Maude's Dilemma: Pioneering TV, Abortion Conversations and Reproductive Rights | Jennie Wetter

Maude's Dilemma: Pioneering TV, Abortion Conversations and Reproductive Rights | Jennie Wetter

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson January 21, 2026 Duration: 1:27:36
"It's interesting how relevant these conversations remain today." - Jennie Wetter

Join 80s TV Ladies hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson with guest Jennie Wetter, director of the RePros Fight Back Initiative at the Population Institute, as they explore the groundbreaking two-part 'Maude' episodes addressing abortion - Maude's Dilemma, Part 1 and 2.

They discuss the historical context of reproductive rights in America, the impact of the Roe v. Wade decision, and the portrayal of women's healthcare on television before and after its airing. The episode dives into the relevance of these discussions in today's political climate, offering insights on supporting reproductive rights. Featuring reflections on impactful pop culture moments, this conversation underscores how far we’ve come and the battles still ahead.

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Find RePROs Fight Back Podcast at Reprosfightback.com
   - FInd them on major podcast platforms and socials under "RePROs Fight Back"

Find Shout Your Abortion at ShoutYourAbortion.com
Support Abortion Funds at abortionfunds.org
Need an abortion? Go to AbortionFinder.org or Ineedana.com
Abortion pills by mail: PlanCpills.org
Lawyering for Reproductive Justice at ifwhenhow.org
Donate to TRR Foundation (started by our own Melissa!) 

Select RePROs Fight Back  episodes on Later Abortions:
Access to Later Abortion Will Always Be Needed
Everything You Need to Know about Abortion Later in Pregnancy

Watch Maude for free at Tubi TV. 
Purchase Maude on DVD via Shout Factory, now Gruv.com
Or at Ebay.  

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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

80s TV Ladies
Podcast Episodes
80s TV Legends: Golden Girls, Love Boat and Jim Colucci Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson on 80s TV Ladies, where they chat with Jim Colucci, TV writer, author, and entertainment journalist, known for his deep dive into the cultural impact of the Golden Girls.…
Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep into the beloved 'The Golden Girls' with a delightful overview and 50 fun facts about the show. Discover fascinating show details, cast secrets, and notable legacy m…
Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:33
Join hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem for an exciting episode as they take an in-depth look at the legendary 90s TV show, Xena: Warrior Princess. This episode features special guests RJ Stewart, head writer a…
Season 4 Premiere | Epic 90s Challenge: Xena vs Buffy TV Showdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
"Listeners, what would be the answer for you? Is it Buffy or Xena?” Welcome to Season Four of 80s TV Ladies with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem. In this episode, we dive into a nostalgic showdown between tw…
FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER, AND LEGENDARY LADIES | OUR SEASON 4 PREVIEW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:24
“It’s not just because it’s a masterclass in comedy or because it has one of the greatest television theme songs of all time, I think it’s because it’s about friendship.”Get ready for a brand new season of 80s TV Ladies!…