Advanced TV Herstory
Welcome to Advanced TV Herstory, the podcast that connects the dots of TV and feminism and American politics and culture. We tell the stories of women in TV who have had a profound impact on the confidence and aspirations of generations of girls and women. Hosted and produced by television scholar Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is more than just a podcast. It is a research-based examination of the evolution of television and women in our society. Each episode is an opportunity to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, challenge norms, break barriers, and shape the future of television and our world. In highlighting actors, leaders, and events that challenged societal norms, Cynthia provides historical context that helps it all make sense. Cynthia is committed to ensuring that the struggles, triumphs, and milestones of these women are not lost to history. Subscribe to our newsletter at www.tvherstory.com.
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Talking Sci-Fi with a Scientist: Dr. Sherry Ginn
04/14/2024
Talking Sci-Fi with a Scientist: Dr. Sherry Ginn
On location at the Pop Culture Association (PCA) National Conference in Chicago, I met with Sherry Ginn, PhD, the current PCA president. Dr. Ginn is an impressive pop culture and science fiction scholar and I’m grateful that we were able to sit down and talk about our mutual interests in television and the impact of women in society. Our discussion includes the evolution of science fiction in popular culture, the legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the problem with Dollhouse, female representation and role models, feminism, diversity, inclusion, norm breaking, and the special challenges created by male writers and showrunners in science fiction. As a tireless editor and author, Dr. Ginn combines her love of sci-fi with her expertise in neuroscience research and psychology. Her written work presents thoughtful analyses on a range of previously under-explored topics such as women in science fiction television and sex in science fiction. Dr. Ginn has written or edited works featuring Doctor Who, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Farscape, Fringe, and Dollhouse, among others. Check out the Pop Culture Association’s website below to learn more about the benefits of membership. Thanks for listening! CONTACT DR. GINN and the POP CULTURE ASSOCIATION* Website - e-mail - *formerly the Pop Culture Association / American Culture Association SELECT WRITTEN WORKS Our Space, Our Place: Women in the Worlds of Science Fiction Television by Sherry Ginn, PhD - Joss Whedon's Dollhouse: Confounding Purpose, Confusing Identity by Sherry Ginn, PhD - Power and Control in the Television Worlds of Joss Whedon by Sherry Ginn, PhD - Being a Girl with The Doctor: Essays in the Feminine in Doctor Who (Edited by Gillian I. Leitch and Sherry Ginn) - To Boldly Stay: Essays on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Edited by Sherry Ginn and Michael G. Cornelius) - The Sex is Out of This World: Essays on the Carnal Side of Science Fiction (Edited by Sherry Ginn and Michael G. Cornelius) - CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - YouTube - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social - PRODUCTION Audio - Marilou Marosz - Music -
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TV Talk Show Moment: Vivien Leigh as Herself
03/13/2024
TV Talk Show Moment: Vivien Leigh as Herself
We continue to celebrate the female voices that have provided a foundation for cultural advancement and modern discourse by featuring a rare TV talk show appearance by two-time Academy Award winner Vivien Leigh. The year was 1958. The show was “Small World,” hosted by American broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow. Appearing alongside Ms. Leigh are motion picture executive Samuel Goldwyn and British writer and entertainment critic Kenneth Tynan. Ms. Leigh, best known for her work as Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind” and Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire,” died in 1967 at the age of 53, but her legacy remains profound. And, while some of the opinions in this broadcast would be considered outdated now, you’ll hear that Ms. Leigh was not afraid to mix it up with some of the most strident male voices of her day. As always, thank you for listening. For the video version of this episode, visit @advancedtvherstory on YouTube. RESOURCES Small World, Part 1 Small World, Part 2 Small World, Part 3 Taylor Mayes - CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS AND ATVH ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - YouTube - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social - PRODUCTION Video - Nivia Lopez - Audio - Marilou Marosz - Music -
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Intimacy Coordinating feat. Daytime's Yvonne Perry
02/06/2024
Intimacy Coordinating feat. Daytime's Yvonne Perry
Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Yvonne Perry to Advanced TV Herstory. Yvonne is an award-winning actor, drama teacher, director, and intimacy coordinator. In addition to her work in film and primetime television, she originated the role of Rosanna Cabot on "As the World Turns." Yvonne’s experience in daytime TV, with its groundbreaking storylines and thoughtful intimacy handling, has informed her approach to work today. Cynthia and Yvonne reflect on the wins in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA contract, including new standards and protocols for the use of intimacy coordinators. Yvonne discusses her experience working in this emerging field and the value of providing a respectful and collaborative environment for actors, directors, and crew members. Yvonne also shares fun and informative stories from along her career path, including an important lesson she learned as Rosanna Cabot, her first kiss in front of the camera, the relationship between fight choreography and intimacy direction, what major league ballplayers think about daytime TV, and much more. It’s a lively and interesting discussion from an insider’s point of view. Thank you for listening! [February 6, 2024 - This episode has been edited to include Alicia Rodis' contribution to the field of intimacy direction and coordinating.] YVONNE PERRY Facebook - Instagram - Website - RESOURCES and MENTIONS Intimacy Directors & Coordinators - Jessica Steinrock, PhD, Instagram - Jessica Steinrock, PhD, TikTok - Alicia Rodis - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social -
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Parade of Accomplished Women 2023 - Part II
01/20/2024
Parade of Accomplished Women 2023 - Part II
In this special episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by guest co-host Ashley Pacini for the Parade of Accomplished Women 2023. Instead of a somber “in memoriam,” we’re bringing you a celebration of the talented, influential women who helped shape the television industry. In this second part of our tribute, we highlight the women of daytime, the often-overlooked creatives working behind the scenes, and—new this year—the women of reality shows. It is especially difficult to preserve the legacy of lesser-known women in an ever-expanding industry, but their influence is no less important. That’s why we consider this a call to action. We lost these women over the past year, but we must not lose the memory of them or their contributions to television history. Thank you for joining us as we honor the enduring spirit of women in television. THE REEL WOMEN Ashley Pacini on LinkedIn - Website - Tik Tok - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - AUDIO CLIPS and REFERENCES Clips have been edited for length. Remembering Jacklyn Zeman (General Hospital) - Ellen Holly on Being at the March on Washington in 1963 (Foundation Interviews) - Ellen Holly on her New York Times article “How Black Do You Have to Be?” (Foundation Interviews) - How Black Do You Have to Be (NY Times, 1968) - The Colors of Black (NY Times, 1968) - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social -
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Parade of Accomplished Women 2023 - Part I
01/15/2024
Parade of Accomplished Women 2023 - Part I
OUT in 2024 - "In Memoriam" IN - Parade of Accomplished Women This is the first of our two-part celebration of some of the talented, influential females we lost in 2023. Guest co-host Ashley Pacini of The Reel Women joins host Cynthia Bemis Abrams for this discussion. The Reel Women interviews and profiles women in the industry to increase visibility and opportunity for the next generation of women who want to work in television, film, and media. Cynthia and Ashley pay respects to the creatives who played pivotal roles in front of, and behind, the cameras. In addition to well-known names, they honor women who hustled for years as largely unheralded day players, others who stepped up to provide representation of the unseen, and several who risked their careers to speak truth to power. While we can’t feature all the remarkable women who died in 2023, we believe it’s important to highlight the contributions and careers that might otherwise go unnoticed so that they are not lost to history. Thank you for listening and be sure to tune in to the second half of Parade of Accomplished Women 2023. THE REEL WOMEN Ashley Pacini on LinkedIn - Website - Tik Tok - Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - AUDIO CLIPS and REFERENCES Sinead O’Connor - Inga Swenson - Cindy Williams - Behind the Velvet Rope Podcast - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social -
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TV Talk Shows: Hellman v. McCarthy
12/13/2023
TV Talk Shows: Hellman v. McCarthy
Welcome to the next episode in our special series on TV Talk Shows. Big talk show moments, especially the controversial ones, provide snapshots that we can use to examine our politics and culture at a singular point in time. Some of the moments we discuss in this series may be unfamiliar to you or they may seem obscure or forgotten, but that’s the point. We’re here to preserve TV Herstory. Today, when alternative facts are part of our daily life, it’s especially instructive to look back more than 40 years at a grudge match over Truth and Reputation that played out on The Dick Cavett Show in 1980 and beyond. The combatants were two opinionated, strong-willed women: playwright/author Lillian Hellman and novelist/critic Mary McCarthy. Thank you for listening to Advanced TV Herstory. I encourage you to learn more about these women starting with the resources below. RESOURCES FOR LILLIAN HELLMAN Plays: The Little Foxes; The Children's Hour; Watch on the Rhein; Days to Come Books and