Marsha Posner Williams, Part 1 | On Golden Girls,  Emmy Wins and Being a Television Trailblazer

Marsha Posner Williams, Part 1 | On Golden Girls, Emmy Wins and Being a Television Trailblazer

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson November 26, 2025 Duration: 51:18
“Even more so than All in the Family, we had protesters outside our office... We used to keep our curtains closed because we were afraid someone was gonna throw a brick through the window.” - Marsha Posner Williams on 'Soap'

In this episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson interview Marsha Posner Williams, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer known for her work on hit shows such as ‘Soap,’ 'Benson,' 'Night Court,' and 'The Golden Girls.' Dive into Marsha's fascinating career journey as she shares intriguing and hilarious anecdotes about her experiences in Hollywood, including her connection to Marlo Thomas's fan club.

She tells us about working with Danny Thomas, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas, and Susan Harris! And shares the trials and triumphs of producing controversial yet iconic TV shows alongside Danny Thomas, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas and Susan Harris. From typing jokes and working as a hostess dancer to her involvement in groundbreaking, controversial and iconic TV shows, Marsha's story is one of resilience, ambition, and a keen sense of humor. Tune in to hear her insights on the evolving landscape of television and her contributions to the most memorable shows of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Stay tuned for more in Part 2!

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00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies
00:37 Introducing Marcia Posner Williams
01:51 Marcia's Early Inspirations
05:28 Journey to Hollywood
08:05 Struggles and Breakthroughs
11:05 First Big Break in Hollywood
20:23 Working with Danny Thomas
23:11 Unpredictability of Live TV
23:28 First Steps in Television
23:45 Working with Susan Harris
25:15 Controversies of 'Soap'
26:39 Fan Reactions and Personal Stories
32:39 Promotion to Script Supervisor
34:17 Transition to Producing
38:34 Memorable Moments on Set
46:39 From 'Benson' to 'Night Court'
47:34 Negotiating Conditions for 'Hail to the Chief'


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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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