Dive into the fascinating world of LGBTQ representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s television with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem on '80s TV Ladies.' This special summer rerun, featuring expert Matt Baume, highlights iconic queer moments and characters. Originally aired on June 7th, 2023, the episode covers groundbreaking shows like 'Bewitched,' 'All in the Family,' 'Golden Girls,' and more. Matt discusses his unique journey as a content creator focused on queer pop culture and shares his insights on evolving media representation. Don’t miss this engaging and enlightening episode, perfect for Pride Month or any time of year!

00:00 Introduction to Queer TV with Matt Baume
00:43 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction
02:41 Matt Baume's Journey into Queer Pop Culture
04:54 The Impact of Television on Cultural Understanding
13:30 Early Gay Representation on Television
15:07 The Significance of 'Bewitched' in Queer Representation
20:52 Norman Lear's Contributions to Queer Representation
28:57 The Golden Girls and Its Gay Fandom
33:58 Michael Scott and Archie Bunker: A Comparison
34:40 The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Heterosexual' Trope
37:52 Backlash and Acceptance of Queer Representation
41:08 Lesbian Representation on TV
49:15 Trans Representation on TV
53:01 The Role of Gatekeepers in TV Representation
59:18 Demanding Representation and Change
01:01:15 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
01:03:34 Conclusion and Farewell

AUDIOGRAPHY
Find Matt and his podcast “Sewers of Paris” - at MattBaume.com
Get Matt Baume’s new book “Hi Honey, I’m Homo” at Bookshop.org.
Or at Elliott Bay. Watch Matt’s YouTube Videos.

LGBTQ Advocacy: Consider supporting orgs like The Trevor Project and The Okra Project.

CONNECT
What does representation mean to you? Email us at [email protected]

SUSAN and RICHARD HATEM ON TOUR
Richard of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf is going on the road! Susan will be there, too - producing and hosting! We’re kicking off Rich’s 2025 multi-city show, the “LIGHT IN THE DARK” tour, debuting an all-original LIVE episode, you can only hear it live!

Confirmed dates:
Sept 20th - The Mothman Festival. Point Pleasant, WV
Sept 22nd - Washington D.C.
Sept 27th - Centereach, NY

More dates are being added soon:
Check out rhpb.eventbrite.com or go to https://www.richardhatemsparanormalbookshelf.com/events to learn more!

Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!
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In this episode, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson revisit season one, episode six of 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King,' originally launched on September 28, 2022. The rerun features actress Martha Smith, the first actress/celebrity guest on 80s TV Ladies. They dive into Smith's experiences and roles, from her motion picture debut in 'Animal House' to her portrayal of Agent Francine Desmond in 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King.' The conversation covers various topics such as acting in the 80s, the dynamics of the show, and the evolution of female-driven TV shows. Martha shares personal anecdotes about her career, her time with Playboy, on-tour adventures with Rod Stewart, and her unique character development on the show.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:26 Voting Reminder and Importance
01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest Introduction
01:51 Martha Smith's Early Career and Animal House
02:41 Behind the Scenes of Animal House
07:59 Martha's Playboy Experience
11:33 Transition to Acting and Early Roles
19:36 Landing the Role in Scarecrow and Mrs. King
39:41 Francine and Amanda's Dynamic Duo
40:44 The Core Fan Base of Scarecrow and Mrs. King
43:37 Behind the Scenes: Changes and Challenges
46:58 Memorable Episodes and Character Development
53:09 The End of an Era: Season Four and Beyond
01:00:32 Reflections and Future Endeavors
01:06:31 Final Thoughts and Farewells

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King On Tubi or On Roku.
Check out ‍‍Television’s Female Spies And Crimefighters by Karen A. Romanko at Barnes and Noble.
Fansite: CallMeaCab.com by Taya Johnston

80s TV Ladies is nominated for TWO 2025 Podcast Awards. Check us out at  PodcastAwards.com https://www.podcastawards.com If you’re a selected judge, please vote for us in Best Female Hosted Podcast and for Best TV & Film Podcast.

