From Lucille Ball to Tina Fey, from Joan Rivers to Margaret Cho, women have been rewriting the rules of comedy for decades — and they're not done yet. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Lynn Harris, founder of Gold Comedy, to explore the legacy and future of funny women on TV. Together, they dissect the comedic influence of legends like Mary Tyler Moore, Moms Mabley, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus — and discuss why shows like SNL still present challenges for women today. With a nod to streaming, social media, and evolving industry gatekeepers, this episode dives into how women and non-binary creatives are shaping the next chapter of television comedy. Background & Mentions Gold Comedy – https://goldcomedy.com/ 1.21 – Lucille Ball’s Humility & Pride https://traffic.libsyn.com/advancedtvherstory/Lucille_Balls_Humility__Pride.mp3 6.15 – Presenting Margaret Cho https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/presenting-margaret-cho 11.1 – SNL’s Gilda Radner: A Life Celebrated in Film https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/snls-gilda-radner-a-life-celebrated-in-film Book recommendations: Joan Rivers (1986) Enter Talking and Carol Burnett (2011) This Time Together Learn more about Moms Mabley https://nmaahc.si.edu/moms-mabley TV series Ellen (1994-98) S.4, e 22 The Puppy Episode https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xnty3f WI Public Radio interview with Hacks creators https://www.wpr.org/culture/hacks-co-creators-on-their-emmy-winning-comedy-show
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36:42
The Epic Career of Connie Chung: Representation & Resilience
Look no further than TV news anchor Connie Chung’s groundbreaking career for the textbook definition of representation. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores Chung’s impact as a trailblazing Chinese-American journalist through the lens of her 2024 memoir, Connie, A Memoir. This episode revisits Chung’s rise through national television journalism, her lasting legacy, and her influence on American culture—including the surprise moment during her 2024 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where young women named Connie honored her inspiration. Cynthia also reflects on Chung’s open letter in The Washington Post, written in support of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford during the Kavanaugh hearings, and how Chung’s career helped define resilience in the face of systemic barriers. Episode Quote: “There’s no better definition of representation than the career of Connie Chung.” Resources or Mentions: Top of the Morning: Inside the Cutthroat World of Morning TV (2014) by Brian Stelter Connie: A Memoir https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/connie-chung/connie/9781668639528/ Past Advanced TV Herstory eps about Connie Chung The Women Who Reported Watergate https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/women-who-reported-watergate On-Air Power of Curry & Pauley https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/on-air-power-of-curry-pauley The Kelly Clarkson Show Nov. 2024 https://youtu.be/9j97G7bXwCw?si=oTiCc-sXcauJUkpi Chung's open letter in The Washington Post as reported in Time Magazine https://time.com/5414736/connie-chung-letter/
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20:33
TV Cooking Show Pioneer Julia Child feat. Julie Cohen
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 (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. Julie Cohen actively promotes her latest documentary, The Path Forward (2024). 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+.
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46:19
Original Media Influencer: Eleanor Roosevelt
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 Screen: The First Lady's Appearances in Film and Television, 1932-1962, detailing the evolution of Roosevelt’s on-screen presence and her pioneering role as a media influencer. Podcast 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 . Key topics include: 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/
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34:37
SNL's Gilda Radner: A Life Celebrated in Film
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 and sanctity to read Gilda's journals and writings. Lisa D'Apolito building trust with Gilda's friends and family to obtain access to preserved tapes and documents. Archiving video tape from personal collections. Lisa's interview with Gilda's widower, Gene Wilder and how the time with him was spent. The film's premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival (NYC) introduction by Tina Fey. https://youtu.be/1B44XRFotuo?si=JjYYdMIzU5iG0QHz DVD: Love, Gilda https://www.target.com/p/love-gilda-dvd-2018/-/A-90690431 Book: It's Always Something, by Gilda Radner (1989) https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Its-Always-Something/Gilda-Radner/9781439148860 Advanced TV Herstory 2024 episode on film, Shari and Lamb Chop https://advancedtvherstory.libsyn.com/shari-lewis-reinventions-a-documentary-on-legacy-and-talent Guest and Host Information Newsletter: https://tvherstory.com/ Website: https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Podcast Archive: https://tvherstory.com/ Instagram: @advancedtvherstory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory Bluesky Social: https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social Production Credits: Video Production: https://nivialopez.com/ Audio Editing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/ Music: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/
Finally, 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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