In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, we celebrate the "Parade of Accomplished Women" by highlighting notable contributions of women in television, both in front of and behind the camera. Co-hosts Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Ashley Pacini delve into the legacies of women who have portrayed themselves on TV or represented the unseen, as well as those who have had prolific careers without becoming household names. This episode is a tribute to their enduring impact on entertainment and culture, showcasing a diverse array of talent across different roles and genres.

Ashley Pacini - Co-host and collaborator

• Women Who Portrayed Themselves on TV or Represented the Unseen
• Big Names and Their Impact on Television
• JourneyWomen: Celebrating long, prolific careers
• Under-Recognized Performers and Gender Inequity
• Below-the-Line Roles: Highlighting contributions behind the scenes
• Women in Television and Variety Shows
• In Memoriam: Honoring women who passed away in 2023

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, we celebrate the "Parade of Accomplished Women" by highlighting notable contributions of women in television, both in front of and behind the camera. Co-hosts Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Ashley Pacini delve into the legacies of women who have portrayed themselves on TV or represented the unseen, as well as those who have had prolific careers without becoming household names. This episode is a tribute to their enduring impact on entertainment and culture, showcasing a diverse array of talent across different roles and genres.

Ashley Pacini - Co-host and collaborator

• Women Who Portrayed Themselves on TV or Represented the Unseen
• Big Names and Their Impact on Television
• JourneyWomen: Celebrating long, prolific careers
• Under-Recognized Performers and Gender Inequity
• Below-the-Line Roles: Highlighting contributions behind the scenes
• Women in Television and Variety Shows
• In Memoriam: Honoring women who passed away in 2023

Welcome to the next episode in Advanced TV Herstory's special series on TV Talk Shows. Big talk show moments, especially the controversial ones, provide snapshots that we can use to examine our politics and culture at a singular point in time. Some of the moments we discuss in this series may be unfamiliar to you or they may seem obscure or forgotten, but that's the point. We're here to preserve TV Herstory.

Today, when alternative facts are part of our daily life, it's especially instructive to look back more than 40 years at a grudge match over truth and reputation that played out on The Dick Cavett Show in 1980 and beyond. The combatants were two opinionated, strong-willed women: playwright/author Lillian Hellman and novelist/critic Mary McCarthy.

RESOURCES FOR LILLIAN HELLMAN https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Hellman

Plays: The Little Foxes; The Children's Hour; Watch on the Rhein; Days to Come

Books and Memoirs: An Unfinished Woman: A Memoir; Pentimento; Scoundrel Time

About Lillian Hellman: C-SPAN's American History TV episode on Lillian Hellman

Rollyson, Carl (1989) Lillian Hellman: Her Legend and Her Legacy

Kessler-Harris, Alice (2012) The Challenging Life and Times of Lillian Hellman

Gallagher, Dorothy (2014) Lillian Hellman: An Imperious Life

RESOURCES FOR MARY McCARTHY https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McCarthy_(author) Books & Memoirs: Memories of a Catholic Girlhood; The Stones of Florence; The Group; Cannibals and Missionaries

About Mary McCarthy:

Kiernan, Frances (2002) Seeing Mary Plain: A Life of Mary McCarthy

Brightman, Carol (1992) Writing Dangerously: Mary McCarthy and Her World

Gelderman, Carol (1988) Mary McCarthy: A Life

RESOURCES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OfKEjABGGY Theatre Talk: Hellman v. McCarthy - CUNY TV Guests: Dick Cavett, Roberta Maxwell, Marcia Rodd Hosts: Michael Riedel, Susan Haskins

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PRODUCTION

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Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

We know her as Meemaw, Mary Jo Shively, Emmie Sims, and the voice of Bo Peep. But Annie Potts is hooked on helping others, and she's here to tell us about that part of her life. In doing so, she inspires us with her commitment and challenges us to "turn the car around," an important phrase in a story she tells listeners.

Annie's charitable organization, The Heart Channels, provides direct support quickly and creatively to people at critical crossroads in their life. Its mission reflects what Annie witnessed growing up—that wherever there was a need, people opened their hearts and quietly stepped in to help however they could. The Heart Channels also mirrors Annie's belief that we are one human family, no matter where on the planet we are. By opening our eyes to the needs of others, we can respond lovingly and immediately, neighbor to neighbor and heart to heart.