Help us out: Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review!
Have a great summer, y’all!

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.

Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they revisit a beloved episode featuring the co-creator of 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King,' Eugenie Ross-Leming. Originally aired on August 31, 2022, this rerun dives into Ross-Leming's storied career, from her early days at Second City to creating the iconic 80s TV series. Delve into the casting choices, character dynamics, and behind-the-scenes challenges that shaped this female-driven show.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to 80s television, this episode offers rich insights and nostalgic reflections. Don't miss out on personal stories, industry trends, and the show's lasting impact on viewers. Plus, stay tuned for shoutouts to dedicated fan sites and podcasts celebrating 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King.' Perfect for any enthusiast of 80s TV and the evolution of women in television.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:05 Meet the Hosts: Susan and Sharon
01:18 Special Guest: Eugenie Ross Leming
01:55 Eugenie's Early Career and Second City Days
05:19 Transition to Writing and Hollywood Experiences
11:12 Creating Scarecrow and Mrs. King
15:07 Casting and Character Dynamics
28:01 Challenges and Reflections on the Show
34:50 Legacy and Fanbase of Scarecrow and Mrs. King
36:15 Reflecting on Career and Relationships
40:25 Women in Television: Past and Present
42:55 Defining Feminist and Female-Driven Shows
50:02 Memorable Moments from Scarecrow and Mrs. King
54:49 Supernatural: A Phenomenal Experience
56:59 Favorite Female-Driven TV Shows
01:02:25 Directing Lois and Clark: A Personal Anecdote
01:07:12 Closing Remarks and Fan Shoutouts

AUDIOOGRAPHY
We’ve been nominated for TWO 2025 Podcast Awards.
Check us out at  PodcastAwards.com  - If you’re a selected judge, please vote for us in Best Female Hosted Podcast and for Best TV & Film Podcast.

PODCAST MOVEMENT 2025: Susan will be at the Podcast Movement Convention in Dallas, August 18-20. Reach out if you will be there, too [email protected]

Richard of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf is going on the road! Susan will be there, too - Producing and hosting! We’re kicking off Rich’s 2025 multi-city show, the “LIGHT IN THE DARK” tour, debuting an all-original LIVE episode, at the On Rotation Brewery in Dallas on Monday, August 18. Get tickets for the August 18 Dallas show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dallas-richard-hatems-paranormal-bookshelf-live-tickets-1520485967459

Find out if we’re coming to a city near you. Check out rhpb.eventbrite.com or go to https://www.richardhatemsparanormalbookshelf.com/events to learn more!

Check out On Rotation Brewery https://on-rotation.com/
Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content! Join PATREON. Free trial!
Get transcripts and more at 80sTVLadies.com
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

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In this special summer rerun reminiscent of those hot and fabulous days of 1980s television, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem take listeners back to the very first episode of our own 80s TV Ladies. 

Originally dropped July 20, 2022, this throwback episode revisits the launch of the podcast and the cultural moment that inspired it—emerging from the pandemic, navigating a changing world, and celebrating the iconic women of 1980s television. Sharon and Susan dive deep into the pilot of "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," exploring its unique blend of action, comedy, and romance, and discussing why the show remains a beloved, feminist classic.

Along the way, they reflect on the evolution of female-driven TV, the impact of trailblazing showrunners, and the enduring appeal of stars like Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner.Packed with personal stories, pop culture insights, and plenty of laughs, this episode is both a nostalgic look back and a celebration of the groundbreaking women who shaped TV history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering 80s TV Ladies for the first time, this is the perfect place to start your journey.

THE CONVERSATION

• Beverly Garland: the hotel AND the actress – Plus, Is she Amanda King’s mother – or Laura Holt’s (Remington Steele)?
• Kate Jackson’s previous hit show: Was it Alley Cats or Harry’s Angels or….?
• Did the writers change Amanda from being married to divorced in the pilot script?
• Who was the first female showrunner in TV history – and why did it take 30 years before there was another?
• What was Amanda King’s superpower?
• And what does all this have to do with Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope?

