PODCAST · tv
Window Dressing
by Madelaine Jane Auble
Redemption arcs abound in this feminist-driven history-of-women-in-film-and-television podcast. Part film history, part cultural critique, and heavy with bejeweled gowns, I explore the intersections between fame, glamour, fashion, and film. And the role they have played in constructing and influencing American culture throughout the last 100 years.
Episodes
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Tupac: The Keffe D Trial
On the thirtieth anniversary of Tupac's shooting, we finally have a guilty verdict in a case that felt like a weight on the American people and the failures of our justice system for the majority of my lifetime.
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Rock of Love and Daisy of Love
Early days of VH1 reality TV
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Cruel Intentions
As Kathryn, the Marquise de Merteuil, Sarah Michelle Gellar brings new life to the role originally inked in the 1782 source material, Dangerous Liaisons. I am desperate to talk about her character's oh so sophisticated mustard and black corset and cocaine cross necklace
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AHSHANTI: BABY
Ashanti gets it
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CRASH 1996
Cronenberg's Crash has unexpectedly ignited a girl internet obsession with James Spader's unique ability to make my knees shape.
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Britney Spears Part 2
Given everything that is going on with Britney currently, or at least the TMZ version of it, it's time to look back at what has already been done to her. We can't let this happen again.
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Addison Rae
Addison Rae honors old Hollywood with her moon manicure during Coachella's first weekend. I break down more of her manifesting fashion choices in this short episode.
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SLAYYYTER $
Slayyter is indeed The Worst Girl in America, and we need her.
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Remy Bond
Remy Bond is showing us the worlds that exist in the hearts of American girls, including halters adorned with pink flamingos, vintage barkcloth Hawaiian dresses, dolphin-inspired bra tops, and Haight Street-coded bell sleeves. Her hyper-high, reaching-closer-to-god wig is giving Dolly Parton with...
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Spring Breakers
Spring Breakers is essentially a teen exploitation film and has very little of the hyperrealism of his 90s cult classic, Kids. It is quite the opposite; the Tumbler-style image montage of a film appears to be a meditation on the vacuous and the deeply problematic areas of American culture, namely...
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Wuthering Heights: 2026
Emeral Fennel’s 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights has become a cultural product of contention. The controversy has focused on the failures of her adaptation of Emily Brontë’s brilliant classic, but from the many, many things I have seen and read that adopt this stance, very few of them include...
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DOUBLE INDEMNITY: Femme Fatale 101
This week, I discuss the most well-known and reviled femme fatale in film history: Phyllis Dietrichson, played by one of the most respected and beloved actresses in American film: Barbara Stanwyck. This episode was originally aired as part of my American Trash and National Treasures series. The...
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Fiona Apple: MTV Series (VIDEO)
This week I bring you a video version of last year’s MTV Summer series. 2025 marked the end of MTV as we know it, although it is not completely wiped from the airwaves. I wanted to mark its cultural demise with a bang—more specifically, the fondled trigger of Fiona Apple’s gun. The video vixens,...
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Jessica Simpson: For The Girls
This week, I revisit my season three theme: Sirens and Gossip Rag Goddesses of The New Millennium to talk about Jessica Simpson. An obvious pick for this subject, given her harrowing journey through public humiliation, body shaming, and more than one romance that tried to define and then destroy...
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Sharon Tate: The Patron Saint of Wounded Women
In my first attempt at an all-video podcast, I reprise my season-one episode on Sharon Tate. I dive into her impact on American culture, the landscape for female crime victims, and her enduring legacy as the most beautiful woman who ever lived. I discuss the details of her most iconic role as...
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The Reckoning: Sean Combs
This week, I bring you a short bonus episode about the recently released Diddy Doc, The Reckoning: Sean Combs. It comes courtesy of executive producer Curtis “50 Cent " Jackson, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime piece of cultural commentary. I have written extensively about Diddy, in relation to...
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The Long Goodbye, a short stay with Elliott, by Madelaine
This week, I have a special treat, inspired by my house guest, Elliott the cat. Elliott has been with me for ten days, so in honor of his short stay, I am going to talk about The Long Goodbye starring Elliott Gould and his orange cat. The book on which it is based was first published in 1953 and...
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Rebecca (Fuss and Fire)
In this episode, I discuss Rebecca. The beloved book written by Daphne Du Maurier was adapted for the screen in 1940 by Hitchcock and features former Heathcliff actor, fresh from the moors of Wuthering Heights the year before, Lawrence Olivier. He plays Maximillion De Winter, the widowed…
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The Picture of Dorian Gray
In this episode of Window Dressing’s Gothic Romance series, I talk about the 1945 adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey, published in 1890. The story is as classic as a fairy tale or fable. The film features Angela Lansbury in her second film role, following her debut in the…
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Urban Legend: Halloween Episode
Welcome to Window Dressings: Halloween bonus episode!!!! This year, I am talking about the classic teen-softcore horror film Urban Legend. The film has an ensemble cast that includes Tara Reid, Joshua Jackson, Rebecca Gayheart, and everyone's favorite hot bad boy turned alleged sexual predator,...
