Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV

Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson September 24, 2025 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 and co-creator of the series, and Anna Schekel, an artist and lifelong Xena fan. The discussion covers the evolution and impact of 'Xena: Warrior Princess,' the chemistry between Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, and how the series became a cult classic. RJ shares insights into the show's creation, the importance of female empowerment in TV, and his new post-apocalyptic novel 'Crazy Hawk.' Don't miss this blend of nostalgia and deep dive into one of the most beloved series of the 90s.

00:02 Theme Music
00:23 Audio Note and Season 4 Introduction
01:02 Discussing Zena Warrior Princess
03:10 Interview with Anna Scheckel
05:36 Anna's Favorite Episodes and Characters
08:30 Welcoming RJ Stewart
11:04 RJ Stewart's Writing Journey
37:31 Cult Classic Status and Conventions
44:15 Discussing Creative Control and Story Arcs
47:34 Hero Protection and Character Development
48:17 The Impact of Female Empowerment Stories
50:44 Working with Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor
54:27 Navigating Industry Challenges and Gossip
55:34 The Bond Controversy and Career Reflections
58:57 Exploring Xena's Lesbian Subtext
01:07:09 Memorable Moments and Industry Insights
01:17:02 Final Thoughts and Future Projects
01:20:47 Ad-Break
01:20:49 Audioography

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Xena: Warrior Princess
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Purchase: eBay

Crazy Hawk by RJ Stewart (Book)Purchase: Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble
Audiobook read by Katie Hagaman: Audible.

See Susan at Rich's LIVE show for Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf - Final NY dates: Sept 24 and Sept 27! Get Tix at Eventbrite.


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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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