Advanced TV Herstory
168 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 30 ratingsFinally, a podcast that studies, analyzes and celebrates women in TV. Thousands of comedies, variety shows and dramas have aired, yet the presence of strong women – both in front of and behind the camera - is an experience we need to understand better and embrace.
With an eye to aligning the leadership lesson, time capsule observation or fascinating backstory of a show’s success or failure, my goal of Advanced TV Herstory is to connect the treasures of the past to the great potential of today’s TV and online platforms. Tomorrow’s success is rooted in understanding what has come before us. So gear up for a little sociology, economics, strategy, storytelling and fun.
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Episodes
The Honeymooners' Feminist Audrey Meadows
January 01, 2018 18:25 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBAssociate Producer Monica Rivera shares her deep interest in The Honeymooners & it's nothing short of amazing. Hear about how it so richly influenced this Gen Xer’s urban upbringing and how Audrey Meadows' "Alice" to Jackie Gleason’s "Ralph Kramden" - was another unsung talented feminist from TV’s first generation. Rivera also produces "You Wanna Do What?" a podcast that challenges listeners to step up and realize their dreams.
Designing Women's Earnest NYE
December 28, 2017 01:51 - 29 minutes - 41 MBAmerican TV storytelling sometimes struggles with a good New Years plot. Or it did until Linda Bloodworth-Thomason fired up her typewriter in 1989 to deliver the January 1, 1990 episode of Designing Women entitled “The First Day of the Last Decade of the Entire 20th Century.” It is pure art, as performed by the four original actresses: Dixie Carter, Delta Burke, Jean Smart and Annie Potts. It’s written by creator and showrunner Linda Bloodworth Thomason, directed by co-creator husband Har...
Gift Giving Recs for TV Fans
December 10, 2017 15:15 - 9 minutes - 8.84 MBStill pondering what to get that hard-to-buy-for TV fan in your life? This podcast has your back, walking you through 5+ great gift ideas used in producing past episodes. All are classics or discuss classics! Designing Women, Diana Ross, Sports Night, a book about the making of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Kim Field's just-released autobiography, Blessed Life.
Kim Fields Interview: Blessed Life
December 09, 2017 20:26 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBThe Facts of Life & Living Single fans, enjoy a candid walk down memory lane in this interview with 40 year TV veteran Kim Fields. From parenting to finding voice, confidence and strength in this demanding world, our conversation covers it all, yet still leaves more to be discovered in her just-released autobiography, Blessed Life.
Debbie Allen Shapes A Different World
November 14, 2017 00:45 - 1 hour - 92.1 MBA few decisions transformed "A Different World" from a struggling, rudderless sitcom to the classic it became. Much of that was due to Debbie Allen stepping in as creative force and aligning the set, characters and plots to align more closely with an authentic Historically Black College & University (HBCU) experience. Listen to the University of Michigan's nationally recognized Dr. Robin Means Coleman recount her research, which is found in essay form within Beretta Smith-Shomade's book Wa...
[Elizabeth] Taylor Made Monday
October 17, 2017 02:25 - 24 minutes - 34.7 MBSouthgate Media Group podcast marathon, Elgin, IL Feb. 26, 1996 CBS Monday night line-up, 4 women-centric sitcoms Elizabeth Taylor's "Black Pearls" perfume line launch The Nanny, Fran Dresher, 3rd season - directed by Dorothy Lyman Can't Hurry Love, one season, starring Mariska Hargitay and Nancy McKeon Murphy Brown, 8th season episode co-written by Diane English and Sarah Dunn High Society, one short season starring Mary McDonnell and Jean Smart. Cross promotion genius
[Elizabeth] Taylor Made Monday
October 17, 2017 02:25 - 24 minutes - 34.7 MBSouthgate Media Group podcast marathon, Elgin, IL Feb. 26, 1996 CBS Monday night line-up, 4 women-centric sitcoms Elizabeth Taylor's "Black Pearls" perfume line launch The Nanny, Fran Dresher, 3rd season - directed by Dorothy Lyman Can't Hurry Love, one season, starring Mariska Hargitay and Nancy McKeon Murphy Brown, 8th season episode co-written by Diane English and Sarah Dunn High Society, one short season starring Mary McDonnell and Jean Smart. Cross promotion genius
TV Women in Wrestling Ring: PodSlam Live Recording
October 13, 2017 19:30 - 40 minutes - 56 MBSpecial live taping at Chicago's iO Theater, PodSlam is a fundraiser for pediatric cancer (Connor's Cure) & the V Foundation Women wrestling on TV, frequent plot during the 70s & 80s; good vs. evil, Americans vs. Russians Physical conflict, agency, defense, aggressiveness - all real aspects of life that we SHOULD be able to see women on TV express. Resurgence: Netflix series GLOW (2017) Vintage: Laverne & Shirley, season 3 episode 2; The Bionic Woman, season 2 episode 3; Dynasty, sea...