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Keaton, Carlisle, Frank, and Madelaine
In this bonus episode of Window Dressing, Frank Calvillo (from the fabulous podcast What Ever Happened to Bette and Joan) and I discuss the late Diane Keaton. We focus on two music videos she directed for Belinda Carlisle in the late 1980s: Heaven Is a Place on Earth and I Get Weak.
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Gaslight
In this episode of my Gothic Romance series, I talk about the 1944 film Gaslight. The film is the origin of the now common use phrase that describes a type of psychological abuse typical in coercive control. I present my film critique as an alternative to the DSM- 5's definition.
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Wuthering Heights (1939)
Opening Window Dressing's short Gothic Romance series is the 1939 film adaptation of Emily Brontë's 1947 novel Wuthering Heights. Merle Oberon Plays Cathy, and Lawrence Olivier plays Heathcliff. Cathy and Heathcliff were raised like siblings, but developed a love of a more affecting type than...
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The Vindication of Kathryn Merteuil
As Kathryn, the Marquise de Merteuil, Sarah Michelle Gellar brings new life to the role originally inked in the 1782 source material, Dangerous Liaisons. I am desperate to talk about her character's oh so sophisticated mustard and black corset and cocaine cross necklace— a look that inspired a...
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MTV Summer Series: Fiona Apple
Fiona Apple's participation in and commentary on her role as an object of desire hit me like lightning when I first saw her video for Criminal. She further informed my conception of what it is to be a woman with her 1999 video for Limp. In this ending episode of my MTV Summer Series, I…
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Alicia Silverstone & Aerosmith
In the third episode of my MTV Summer Series, I discuss Alicia Silverstone and her role in Aerosmith’s 1993 music Video for Cryin', and their 1994 video for Crazy. She was 16 and ripe to become the exploitable sex pot of a new generation. But, she became a female icon for a generation of young...
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David Pajo and I talk GNR
As part of Window Dressing’s MTV Summer Series, famed musician and friend David Pajo and I chat about Guns N’ Roses. My audio is not great, so apologies in advance. This is a conversation NOT an interview. Special thanks to David for doing this with me.
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MTV Summer Series: Guns N' Roses
This week’s episode is about Guns N' Roses and the woman who inspired a trilogy of music videos from the band's 1990 double album Use Your Illusion. Erin Everly was Axl’s girlfriend, muse, and eventual wife, then ex-wife. She is half forgotten, or at least conflated with the woman who played her…
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Shelly Johnson
Shelly Johnson's episode, Played By Madchen Amick, marks my last episode in Window Dressing's Twin Peak's mini-season: Women Of The Woods. I began this series with Norma Jennings, played by Peggy Lipton. It seems apt that I end with the woman she has worked hard to support in an act of care that...
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Audrey Horne
This week on Window Dressing's Twin Peaks mini season: The Women of the Woods, I talk about Sherilyn Fenn’s character Audrey Horne. Audrey’s transformation from high schooler in red hot high heels to fully formed adult in a powder pink sweater isn't just the trajectory of Audrey, it also defines...
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What Ever Happened to Bette and Joan
I would like to recommend a new podcast by critic and podcaster Frank Calvillo. What Ever Happened to Bette and Joan looks at the later careers of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford following the success of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, exploring the variety of projects they took on and the...
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Laura Palmer & Madeline Ferguson
This installment of Women In The Woods: Window Dressing's Twin Peaks mini season is all about Laura...and her identical twin cousin Madeline.
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Norma: Peggy Lipton
Norma Jennings is the first portrait in Window Dressing's Twin Peaks mini-season: Women Of The Woods. Played by the ultimate 1960s blonde beauty, Peggy Lipton. Norma is the heart of Twin Peaks and the victim of one of the most heartbreaking and ill-fated love affairs in TV history. But it's her...
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Twin Peaks: Women of The Woods
I am pleased to announce season 4 of Window Dressing—A Twin Peaks Mini Season: Women of The Woods. David Lynch’s death affected me deeply, and I think it's time I explored the influential pop culture that was Twin Peaks. My approach will be slightly different from others, but it will be right on...
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Iggy Azalea
Rapper Iggy Azalea helped define the culture of the 2010s with her decadent figure, blonde hair, and Alicia Silverstone-inspired version of the American Dream. This week, I get into the joy of her pop culture reference-heavy music videos and the controversies and sex positivity that canonized her...