Join us for our “First Time” as we solve the mystery of whether or not Scarecrow and Mrs. King was a feminist show – a progressive show – or both?

Have no fear: Susan and Sharon are on the case!

OUR AUDIO-OGRAPHY

Why does Susan call it Audio-ology in this episode? Cause she’s silly, and we’re still figuring out what we’re calling it.

Watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King On Tubi or On Roku

Get "How Tall Are You? A Memboir by Greg Morton" at BooksaMilion.com
Check out ‍‍Television’s Female Spies And Crimefighters by Karen A. Romanko at Barnes and Noble.

Fansite: CallMeaCab.com by Taya Johnston  
Podcast:‍ The Mrs. King Chronicles – Hosted by Lexie Fiema, Taya Johnston, Jenn Peterson, Miranda Thomas

We’ve been nominated for TWO 2025 Podcast Awards.
Check us out at  PodcastAwards.com
If you’re a selected judge, please vote for us in Best Female Hosted Podcast and for Best TV & Film Podcast.

HELLO, TEXAS! Susan will be at the Podcast Movement Convention in Dallas, August 18-20. Reach out if you will be there, too! Email Susan at [email protected]

Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
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! 

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.

"Darrin is super comfortable in himself. Darrin knows he is not the powerful one 'cause he is like, ‘I married a witch'…  It's nice to see a dude that loves his wife.” - Marty Schneider

Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson team up with Marty Schneider and Dan Ludwig of the Breaking Mayberry podcast for a magical, hilarious crossover! In this bonus episode, the crew dives into the world of “Bewitched,” focusing on Season 2, Episode 2: “A Very Special Delivery,” where Samantha is pregnant, Darrin is doting, and then not. Chaos (and comedy) ensue when Endora curses Darren to experience pregnancy symptoms himself. In this episode:

• The legacy of “Bewitched” and its place among TV’s “magical women” sitcoms
• Comparing 1960s and 1990s TV, and the evolution of family and gender roles on screen
• The real-life pregnancy of Elizabeth Montgomery and how it shaped the show
• A deep-dive into the episode’s plot: overprotective husbands, meddling mothers-in-law, and the infamous “pickle scene”
• The gender-bending, trope-twisting humor of making a man “pregnant” on 1960s TV
• Endora’s iconic role as both antagonist and secret hero
• The surprising (and sometimes cringeworthy) moments of 60s sitcoms, from beds on TV to threats of domestic violence
• Fun behind-the-scenes trivia: recurring character actors, colorized vs. black-and-white, and more!

“Who's the figure from Greek myth, the oracle that was like both a man and a woman, which made them incredibly wise? I feel like Darrin by season six is going to be the ultimate version of that because he has been a man, a woman, a monkey, a dinosaur, probably a race car driver.” - Dan Ludwig

Plus:

• The “Breaking Mayberry” team shares insights from their own podcast, which explores the weird messages and generational impact of classic TV
• Crossover fun: Listen to Part 1 on Breaking Mayberry, where the group covers “Alias Darrin Stephens” (Season 2, Episode 1)
• Where to watch “Bewitched” for free, and how to find more from both podcasts

“I think in terms of Endora, this was one of the best episodes for her character. She was really, really standing up for her daughter in this one.” - Sharon Johnson

Links & Resources:

• Listen to Breaking Mayberry. Find your favorite player at pod link. On Apple Podcast. Or at Spotify.
• Watch “Bewitched” for free at Internet Archive.
• Or find select seasons on Roku.

Vote for us:

• Help us get THREE PODCAST AWARDS!
• GO HERE: Podcastawards.com
• Give an email and register. It’s easy! CLICK ON: Sign Up To Vote Now. NOMINATE 80s TV Ladies for: Best Female Hosted, People's Choice and TV & Film

PS: While you're there, also NOMINATE Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf in Religion and Spirituality. Podcastawards.com

CONNECT

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
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 (and witches) who shaped TV and pop culture.

