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.

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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 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.




Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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.

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.

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.

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 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
Visit 80sTVLadies.com for info and transcripts.
Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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.

"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
Visit 80sTVLadies.com for info and 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 who shaped TV and pop culture.

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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.

“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! In this special sneak peek, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem dish out all the details on what’s coming up in Season Four.

What's next for 8TL: Golden Girls, Kate & Allie, and One Day at a Time!

From the iconic laughs of The Golden Girls, to the heartfelt journeys of One Day at a Time, and the long-awaited fan favorite Kate & Allie, we’re diving deep into the shows that defined a generation of women living life on their own terms. We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, spotlight unforgettable characters, and welcome some very special guests and sidebar episodes—including a showdown between Xena and Buffy to kick things off! 

Plus, we’ve got tips on where to stream or find these classic series, and ways you can help support the show.

AUDIOOGRAPHY

The Golden Girls

• Streaming: Hulu, Disney+
• Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube, Walmart, eBay

One Day at a Time

• Streaming: Tubi, YouTube
• Purchase: Shout Factory, eBay

Kate & Allie

• Streaming: The Roku Channel
• Purchase: Walmart, Best Buy, eBay

So grab your bitchin’ shoulder pads and settle in—Season Four is about to bring you more joy, laughter, and fabulous TV than ever before. Don’t miss it!

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


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

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.

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.

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!

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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!

Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.

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
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Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 

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