wealth and power shape who gets forgiven and who doesn’t. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to confront their own values and boundaries, offering a nuanced, honest look at the contradictions of modern fandom and the personal ethics behind what—and who—we choose to support.
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In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the cultural aftershocks of the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal and the raw, cathartic power of Alanis Morissette’s iconic album Jagged Little Pill—two moments that helped define how the ’90s talked about women, anger, and public shame. From the media treatment of Monica Lewinsky to the way Morissette turned heartbreak into one of the most influential revenge albums of all time, we unpack how scandal, rage, and storytelling collide in pop culture. Along the way, we also revisit the surprisingly scrappy reality behind Hannah Montana’s reunion moment and the enduring mystery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art heist—the $500 million robbery that still hasn’t been solved—connecting it all through nostalgia, fame, and the stories that continue to shape how women are remembered.
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