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.

Welcome to our final Season Three episode of 80s TV Ladies! Hosts Sharon Jonson and Susan Lambert Hatem continue their in-depth conversation with actor Jon Cryer. In this second part, Jon shares behind-the-scenes stories from his television and film career, including his start in 80s television with "The Famous Teddy Z," the ups and downs of sitcom life, and his experiences working with legends like Charlie Sheen, Christopher Reeve, and Gene Hackman.

In this episode:

• Jon’s journey from 80s movies to TV stardom
• The making (and unmaking) of "The Famous Teddy Z"
• Working with one of his idols, Hugh Wilson (WKRP in Cincinnati, Frank’s Place)
• Lessons learned from sitcoms like "Partners" and "Getting Personal"
• The inside story of landing "Two and a Half Men" and working with Chuck Lorre and Charlie Sheen
• Favorite guest stars and the casting of Holland Taylor and Conchata Ferrell
• Reflections on the show’s humor, its approach to masculinity, and Lorre’s ability to write for women
• Jon’s Emmy wins and what they meant to him
• Playing Lex Luthor in the Arrowverse and being a lifelong comics fan
• Producing podcasts, including the award-winning "The Man Who Calculated Death"
• The importance of storytelling, speaking truth, and making art in today’s world

Plus:

• A special trailer for "The Man Who Calculated Death" podcast
• Fun anecdotes about the joy of making art and how he was involved in the making of the k.d. lang and Roy Orbison duet, “Crying”

Links:

• The Man Who Calculated Death
• Jon Cryer on IMDb
• Lawyers, Guns and Money Podcast
• Listen to Jon Cryer, Part 1 at 80sTVLadies.com

Vote for us:

• Help us get THREE PODCAST AWARDS! GO HERE: Podcastawards.com
• Give an email and register. It’s easy! CLICK ON: "Sign Up To Vote Now". NOMINATE 80s TV Ladies for: Best Female Hosted, People's Choice and TV & Film
• PS: While you're there, also NOMINATE Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf in Religion and Spirituality. Podcastawards.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us for more conversations with the women (and men) who shaped 80s TV and pop culture.

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.

Susan and Sharon are thrilled to welcome director, writer and actor Jon Cryer to 80s TV Ladies!
Jon Cryer is an Emmy-winning film and television icon, known for starring as “Duckie” in the 1986 John Hughes teen classic Pretty in Pink -- and then going on to star in all twelve seasons of Chuck Lorre’s long-running, award-winning sitcom, Two and A Half Men.

Along the way, Jon has starred or appeared in dozens of television shows including The Famous Teddy Z, Partners, Dharma & Greg, Family Guy, The Practice, CSI, NCIS, Will & Grace and The Kominsky Method, and such films as No Small Affair, Hiding Out, Hot Shots!, Holy Man, Dudes and Due Date. For three years, Jon Cryer gave an award-winning performance as the legendary evil genius Lex Luthor on CW’s Supergirl.

Jon authored the 2015 autobiography So That Happened and currently executive produces two hit podcasts: The Man Who Calculated Death and Lawyers, Guns & Money (which he also narrates). In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, Jon reflects on growing up in a show biz family and learning acting the hard way. Plus what it’s like playing the romantic lead opposite two of the most famous actresses of our time: Demi Moore and Molly Ringwald…