Memoirs: An Unfinished Woman: A Memoir; Pentimento; Scoundrel Time About Lillian Hellman: C-SPAN's American History TV episode on Lillian Hellman Rollyson, Carl (1989) Lillian Hellman: Her Legend and Her Legacy Kessler-Harris, Alice (2012) The Challenging Life and Times of Lillian Hellman Gallagher, Dorothy (2014) Lillian Hellman: An Imperious Life RESOURCES FOR MARY McCARTHY Books & Memoirs: Memories of a Catholic Girlhood; The Stones of Florence; The Group; Cannibals and Missionaries About Mary McCarthy: Kiernan, Frances (2002) Seeing Mary Plain: A Life of Mary McCarthy Brightman, Carol (1992) Writing Dangerously: Mary McCarthy and Her World Gelderman, Carol (1988) Mary McCarthy: A Life INLINE RESOURCES Theatre Talk: Hellman v. McCarthy - CUNY TV Guests: Dick Cavett, Roberta Maxwell, Marcia Rodd Hosts: Michael Riedel, Susan Haskins CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - X (Twitter) - Facebook - Bluesky Social - @cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social
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Annie Potts: Hooked on Helping
11/21/2023
Annie Potts: Hooked on Helping
We know her as Meemaw, Mary Jo Shively, Emmie Sims, and the voice of Bo Peep. But Annie Potts is hooked on helping others—she’s very hands on—and she’s here to tell us about that part of her life. In doing so, she inspires us with her commitment and challenges us to “turn the car around.” Annie’s charitable organization, The Heart Channels, provides direct support quickly and creatively to people at critical crossroads in their life. Its mission reflects what Annie witnessed growing up—that wherever there was a need, people opened their hearts and quietly stepped in to help however they could. The Heart Channels also mirrors Annie’s belief that we are one human family, no matter where on the planet we are. By opening our eyes to the needs of others, we can respond lovingly and immediately—neighbor to neighbor and heart to heart. I hope you’ll join us for this very special discussion. And please consider helping out. All donations to The Heart Channels—100%—are tax deductible and go directly to people in need. FOLLOW AND DONATE TO THE HEART CHANNELS The Heart Channels - On Facebook - On Instagram - CONNECT WITH ANNIE POTTS Cameo (all proceeds go to The Heart Channels) - Instagram - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter – Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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TV Talk Shows: The First in a Series
11/17/2023
TV Talk Shows: The First in a Series
Join host Cynthia Bemis Abrams as she launches a new limited series, TV Talk Shows, part of the Advanced TV Herstory podcast. In this first episode, Cynthia delves into a study that reveals women are more prominently featured in unscripted television shows than in scripted ones—another example of the industry’s inclination to front women in projects that are less expensive to produce. She also touches on the recent strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and representation in scripted television. Cynthia then outlines the focus of the TV Talk Shows series, which will explore the historical context, memorable moments, and surprising controversies surrounding unscripted hosts and guests. The episode concludes by acknowledging the pioneering achievements of Della Reese as the first black woman to fill in for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show and Betty White's stance against the broadcast network executives who were reluctant to feature performers of color on her 1950s talk and variety show. RESOURCES Foundation Interviews - Della Reese on Guest Hosting “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” - The Television Academy Foundation – Della Reese - “He Stays”: Betty White refused to remove Black dancer from her show in 1954 - Retro Televisions – The Betty White Show (11-29-54) - CBS Los Angeles KCAL - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter - Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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Pioneer Women Writers of TV with Annie Berke, PhD
10/10/2023
Pioneer Women Writers of TV with Annie Berke, PhD
Advanced TV Herstory’s commitment to connecting the dots of TV & feminism and American politics & culture continues with an examination of the pioneering women writers during the early days of TV. My guest, Annie Berke, PhD, is the author of Their Own Best Creations: Women Writers in Postwar Television, part of the Feminist Media Histories book series by the University of California Press. With a focus on 1949-1963, Dr. Berke’s foundational work appeals to scholars and students as well as others with an interest in gender roles, women in the workplace, and the cultural influence of women in media. Along with a review of under-studied and influential women writers profiled in the book, our discussion leads to some interesting places, including the emergence of second-wave feminism and how postwar and current-day writers share many of the same struggles. I know you’ll enjoy this fun and fast-paced episode. Thank you for listening! CONNECT WITH ANNIE BERKE Website - LinkedIn - Instagram, X (Twitter), and Bluesky - @sayanniething RESOURCES Pioneer Peg Lynch - The Broadcast 41 by Carol A. Stabile - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter - Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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WGA, MTM and Hollywood Stories with Victoria Riskin