Esther Rolle's Hope for Good Times
September 18, 2017 17:20 - 31 minutes - 44.3 MBIt was the late 1970s and Norman Lear and Tandem Productions were on a winning streak. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams draws the family tree of hits All in the Family, Maude and Good Times. Good Times, which aired 1974 to 1980 broke ground in many ways and Cynthia ties its development to a 1965 Federal Report: “The Negro Family: The Case for National Action." Before Good Times hit production, there was controversy over the Evans' family structure: single mother or nuclear family Listen in to hea...
BSG's Laura Roslin Shattered Stereotypes
September 16, 2017 01:06 - 1 hour - 89.8 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores an international understanding of American feminism with Austrian cultural studies student Julia Krassnik. Julia has studied Susan Sontag's 1972 article on stereotypes and applied it to the timing and ensemble cast of Battlestar Galactica, which aired 2004-2009. Cynthia and Julia discuss the Roslin character's defiance of stereotypes and her interest in power, leading a team through uncertain times and situations.
Sarah McLachlan's PSA: Angels, cats & dogs
August 17, 2017 01:40 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBIt changed the use and capacity of a Public Service Announcement (PSA). Tune in to hear host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explore wow the ASPCA landed famed-Canadian feminist singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan and her hit, Angel. Cynthia details the record-setting amount raised by the PSA effort and explores the tactics that raised visibility, yet invited discord.
Year 2 Recap & A Look Ahead
August 05, 2017 12:16 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBLessons learned in 2 years Holidays that appear in TV plots: Christmas, not Mothers Day Themes: Woman's right to make her own health care decisions (Sissy Spacek's TV Movie & China Beach) Daytime dramas & spectacles (Agnes Nixon, Levine's book & "Vulture Culture") Careers & Legacies (Latina actress Marlene Forte, ventriloquist Shari Lewis, awesome feminist Dinah Shore) Writer for TV (interviews with Susan Silver and April Smith) Politics as seen in Geena Davis' Commander in Chi...
TV Writer April Smith on Lou Grant, Cagney & Lacey and storytelling
July 19, 2017 18:19 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomed April Smith to Advanced TV Herstory, to discuss writing quality plots from a woman's point of view, side by side with men in the writers' room. Novelist April Smith got her start telling stories on TV for award winning shows like Lou Grant, Cagney & Lacey and Chicago Hope. She highlights her career that began writing short stories in Boston, but found her way to Los Angeles through help from friends. Series featuring April Smith's work include James at 15/1...
Women Who Reported Watergate
July 02, 2017 20:18 - 38 minutes - 53.7 MBBarbara Walters, Lesley Stahl and Connie Chung are the women who reported on the Watergate Scandal for the national news networks. That's the headline, says host Cynthia Bemis Abrams. Cynthia reviews the representation of women in journalism and how Walters ascended from Washington bureau to co-anchor of The Today Show. She later explains how Lesley Stahl and Connie Chung built strong careers out of opportunities created by Affirmative Action. Resources: Audition: A Memoir by Barbara...
A podcast about Girlfriends (2000-8)!
