Advanced TV Herstory

Before Oprah. Before Arsenio. There was Della.

Singer, talk show host, actor, minister, and cultural icon Della Reese shattered barriers across media genres — and made history as the first Black woman to host her own syndicated talk show in 1969. In this heartfelt episode, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams pays tribute to Reese’s remarkable career and unrelenting spirit.

Drawing from Reese’s 1997 memoir Angels Along the Way, this episode explores:

• The launch of Della, her syndicated talk show that aired 292 episodes
• Her early success as a guest on shows hosted by Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, and Phil Donahue
• Behind-the-scenes obstacles faced due to race, gender, and TV production costs
• Her role in Touched by an Angel and decades of TV guest spots
• Lessons on faith, persistence, and service drawn from her later-life ministry
• Personal reflections on overcoming IRS debt, abuse, and industry exploitation
• Influences and mentorship from Mahalia Jackson and Ethel Waters

Reese’s long legacy bridges gospel, activism, and entertainment. This episode honors her not just as a performer — but as a force for justice, representation, and healing.

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PRODUCTION

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

In this special Mother's Day episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the profound impact of women who shape our lives, with inspiration from Victoria Rowell's compelling memoir, The Women Who Raised Me.

Rowell, a two-time Emmy nominee and 11-time NAACP Image Award winner, shares her incredible journey through the foster care system and the women who nurtured her into a successful actor, dancer, and advocate. From her iconic roles on The Young and the Restless and Diagnosis: Murder to her advocacy for foster children and mental health, Victoria Rowell's story is a testament to resilience and the power of community. Celebrate the women who help us find our voices, whether they're mothers, mentors, or friends. This episode offers heartfelt reflections and resources to honor National Foster Care Month.

Resources:

Books & Films: The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir by Victoria Rowell Available on Barnes & Noble Summer Camp (In theaters May 31, 2024)

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

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Ginn, the current president of the Pop Culture Association (PCA) and a renowned scholar in pop culture and science fiction. Recorded live at the PCA National Conference in Chicago, the discussion covers a range of topics, including:

• the evolution of science fiction in popular culture,
• the enduring legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer,
• and the complexities surrounding Dollhouse.

Dr. Ginn shares her insights on female representation and role models in science fiction, the intersections of feminism and diversity, and the challenges posed by male writers and showrunners in the genre. As a tireless editor and author, Dr. Ginn blends her passion for sci-fi with her expertise in neuroscience and psychology, offering thoughtful analyses on previously under-explored topics. Tune in to explore the worlds of science fiction television and the powerful roles women play within them.

Podcast Show Notes

• Guest: Dr. Sherry Ginn, President of the Pop Culture Association
• Location: PCA National Conference, Chicago
• Topics Discussed:
• Evolution of science fiction in popular culture
• Legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Issues with Dollhouse
• Female representation and role models in sci-fi
• Feminism, diversity, and inclusion in pop culture
• Challenges with male writers and showrunners in science fiction
• Dr. Ginn's Contributions:
• Expertise in neuroscience research and psychology
• Written works on women in sci-fi and sex in science fiction
• Notable works include Our Space, Our Place and Power and Control in the Television Worlds of Joss Whedon

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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PRODUCTION

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

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams delves into a captivating 1958 episode of Edward R. Murrow’s Small World, featuring Vivien Leigh, Samuel Goldwyn, and Kenneth Tynan.

As we explore this rare television appearance, we uncover the dynamics of a conversation that challenges cultural norms of the time. With topics ranging from ethnic representation in theater to the transition of performers in different roles, Leigh’s voice shines through, highlighting her as a fierce advocate for artistic integrity. Despite her struggles with bipolar disorder, Leigh's contributions continue to resonate in modern discourse. This episode is a tribute to her legacy and the enduring impact of honest and challenging dialogues.

• Overview of the episode's focus on Vivien Leigh's appearance on "Small World."
• Context of the broadcast during the Oscar season in March 2024.
• Vivien Leigh's Legacy
• Brief biography and career highlights of Vivien Leigh.
• Discussion on her impact on film and theater.
• Edward R. Murrow's "Small World"
• Description of the show’s innovative format and its significance in television history.
• Introduction to guests: Vivien Leigh, Samuel Goldwyn, and Kenneth Tynan.
• Key Discussion Points
• Representation of ethnicities in theater and film.
• Leigh’s experiences and challenges in the industry.
• Dynamics between Leigh, Tynan, and Goldwyn during the conversation.
• Cultural Impact
• Reflection on the societal norms and changes discussed in the episode.
• The role of television in fostering critical thinking and cultural advancement.
• Reflection on the importance of preserving historical media.
• Call to action for listeners to explore more about Vivien Leigh and her legacy.
• Additional Resources
• Mention of TaylorMayes' YouTube channel for viewing historical episodes.
• Recommendations for books about Vivien Leigh’s career.

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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PRODUCTION

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

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

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

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Yvonne Perry to Advanced TV Herstory. Yvonne is an award-winning actor, drama teacher, director, and intimacy coordinator. In addition to her work in film and prime-time television, she originated the role of Rosanna Cabot on As the World Turns.

Yvonne's experience in daytime TV, with its groundbreaking storylines and thoughtful intimacy handling, has informed her approach to work today. Cynthia and Yvonne reflect on the wins in the 2023 SAG-AFTRA contract, including new standards and protocols for the use of intimacy coordinators. Yvonne discusses her experience working in this emerging field and the value of providing a respectful and collaborative environment for actors, directors, and crew members.

Yvonne also shares fun stories from along her career path, including an important lesson she learned as Rosanna Cabot, her first kiss in front of the camera, the relationship between fight choreography and intimacy direction, what major league ballplayers think about daytime TV, and much more. It's a lively and interesting discussion from an insider's point of view. Thank you for listening!

[February 6, 2024 - This episode has been edited to include Alicia Rodis' contribution to the field of intimacy direction and coordinating.]

YVONNE PERRY Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YvonnePerryHulbert

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

Website - https://www.yvonneperry.com/

RESOURCES and MENTIONS

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators - https://www.idcprofessionals.com/

Jessica Steinrock, PhD, Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intimacy_coordinator_ Jessica Steinrock, PhD, TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@intimacycoordinator?/

Alicia Rodis - https://www.idcprofessionals.com/bios/aliciarodis

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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

Advanced TV Herstory's special series on TV Talk Shows examines one interview that became the focus of multi-year, high profile litigation. 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

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

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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/

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams proudly unveils 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/

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PRODUCTION

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

Video Editing - https://nivialopez.com/

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