Ch-ch-ch-changes: The 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos (Part 1)

"The more that things change, the more they stay the same... Nevertheless, we have to keep pushing forward. We have to keep moving that line forward in order to make a better tomorrow for all of us." - Sharon Johnson

Welcome to 80s TV Ladies The Winds of Ch-ch-ch-change!
In this special episode—the first half of an epic two-part spectacular—hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson are joined by their fabulous producer Melissa to talk about the massive personal transitions currently unfolding in all of their lives. With both Susan and Sharon in the middle of major moves, the ladies take a heartwarming, funny, and deeply honest look at packing up decades of memories, downsizing, and the emotional weight of nostalgia.

But a season of change wouldn't be complete without the ultimate 1980s soundtrack! The ladies kick off Part 1 of their definitive countdown of the 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos, diving into the first 13 incredible videos on their list. They explore how the golden era of MTV transformed visual storytelling, artist autonomy, and pop culture forever. From groundbreaking feminist rap anthems and synth-pop milestones to a full-blown Madonna masterclass and jaw-dropping stop-motion animation, this conversation is a sparkling, nostalgic reflection on turning the page to the next chapter.

THE CONVERSATION

- THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Sharon, Susan and Melissa discuss the nature of personal and professional transitions—navigating the "two steps forward, one step back" rhythm of life and why we must keep pushing forward for a better tomorrow.
- THE FOREIGN COUNTRY OF THE PAST: Susan opens up about packing up her home after 19 years, three kids, a house full of pets, and how digging into old boxes feels like visiting a foreign country where “they do things differently there.”
- MOVING ACROSS THE U.S.A.: Sharon shares the bittersweet reality of leaving Southern California after 42 and a half years to move back to the Midwest, explaining how she is judiciously sorting through her life to downsize into her mother's home in Indianapolis.
- CUE THE ROBIN, DEER, AND EAGLE: Producer Melissa shares an incredibly moving, cinematic story about losing her mother and brother Dougie, and a persistent red robin that visited her window in Pennsylvania alongside a herd of deer and a majestic bald eagle overhead.
- LOVELY PARTING GIFTS & PRECIOUS VHS TAPES: The ladies talk about finding new homes for nostalgia, including Sharon giving away her classic Mark and Brian radio memorabilia on Facebook and her absolute refusal to let go of her original Star Wars trilogy on VHS—because the prequels simply do not exist!
- FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE COLISEUM: Susan reminisces about discovering her oversized 1984 Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. concert souvenir tour program from her freshman year at USC, back when legendary stadium tickets were only $25. (Actually, according to the internet, the tickets cost $17.50!)
- CH-CH-CH-CHANGES (PART 1): The main event kicks off as the ladies begin their countdown of the most revolutionary music videos of the decade, highlighting how the rise of MTV reshaped the cultural landscape.
- THRILLER (Sharon’s Pick): Sharon kicks it off with the music video credited with transforming music videos into the stratosphere - and into short, storytelling films. She also talks about learning the zombie dance and how it transformed her exercise routine!
- TAKING CONTROL (Susan's Pick): Susan spotlights Janet Jackson's seminal "Control" music video, directed by Mary Lambert (no relation, though Susan wishes she had pretended otherwise!). This was quite literally the album and song when Ms. Jackson declared her independence over her career after leaving her new husband, James DeBarge, and firing her manager (and father) Joseph Jackson. A revolutionary move and...