The Damsel Dialogues

What do Lady Tottington from Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Wererabbit, Jenny Bennett from Monster House, and Elsa Van Helsing from Frankenweenie have in common? 

At first glance, not much, except that they are not the leads of their movies. But closer inspection shows us that they are each in a story that halts and stammers and explodes due to mob mentality. Groupthink. Mass delusion. When angry and scared people come together, terrible things can happen. Join us as we give these women their due while exploring what mob mentality is, and how it affects humans. Spoiler alert: It affects us really, really easily. Add in an exploration of Mary Shelley and the creation of Frankenstein, the history of werewolves and wererabbits (yes, there is actual history for the latter,) and a peek into the original Frankenweenie short film, and you've got episode 4 of The Damsel Dialogues Season 2: DAMSELS OF DEATH!

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When this world feels oppressive, mean or cruel (gee, what's that like?) it's tempting to imagine another world to which we could escape. Stories like Coraline and James and the Giant Peach mirror those fantasies in a magical, and sometimes grotesque, way, and allow us to envision what could be. There's the good: Giant insects that demonstrate real friendship, a wise cat guide...And there's the bad: A narcissistic spider witch of Romanian lore who traps her prey using their deepest desires, for example. Come along with us as we explore the mythology and legends behind the women of Coraline and James and the Giant Peach, and imagine what could be behind the portal in your own hidden worlds. 

SFX/Music by Zapsplat.com

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A ghost is said to be stuck on this mortal plane due to that ubiquitous phrase, "Unfinished Business." They are trapped, unable to move into the next phase because of something that happened while they were alive. Come with us in our inaugural episode of Season 2, The Damsels of Death, as we explore the unfinished business of Emily in The Corpse Bride, and Aggie Prendergast in Paranorman. Learn about the real origins of witches and zombies, and explore how film has used and changed these concepts to create the pointy hat wearing cacklers and lurching corpses we now know so well. Dig under the surface with us as we learn both Victorian and Jewish death rites, and enjoy the lighter side as we swap fun facts about the production of these two delightful Halloween movies. Welcome to Season 2 of The Damsel Dialogues!

Music and SFX by Zapsplat.com

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Disney really stepped up their game in 2021 when they produced an entire animated feature from home, in quarantine, during a worldwide pandemic. For our final episode of season one, we are discussing Raya and the Last Dragon, a tale of learning to trust again after betrayal, and the absolute need humans have to rely upon each other in order to grow and live freely. These lessons are always relevant, but even more keenly so in the midst of the turmoil we are all experiencing. Join Sarah as she delves one last time into the origins of a princess and the production of her film, and continue on with Jessica as she explores what it means to trust again when trust has been shattered. Raya and Namaari are our final princesses, and what a pair help us finish off season one. 

"I have crossed the horizon to find you. I know your name. They have stolen the heart from inside you. But this does not define you. This is not who are you are. You know who you are."

These lyrics and the entirety of Moana illustrate the importance and beauty of truly seeing someone for who they are. Whether in regards to the island of Motunui seeing Moana's true gifts and destiny, or Moana being able to see the truth behind Te Ka's anger, this gorgeous movie holds up empathetic connection as true heroism. Join Sarah as she explores the true myths of the god Maui, and the inspiring production behind Moana, and then come with Jessica as she explores the way this film deals with trauma, truth and connection. 

For the First Time in Forever, we are doing TWO princesses in ONE episode. If you have a problem with that, just Let it Go.

Ok, I'm done.

If you haven't guessed already, this week's episode features Elsa and Anna from the absolute juggernaut of princess movies: FROZEN! Come learn about how Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" inspired the film, and the majestic level of work and time and technology that went into this film, particularly the scene in which Elsa builds her ice fortress. Then join us as we explore how birth order among siblings affects their psychology, and the way attachment styles do the same. Maybe when someone is "cold," they are actually self-protective and scared. Elsa and Anna give us so much to talk about psychologically that it could be a whole other podcast! But for today, join us as we find true sisterly love with the ladies from FROZEN.

SFX & Music by Zapsplat.com

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The Tale of Princess Kaguya is yet another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, and boy are there many. This one has the distinction, however, of being conceived and written by Isao Takahata, Mayao Hiyazaki's partner in crime. This was the only film Takahata got to make with Studio Ghibli, and the work spanned decades due to his-- creative -- management style. But in the end, the film was gorgeous, and delved into what it means to be human, and all of the emotions and expectations that go along with it. Sarah will explore the history of the original fairy tale: The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, as well as the development of the film. Also, since a Japanese nursery rhyme forms the emotional thesis of the film, our game time tests Sarah's knowledge of our common nursery rhymes. DO YOU KNOW YOURS?