June 25, 2017 01:41 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBUPN's strong line up of African-American centric programming in the late 90s & 00s. Tracee Ellis Ross led ensemble cast Discussion with podcasters Stephanie Williams and Elizabeth Ajunwa of Let Go Let Flo
Shari Lewis & Lamb Chop's Impact on Kids TV
June 05, 2017 20:39 - 57 minutes - 79.1 MBFor more than 45 years, ventriloquist Shari Lewis (1933-1998) educated and entertained audiences on TV. Lamb Chop, Charley Horse and Hush Puppy taught us simple humor, conflict resolution and a host of essential social and cognitive building blocks. Children's mental health professional Dwight Hurst joins in the conversation about this talented woman's evolving career. Hurst produces The Broken Brain podcast which can be found on the Core Temp Arts Network.
Twilight TV Career of Joan Crawford
May 20, 2017 13:39 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams interviews Bryan Johnson, the force behind the wildly successful niche fan site "The Concluding Chapter of Joan Crawford." Cynthia and Bryan discuss the careers of aging Hollywood stars, as depicted FX's "Feud: Bette and Joan." They go on to list Crawford's late career appearances on TV and why she chose to step back from the public eye.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
Mother's Day Without Carol Brady
May 07, 2017 13:15 - 35 minutes - 49 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams has long thought of Florence Henderson's role of Carol Brady as having a worldwide effect. Every year at Mother's Day, Florence Henderson (1934-2016) sits atop every TV blogger's list. Cynthia finds Henderson's 2012 memoir, "Life Is Not a Stage: From Broadway Baby to a Lovely Lady and Beyond" fascinating. Henderson tracks her humble beginnings, to Broadway, clear through to her extensive television career.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
Hot Pants in Hollywood
April 23, 2017 22:35 - 45 minutes - 63 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Susan Silver, writer for TV's "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Maude" and "Square Pegs" and other projects to talk about her memoir, "Hot Pants in Hollywood: Sex, Secrets and Sitcoms." Susan shares her path to becoming a TV writer and the supportive environments she encountered.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
Romper Room's Miss Sherri & Thalidomide
April 18, 2017 15:04 - 28 minutes - 40 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams connects the television dots of the status of birth control, abortion and regional children's programming that led Sissy Spacek to produce the made-for-TV movie "A Private Matter." Cynthia creates the context of the popular Baby Boom children's show, "Romper Room" which in the Arizona market featured Sherri Finkbine as the "teacher." Finkbine was prescribed Thalidomide to relieve symptoms of morning sickness. The remainder of the true story is nothing short of tragi...
Ten Years of Women & Hollywood
April 02, 2017 16:12 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams connects the television dots of the status of birth control, abortion and regional children's programming that led Sissy Spacek to produce the made-for-TV movie "A Private Matter." Cynthia creates the context of the popular Baby Boom children's show, "Romper Room" which in the Arizona market featured Sherri Finkbine as the "teacher." Finkbine was prescribed Thalidomide to relieve symptoms of morning sickness. The remainder of the true story is nothing short of tragi...
On-Air Power of Curry & Pauley
March 20, 2017 01:43 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams walks through the deep details of two powerful moments in morning news television. Audience favorites Ann Curry and Jane Pauley were unceremoniously dismissed from The Today Show for questionable reasons which Cynthia sees looking an awful lot like misogyny. Cynthia reviews the relationship between Ann Curry and network golden boy Matt Lauer. as well as the Bryant Gumbel spin on Jane Pauley's 1989 departure. Cynthia brings the topic of careers and power plays to the...
China Beach Tackles the Topic
March 05, 2017 07:43 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams names "China Beach" (1988-1991) as the best-written and best-acted series ever. The expensive series about the Vietnam War as seen through eyes of American women is truly timeless. Cynthia provides a deep review of "Holly's Choice" from third season, which featured Ricki Lake as Holly, the donut dolly (aid worker). Drama unfolds in reverse, a powerful writing tactic if it executed well, which it was. Cynthia explores the many layers of meaning that stories of war of...