09/12/2023
WGA, MTM and Hollywood Stories with Victoria Riskin
Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Victoria Riskin, a second-generation filmmaker with a rich Hollywood legacy. Victoria's parents—Robert Riskin, a prolific, Oscar-winning screenwriter, and Fay Wray, best known for her role in the original King Kong—were instrumental in shaping the classic years of the motion picture industry. And Victoria has crafted an impressive career all her own. She is a producer, writer, digital magazine publisher, PhD in psychology, and past president of the Writers Guild of America (WGA). She shares her experiences as WGA president and explains how power has shifted over time to the imbalance that has writers and actors on strike now in 2023. We also learn how Victoria’s father tried leveraging his success with the studios to improve conditions for writers in the 1930s, but ultimately joined the Screen Writers Guild (SWG) as an early, active member. And, on the lighter side, you won’t want to miss Victoria’s stories from her trip to China with Norman Lear, Mary Tyler Moore, Larry Gelbart, and Carl Reiner. Victoria knows Hollywood from deep inside. No doubt you’ll enjoy the interesting history and fun stories she shares with us. RESOURCES Victoria Riskin's website - Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir - Projections of America - The Last Best Year - Bluedot Living - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter - Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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Women Leaders of WGA and SAG-AFTRA
08/16/2023
Women Leaders of WGA and SAG-AFTRA
Labor Day 2023 will mark the major event of a combined strike of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Both unions are currently led by women: Fran Drescher, Meredith Stiehm, and Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. Even prior to the two union merger in 2012, SAG and AFTRA had elected nine strong and inspiring women to lead their labor causes like health and pension benefits, residuals, and managing during COVID. The WGA, first led by a woman in 2001, represents writers on a myriad of issues like credit, contracts, and benefits. Today, these unions are on strike, with primary issues of artificial intelligence to create content and fabricate performers, and how payment formulas for writers and performers will be commensurate with successful streaming. Since the WGA declared its strike and actors followed, Advanced TV Herstory has stood resolutely with all the talented creators. This episode tells of the dedication to workers’ rights and social progress within a distinct and complex business model. AUDIO CLIPS & RESOURCES Fran Drescher - Gabrielle Carteris - RCA Selectavision commercial - ABC7 in Los Angeles - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY ATVH Newsletter - Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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Year 8: TV Herstory Prepares Us for Progress
07/03/2023
Year 8: TV Herstory Prepares Us for Progress
A lot has happened politically and culturally since this podcast launched eight years ago. In this anniversary episode, I celebrate a number of wins while also reflecting on the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes. For example, Lee Grant, an Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, overcame being blacklisted during the anti-Communist era. Her resilience and courage in speaking out against injustice serve as a lesson for today. I also highlight the work of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media, which has expanded its focus to champion inclusion of the six major identities of gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, disability, age 50+, and body type in media and entertainment. In addition to looking back on some of Advanced TV Herstory’s episodes from the past year, I celebrate ATVH’s inclusion in IMDb and the anticipation of reaching a new audience. Because ATVH is not beholden to sponsors, I can proudly say that I provide an unfiltered view of both historical and current obstacles to full representation and valuation. Many of these obstacles are at the center of the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild and the use of artificial intelligence. With a commitment to recognizing the importance of representation and critical thinking in the face of rapidly changing media landscapes, I thank you for your support of this podcast over the last eight years and I look forward to uncovering and sharing more untold stories of women in the year to come. This is why I podcast. MENTIONS AND REFERENCES I Said Yes to Everything by Lee Grant - Intimate Portrait - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ATVH ATVH Newsletter - Website - Podcast Archive - Instagram - Twitter - Facebook - YouTube - PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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Those Jefferson Women with Special Guest Elva Green (Pt. 2)
06/16/2023
Those Jefferson Women with Special Guest Elva Green (Pt. 2)