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Anora chat with Ani
This week I bring you a casual chat with my friend Ani Danielian about our mutual love of Anora. This episode is dedicated to Ani and the Oscar hopefully going to Madison. Thank you @ani.danielian (on Instagram)
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Wild at Heart
This week, I bring you yet another bonus Lynch episode, this one dedicated to lovers on the run. Wild At Heart opens like Casino and ends like True Romance, carrying the pixie dust of Tinkerbell throughout. This 1990 masterpiece is a hero’s journey if the journey was paved by the promise of the...
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Leona's Revenge with Frank Calvillo
Join me and my special guest Frank Calvillo Film critique and fellow Fletcher enthusiast to discuss the 1973 film Night Watch starring Elizabeth Taylor. The film was written by famed writer Lucille Fletcher. Fletcher brought us the 1943 radio play Sorry, Wrong Number and the subsequent 1948 film…
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I Love LA and Lynch: Mulholland Dr.
In tribute to David Lynch and Los Angeles, California, my home, I bring you a bonus episode about his 2001 film Mulholland Dr. In light of the devastating fires here in LA and Lynch’s recent death just shy of his 79th birthday, I thought now would be a good time to devote an episode to him. The...
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Megan Fox
This week I discuss Megan Fox, her status as a man-eating icon, and her very relatable experiences with abusive men. Stay safe LA LA fire resources to donate to: Red Cross: Donate to help families affected by wildfires by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or texting...
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Anora
Spoiler alert! In this bonus episode about the recent Mikey Madison film Anora, I go through the whole film scene by scene. Anora takes cues from some of my favorite crime comedies from the 1930s but performs modernity the way only a neon sign at a strip club can. I wrote this episode the day...
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Britney Spears Part 2
In my second and final Britney Spears episode I get into her divorce from Kevin Federline, custody battle, 5150, and conservatorship. I am releasing this episode on the anniversary of her January 4th, 2007 5150. I am doing this with love and respect as it falls near my own traumatic anniversary.…
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Britney Spears Part 1
Britney Spears represents the 2000s better than any other star. She was publicly degraded, shamed, and ultimately reduced to being a workhorse for her daddy. The tragedy of Britney's fame reminds us of the insidious yet clearly visible hatred of women that seems to trump even the most powerful...
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Quickie Film Review Corner: The Last Showgirl & Anora
Window Dressing’s Quickie Film Review Corner: Short film reviews of particularly special new movies. I’m starting with two in one: The Last Showgirl and Anora. Time Stamps: The Last Showgirl Anora
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Aubrey O'Day, Making The Band, & Diddy (part 3)
In the final episode of my Aubrey O'Day, Making The Band and Diddy series I discuss Danity Kane's video Bad Girl and the break up of the group. I examine Diddy's public firing of Aubrey and the slander he threw at her as an excuse for his actions.
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Aubrey O'Day, Making The Band, & Diddy (Part 2)
This is the second part of my three-part Aubrey O’Day, Making The Band, & Diddy episode. Aubrey has been vocal about who Diddy is and how he treated her and others for decades. She was demonized, dismissed, and straight up slut shamed as a result of her honesty and unwillingness to bow down to…
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Diddy Addendum
This "Diddy Addendum" episode addresses the new accusations against Jennifer Lopez in connection with Diddy's alleged crimes.
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Aubrey O' Day, Making The Band, and Diddy (part 1)
Window Dressing’s third season, Sirens and Gossip Rag Goddesses of the New Millennium starts with a deep dive into Aubrey O’Day, the MTV reality show Making The Band -that she rose to fame on, The girl group Danity Kane-that came out of the show, and Puff Daddy aka Diddy who was behind the show…
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Season 3 Teaser
Window Dressing's season 3 topic will be Sirens and Gossip Rag Goddesses of The New Millenium.
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MaXXXine
In my very special Halloween episode, I explore true crime, sex work, and media of the 1980s through the lens of this summer's horror hit MaXXXine. It is the third film in Ty West's trilogy. Maxine isn’t worried about crime, Aids, or drug addiction. She is concerned with fame, or as she says, “I...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Redemption arcs abound in this feminist-driven history-of-women-in-film-and-television podcast. Part film history, part cultural critique, and heavy with bejeweled gowns, I explore the intersections between fame, glamour, fashion, and film. And the role they have played in constructing and influencing American culture throughout the last 100 years.
HOSTED BY
Madelaine Jane Auble
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Window Dressing have?
Window Dressing currently has 85 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Window Dressing about?
Redemption arcs abound in this feminist-driven history-of-women-in-film-and-television podcast. Part film history, part cultural critique, and heavy with bejeweled gowns, I explore the intersections between fame, glamour, fashion, and film. And the role they have played in constructing and...
How often does Window Dressing release new episodes?
Window Dressing has 85 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Window Dressing?
You can listen to Window Dressing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Window Dressing?
Window Dressing is created and hosted by Madelaine Jane Auble.
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