I hope you'll join us for this very special discussion. And please consider helping out. All donations to The Heart Channels—100%—are tax deductible and go directly to people in need.

FOLLOW AND DONATE TO THE HEART CHANNELS The Heart Channels - https://www.theheartchannels.org/ On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theheartchannels On Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theheartchannels/

CONNECT WITH ANNIE POTTS Cameo (all proceeds go to The Heart Channels) - https://www.cameo.com/anniepotts

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thisisanniepotts/?hl=en

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Join host Cynthia Bemis Abrams as she launches a new limited series, TV Talk Shows, part of the Advanced TV Herstory podcast. In this first episode, Cynthia delves into a study that reveals women are more prominently featured in unscripted television shows than in scripted ones—another example of the industry's inclination to front women in projects that are less expensive to produce. She also touches on the recent strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and representation in scripted television.

Cynthia then outlines the focus of the TV Talk Shows series, which will explore the historical context, memorable moments, and surprising controversies surrounding unscripted hosts and guests.

The episode concludes by acknowledging the pioneering achievements of Della Reese as the first black woman to fill in for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show and Betty White's stance against the broadcast network executives who were reluctant to feature performers of color on her 1950s talk and variety show.

RESOURCES Foundation Interviews - Della Reese on Guest Hosting "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" - https://youtu.be/M8hfse64sFU?si=8cIu3DrRN2AIdiBL

The Television Academy Foundation – Della Reese - https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/della-reese

"He Stays": Betty White refused to remove Black dancer from her show in 1954 - https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/01/01/betty-white-black-dancer-arthur-duncan/9067252002/

Retro Televisions – The Betty White Show (11-29-54) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k23zM-eLoI

CBS Los Angeles KCAL - https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/women-more-represented-on-reality-tv-than-scripted-shows-sdsu-report-finds/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the groundbreaking contributions of women writers in the early days of television with special guest Annie Berke, PhD. As the author of Their Own Best Creations: Women Writers in Postwar Television, Dr. Berke explains the pivotal roles these women played from 1949 to 1963, highlighting their enduring impact on American politics, culture, and the feminist movement.

Join us as we discuss the emergence of second-wave feminism and the challenges faced by both postwar and contemporary writers. Dr. Berke's insights provide a fascinating look at the intersections of gender, media, and cultural influence.

Their Own Best Creations: Women Writers in Postwar Television (2022) https://www.ucpress.edu/books/their-own-best-creations/paper

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

Hollywood legacy meets union leadership in this revealing conversation with Victoria Riskin. A second-generation screenwriter and former President of the Writers Guild of America West, Riskin brings stories from inside the industry's golden era—and the picket lines of today.

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Riskin discuss the evolving power dynamics between writers and studios, tracing the WGA's long fight for equity. With insights into Riskin's parents, Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Riskin and King Kong star Fay Wray, this episode blends personal history, feminist storytelling, and behind-the-scenes power plays in television and film.

You'll hear about:

• The Writers Guild's formation and Riskin's presidency;
• Her father's battle for writer recognition in 1930s Hollywood;
• Stories of Norman Lear, Mary Tyler Moore, Carl Reiner, and Larry Gelbart; and
• Victoria's global human rights advocacy and leadership.

Riskin is also the author of Fay Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir, a sweeping family chronicle that echoes the very themes this episode explores. Referenced

Resources: Victoria Riskin's website: https://www.victoriariskin.com/

Fay Wray and Robert Riskin – https://www.victoriariskin.com/index.php/about

The Last Best Year – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Best_Year

Projections of America – http://projectionsofamerica.com/

Bluedot Living – https://bluedotliving.com/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

In this union-themed episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams delves into the rich history and ongoing struggles of entertainment unions, particularly focusing on the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

As we approach Labor Day 2023, the episode highlights the significant role women have played in leading these unions through various challenges, including strikes and negotiations. The discussion covers the effects of technology, such as streaming and artificial intelligence, on the industry, and how these factors are shaping the future of labor rights.

