80s TV Ladies

80s TV Ladies

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson Language: English Episodes: 115
Remember those iconic women from television who defined an era? 80s TV Ladies revisits the groundbreaking, often delightfully campy, female-driven series that filled our living rooms with big hair and even bigger personalities. Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson, under the 134 West banner, aren't just offering nostalgic recaps. They dig into the fascinating stories behind how shows like "Murder, She Wrote," "Kate & Allie," or "Designing Women" were actually made, examining the creative forces and network battles that brought them to air. Each episode explores how the politics and social climate of the 1980s shaped these narratives, and conversely, how the characters and stories themselves pushed cultural conversations forward, often in a complex dance of progress and tradition. This podcast celebrates the legacy of these programs while honestly assessing their place in history through that "two-steps forward, one-step-back" lens. It's a deep, engaging listen for anyone who loves television history, cultural analysis, and the powerful, complicated women who made the decade's TV so memorable. The show's quality is underscored by its recognition as a 4-time Podcast Awards winner and a Webby nominee for Best Indie Podcast. Tune in for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that go far beyond the opening credits.
Episodes
Our Favorite Episodes of It's A Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
“Life’s not the French Riviera; life’s not a charity ball…” – theme song by George Tipton & Leslie BricusseSusan and Sharon wrap up their thoughts on “It’s A Living” with a global look at everything “IAL” -- from their t…
It's a Living with Paul Kreppel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:46
“Sonny Mann is a guy with great talent -- but no taste” – Paul KreppelContinuing their deep dive into “It’s A Living”, Susan and Sharon sit down with beloved Tony award-winner, actor and director Paul Kreppel, known to 8…
It’s A Living with Jane Espenson and Drew Z. Greenberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:26
"You could tell that they were afraid the show was too sexy..." - Jane EspensenSusan and Sharon start their look back at the under-the-radar 1980’s comedy “It’s A Living” with modern-day TV writer/producers Jane Espenson…
80s Fashion with Costume Designer Eilish Zebrasky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:57
“On Sundays, I couldn’t wait for Monday.” – Eilish Zebrasky, Head of Wardrobe for Aaron Spelling.Susan and Sharon get all dressed up and strut their stuff with legendary 80s TV and Film costume designer Eilish Zebrasky.…
Talking 9 to 5: The TV Series with The Kulturecast's Chris Stachiw [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:36
Tumble out of bed/and stumble to the kitchen/pour yourself a cup of ambitionAnd yawn and stretch and listen in as Susan and Sharon talk "Nine to Five": The TV Series with podcaster and founder of Weirding Way Media, Chri…
Striking 9 to 5: Union Strong with WGA Strike Captain Katherine DiSavino [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:25
“What do we want? Fair Pay! When do we want it? NOW!”The 80’s TV Ladies fast-forward from the 1980s to the RIGHT NOW – for a special "breaking news" episode about the ongoing 2023 WGA Writer’s Strike that is having a maj…
Gay 90s (and 80s): The Rainbow Remix with Denise Warner & JD Danner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:33
“To be able to see it represented on TV means so much to a young mind."Susan and Sharon continue their celebration of Pride Month by welcoming JD and Denise, hosts of "The Rainbow Remix", a podcast featuring LGBTQ lifest…
Say Gay: 70s, 80s and 90s Queer TV with Matt Baume [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:24
What did Queer representation look like in 70s, 80s and 90s television? Could you say gay?Susan and Sharon kick off their Pride Month celebration with author, podcaster and video maker Matt Baume. His latest book, “Hi Ho…
Advanced TV Herstory w/ Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:54
In Part Two of our conversation with Cynthia Bemis Abrams, host of the “Advanced TV Herstory” podcast, we continue our discussion of feminism in American culture and its effect on television as we delve into sports, poli…