THE CONVERSATION

• Susan and Sharon share the crazy story of how they met Jon Cryer and got him on the show!
• BEING AN ACTOR IS CRAP: First day, first film, Jon is 20 years-old -- and Robert Altman is throwing fake bird shit all over him. That’s showbiz!
• THE FACTS OF LIFE: Jon was a huge fan of the show -- and then got to work with 8TL alum director Assad Kelada on Two and A Half Men!
• ACTING FOR TOOTIE: Jon just worked with Kim Fields -- she was his director!
• No Apology Necessary: Demi Moore recently apologized to Jon in her autobiography Inside Out for not being more sensitive when she “took his virginity” while shooting No Small Affair. But it turns out he wasn’t a virgin: “I just seemed like one.”
• On opening day of No Small Affair, Jon snuck into a theater just in time to see himself take off his shirt on screen -- and hear someone yell: “Where’s the beef?”
• When Jon met Andrew McCarthy and Molly Ringwald on the Pretty in Pink set, he thought they didn’t like him. Turns out he was only half-right.
• The original ending of Pretty in Pink has Molly Ringwald’s Andie politely shutting down Andrew McCarthy’s Blane, and dancing in solidarity with Cryer’s Duckie (to Davie Bowie’s Heroes) -- but test audiences HATED it! So, the ending was changed making sure that Andie ended up with cute and sensitive, rich-boy, Blane.
• GETTING MOSHED: While filming Dudes, Penelope Spheeris had Jon and castmate Dan Roebuck thrown into the mosh pit at a Vandals concert -- and they barely lived to tell about it!

So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Jon -- as they talk Morgan Freeman, Escape From Alcatraz, Richard Gere, Wonder Woman, Al Pacino, Cher, Annie Potts, Mark Hamill, The Bad News Bears -- and getting naked for laughs on Two And A Half Men!

AUDIO-OGRAPHY
Listen to Suzanne Rico’s podcast The Man Who Calculated Death (produced by Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner) at TheManWhoCalculatedDeath.com
And Jon's other podcast, Lawyers, Gun & Money at Apple. 
Watch all 12 seasons of Two And A Half Men on Peacock.
Watch Jon Cryer as Lex Luthor on Supergirl on Apple or on Netflix.
Buy Jon Cryer’s autobiography, So That Happened at Bookshop.org.
Or Listen to So That Happened on Spotify or Audible. 

Arts Funding is under attack in this country. Find out how to support the arts, locally and nationally at  https://www.artsforla.org/

VITAL DEMOCRACY READING
Check out Democracy Docket here.
Learn more about the ACLU here.
Let your voice be heard! Call your reps. .Make 5 Calls makes it easy.

CONNECT
Visit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 
Join the Facebook discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies

VOTE FOR US
Help us get THREE PODCAST AWARDS!
You can NOMINATE us. Give an email and register, but it's pretty easy!

GO HERE: Podcastawards.com
CLICK ON: Sign Up To Vote Now
NOMINATE 80s TV Ladies for: Best Female Hosted, People's Choice and TV & Film

PS: Whiile you're there, also NOMINATE Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf  in Religion and Spirituality. 

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

“This show makes me feel like I have a blanket around me and I’m eating mac & cheese.” -- Megan Ruble, 90s TV Baby, about The Facts of Life.

Susan and Sharon welcome back the notorious “90s TV Babies” to find out what they think about The Facts of Life, which ran August 24, 1979 to May 7, 1988.  Did they “take the good” and “take the bad”?  Did the “World Live Up To Their Dreams”? We’re gonna find out!

Megan Ruble and Serita Fontanesi were asked to watch these FOL listener-suggested episodes:

The Facts of Life Assignment
S1; EP13: “Dope”
S2; EP1: “The New Girl”
S3; EP15: “Starstruck”
S4; EP22: “Take My Finals, Please”
S5; EP6: “The Halloween Show”
S7; EP1: “Out of the Fire”

Plus, Bonus episodes: 
S1; EP1: “Rough Housing (The Pilot)”
S2; EP2: “The New Girl: Part 2”
S2; EP5: “Cousin Geri”
S3; EP18: “Runaway”
S5; EP10: “Store Games”
S5; EP17: “A Death in the Family”
S5; EP18: “Big Fish, Little Fish”
S7; EP2: “Into the Frying Pan”
S7; EP8: “Come Back To The Truck Stop, Natalie Green, Natalie Green”
S7; EP14: “Tootie Drives”
S9; EP16: “The First Time”