Current union leaders like Fran Drescher, Meredith Stiehm, and Lisa Takeuchi Cullen are at the forefront of a critical strike, emphasizing issues of fair compensation and creative rights. This episode is a testament to the dedication and resilience of those fighting for workers' rights in a complex and ever-evolving industry.

Episode Highlights

Historical Context: Exploration of the beginnings of entertainment unions and their evolution over the decades.

Women in Leadership: The impact of female leaders in shaping the course of unions like SAG-AFTRA and the WGA.

2023 Strike: Analysis of the ongoing strike led by Fran Drescher, Meredith Stiehm, and Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, focusing on streaming and AI concerns.

Union Achievements: Key milestones and pivotal moments in the history of entertainment unions.

Future Challenges: Discussion on the implications of technology in the entertainment industry and the fight for fair labor practices.

Resources and Links

- Fran Drescher's announcement on the strike: https://youtu.be/J4SAPOX7R5M

- Gabrielle Carteris discusses SAG-AFTRA’s COVID-19 efforts: https://www.sagaftra.org/videos/president-gabrielle-carteris-discusses-sag-aftra%E2%80%99s-covid-19-efforts

- RCA Selectavision commercial: https://youtu.be/dFtyMNTD2f4

- Coverage of the WGA strike rally: https://abc7.com/wga-writers-guild-strike-rally/13303288/

- More about SAG-AFTRA: https://www.sagaftra.org/

- More about WGA: https://www.wga.org/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

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LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

From host Cynthia Bemis Abrams: A lot has happened politically and culturally since Advanced TV Herstory launched eight years ago. In this anniversary episode, I celebrate a number of wins while also reflecting on the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes. For example, Lee Grant, an Oscar and Emmy-winning actress, overcame being blacklisted during the anti-Communist era. Her resilience and courage in speaking out against injustice serve as a lesson for today.

I also highlight the work of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender and Media, which has expanded its focus to champion inclusion of the six major identities of gender, race/ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, disability, age 50+, and body type in media and entertainment.

In addition to looking back on some of Advanced TV Herstory's episodes from the past year, I celebrate ATVH's inclusion in IMDb and the anticipation of reaching a new audience. Because ATVH is not beholden to sponsors, I can proudly say that I provide an unfiltered view of both historical and current obstacles to full representation and valuation. Many of these obstacles are at the center of the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild and the use of artificial intelligence.

With a commitment to recognizing the importance of representation and critical thinking in the face of rapidly changing media landscapes, I thank you for your support of this podcast over the last eight years and I look forward to uncovering and sharing more untold stories of women in the year to come. This is why I podcast.

MENTIONS AND REFERENCES

I Said Yes to Everything by Lee Grant - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/18693908

Intimate Portrait - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0896232/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

In the second of our two-part episode, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues talking with Elva Green about her book, The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back. Green offers insights, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare photos from the iconic TV series that was a spin-off of All in the Family.

Green reflects on one of the best episodes from the 7th season of the show, which featured a tour-de-force performance by Isabel Sanford (Louise Jefferson).

Classic interview clips include: Marla Gibbs (Florence) assesses Sanford's contribution to the series and Sanford's recount of her professional friendship with Zara Cully (Mother Jefferson). We also look back at Sanford's 1981 Emmy acceptance speech.

As with other series developed by Norman Lear, The Jeffersons appealed to a wide audience and often tackled serious, ground-breaking subject matter. Please join us as we discuss its legacy.

SHOP AND CONNECT WITH ELVA GREEN

The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back Eddie Green: The Rise of an Early 1900s Black American Entertainment Pioneer https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/search?q=elva+diane+green

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elva.green.712/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elva.green.712/

AUDIO CLIPS

Isabel Sanford Emmy Acceptance Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUfFd1vNS4I

Isabel Sanford on Zara Cully (and other castmates) - https://youtu.be/5wqimrfTBn0

Marla Gibbs on Isabel Sanford - https://youtu.be/6sdguNXxtBc

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-bemis-abrams-5046573/

PRODUCTION

Podcast Editing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/