Talking Persistence with Marlene Forte
February 22, 2017 21:25 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomed Cuban-born actress Marlene Forte to talk about her career and progress for Latinx performers and creatives. Marlene speaks candidly about her persistence in advocating for herself and others, and to rise beyond crying mother and beaten up girlfriend roles written for women of color. Cynthia and Marlene close out the chat with themes of persistence, friends and representation.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
Guest on "Let's Chat!" with Chris Revill
February 13, 2017 19:14It was really fun to talk TV and the women in and of TV with Chris Revill on his popular podcast "Let's Chat!" Chris is a consummate host. At the end of the visit, he got to do the production - which is the podcast equivalent of doing dishes. Enjoy!
Daytime Drama's Place in Herstory
February 08, 2017 16:49 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams chats with television scholar and author Dr. Elana Levine, of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee about the role of daytime dramas in television's evolution. They focus on the impact women writers and producers had in initiating story lines that were not seen in prime time such as divorce, infidelity, prolonged sicknesses and the changing values of generations.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
TV's Smiling Feminist: Dinah Shore
January 27, 2017 00:51 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the feminist legacy of Dinah Shore, who claimed she wasn't a feminist. Cynthia charts Dinah's early years, her radio career and the (then-radical) stands she took to ensure Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and other black performers received respectful treatment and airtime on TV and radio. As a woman with connections, she leveraged power in the 1950s that was rare. Cynthia goes on to explain how again Dinah leveraged her position to become the godmother to w...
TV Fashion Trend Setters
January 08, 2017 21:01 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MBGuest Ann Rosenquist Fee, MFA, a fashion observer, blogger, author/editor & arts non-profit executive Influence from TV to fashion merchandising and design 60s Patty Duke, Barbara Stanwyck, sew at-home patterns 70s Susan Dey, Cher 80s Christina Applegate & where are all the young women on TV? Did they just disappear? 90s Cast from A Different World, Robin Roberts, 00s Ally McBeal cast teaches us the professional workplace no longer has just one uniform; Hillary Duff as Lizzie McG...
Bewitched's Holiday Ep "Sisters at Heart"
December 14, 2016 02:47 - 22 minutes - 30.5 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams recounts an important and progressive holiday episode of the series, Bewitched, which aired 1964 to 1972. Cynthia first details background on how the series's development, with its Hollywood veteran Elizabeth Montgomery, along side two actors who played her mortal husband, Darren. Montgomery was married at the time to William Asher and both served as the series producers. Cynthia provides details of how the story treatment landed on the desk of noted woman televisio...
Daytime Storyteller & Showrunner Agnes Nixon
November 26, 2016 21:47 - 27 minutes - 38.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams talks with media studies professor Elana Levine, PhD of University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee about the remarkable career of daytime drama showrunner and writer Agnes Nixon. Cynthia and Elana discuss the influences and education at Northwestern University that led Nixon to become a prolific and guiding presence for daytime programming.
Geena Davis as Commander in Chief (2005-6)
November 05, 2016 15:00 - 28 minutes - 39.9 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes a deep look at a series that only ran for a single season, 2005-2006, Commander in Chief. Cynthia recounts how it aired during the Bush administration and is one of the few characters who, as a woman vice president, ascends to presidency. Without revealing spoilers, Cynthia weighs in that the writing and plots offer a quality balance of sinister and good, as the lead character, played by Geena Davis, is a woman (wife, mother and daughter) of power surrounded p...
Maude: TV's Timeless Feminist Icon
October 15, 2016 22:30 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams digs into the highly original and occasionally controversial character of Maude Finley of "Maude," a series that was spun off from "All in the Family." Cynthia details Bea Arthur's theatrical chops and reputation that made her Lear's top choice for the role. Cynthia also touches on the controversial topics explored by the series and why it became a sought-after cameo role for big name stars.
Unsinkable Rosie O'Donnell
October 07, 2016 20:35 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams offers up a biographic profile of TV's "EveryWoman" Rosie O'Donnell. Cynthia details O'Donnell's humble beginnings and her early comedy roles in sitcoms that landed her a part in the film, "A League of Their Own." Cynthia provides background into the occasionally controversial, award-winning talk and variety show O'Donnell hosted 1996-2002 and her distinctly American interest in celebrity.
