SPECIAL PRESENTATION: The Love Boat Podcast with Loretta Swit

80s TV Ladies is thrilled to introduce you to The Love Boat Podcast with this exclusive Feed Drop from The Love Boat Podcast. 

Before we set sail, we pause to honor the remarkable Loretta Swit.

Emmy-winning star of MASH, beloved guest on The Love Boat, and an icon of television’s golden age. In what would become her final recorded interview, Loretta joins Fred, Ted, Jill (and Bernie Kopell) for an unforgettable conversation about craft, chemistry, and courage. From her trailblazing portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan to her heartfelt stories about The Love Boat and co-star Bernie Kopell, Loretta reflects on breaking barriers for women in television, finding humanity in every role, and the joy of creating something that lasts.

Warm, witty, and full of love, this episode is both a celebration and a farewell — a reminder that true classics never fade. Listen to more episodes of The Love Boat Podcast and follow the podcast: https://play.megaphone.fm/dlvu8lpmsfctfxvsxfylxq


https://www.loveboatpodcast.com
https://www.instagram.com/loveboatpodcast

See The Flirt Bar concert reading in Atlanta.
Written by Susan Lambert Hatem. Songs by Amy Ray and Michelle Malone.
Directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan.

January 10-11, 2026
Synchronicity Theatre
Get tix and info at Eventbrite.

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 ”Dorothy's tale of how she and her husband ended up together implies that he slipped her something and had sex with her. Without protection… Yeah…” - Susan Lambert Hatem

Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep in this episode into the beloved TV show 'The Golden Girls,' discussing its groundbreaking impact and the not-so-great aspects. While celebrating its progressive approach to hot-button topics and its iconic cast, they discuss ten aspects they found problematic, from mean-spirited humor to racial and cultural insensitivity. The episode, inspired by a Vulture article by Steven W. Thrasher, seeks to balance admiration with candid critique, acknowledging both the show's achievements and its shortcomings. Tune in for a balanced look at one of the most iconic TV shows from the '80s, filled with both love and critique.

Wishing you all a Happy Belated Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Wonderful Holidays! May you all have a hopeful and very Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS
Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
Click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!

DECEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:
Cozy Earth (41% Off)
Old Glory (15% Off)
🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁
Code: 80STVLADIES

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Listen to Grace Anna at ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com
The Golden Girls Streaming: Watch on Hulu
Get DVDs on eBay

Vulture Article: "The Real Mud on Golden Girls" by Steven W. Thrasher
Read the article on Vulture

OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate?Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com 

Other TV Shows Referenced:Mama's Family -Mama's Family (Wikipedia)
Married with Children - Married with Children (Wikipedia)
All in the Family - All in the Family (Wikipedia)
How to Marry a Millionaire (film) - How to Marry a Millionaire (Wikipedia)

People
Brandon Tartikoff (NBC executive, inspiration for the show)
Brandon Tartikoff (Wikipedia)

Susan Harris (Creator of The Golden Girls)
Susan Harris (Wikipedia)

Charles Levin (Actor who played Coco)
Charles Levin (Wikipedia)

Steven W Thrasher (Author of the Vulture article)
Steven W Thrasher (Official Site)

CONNECT
Go to 80sTVLadies.com for more info and transcripts.
Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.

00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies Podcast
00:29 Introducing the Golden Girls Discussion
01:02 10 Things We Don't Love About the Golden Girls
02:28 Mean-Spirited Humor in the Golden Girls
04:05 Sexism and Controversial Jokes
07:10 Racism and Cultural Insensitivity
14:36 Ageism and Stereotypes
17:37 Inconsistencies and Lost Characters
20:20 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

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"Achieving this milestone was a dream come true. It made all the hard work and sacrifices worth it."  - Marsha Posner Williams

In this 80s TV Ladies episode, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson continue their interview with Emmy-winning producer Marsha Posner Williams, exploring further chapters of her illustrious career in television. Marsha discusses her work on the short-lived yet memorable show 'Hail to the Chief,' including behind-the-scenes challenges and humorous moments, like dealing with unprepared nuns in the audience. She delves into the transition to producing 'The Golden Girls,' touching on pivotal moments such as reworking the pilot, the removal of the character Coco, and the creation of the show's iconic theme song and opening credits.

Marsha also reflects on inter-cast dynamics, particularly the tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White, and shares broader insights on her career achievements, inspirational encounters, and the empowering message she delivers in her college lectures.

