TV Cooking Show Pioneer Julia Child feat. Julie Cohen
Advanced TV Herstory
Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary director Julie Cohen to explore her career in network TV journalism and filmmaking. The conversation covers Cohen’s path to power as a storyteller, highlighting her work on films about Pauli Murray, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Julia Child. Cohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including: RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition. My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney. Every Body...
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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
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 Peace provides a generational perspective on...
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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...
info_outlineCohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including:
- RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition.
- My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney.
- Every Body (2023), a documentary about the intersex rights movement and personal narratives.
The episode also highlights Julia Child’s pioneering influence on television and women’s roles in professional kitchens. Cohen discusses Child’s legacy as a feminist figure and the impact of her political activism, particularly regarding reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
The Power of Storytelling in Documentaries
- Why she chose to spotlight Pauli Murray, RBG, and Julia Child
- Challenges in structuring historical narratives into compelling film stories
- Overcoming obstacles in starting and funding documentary projects
Julia Child’s Television Legacy
- How Julia Child revolutionized TV cooking shows
- The impact of her work on modern food media figures like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Rachael Ray
- Her hidden activism and why her political legacy is often overlooked
- The feminist undertones in Child’s career and influence on women in professional kitchens
Behind the Scenes of Every Body (2023)
- How Cohen approached the intersex rights movement in her documentary
- Personal stories shared in the film and their broader significance
Julie Cohen's Films:
- Julia (2021): https://imagine-entertainment.com/documentary/julia/
- The Path Forward (2024): https://deadline.com/video/the-path-forward-trailer-julie-cohen-mo-husseini-documentary/
- My Name is Pauli Murray (2021): https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/sep/15/my-name-is-pauli-murray-review-the-legacy-of-a-fearless-campaigner
- RBG (2018): https://www.magpictures.com/rbg/
- Every Body (2023): https://www.focusfeatures.com/every-body
To book a screening of A Path Forward : https://grasshopperfilm.com/(grasshopperfilm.com) . By Spring 2025, it will be available on paid streaming channels, including Apple+.