Daytime TV's Vulture Culture
September 18, 2016 23:28 - 44 minutes - 61.7 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams discusses daytime (audience-participation) shows from the 1990s and 2000s with media studies experts Kathalene Razzano, Loubna Skalli. Skalli, Razzano and their colleague Christine Quail, analyzed and cataloged the genre for their book, Vulture Culture: The Politics and Pedagogy of Daytime Television Talk Shows. Cynthia, Kathalene and Loubna look at the themes of Maury Povich, Jenny Jones and Judge Judy that can readily be categorized as misogynistic. Many of the "r...
Salute to TV's HS Teachers
August 28, 2016 00:09 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams goes back-to-school to profile television's women high school teacher characters. It's a harder list to conjure up than one might think. The highlight reel goes back to the 1950s for characters that represented one of a few "respectable" careers available to women. Cynthia provides extra attention to extraordinary performances, positive messaging and quirky style and a special tip of the hat to the clever and progressive "Room 222."
TV, Women & Politics with Susan Silver
August 08, 2016 00:33 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes noted television writer Susan Silver to discuss American politics and presidential campaign coverage from the broadcast and cable news programs. Cynthia and Susan showcase women reporters and analysts, during the campaign that features the first woman candidate from a major political party.
A Year's Reflection on TV Herstory
June 15, 2016 03:26 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams begins the tradition of reviewing each year of podcasting, in this case, her first. She recounts the challenges of research, assumptions and listener engagement. As a leadership consultant and adjunct professor, Cynthia believes in reflection of past work, celebration of accomplishment and putting forth some prediction and plan for the future.
Angela Bassett Leads ER's Final Season (2008-9)
May 13, 2016 20:06 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the 15th (final) season of NBC's "ER" and the accomplished Angela Bassett's presence as a lead character of the ensemble cast. The drama begins with exposition of department staff turnover and Cynthia details the workplace culture and tone set by Bassett's character, Dr. Cate Banfield. Over the course of the 9 month plot, Cynthia explores the well-crafted backstory that guides the complex and intense Banfield character.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams
Murphy Brown Gives Birth (May 1992)
May 08, 2016 14:40 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBTV Herstory was made for a number of reasons in 1992, when CBS' Murphy Brown proceeded with an unplanned pregnancy. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the controversy around the months-long plot line. Cynthia provides the seminal moments that include the celebrated, late actor Colleen Dewhurst as Murphy's mother Avery Brown, then-Vice President Dan Quayle's comments about Murphy's story arc and perception of fatherhood and the poignant performance by Candice Bergen AND her hair.
Early ER's Lewis & Hathaway
April 22, 2016 22:59 - 33 minutes - 31 MBER - award winning and new concept medical show Sometimes, it just has to be done. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams revisits "ER" to determine how well it's held up after its original run., Cynthia was a big fan of the writing and all-star cast and initially had a positive impression of the representation of women in medical profession. Cynthia profiles the characters of Carol Hathaway and Susan Lewis from the series' early years and is disappointed to find some missed opportunities for a more prog...
Women Who Influenced Early MTV
April 10, 2016 19:28 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams enjoyed researching how MTV launched careers beyond the original five VJs. Talented women creatives had a new outlet at the intersection of video, musical and visual arts. MTV's rise came as cable TV's coverage of middle America plugged MTV directly into consumer living rooms. Decades later, Cynthia observes, sexism in the industry is rarely discussed. She profiles of women on the business side, agents of performers and video artists.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams Resource...
I Believe Anita Hill
March 24, 2016 11:46 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams provides a short but detailed briefing on how and why Anita Hill became an instant household name. From the nationally televised hearings of the U.S. Senate's Judiciary Committee Hearings on the nomination of Judge Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court, Hills frank statement about sexual harassment and toxic work environments was a booster rocket for cable's C-SPAN. Hill's prepared statement ranks 69 in American Rhetoric's Top 100 Speeches of 20th Century. Cynth...