00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:32 Hail to the Chief: Behind the Scenes
05:42 Golden Girls: Season 1 and Casting
08:29 Golden Girls: Creating the Iconic Theme and Opening Credits
15:52 Golden Girls: On-Set Dynamics and Challenges
20:58 Golden Palace Origins
21:09 Tales from the Set
22:18 Navigating Hollywood's Gender Dynamics
22:45 The Me Too Movement
26:18 Working on Amen
32:24 Transition to College Lectures
36:18 Reflecting on a Hollywood Career
43:31 Conclusion and Farewell

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Listen to Grace Anna at ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com


HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS
Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
If you click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!

DECEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK:
80s TV Ladies deals and discounts: Cozy Earth (41% Off)
Old Glory (15% Off)
🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES

OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate?
Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com 

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“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!

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Listen to ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com


HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS
If you click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping!

Get some awesome sheets and pajamast at COZY EARTH.

NOVEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK:

80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:
 Cozy Earth (41% Off)
Old Glory (15% Off)

🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy
🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES

OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate?
Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com 


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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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. In this episode, Jim discusses his unauthorized retrospective book, 'Golden Girls Forever,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories and the show's lasting cultural influence. From interviews with Golden Girls cast members to exploring themes of diversity and acceptance in 80s television, Jim provides stories about the cast Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty. 
 
The conversation explores Jim's experiences writing about other iconic shows like 'All in the Family,' 'Will and Grace,' and his upcoming book on 'The Love Boat.' Get inside these legendary 80s pop culture shows with insights, laughter, and nostalgic reflections on the power of television to shape our views.Filling in for Melissa this week is Associate Producer Sailor Franklin.

And we kept talking. So many more stories about Golden Girls, The Love Boat, James Lipton, Cloris Leachman and more! Get the full supersized Jim Colucci episode at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies


AUDIOOGRAPHY
You can find Jim Colucci at JimColucci.com  
And on Instagram.com/Jimcolucci
Get Jim's book Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai at Harper Books. 

Get the FULL 2-Hour amazing interview with Jim at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies
The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo
Purchase:  Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase).

Hulu has the documentary ​​The World According to Allee Willis. So fun!

Read more about the GG 40th Anniversary celebration at ABC. Now streaming on Hulu/Disney+
Watch The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship Trailer at YouTube. 

JOIN THE FUN
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 5-stars means a lot.
Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.

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Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they welcome back prolific writer, director, producer, and actor Stan Zimmerman. Known for his work on iconic female-driven comedies like 'The Golden Girls,' 'Roseanne,' and 'Gilmore Girls,' Stan shares insights from his illustrious career and discusses his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. 

From recounting behind-the-scenes moments with Betty White, Bea Arthur, and other legends, to addressing the challenges of being a gay writer in Hollywood, Stan's stories are both entertaining and enlightening. Tune in for a journey through 80s TV history, writing partnerships, and lessons learned along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:43 Introducing Stan Zimmerman
01:51 Stan's Writing Journey
02:37 The Personal Side of Writing
03:36 Journaling and Reflection
05:13 Challenges and Resilience
10:18 Golden Girls Insights
14:30 Writing Partnerships and Hollywood Politics
17:27 Spec Scripts and Early Career
25:50 Golden Girls Episodes and Legacy
36:50 Pitching Jokes to Soap and Benson Writers
37:39 Evolution of the Writer's Room
39:04 Golden Girls and Changing Times
42:23 Stories from the Book: Celebrity Encounters
50:59 Theater and Making a Difference
56:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Hollywood
01:00:41 Friendship with Lily Tomlin
01:10:45 Reflections on Writing for Golden Girls
01:12:19 Conclusion and Podcast Shoutouts

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Find more about Stan at ZimmermanStan.com
Book Recommendation: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore by Stan Zimmerman.
Get it at Indigo River Publishing. Or at Barnes and Noble.

The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo
Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase), on DVD, and more.

Get Involved in Your Community
Indivisible: Find a group near you and get involved at indivisible.org
Contact Your Representatives: Check out Five Calls to quickly and easily call your representatives.




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Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

In this captivating episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem interview the legendary Cindy Fee, best known for singing the iconic theme song for 'The Golden Girls'. The conversation covers Cindy's extensive career, beginning with her professional singing at a young age, and her work with notable artists such as Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, and Dolly Parton.