THE CONVERSATION

• SUMMER UPDATE: Serita’s having a baby!  Little Theodore Fontanesi arrives the first week of August!
• SUMMER UPDATE: Megan is producing a show for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and acting in “Shakespeare by the Sea”!
• SIT LONG AND PROSPER: What does it feel like to be put in Vulcan make-up? Megan will tell you!
• BUFFY ALERT! -- Serita is concerned: Is Megan an “Angel Girl” or a “Spike Girl”?
• SPOILER ALERT! -- Both Serita and Megan LOVED Facts of Life!
• “Starstruck (S3; EP15)” -- Megan calls out how rare it is to see a show about “out of control fandom” and Serita calls out how para-social relationships are not a “new thing”.
• Serita’s favorite characters: Tootie and Jo. Megan’s favorite characters: Edna and Natalie.
• Why was Tootie always on roller skates?  To make her taller for the camera!
• S5; EP 17 “A Death in the Family”:  On February 1, 1984, The Facts of Life breaks ground featuring the first ever television portrayal of a “Shiva”.
• Is The Facts of Life “progressive” and “feminist”? Listen to 90s TV Babies to find out!

So join Susan and Sharon -- and Serita and Megan -- as they talk C-sections, fan conventions, The Golden Girls, deep-dish pizza, making babies laugh at your jokes -- and how “Edna’s Edibles” could be its own strain!

AUDIO-OGRAPHY
Learn more about The Facts of Life at https://www.facebook.com/thefactsoflifesite/ 
Watch Season 2 & 3 of Facts of Life for FREE on Tubi.com.
Look for more episodes on Daily Motion or YouTube.

Listen in on Serita’s podcast at NotUglyPod.com.
Send Serita diaper money for Little Baby Theo at Venmo.com/seritafonta! 

Check out Megan’s Hollywood Fringe production “The Visitor” at DayforKnightproductions.com.
Get tickets at HollywoodFringe.org.
FREE Shakespear in the parks + Megan! See and Go see and support ShakespearebytheSea.org.
Arts Funding is under attack in this country. Find out how to support Los Angeles arts at ArtsforLA.org.

SHOUTOUT
Happy Pride Month! Visit LAPride.org for things to do in Los Angeles.

THANK YOU 80s LADIES LISTENERS
Especially those in sent in suggestions including:

• Christian Keys
• Tee Ell
• Jason Broux
• Lisa Flory Mendenhall
• Christopher Stroker
• @murphybrownpod
• @Treasure_Chamber
• Tracy
• Molya Mothman

VITAL DEMOCRACY READING
Check out Democracy Docket here.
Learn more about the ACLU here.
Let your voice be heard! Call your reps. .Make 5 Calls makes it easy.

CONNECT
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies

PLUS -- “80’s TV LADIES” MERCH is available at Fourthwall.com.
Or get FREE merch, cool video interviews, ad-free episodes AND support our podcast at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies 

This year is the 45th anniversary of President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech. Get Susan’s new play about it: Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.



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.

Susan and Sharon keep the good times rolling with Part 2 of their conversation with singer, song-writer, actress, author and diabetes advocate Gloria Loring!  Known for her Number One hit “Friends & Lovers”, Gloria is also the legendary co-composer and singer of the impossible to forget Facts of Life theme song!

In Part 2 of their conversation, they touch on Gloria’s work for the Juvenile Diabetes Association, her wild career in TV and music and the benefits of living a spiritual and healthy life.

THE CONVERSATION

• “EXPECT A MIRACLE” -- How a mysterious card found in her dressing room led Gloria to finance the Days of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook -- and raise over $1,000,000.00 for diabetes research!
• When her son Brennan was diagnosed with diabetes at age four, Gloria was told he would be lucky to make it to 25.  He’s now 50 and doing great!
• BE BRAVE, LITTLE ONE: What it feels like to forget the first line of the song you’re singing at the Oscars!
• YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN: Gloria returned to Days of Our Lives for the funeral of Bill Hays’ character Doug -- but was surprised to find that almost everything had changed…
• The fun of working with Lanna Saunders & Maree Cheatham on Days of Our Lives Writing the Facts of Life theme song with Alan Thicke!  (And she’s still getting residuals…)
• The benefits of an ayurvedic diet!