70s Lady Private Eyes - Drew, Columbo & the Angels
March 06, 2016 01:27 - 51 minutes - 47 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams walks through the high and low points of women television detective characters. Detectives followed the emergence of women in title roles of series, which happened at the same time feminist milestones Title IX and the campaign to ratify the ERA was changing American society. High points include Pamela Sue Martin's walk out on the "The Nancy Drew Mysteries" (1978) set, the 13 episodes of "Mrs. Columbo," the spin off from an unseen character from the series "Columbo."...
Patty Duke's Place in Herstory
February 24, 2016 19:01 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams recorded this file just weeks before Anna "Patty" Duke's unexpected death. Duke, winner of an Academy Award, multiple Emmys and honored (pre-Tonys) for her Broadway performance of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker," performed for 60 years holds many important places in TV herstory. Cynthia recounts the impact the actor's 1987 best selling memoir "Call Me Anna" had on understanding and removing stigma around mental health. Duke candidly discussed bipolar disorder/m...
FLOTUS on TV: Roosevelt & Ford
February 08, 2016 00:11 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams concludes, "it's all in the sound!" Cynthia's research began when she was reading about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who was a pioneering and prolific communicator. While not often on TV unscripted, Roosevelt appeared on Frank Sinatra's show in 1959 and recited a poem in a voice that sends chills up a spine, as a distinct American voice and sentiment. Just 15 years later, Betty Ford, unapologetic feminist catapulted to the role of First Lady. Cynthia details how the...
Women of Super Bowl Halftimes
February 02, 2016 21:06 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBUnscripted viewing of highlights of Super Bowl Halftime Shows t Performances by 6 women, all available on YouTube. Omitted performances by major artists: Tina Turner, Mary J. Blige, Brittany Spears & Carol Channing because they either performed as a medley of talent or in the case of Ms. Channing, the video just isn’t available. 1982 with the Up With People performance. 1992 was the salute to the Winter Olympics that concluded with a performance by Gloria Estefan, 1996 Diana Ross ar...
Designing Women 1, Bodyshaming 0
January 23, 2016 16:50 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams chats with Wendy Burns-Ardolino, PhD and author of "TV Female Foursomes and Their Fans" about an important episode from "Designing Women." The plot for "They Shoot Fat Women, Don't They?" was a result of months of tabloid headlines asserting that showrunner Linda Bloodworth-Thomason was not getting along with star Delta Burke. Rumors circulated that Burke's weight gain had become an issue and that she was becoming increasingly "difficult to work with." Cynthia and W...
4-Female Theory and Living Single (1993-8)
January 13, 2016 18:28 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Wendy Burns-Ardolino, PhD and professor at Grand Valley State University (MI) to discuss her study of the four-female character construct found in television sitcoms. Burns-Ardolino's research and interest led to her authoring her 2015 book "TV Female Foursomes and Their Fans." Cynthia and Wendy walk through a number of sitcoms presented in the book, including The Golden Girls and Living Single. Wendy details the many different ways Yvette Lee Bowser, "Livi...
Lucille Ball's Humility & Pride
January 05, 2016 22:52 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBNo podcast on women in television is complete without a long hard look at the life and career of Lucille Ball. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams found that even with a lot of research, Lucy left this world as a bit of a mystery. There's just not much written. Ball seemed to have kept wisdom to herself (or at least kept it closely held). Cynthia navigates Ball's public appearances and statements gleaned from available sources, finding points where Ball's humility and pride are profound. Kennedy Cente...
Diana Ross' 1983 Central Park Concert
December 02, 2015 23:12 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams puts on her leadership professor cap to wax enthusiastically about the 90 minute of video of one of the most significant concerts of the 20th century. In the early 80s, budding paid-cable channel Showtime courted new subscribers with novel streaming opportunities like Diana Ross in concert in Central Park. Cynthia breaks down Ross' on-stage leadership during a torrential rain storm and how she handled the crowd, their exit from the park and her promise to return the...