In the second of our two-part episode, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues talking with Elva Green about her book, "The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back," which offers insights, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare photos from the iconic TV series. Ms. Green reflects on one of the best episodes from the seventh season of the show, which featured a tour-de-force performance by Isabel Sanford (Louise Jefferson). We listen to classic interview clips: Marla Gibbs (Florence) assesses Ms. Sanford’s contribution to the series and Ms. Sanford recounts her professional friendship with Zara Cully (Mother Jefferson). We also look back at Ms. Sanford’s 1981 Emmy acceptance speech As with other programs under the guidance of Norman Lear, “The Jeffersons” appealed to a wide audience and often tackled serious, ground-breaking subject matter. Please join us as we discuss its legacy. SHOP AND CONNECT WITH ELVA GREEN The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back Eddie Green: The Rise of an Early 1900s Black American Entertainment Pioneer Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - AUDIO CLIPS Isabel Sanford Emmy Acceptance Speech - Isabel Sanford on Zara Cully (and other castmates) - Marla Gibbs on Isabel Sanford - OTHER MENTIONS John McWhorter, PhD - The Jeffersons: And the Doorknobs Shined Like Diamonds (S7 E13) - Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured PRODUCTION Podcast Editing by Marilou Marosz - Music by Jahzzar -
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Those Jefferson Women with Special Guest Elva Green (Pt 1)
06/10/2023
Those Jefferson Women with Special Guest Elva Green (Pt 1)
In this first of a two-part episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Elva Green to discuss her book, "The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back." Ms. Green shares her personal journey as a writer and the impetus for the book, which offers insights, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare photos from the iconic TV series. Ms. Green interviewed cast and crew members, including the legendary Norman Lear and the incomparable Marla Gibbs, who—after forming a bond with the author—agreed to write the foreword for the book. Ms. Green also speaks fondly of Berlinda Tolbert, Ernest Harden Jr., and others whose willingness to share stories and contacts enhanced her research and writing. Ms. Green’s unconventional path to becoming an author began with her desire to inspire her grandson by writing about her father, Eddie Green, an early 1900s black American entertainment pioneer who achieved fame despite the challenges faced by African Americans in the first half of the last century. Listeners are encouraged to shop both of Ms. Green’s books. They offer one-of-a-kind information for those interested in entertainment, black history, and well-crafted narratives. And be sure to tune into our next episode to learn more from Elva Green and her unexpected role in preserving the legacy of "The Jeffersons." BOOKS BY ELVA GREEN The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back Eddie Green: The Rise of an Early 1900s Black American Entertainment Pioneer AUDIO CLIPS The Jeffersons: The Best of Florence - Mother Jefferson Has a New Boyfriend - Lionel and Jenny Kiss & Make Up - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured PRODUCTION Podcast Editing by Marilou Marosz - Music by Jahzzar -
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1982 Barmaids, Carla and Diane
05/10/2023
1982 Barmaids, Carla and Diane
Has “Cheers” aged well? Was Norm the norm in 1982? Was the toxic behavior in the show’s Boston-based bar a device to expose the destructive nature of misogyny or was it just a casual reflection of a patriarchal system? Carla Tortelli and Diane Chambers, the barmaids in the first season of the show, served as sparring partners for their coworkers, customers, and each other. Carla was at home at "Cheers." Diane was a fish out of water. Carla and Diane could not have been more different. But Rhea Perlman and Shelley Long, the actors who portrayed Carla and Diane, both were incredible actors with excellent comedic timing. Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes a closer at their work and celebrates their contributions as two of the strong, female characters that emerged on television in the 1980s. She discusses the interplay among the regular characters at the bar, the foundational toxic environment, and the influence of female writers and showrunners on comedies of the era. MENTIONS & REFERENCES ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Shelley Long interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNagwFVh9xs CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured PRODUCTION Podcast Editing - Music by Jahzzar -
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A Look at TV Sitcom Very Special Episodes Featuring Author/Historian Lee Gambin - Part 2
04/17/2023
A Look at TV Sitcom Very Special Episodes Featuring Author/Historian Lee Gambin - Part 2