So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Gloria -- as they talk James Brolin, Days of Our Lives, Jimmy Stewart, Hotel, Bob Hope, Diff’rent Strokes, Ann Jillian, Merv Griffin, Richard Crenna, Murder, She Wrote, Jane & Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon -- and almost having a Chinese Chicken Salad Heart Attack!  

AUDIO-OGRAPHY
Catch up with all-things Gloria at her official website: GloriaLoring.com
Check out her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/glorialoring/ 

Listen to Gloria’s book “Coincidence is God’s Way of Remaining Anonymous” at Audible or Apple Books. Or buy it at Abe Books.

Watch Season 2 and 3 of The Facts of Life for free on Tubi.
Buy the complete season on DVD at Ebay.

VITAL READING
Check out Democracy Docket here.
Learn more about the ACLU here.
Let your voice be heard! Call your reps. Make 5 Calls makes it easy.

CONNECT
Visit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.
Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.
Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. 

Check out Democracy Docket here https://www.democracydocket.com/ 
Learn more about the ACLU here https://www.aclu.org/  
Buy Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson at Bookshop.org.
 
PLUS -- “80’s TV LADIES” MERCH is available at Fourthwall.com.
Or get FREE merch, cool video interviews and ad-free episodes at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies
 

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.

“When I sang, I knew who was on the stage. When I got off the stage, I was very shy, couldn’t look people in the eye. But when I was ON the stage I was just filled with my own light.”  - Gloria Loring

Susan and Sharon welcome Gloria Loring -- singer, song-writer, actress, author and diabetes advocate.  Known for her Number One hit “Friends & Lovers”, Gloria is also the legendary co-composer and singer of the impossible to forget Facts of Life theme song!

THE CONVERSATION

• WHERE THE MUSIC COMES FROM: Five generations of musicians -- all the way down to her son Robin Thicke, and grandson.
• Slamming doors, thrown dishes and late-night fights -- learning that her father, a brilliant musician, was also an alcoholic.
• ON SINGING: “It was the only thing that made me feel important or valued. When I sang, I was beautiful, I was powerful, people watched me, people listened to me -- every kid wants that."
• THE GLAMOROUS LIFE: Gloria’s early days as a singer -- living in a cheap motel room and surviving on a quart of milk, a box of cereal and a can of peas!
• Arranging a “chance” meeting with Ed Sullivan -- and four years later she’s on his show!
• Future husband Alan Thicke brought something special along on his first date with Gloria: his parents!
• THE DAYS OF “THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES”: Laughs, pranks, songs, love -- and a steady job for six-and-a-half years!
• SETTING INTENTIONS: Gloria says out loud to the universe: “I want to record a hit record” -- and a week later she’s recording “Friends & Lovers”.
• ON COINCIDENCES: “I left ‘Days of our Lives’, my divorce from Alan Thicke became final, my first book was released and “Friends & Lovers” hit number one -- all in the same week.” 
• BECOMING A DIABETES BOOKWRITER: When her son Brennan was diagnosed with diabetes, she (and Alan Thicke) became creative fundraisers, spokespersons and she became an author
• COOKING ON DAYS OF OUR LIVES - Recipes traded by cast members led to the Days of Our Lives Celebrity Cookbook to raise money for Diabetes Research Foundation.

So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Gloria -- as they talk Tommy Dorsey, Thicke of the Night, Carol Burnett, advocating for diabetes, Merv Griffin -- and hiding runaway potatoes under lettuce leaves at the White House!

AUDIO-OGRAPHY
Watch Season 2 and 3 of The Facts of Life for free on Tubi.
Buy the complete season on DVD at Ebay.
Visit the official website for GloriaLoring.com

VITAL READING
Check out Democracy Docket here.
Learn more about the ACLU here.

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