Cindy shares behind-the-scenes stories from her career in jingles, commercials, and studio work, as well as her experiences performing live. She also reflects on the enduring appeal of 'The Golden Girls', the impact of TV theme songs, and the evolution of the music industry. Cindy's anecdotes and insights offer a unique glimpse into the life of a versatile and prolific singer.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome
00:32 Introducing Cindy Fee: A Musical Journey
01:57 Early Beginnings in Music
04:13 Moving to LA and Career Breakthroughs
06:04 Recording Demos and Working with Diane Warren
10:58 Family Life and Balancing Career
12:57 Studio Work and Jingle Singing
25:58 Golden Girls Theme Song and TV Music
29:41 The Evolution of TV and Music Industry
39:25 The Impact of AI on Performers
39:58 The Role of Unions in Protecting Talent
41:06 Misconceptions About Golden Girls Contributions
41:25 Golden Girls Conventions and Fan Interactions
42:53 A Career in Music and Jingles
49:11 Memorable Collaborations and Advice for Singers
59:20 The Emotional Connection of 'Thank You for Being a Friend'
01:09:45 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

AUDIOOGRAPHY

Learn more about Cindy Fee at CindyFeeSings.com
Find Cindy at TikTok.com/@goldengirlfee

Be a part of Cindy Fee's new "Thank You For Being a Friend" music video. Learn more at her Instagram

Check out Golden Girls LIVE! This December in San Francisco

COMMERCIALS:
Hoover Nobody Does it Like You on YouTube.
Wheaties What the Big Boys Eat on YouTube.
Pontiac Ride Pontiac Ride on YouTube.

The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo
Purchase: Apple TV,  YouTube, on DVD at Ebay

Book Recommendation - Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai by Jim Colucci. Find it at Harper Books. 

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.

Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!
Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

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 moments as they share their passion for this iconic series. 

Learn about the iconic characters played by Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak), Betty White (Rose Nylund), Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux), and Estelle Getty (Sophia Petrillo). Along the way, explore production quirks and the enduring impact of 'The Golden Girls' on TV history. 

Explore the show's legacy, including its international remakes and impact on pop culture. Packed with laughter, nostalgia, and insightful anecdotes, this episode is perfect for longtime fans and new viewers alike. 
Stay tuned to learn about our next episode with a special upcoming guest - Cindy Fee, the voice behind the theme song 'Thank You for Being a Friend.' Don't miss it!

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:30 General Show Facts
08:09 Cast Facts
15:43  Production Facts 
24:47 Legacy Facts
32:26 Break
32:45 Character History Facts
48:55 Audioography


AUDIOOGRAPHY
The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo
Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase), on DVD, and more
Maude Streaming (free): Tubi, Pluto TV
Book Recommendation Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai by Jim Colucci.  Check it out at Amazon. Find it at Harper Books. 
In Memoriam Todd Cochrane: Learn more about the founder of the Podcast Awards and early podcaster in these obituaries: Obituary in Podnews, Obituary from Eagle Funeral Homes

Get Involved in Your Community
Indivisible: Find a group near you and get involved at indivisible.org
Contact Your Representatives: Check out Five Calls to quickly and easily call your representatives.

CONNECT

Go to 80sTVLadies.com for more info and transcripts.
Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

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.


CONNECT
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"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 two iconic 90s TV heroines: Xena, the Warrior Princess, and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.

Susan and Sharon discuss the origins, cultural impact, and strengths of both shows, debating who would win in a head-to-head fight, which show was more influential, and which had the best musical episode! They also speculate on which heroine iconic Wonder Woman iterations (70s WW played by Linda Carter and 2017's WW, played by Gal Gadot) would prefer.

Stay tuned for exciting details about our next guest, RJ Stewart, co-creator of Xena, and some engaging audio recommendations and show notes. This episode promises a delightful mix of history, pop culture analysis, and fanfare for these beloved series.

00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies Season Four!
00:58 Introducing RJ Stewart and the Xena vs. Buffy Debate
01:35 History of Xena: Warrior Princess
02:50 History of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
04:45 Buffy vs. Xena: Who Would Win in a Fight?
07:17 Best 90s TV Ladies Superhero Show
12:25 Musical Episodes: Xena vs. Buffy
17:46 Buffy vs. Xena: The Ultimate Showdown
18:03 Wonder Woman's Preference: Xena or Buffy?
19:43 Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman: A New Perspective
24:18 90s TV Heroines: Beyond Buffy and Xena
26:00 Final Tally: Buffy vs. Xena
27:37 Upcoming Episodes and recommendations
30:07 Sign off and Farewell

AUDIOOGRAPHY

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

Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Streaming: Tubi (free), Hulu, Disney+
Purchase: eBay

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

Guess What? We’re nominated!
For TWO People’s Choice PODCAST AWARDS!: Podcastawards.com

CONNECT
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Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.