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What do you get when you cross a middle-grade chapter book, an all-star cast, and an adorable mouse? 2008's The Tale of Despereaux, of course! In this rat and mouse infested "tail," we meet two human girls: Princess Pea and Miggery Sow. Their portrayals are rife with stereotypes, and contrast sharply with the well-developed rodents who serve as our protagonists. Sarah will go into the history and production of the film, and Jessica will explore the implications of implicit bias, and how assumption, especially when subconscious, affects lives. And don't forget, GAME TIME! WHAT FOOD WOULD YOUR KINGDOM HONOR, AND WHAT WOULD YOUR MAGICAL FOOD ASSISTANT LOOK LIKE?

Some SFX provided by Zapsplat.com

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In the early aughts, Walt Disney Entertainment tried to step outside of the musical fairytale box they had so successfully built for themselves. Their goal was to use the silver screen to go from Fantasyland to Adventureland! The result? Atlantis: The Lost Empire. While not a success in its time, due to many factors that Sarah delves into in this episode, this film did introduce us to Kida Nedakh, a warrior princess who desperately wants to save her people and culture. There is debate about the film's presentation of a white-savior narrative, and whether the depictions of Kida and the other women in the film are empowering or merely lip service-- and Jessica will delve into all of these questions. (And get a little heated in the process.) Most importantly of all, though, can you recognize Friends quotes when they are translated into Atlantean?

SomeBODY once told me that Shrek changed the face of animated movies in 2001. They were right! Join us as we discuss the movie that went from outcast to superstar, borne from Jeffrey Katzenberg's well-earned anger at Michael Eisner. 

So. Much. Drama. 

Fiona is a princess unlike any we've seen -- she showed us that Happily Ever After can look different from the usual, and that being yourself is the most beautiful thing to be.  Learn about the different forms of stigma, and how this movie actually is used to TEACH the concept to psychology majors in universities. Then see if you can name all the references in this movie-- there are a whole lot. 

Be an All-Star, and join us in honoring Fiona!

Hayao Miyazaki was, by all accounts, a genius and a trailblazer. Princess Mononoke is an animated masterpiece that forces its audience to question the relationships between humankind, nature and spirituality. Needless to say, this film is not our standard fare, and we couldn't be prouder to feature it in this episode. Meet Princess San, a woman raised with the wolves, who must grapple with her animalistic and humanistic contradictions. She is fierce, she is loyal, and she is, by all accounts, a badass. The star-studded American voice cast is the focus of Game Time, while the film's rich artistry, depth and portrayal of different kinds of female strength is the focus of our discussions. This is Princess Mononoke. 

Has a song ever transported you back to a time in your childhood? What is your "Once Upon a December?" Join Jessica as she delves into the magic that is memory, and the way Anastasia demonstrates our brain's ability to hold, hide and release things from our pasts. The 90's was obsessed with the concept of repressed memories, and Anastasia was a fantastical and gorgeous way to explore the concept. Of course, an episode wouldn't be complete without a GAME TIME! We'll have some olfactory fun as Sarah makes sense of certain scents. What smells trigger memories for you? Come finish out our exploration of Anastasia with a Journey to the Past, through memory. 

HAVE. YOU. HEARD? The Grand Duchess Anastasia is our princess du jour, and we could not be more excited. Fox's first foray into animation was a big swing, and the results speak for themselves. This film required a 2-parter because of the sheer depth and breadth of the (unspeakably tragic) history behind the very real Romanov family, so join Sarah on a winding, dramatic, and often devastating, Journey to the Past. Follow it up with a discussion of the production and release of the film, and reacquaint yourself with the princess who helped us all to wonder if we, too, could be royal. 

Whether a princess the size of a thumb, or one who changes into fowl in the evening, 1994 was a great year for animated princesses. This week we are discussing the latter, a lady who consistently stands up for herself despite getting her feathers ruffled: Odette from The Swan Princess. Spawning countless sequels, The Swan Princess was a little film that did a lot for animated musicals. Join us as we explore the history of the tale, the making of the film, and the lessons Odette taught us-- intentionally or not. Transform your moonlit evening (or your commute to work) with The Damsel Dialogues and Odette, of The Swan Princess. 

