More Than A Muse

Today we are talking all about the world of cinema, and one of the oldest and biggest award ceremonies surrounding it all... The Academy Awards, nicknamed 'The Oscars' after the little statue they hand out as awards to talented directors, actors, designers, and more. We discuss the history of the awards, their complete lack of diversity, and how they've been called out numerous times for consistently giving their awards to white, and predominately male professionals. We also dive into some of the historic moments and talk about this year's award moments and record-breakers. Episodes like this: Women who fashioned the Met Gala, History of the Grammy's, The Art of the Olympics, Shirley Booth, Lina Wertmuller, Hollywood Starlets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney dives into the mysterious story of Vivian Maier, a nanny who took tens of thousands of street photos throughout her life... and never showed anyone else a single picture. She spent her life taking pictures all throughout Chicago and New York, and even went on an international trip and documented the whole thing with her camera and remained unknown until someone bought her film in a storage unit auction, and quickly gained notoriety. Maier's images, which often showcase the people and architecture of urban America, have been praised for their composition, subject matter, and depth of emotion. Today, Maier is considered one of the most important street photographers of the 20th century. TW: We do briefly mention and talk about child/sexual abuse Episodes like this: Gertrude Käsebier, Lina Wertmüller, Pearl Lenore Curran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout history, fashion has been an integral part of the feminist movement. From Bloomers and Suffragette colors to Pussyhats, the way individuals have dressed has been a large declaration of their rebellion against society's standards for them. This week, we talk all about the waves of feminism as seen through the clothes of the protesters and the influences that had on society. We also talk about the very recent and ongoing situation in Iran with the compulsory hijab and the death of Mahsa Amini. Episodes like this one: A Brief History of Western Feminism How to Help Iranian Women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In February, we delved into "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith. It was such a beautiful read and really opened our eyes to the amazing contributions black women have made to pop music throughout history. We chat all about it and share our favorite moments with you, but didn't stop there! We also take some time to dish on the Grammys and all the controversies that went down for this year's award show. Episodes like this one: Grammy Recap, History of the Grammy's, Beyonce Part One, Beyonce Part Two Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raise your hand if you have ever been like totally accused of sounding like Cher Horowitz?!! Don't worry, us too. In this episode, we tackle the unfair discrimination against women's language patterns, such as up-talk, filler words, and vocal fry. Despite being used equally by men, these features are often stigmatized as unprofessional and unintelligent. However, research shows they can indicate higher emotional intelligence and empathy, qualities valued in leadership and relationships. We also explore the role of young women in driving linguistic innovation, and how this reflects broader social and cultural changes. We also examine the impact of these biases on women's opportunities and advancement and their depiction in pop culture. Women are like, totally ahead of the currrveee, and it's about time we started acting like it. Episodes like this one: Fangirls, Was Shakespeare a Woman?, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadie introduces us to Florence Price, an accomplished African-American composer who persevered despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the early 20th century and became the first black woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. We discuss her early talent and affinity for classical music, her prestigious and accomplished education, and the hidden symphony in an abandoned house that placed her back at the forefront of American history. TW: we do discuss racism in the early south Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we delve into the rich history of women's pictures and explore the evolution of romantic comedies or "chick flicks". From their glory days when they ruled the box office with huge celebrity names to the "dry spell" that they went through in recent years. We'll examine the various factors that led to the decline of the rom-com genre and the cultural shift that left these films relegated to the background. But hold on, as we might be in the midst of a resurgence of rom-coms and chick flicks! With streaming platforms leading the charge and big names making a return to the genre, we'll discuss how these films are once again capturing the hearts of audiences... including ourselves. Episodes like this: Jane Austen, Fan Girls, Female Film Tropes, Romance Novels, Book-Tok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stauney introduces us to Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley. Born into slavery and working as early as age four, Elizabeth dealt with the injustices of physical and sexual abuse, feeling the full brunt of the rampant racism in early U.S. History. However, Elizabeth would rise far above her birth to go on to buy her and her son's freedom, start a dressmaking business and employ 20 other women, and then spend four years as the personal modiste to Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady of the United States and wife of 16th President Abraham Lincoln.  Episodes Like This One: Lil Hardin Armstrong, Women Artists of the Olympics Follow us on Instagram @morethanamuse.podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about the early origins of a community experimental theatre group called "The Provincetown Players" that produced some of America's best theatrical works and thrived in the Greenwich Village of New York City. They also were extremely progressive by bringing women playwrights, directors, and actresses to the forefront of the theater scene, with many of them winning Pulitzer prizes and other awards for their works. We talk about the founding and fall of The Provincetown Players and the many esteemed women who took part in it including Susan Keating Glaspell, Neith Boyce, Djuana Barnes, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Louise Bryant, and Mary Heaton Vorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Sadie introduces us to "The Mother of Modern Dance," Isadora Duncan. Known for her free-flowing dancing and choreography that began the modern and contemporary dance movement, she was truly an incredible pioneer in the evolution of dance and movement. She traveled across Europe and the Soviet Union dancing to great acclaim, taught a group of students, and raised and adopted many children before her sudden and traumatic death in France. We discuss her childhood, career, relationships, philosophy, and impact on the world. Episodes Like This One: Loie Fuller, Misty Copeland Follow us on Instagram @morethanamuse.podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices