They Killed Women, Not Witches: The Salem Trials

She’s the woman with more Oscars than any other woman in history—and the inspiration behind a fictional character in The Incredibles. This week, Stauney and Sadie are talking about Edith Head, the powerhouse designer who ruled Hollywood’s wardrobe departments for decades with her signature bob, tinted glasses, and an iron fist. From dressing Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to winning eight Academy Awards, Edith didn’t just stitch clothes—she shaped characters, crafted icons, and changed the way people were seen on screen. Tune in as we dive into her legendary career, her unexpected rise from Spanish teacher to studio insider, and how she built a brand of creative control in a male-dominated industry—one costume at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Known as "the fastest girl drummer in the world," Viola shattered expectations in the 1930s swing scene, advocated for women musicians during WWII, and kept playing drums until she was 107 years old! In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into her groundbreaking career, her fearless fight for women’s place in music, and why her legacy deserves a standing ovation today. From orchestra pits to swing bands to national television, Viola proved that talent has no gender — and no expiration date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the princesses ever graced the screen, women were behind the scenes—inking, painting, and perfecting every frame. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive into the dazzling yet demanding world of the Ink and Paint Department during Disney’s golden age. From the meticulous artistry of the Ink and Paint Girls to the trailblazing early female animators who carved a path in a male-dominated studio system, we uncover the unsung labor that brought some of Disney’s most iconic films to life. We’re talking long hours, eye-straining detail, and the color charts that changed animation history. It's time these women got the spotlight they deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before cat-eye glasses were a fashion staple, they were a radical act of design — and behind them was Altina Schinasi: sculptor, filmmaker, inventor, and unapologetic creative force. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie follow Altina’s kaleidoscopic life, from designing the iconic harlequin frame to creating politically charged art and championing social causes. A daughter of immigrants who defied expectations at every turn, Altina made a spectacle of herself in all the best ways — shaping not just how we look, but how we see. Join us as we explore the bold vision of a woman who refused to stay in the lines — and made the world a little sharper because of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of More Than a Muse, Stauney and Sadie explore the charged landscape of feminine rage and resistance through the lens of dystopian fiction and discover what happens when women are silenced, controlled, or underestimated. Join us as we explore how feminist dystopian fiction—The Handmaid’s Tale, Vox, The Power, and Red Clocks—turns voice, body, memory, and community into tools of resistance and rage. These aren’t just stories of oppression—they’re blueprints for fighting back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All throughout history, Women have ignited revolutions, challenged regimes, and reshaped societies through protest. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie explore ten powerful women-led uprisings that changed the world—each sparked by urgent demands for bread, peace, equality, or justice. From the March on Versailles and the Bread and Roses Strike to Iceland’s Women’s Day Off, the Liberian sex strike, and the Mahsa Amini protests in Iran, join us as we examine the slogans that stirred crowds, the strategies that forced change, and the legacies that continue today. These protests weren’t footnotes in history—they were turning points. This is what happens when women revolt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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