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Time for our tiniest princess thus far: Thumbelina. Don Bluth's 1994 gem is not well-loved by critics, but is deeply loved by the ones who grew up with it. There is so much to appreciate about this magical, musical exploration of how learning to do what's best for yourself is a difficult but crucial step in growing up. Sarah explains the development of Thumbelina's story and production, and Jessica discusses how Thumbelina mirrors, in fabulous fairy tale fashion, the stages every child goes through as they become their adult selves. Let us be your wings as we give some love to this sometimes troubling, but often gorgeous and sweet tale of being tiny but mighty. 

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Oh, the drama. The making of Thief and the Cobbler (or Arabian Knight, depending on the version to which you’re referring) is a roller coaster, more so than any other film we’ve covered this season. Yes, even Black Cauldron. Princess Yum Yum is a gorgeous, smart, proactive princess, but her story has been lost among the betrayal, disappointment and theft that permeated the production and release of her movie. So we are here to reintroduce the world to a fantastic princess who has political aspirations and eyelashes for days. Also, to shake things up, Jess tackles the history, and Sarah does the psychological implications. This episode is one for the books!

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DIDN'T THEY ALREADY DO SNOW WHITE?!

Not THIS one, Damsels. The 1993 (in the USA) animated feature "Happily Ever After" was all about Snow White after her princely kiss. Sounds fascinating, no? Well, hang on. This Filmation Studios adventure is less psychological deep dive into the fallacy of happily-ever-after, and more a Saturday Morning Cartoon featuring gender-swapped dwarves and a grumpy smoking owl. Learn about the studio's legal struggles with Disney, the brilliant idea to do a series of Fairy Tale sequels, and the voice cast that far outshines the final product. Then join us as we ACTUALLY explore the concept of "happily ever after," and why humans seem to treat romance as magical, but everything else in life as requiring hard work. 

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Jasmine showed kids a whole new world of what a Disney Princess could be. Her awareness of her own sexuality prompts debate— is she an empowering or problematic example for young girls? Jess and Sarah discuss the ways that Jasmine is strong, independent and intelligent, and that her sexuality is just one more part of that. Come explore Jasmine’s legacy for young girls just learning who they are, and how they can fight back against expectations set upon them. She is NOT a prize to be won, and neither are they. Also, GAME TIME! What do YOU look for in a mate, and does it match up to what mating psychology tells us?

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The incredibly sassy and courageously independent Princess Jasmine is the focus of this week's episode. She was part of the famed Disney Renaissance of the 90's, and holds the title of the first DPOC-- "Disney Princess of Color.” Join us on a magic carpet ride for part one as Sarah discusses the origins of the story of Aladdin, the production of the film, and the reactions (both favorable and not) to the final product. An episode about Princess Jasmine: your wish is our command!

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Belle, Part 2, is HERE!  In pop culture media discussions, "Stockholm Syndrome" is often thrown around when discussing our Belle and her relationship with Beast. But, is that an accurate diagnosis? Come with us as we discuss the very real questions Beauty and the Beast poses: Can someone change a person? Is that something we ever want to try to do? And, of course, what would we diagnose Gaston with? 

Our second two-parter is here! Be our guest for part 1, as we explore the origins and development of our favorite funny girl: Belle, from Disney’s Beauty & The Beast. The success of The Little Mermaid put pressure on Disney to keep their game strong, and BOY did they ever. Sarah will examine the various possible origins of the story, the paradigm-shifting development of this intentionally feminist princess, and the international success that followed. It’s a story of determination, inventiveness, persistence, tragedy and triumph. Come be part of the adventure in the great wide somewhere — the one that gave us our beloved Belle.

We're back with another lesser known princess, Princess Irene from The Princess and the Goblin.  While the film may be a small story of goblins and miners, this little lady helps us learn a lot about how we handle belief and privilege.  Join us as Sarah takes us through the mines of the history and production of the film, and Jess shines light on the psychological and social implications of the film.

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For this episode we meet a less famous, but no less fabulous, princess.  Princess Camille from Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland is feisty and smart as a whip,  and whether you grew up with this movie or not, there is plenty to glean from Camille's part of the story. Sarah will take you through the development of the original comic strip and the unique anime/animated film, and Jess will explore the various ways we can interpret the meaning of dreams. How we can apply Freud's and Jung's theories to both Little Nemo and ourselves? We pause in the middle for a quick "WHO WORKED ON SOMETHING AWESOME AND WORKED ON THIS MOVIE??" trivia game, and of course, include lots of laughs along the way. Join us on this slumberland adventure, and learn a little about dream theory, the importance of representation, and what it takes to hold Sarah's attention in a movie. 