I am very excited to share the second of a two-part conversation with author and TV/film historian, Lee Gambin. His double-volume work, "Tonight, On a Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious," provides a launch pad for our thoughtful and fast-paced discussion of the issues and activists behind TV’s “very special episodes,” which date back 50 years or more. These TV events—featuring familiar, beloved characters—mixed serious topics with comedy so effectively that, in many cases, activists were born, movements were started, legislation was passed, and minds were changed. Legendary showrunners like Norman Lear and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason used the sitcom format to normalize awareness and discussion of race relations, women’s issues, representation, discrimination, divorce, alcoholism and drug addiction, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ rights. Fronting these issues shaped our culture in ways that should not be lost to history. Join us for a discussion of the iconic episodes and the legends who made them happen, as well as how they continue to impact us today. CONNECT WITH LEE GAMBIN Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 1: 1957-1985 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-1-1957-1985-paperback?_pos=1&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 2: 1986-1998 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-2-1986-1998-paperback?_pos=3&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r Cinemaniacs - https://cinemaniacs.com.au/ SOUND CLIPS Diff’rent Strokes: The Bicycle Man (S5.E16-17) -https://youtu.be/XX-yeqTaltE Designing Women: Killing All the Right People (S2.E4) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cozd3HN6xS8 All in The Family: Edith’s 50th Birthday (S8.E4-5) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eGFuSpSn1U BOOKS / ARTICLES Norman Lear Memoir - Even This I Get to Experience - https://www.normanlear.com/the-book PERTINENT EPISODES OF ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Designing Women 1, Body-shaming 0 - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/designing-women-1-bodyshaming-0 Sports Night: More Relevant Than Ever - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/sports-night-more-relevant-than-ever Eating Disorder Movies: TV For and About Women - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/eating-disorder-movies-tv-for-and-about-women ATVH NEWSLETTER Sign up at https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website: https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcasts: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: PRODUCTION Music: Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/
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A Look at TV Sitcom Very Special Episodes Featuring Author/Historian Lee Gambin - Part 1
04/06/2023
A Look at TV Sitcom Very Special Episodes Featuring Author/Historian Lee Gambin - Part 1
I am very excited to share the first of a two-part conversation with author and TV/film historian, Lee Gambin. His double-volume work, "Tonight, On a Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious," provides a launch pad for our thoughtful and fast-paced discussion of the issues and activists behind TV’s “very special episodes,” which date back 50 years or more. These TV events—featuring familiar, beloved characters—mixed serious topics with comedy so effectively that, in many cases, activists were born, movements were started, legislation was passed, and minds were changed. Legendary showrunners like Norman Lear and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason used the sitcom format to normalize awareness and discussion of race relations, women’s issues, representation, discrimination, divorce, alcoholism and drug addiction, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ rights. Fronting these issues shaped our culture in ways that should not be lost to history. Join us for a discussion of the iconic episodes and the legends who made them happen, as well as how they continue to impact us today. CONNECT WITH LEE GAMBIN Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 1: 1957-1985 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-1-1957-1985-paperback?_pos=1&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 2: 1986-1998 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-2-1986-1998-paperback?_pos=3&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r Cinemaniacs - https://cinemaniacs.com.au/ SOUND CLIPS Diff’rent Strokes: The Bicycle Man (S5.E16-17) - https://youtu.be/XX-yeqTaltE Designing Women: Killing All the Right People (S2.E4) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cozd3HN6xS8 All in The Family: Edith’s 50th Birthday (S8.E4-5) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eGFuSpSn1U BOOKS / ARTICLES Norman Lear Memoir - Even This I Get to Experience - https://www.normanlear.com/the-book PERTINENT EPISODES OF ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Designing Women 1, Body-shaming 0 - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/designing-women-1-bodyshaming-0 Sports Night: More Relevant Than Ever - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/sports-night-more-relevant-than-ever Eating Disorder Movies: TV For and About Women - https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/eating-disorder-movies-tv-for-and-about-women ATVH NEWSLETTER Sign up at https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website: https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcasts: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: PRODUCTION Music: Jahzzar -
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Can ChatGPT Find the Essential Story in Oprah’s “The Women of Brewster Place”?
03/22/2023
Can ChatGPT Find the Essential Story in Oprah’s “The Women of Brewster Place”?
