Original Media Influencer: Eleanor Roosevelt
Advanced TV Herstory
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by author Angela Beauchamp to explore how Eleanor Roosevelt, a trailblazing communicator, shaped early public affairs programming. They discuss Roosevelt's prolific media presence, from her “My Day” newspaper column and radio broadcasts to her groundbreaking television appearances. The conversation highlights how Roosevelt’s political influence extended beyond her time as First Lady, using media to engage the public and advocate for change. Angela Beauchamp shares insights from her book Eleanor Roosevelt on...
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SNL's Gilda Radner: A Life Celebrated in Film
Advanced TV Herstory
Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito pick up the conversation about documentaries, this time about Gilda Radner and the 2018 film, Love, Gilda. In fall 2024, Lisa was a guest along with Mallory Lewis to discuss the documentary, Shari and Lamb Chop. Lisa's journey from acting to filmmaking - shorts and feature length. Telling the life stories of women whose accomplishments and impact have been overlooked. Gilda's diaries about her long quest for a diagnosis. Comedians interviewed for the film like Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolf, Bill Hader and Melissa McCarthy expressed awe...
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A Trip to NYC's Paley Center: Revisiting Battle of the Sexes
Advanced TV Herstory
Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes you to The Paley Center for Media in New York City, exploring its role in preserving television history and hosting key industry events like PaleyFest. Cynthia dives into The Paley Archive during her visit, her top destination. She recounts her observations while watching the iconic 1973 broadcast of Billie Jean King versus Bobby Riggs in the historic "Battle of the Sexes." Listen in as Cynthia unpacks the significance of the archive, her first searches in the database, and her candid reactions to Howard Cosell's commentary alongside Rosie Casals and Gene Scott....
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Comfort TV: Finding Joy with Karly Beaumont
Advanced TV Herstory
Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams speaks with Karly Beaumont, creator of Core Temp Arts and contributor to TV Movie Mistress, about the comforting power of television. As a Dominican native and lifelong creative, Karly shares her journey as a podcaster and media critic, offering insights into how shows like Bluey, You're the Worst, and UnREAL are her emotional touchstones during challenging times. Cynthia and Karly probe ways to navigate this time of uncertainty, including listening to understand and recognizing signs of fear. Damian Ali of TalkTeaV contributes a timely message about inclusion...
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Shari Lewis’ Reinventions: A Documentary on Legacy and Talent
Advanced TV Herstory
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams discusses the compelling documentary Shari and Lambchop with Mallory Lewis and director Lisa D’Apolito (Love, Gilda). The film chronicles Shari Lewis' life and her constant reinvention across a variety of roles—TV show host, magician, dancer, singer, actress, author, and even symphony conductor. Featuring archival footage and interviews, this documentary uncovers the multifaceted talent of Shari Lewis, including her work as a feminist, philosopher, and visionary in children’s television. Sesame Street’s Megan Piphus...
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June and Pepper: Early 70s LGBTQ+ Allyship
Advanced TV Herstory
In the last 10-20 years, attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people in America have shifted due to more positive visibility and evolving cultural norms. Cynthia takes a look at two moments from 1970s television that revealed glimpses of LGBTQ+ allyship—a talk show moment and a 1974 episode of Police Woman. In 1970, June Lockhart appeared on The Virginia Graham Show and stopped the hostess in her tracks, pushing back on stereotypes and tropes common for the time. And the story of how a 54-year-old clip is available for viewing is its own testament to advocacy. LGBTQ+ scholar and media...
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Reliving 80s TV, feat. 80s TV Ladies
Advanced TV Herstory
I love to talk TV and I really enjoy every exchange with Susan and Sharon, otherwise known as the 80s TV Ladies. When their podcast, 80s TV Ladies, launched, they invited me to be a guest. It was a blast and over the last two years, the two podcasts have furthered a shared exploration of how women have been represented on television and the impact that representation has had on society as a whole and females, of all ages, in particular. Like Advanced TV Herstory, their show features interviews and analyzes the work of women both in front...
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Year 9: A Look Back and Ahead
Advanced TV Herstory
Welcome to our annual anniversary episode where I share thoughts on the podcast's evolution —improvements, opportunities, and what’s in store for the future. With this look back at the podcast highlights and TV moments that have taught us and inspired us, I also recommit to our mission: Connecting the dots of feminism & TV and American politics & culture. Can you believe we’re heading into our 10th year?! When I started the podcast in 2015, I wasn’t sure where Advanced TV Herstory would go. But it's important to reflect on one's work, solicit and discuss feedback,...
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Talk Show First, Della Reese
Advanced TV Herstory
Della Reese (1931-2017) was a singer, talk show host, actor, ordained minister, and much more. Her career, which spanned seven decades, was marked by faith, resilience, and her ability to break barriers in predominantly white and male-dominated industries. In 1969, Ms. Reese made history as the first black woman to host her own talk show. Almost more variety show than talk show, every episode offered an entertaining mix of sketch comedy, music, and interviews. Before her own talk show, Ms. Reese established herself as a prominent television personality by appearing and performing...
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Women Who Raise Us - A Tribute From Victoria Rowell
Advanced TV Herstory
In this special Mother’s Day episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the profound impact of women who shape our lives, with inspiration from Victoria Rowell’s compelling memoir, The Women Who Raised Me. Rowell, a two-time Emmy nominee and 11-time NAACP Image Award winner, shares her incredible journey through the foster care system and the women who nurtured her into a successful actor, dancer, and advocate. From her iconic roles on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder to her advocacy for foster children and mental health, Victoria Rowell’s story...
info_outlinePodcast Episode Plot Summary
Eleanor Roosevelt’s impact on early television was groundbreaking. Stemming from Roosevelt's popular writings and radio presence, she redefined how public figures connected with audiences. Cynthia and Angela discuss Roosevelt’s pioneering of television public affairs programming as host of shows with major guests, and remaining a worldwide cultural icon following World War II .
- Roosevelt’s transition from radio to television and the significance of her “My Day” column
- Television appearances on Meet the Press, Prospects of Mankind, and Today with Mrs. Roosevelt
- Her candid views on political figures like JFK and Richard Nixon and how those views influenced public discourse
- Behind-the-scenes details from her 1950s public affairs shows, from set designs to guest curation
This episode celebrates Roosevelt's contributions to television and her legacy as a woman who reshaped political and cultural dialogue through media.
Episode Life Lessons:
- Leadership through visibility: Eleanor Roosevelt used media as a tool for public service and advocacy.
- Persistence breaks barriers: Roosevelt’s transition from radio to television set a standard for women in public discourse.
- Cultural legacy matters: Media coverage can preserve and extend a public figure’s influence across generations.
Episode Resources
Referenced Shows and Networks:
- Meet the Press
- Prospects of Mankind (1959–1962)
- Mrs. Roosevelt Meets the Public (1950–1951)
- Today with Mrs. Roosevelt (1950)
Related Episodes:
- FLOTUS on TV: Roosevelt & Ford (1.25)
https://traffic.libsyn.com/advancedtvherstory/FLOTUSes_on_TV_-_Roosevelt_Ford.mp3
Resources:
- Media History Project https://mediahistoryproject.org/
- Eleanor Roosevelt on Screen: The First Lady's Appearances in Film and Television, 1932–1962 by Angela Beauchamp
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/eleanor-roosevelt-on-screen/
- Pastor Hall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastor_Hall
- Blanche Wiesen Cook (ER biographer) https://blanchewcook.com/
- Eleanor Roosevelt Paper's Project at George Washington University https://erpapers.columbian.gwu.edu/