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Welcome to PART TWO of our episode on Ariel from The Little Mermaid! This week, we dive under the surface and into the psychology of Princess Ariel. Jessica walks us through the Freudian concept of the ID, Ego and Super Ego, and investigates what drives Ariel and her original fairy tale counterpart. Both gals discuss how this little mermaid swam away with us, and what happily ever after means for future little mermaids. Splash around with us for Part Two: Ariel, The Little Mermaid. Follow and Interact with us on Insta: @damseldialoguespod Twitter: @DamselDialogues & TheDamselDialogues@gmail.com 

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Get excited for our first TWO PART PRINCESS! This week (and next) will be on Princess Ariel! For part one, we focus on the origin of this mermaid tale and how the animated film came to be.  With excerpts from the original Hans Christian Andersen story and quotes about the process from the creators, we dive deep into The Little Mermaid. Sarah leads us all the way to the premiere and the incredible reception of the film.  Join us under-the-podcast-sea for all the flips and twists of Part One: Ariel, The Little Mermaid.

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We continue Season 1 with Princess Eilonwy, from the oft-maligned Disney disaster, The Black Cauldron. Eilonwy may seem like a rejected princess, but she truly helped pave the way for some of the most beloved princesses to come. The tumultuous development of the character and the film really encapsulates the phrase, “It can only get better.” Sarah discusses the origin and development of Eilonwy, revealing a rollercoaster production process and a shockingly star-studded animation crew. One of these powerhouse animators is the focus of GAME TIME! CAN YOU NAME THE MOVIE EACH OF HIS ICONIC CHARACTERS IS FROM? Near the end of the episode, Jessica illuminates the way Eilonwy’s portrayal significantly differs between the original book series and the film. We’ll give you a hint: one is a feminist powerhouse, and one... is not. But while The Black Cauldron may be the black sheep of Disney animation, so much good came from this unbeloved princess and her chaotically discombobulated film. 

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Our Season 1 focus on animated princesses continues, but today we venture into unknown territory with our first NON-DISNEY PRINCESS! Princess Melisande, from The Flight of Dragons, teaches us much about the creation of our own reality, the need for both inspiration and a logical mind, and the beauty of choosing between two different guys. Join Sarah as she discusses the origin and development of Melisande and her film, and then hop in with Jessica as she delves into the truly meaningful psychological insights this animated made-for-tv fantasy provides. ALSO, WHAT KIND OF DRAGON WOULD YOU BE?

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In our fourth episode of Season 1, we focus on a very sleepy fairy tale princess that all of us grew up with. Come along as we dive into all that is Sleeping Beauty. What’s her story? Where did she come from, and where has she taken us? Research into her historical, psychological and mythological context is the name of the game.   Delve into the damsels that developed our psyches. A pinch of history, a dollop of psychology, and a sprinkle of fairy dust. And, of course, jokes.  

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       Continuing season 1 in animated-fairytale-princess fashion, we decided to cover a young woman who gets little to no recognition. Tiger Lily, from Peter Pan, is not actually a Princess, as Native tribes do not function as a monarchy. So, misnomer alert! But since she is incorrectly called a princess in the film, we thought we’d lift her up. We do our best to call out the ways Peter Pan  presented and codified racist stereotypes of Native Americans in pop culture. We wanted to give Tiger Lily some positive attention as a young Native woman, and honor indigenous peoples that continue to face prejudice, erasure and violence.  

As season 1 continues to explore the history and psychology of our favorite fairy tale princesses, it's time to go from rags to riches with Cinderella. What’s her story? Where did she come from, and where has she taken us? Research into her historical, psychological and mythological context is the name of the game. 

Delve into the damsels that developed our psyches. A pinch of history, a dollop of psychology, and a sprinkle of fairy dust. And, of course, jokes.

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Episode 1 is all about the Disney damsel who started it all: Snow White. What’s her story? Where did she come from, and where has she taken us? Research into her historical, psychological and mythological context is the name of the game.  In the first half, Sarah spins some history and delves into Snow’s origins and the development of the film. Then Jess steps in to mine the psychology of the tale from multiple magical angles: Freudian, Jungian— the gang’s all here! We finish off the inaugural episode with a game, and leave with new understanding of what Snow White can teach us, poisoned apple and all.   

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