In 1989, Oprah Winfrey produced and starred in the two-part TV miniseries, The Women of Brewster Place, which was based on Gloria Naylor’s award-winning debut novel. The book, and the movie, explore a variety of personal issues and social themes faced by seven African American women who live in an urban housing project. When, just for fun, we asked the new artificial intelligence software, ChatGPT, to connect Oprah’s cultural influence with themes from the book/movie, the AI chatbot got it… sort of right. Sort of. It dispassionately summarized many of the challenges faced by the women in the story. And it mentioned Oprah’s commitment to highlighting personal and social issues. But ChatGPT failed to find the essential storyline. And it’s no wonder. The online content about The Women of Brewster Place neglects the underlying racism that’s at work when urban planners and policymakers target the destruction of specific neighborhoods in the name of progress. As long as history is “written by the victors,” the online trough that feeds artificial intelligence will prevent AI, and the people who rely on it, from making the most crucial connections of all. MENTIONS AND REFERENCES We encourage you to visit your local bookseller or library. Book by Gloria Naylor - The Women of Brewster Place -https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-of-brewster-place-gloria-naylor/1102236580 -https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-of-brewster-place-gloria-naylor/1102236580 Movie on YouTube - The Women of Brewster Place - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-XFelzSXfc People Magazine Article - Oprah Goes Hollywood - https://people.com/archive/oprah-goes-hollywood-vol-29-no-23/ Book by Carol Stabile, PhD - The Broadcast 41 - https://thereadingwarehouse.com/book.php?ISBN=9781912685424 Podcast Series (first of four) - Calculated Efforts to Preserve Power: TV Women Blacklisted - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/calculated-efforts-to-preserve-power-tv-women-blacklisted/id1014759821?i=1000445356348 Vulture Article - 30 Years Ago, The Women of Brewster Place Cracked Open the Door for Queer TV - https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/the-women-of-brewster-place-theresa-lorraine.html Vice Article - I’ve Made More Than 1,700 Wikipedia Entries on Women Scientists and I’m Not Yet Done - https://www.vice.com/en/article/z34k9e/wikipedia-pages-women-scientists-jessica-wade-stem CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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Jackie O, Michelle O, and a Backstairs Diary
02/15/2023
Jackie O, Michelle O, and a Backstairs Diary
On this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, we connect the dots between TV and feminism with American culture and politics by remembering the 1979 television miniseries, Backstairs at the White House. The series is based on the New York Times bestseller by Lillian Rogers Parks, a seamstress in the White House from 1939-1961. Parks based the book on her own experiences and on those of her mother, Maggie Rogers, who, as a maid in the White House from 1909-1939, was encouraged by Eleanor Roosevelt to keep a diary of her time serving the various first families. MENTIONS AND REFERENCES (We encourage you to visit your local bookseller or library.) Jackie Kennedy - Interview with Sander Vanocur, NBC - March 1961 - My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House - by Lillian Rogers Parks in collaboration with Frances Spatz Leighton - https://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Years-Backstairs-White-House/dp/092389196X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=my+30+years+backstairs+at+the+white+house&qid=1676494328&sr=8-1 Michelle Obama - Speech at 2016 Democratic National Convention - White House Historical Association - CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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2022 In Memoriam, Part 2
01/25/2023
2022 In Memoriam, Part 2
As we wrap up our two-part In Memoriam for 2022 by honoring women with famous names and faces, we also pay tribute to those who were less visible yet made significant contributions to TV, movies, news, and science. This celebration is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of acting as a champion for other women. Their success does not detract from our own—instead, it strengthens us all. The wonderful women featured in this episode will continue to entertain and teach and inform us for decades thanks to syndication. They are why I podcast. MENTIONS AND REFERENCES (We encourage you to visit your local bookseller or library.) Women Who Reported Watergate (July 2, 2017 podcast) Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters Kirstie Alley - List of Works Nichelle Nichols on Martin Luther King, Jr. Beyond Uhura by Nichelle Nichols Sacheen Littlefeather was a Native American icon. Her sisters say she was an ethnic fraud Louise Fletcher Wins Best Actress: 48th Oscars (1976) Dizzy & Jimmy by Liz Sheridan Reeling Back by Michael Walsh CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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In Memoriam: TV's Broadway and Music Women (part 1)
01/06/2023
In Memoriam: TV's Broadway and Music Women (part 1)
Our In Memoriam episodes have become an annual tradition. As the universe of known, talented women in TV gets larger every year, so too does the number of women that we honor. In this first of two episodes, we highlight some of the women of music and theatre who made significant contributions to our culture and society. We lost some very big names in 2022, but as you’ve come to expect with these episodes, we also celebrate the talent and achievements of those who were not quite thought of as a “big name.” REFERENCES AND MENTIONS In Memoriam: Angela Lansbury / MSW Pat Carroll: Gertrude Stein was never a bore Debbie Allen Shapes a Different World Olivia Newton-John - the Making of “Physical” Olivia Newton-John on Murphy Brown Erica Gimpel on Twitter: @ericagimpel CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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Kids' TV Pioneers Shari Lewis and Lambchop featuring Mallory Lewis
