She Ran Away With the Circus: Miss Lala, Lillian Leitzel, Mabel Stark and more.

This week, Stauney and Sadie dive into one of history’s juiciest literary conspiracy theories: Was Shakespeare… a woman? For centuries, scholars have debated whether the man from Stratford-upon-Avon actually penned the world’s most famous plays — or if “William Shakespeare” was a pseudonym hiding someone else entirely. In this episode, we explore the provocative Atlantic article that reignited the theory that Shakespeare may have been a woman — possibly Emilia Bassano — and the heated responses that followed. Join us as we unpack the authorship debate, the knowledge embedded in the Bard’s work, and what it meant to be a female writer in the 16th century. Was Shakespeare a woman ahead of her time… or just a man with an incredible quill? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on More Than a Muse, Stauney and Sadie explore the rich history of cross-dressing in the arts—from ancient traditions to modern pop culture. From Shakespearean heroines and Mulan’s legendary disguise to drag, wartime subversion, and gender-bending on stage and screen, cross-dressing has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, survival, and self-expression. Join us as we discover how artists have used fashion to challenge norms, blur boundaries, and expand what it means to perform gender. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the extraordinary life and legacy of Frida Kahlo — the artist who turned her body, heartbreak, and political fire into radical self-portraiture. Frida's life was anything but ordinary, from her tragic accident at 18 to her iconic fashion, her tumultuous love story with Diego Rivera, and showing up in her bed at her gallery opening. We explore the evolution of her artistry, her connection to surrealism (whether she liked it or not), her fight against fascism, and the cultural forces that both revered and misunderstood her. Join us as we meet the real woman behind the myth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Stauney and Sadie step into the ring to uncover the stories of extraordinary circus women like Miss LaLa, the aerialist who defied gravity; Lillian Leitzel, whose daring acts made her a legend; strongwoman Katie Sandwina; tiger trainer Mabel Stark; the conjoined singers Millie and Christine McKoy, the lives of May Wirth, Lavinia Warren, Annie Jones and how their artistry, spectacle, and strength often masked a deeper story of exploitation, objectification, and resilience. Join us as we discover how, from sideshows to center stage, these women balanced performance and survival in a world that marveled at their existence while profiting off their bodies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dusty Springfield was one of the most powerful voices in pop music—and one of the most complicated women behind the scenes. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie take a closer look at her career, her image, and the emotional weight of being a closeted queer woman in the spotlight. From her iconic sad ballads to her private struggles with identity and perfectionism, Dusty’s story is one of longing: for love, for freedom, and for control over her own life and legacy. Join us as we break down her biggest hits, her influence on modern music, and why her story still matters today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by Stephanie Elizondo Griest as we discuss her up upcoming book "Art Above Everything: One Woman’s Global Exploration of the Joys and Torments of a Creative Life" releasing on June 10th. We discuss her background as a writer, the process of the book, the struggles that come with being a women and an artist, and of course, the overarching question "is art worth everything we give up for it?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re diving into the origins of Recession Pop, the artists and songs that defined the genre, and the complicated question of whether this shiny, broke-girl aesthetic still works today. We explore what could make post-recession pop feel meaningful (mental health, real stakes, charitable impact) and when it just feels like rich people playing dress-up. Spoiler: Going to space might not be the move. Plus: our favorite recession pop anthems, what defines authentic pop in hard times, and if we can expect bangers alongside our bankruptcies the rest of this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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