12/12/2022
Kids' TV Pioneers Shari Lewis and Lambchop featuring Mallory Lewis
Mallory Lewis joins host Cynthia Bemis Abrams for a fun chat about her book, Shari Lewis and Lambchop: The Team That Changed Children's Television. Mallory's book, published by University of Kentucky Press in fall 2022, is a collection of stories from Shari's childhood and career as a businesswoman and multifaceted entertainer. While Shari Lewis died from cancer in 1998, Lambchop continues to charm audiences with the help of her sister, Mallory. FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW YouTube: GET THE BOOK Shari Lewis and Lambchop: The Team that Changed Children’s Television by Nat Segaloff and Mallory Lewis UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY PRESS Watch for the documentary, Shari and Lambchop, to be released in 2023. CONNECT WITH MALLORY TikTok: @yourfavlambchop Website: Facebook: CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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In Memoriam: Angela Lansbury / MSW
11/28/2022
In Memoriam: Angela Lansbury / MSW
We celebrate the creative life and career of Angela Lansbury with Bridget Kies, Assistant Professor of Film Studies and Production at Oakland University in Michigan. From MGM contract player to Tony-winning Broadway star to her role as Jessica Fletcher on Murder, She Wrote, Lansbury’s long and impressive career has touched generations of film, TV, and theatre goers. Professor Kies' work has been published in numerous academic journals and edited collections. She is co-host of the Cabot Cove Gazette podcast and in 2023 will publish a book about Angela Lansbury and Murder, She Wrote. Cabot Cove Gazette - Clip from S. 4, E. 20 Showdown in Saskatchewan.
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Year 7: A Brief State of the Podcast
08/20/2022
Year 7: A Brief State of the Podcast
Celebrating the podcast's 7th complete year, Cynthia revisits highlights of the past year, muses on the state of TV and streaming today, and preaches the wisdom of owning physical copies of your favorites. CONNECT WITH ATVH AND CYNTHIA ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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Top Rate TV Liza
06/19/2022
Top Rate TV Liza
Liza Minnelli is celebrating 50 years since Cabaret, her big break film.TV revealed of Liza's talents as well as her love of performing which was not always detected on film. Cynthia spotlights Liza sharing the stage with Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Muppets, Goldie Hawn, Robert Plant, Guns & Roses, Shirley MacLaine and Diahann Carroll in a host of formats that showcased her dramatic, dancing and singing. Resources include: Lorna Luft's Me and My Shadows The Judy Garland Show Christmas Special The Muppet Show (Nov. 1979) Copacabana clip The Dangerous Christmas of Red Riding Hood, or Oh Wolf, Peter Wolf UK Daily Mail interview about the early days of HIV/AIDS CONNECT WITH ATVH AND CYNTHIA ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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Women of The Americans
04/14/2022
Women of The Americans
Cold War espionage with an 80s feminist touch - The Americans (FX, 2013-2018) gave us a new form of anti-hero in Elizabeth Jennings, played by Keri Russell. Cynthia and guest author Linda Mizejewski discuss the award-winning series' women, its commitment to accuracy and the bold approach of depicting spies as real people. Linda Mizejewski's book The Americans, published by Wayne State Press Slate's podcast series on The Americans Advanced TV Herstory episode on Viewers for Quality TV CONNECT WITH ATVH AND CYNTHIA ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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In Memoriam 2021
01/24/2022
In Memoriam 2021
Cynthia recounts the lives and careers of talented TV women who died in 2021. While some died unexpectedly of disease, the long list features names of women who worked well into their golden years. Join this celebration of their impact on TV and come away with renewed energy to cheer on the amazing women in your own circle, while they're still around. The list includes Betty White, Cloris Leachman, Jessica Walter, Cicely Tyson, Markie Post, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. CONNECT WITH ATVH AND CYNTHIA ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/advanced-tv-herstory Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/tvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory/featured
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Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Pt. 2)
10/22/2021
Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Pt. 2)
This is the second of 2 episodes featuring a deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about 1983's Showtime worldwide stream of Diana Ross' concert in a summer deluge.
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Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Pt. 1)
10/17/2021
Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Pt. 1)
This is the first of 2 episodes featuring a deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about 1983's Showtime worldwide stream of Diana Ross' concert in a summer deluge.
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Carrie Fisher's Genius & These Old Broads
08/05/2021
Carrie Fisher's Genius & These Old Broads
Cynthia delves into deep Hollywood history to help listeners understand and love Carrie Fisher's genius effort of the made for TV movie (2001) These Old Broads.
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