Advanced TV Herstory

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/

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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/

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/

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 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/

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/

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 recent episodes from the past year, I celebrate Advanced TV Herstory's inclusion in IMDb and the anticipation of reaching a new audience. Because the podcast 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/

In this first of a two-part episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Elva Green to discuss her book, The Jeffersons: A Fresh Look Back. Ms. Green shares her personal journey as a writer and the impetus for the book, which offers insights, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and rare photos from the iconic TV series. Green interviewed cast and crew members, including the legendary Norman Lear and the incomparable Marla Gibbs, agreed to write the foreword for the book.

Ms. Green also speaks fondly of Berlinda Tolbert, Ernest Harden Jr., and others whose willingness to share stories and contacts enhanced her research and writing. Her unconventional path to becoming an author began with her desire to inspire her grandson by writing about her father, Eddie Green, an early 1900s Black American entertainment pioneer who achieved fame despite the challenges faced by African Americans in the first half of the last century.

Listeners are encouraged to read Green's books, as they offer exclusive insights into entertainment, black history, and well-crafted narratives. Be sure to tune into our next episode to learn more from Elva Green and her unexpected role in preserving the legacy of The Jeffersons.

BOOKS BY 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

AUDIO CLIPS The Jeffersons: The Best of Florence - https://youtu.be/pmxflexREKc

Mother Jefferson Has a New Boyfriend - https://youtu.be/222kxW5mlbs

Lionel and Jenny Kiss & Make Up -

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 this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams takes a critical look at the groundbreaking sitcom Cheers, focusing on the iconic female characters, Carla Tortelli and Diane Chambers. Cynthia examines the complexities of these characters, portrayed by Rhea Perlman and Shelley Long, respectively, and their impact as strong female figures in 1980s television.

The episode explores the intertwining themes of workplace dynamics, gender roles, and the comedic yet often problematic portrayal of relationships and sexism. Cynthia also highlights the contributions of female writers like Heide Perlman in shaping the series and questions whether Cheers has aged well in the context of contemporary views on gender and power dynamics.

Episode Highlights

• Introduction to Cheers: Overview of the show's premise and its cultural impact.
• Focus on Female Characters: Examination of Carla Tortelli and Diane Chambers as pioneering roles for women in television.
• Performances of Rhea Perlman and Shelley Long.
• Heide Perlman's contributions and the role of female writers in the series.
• Gender Dynamics: Workplace relationships and sexism in the show.
• How Cheers reflects and challenges societal norms of the 1980s.
• Does Cheers stands the test of time in modern society.

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/

This is part one of a two-part conversation with author and TV/film historian, Lee Gambin.

His double-volume work, Tonight, On a Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious, provides a launch pad for our thoughtful and fast-paced discussion of the issues and activists behind TV's "very special episodes," which date back 50 years or more. These TV events—featuring familiar, beloved characters—mixed serious topics with comedy so effectively that, in many cases, activists were born, movements were started, legislation was passed, and minds were changed.

Legendary showrunners like Norman Lear and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason used the sitcom format to normalize awareness and discussion of race relations, women's issues, representation, discrimination, divorce, alcoholism and drug addiction, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ rights. Fronting these issues shaped our culture in ways that should not be lost to history.

Join us for a discussion of the iconic episodes and the legends who made them happen, as well as how they continue to impact us today.

CONNECT WITH LEE GAMBIN

Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 1: 1957-1985 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-1-1957-1985-paperback?_pos=1&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r

Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 2: 1986-1998 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-2-1986-1998-paperback?_pos=3&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r

Cinemaniacs - https://cinemaniacs.com.au/

SOUND CLIPS

Diff'rent Strokes: The Bicycle Man (S5.E16-17) -https://youtu.be/XX-yeqTaltE

Designing Women: Killing All the Right People (S2.E4) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cozd3HN6xS8

All in The Family: Edith's 50th Birthday (S8.E4-5) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eGFuSpSn1U

BOOKS / ARTICLES

Norman Lear Memoir, Even This I Get to Experience - https://www.normanlear.com/the-book

PERTINENT EPISODES OF ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Designing Women vs. Bodyshaming https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f3f2d126-490f-4cf0-96c7-fb3d7bab9621.mp3

Sports Night: More Relevant Than Ever - https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d099dbfb-e591-4877-879b-6a7781c7b9f2.mp3

Eating Disorder Movies: TV For and About Women - https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/ec92735c-cb8d-4916-8c8f-2ff9ab9e5d86.mp3

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/

I am very excited to share the first of a two-part conversation with author and TV/film historian, Lee Gambin. His double-volume work, Tonight, On a Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious, provides a launch pad for our thoughtful and fast-paced discussion of the issues and activists behind TV's "very special episodes," which date back 50 years or more. These TV events, featuring familiar, beloved characters, mixed serious topics with comedy so effectively that, in many cases, activists were born, movements were started, legislation was passed, and minds were changed.

Legendary showrunners like Norman Lear and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason used the sitcom format to normalize awareness and discussion of race relations, women's issues, representation, discrimination, divorce, alcoholism and drug addiction, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTQ rights. Fronting these issues shaped our culture in ways that should not be lost to history. Join us for a discussion of the iconic episodes and the legends who made them happen, as well as how they continue to impact us today.

CONNECT WITH LEE GAMBIN

Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 1: 1957-1985 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-1-1957-1985-paperback?_pos=1&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r

Tonight, On A Very Special Episode: When TV Sitcoms Sometimes Got Serious Volume 2: 1986-1998 - https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/tonight-on-a-very-special-episode-when-tv-sitcoms-sometimes-got-serious-volume-2-1986-1998-paperback?_pos=3&_sid=72a8817db&_ss=r

Cinemaniacs - https://cinemaniacs.com.au/

SOUND CLIPS

Diff'rent Strokes: The Bicycle Man (S5.E16-17) -https://youtu.be/XX-yeqTaltE

Designing Women: Killing All the Right People (S2.E4) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cozd3HN6xS8

All in The Family: Edith's 50th Birthday (S8.E4-5) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eGFuSpSn1U

BOOKS / ARTICLES

Norman Lear Memoir, Even This I Get to Experience - https://www.normanlear.com/the-book

PERTINENT EPISODES OF ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Designing Women vs. Bodyshaming https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/f3f2d126-490f-4cf0-96c7-fb3d7bab9621.mp3

Sports Night: More Relevant Than Ever - https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d099dbfb-e591-4877-879b-6a7781c7b9f2.mp3

Eating Disorder Movies: TV For and About Women - https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/ec92735c-cb8d-4916-8c8f-2ff9ab9e5d86.mp3

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 1989, Oprah Winfrey produced and starred in the two-part TV miniseries, The Women of Brewster Place, which was based on Gloria Naylor's award-winning debut novel. The book, and the movie, explore a variety of personal issues and social themes faced by seven Black women who live in an urban housing project.

When, just for fun, we asked the new artificial intelligence software, ChatGPT, to connect Oprah's cultural influence with themes from the book/movie, the AI chatbot got it… sort of right. Sort of. It dispassionately summarized many of the challenges faced by the women in the story. And it mentioned Oprah's commitment to highlighting personal and social issues.

But ChatGPT failed to find the essential storyline. And it's no wonder. The online content about The Women of Brewster Place neglects the underlying racism that's at work when urban planners and policymakers target the destruction of specific neighborhoods in the name of progress. As long as history is "written by the victors," the online trough that feeds artificial intelligence will prevent AI, and the people who rely on it, from making the most crucial connections of all.

MENTIONS AND REFERENCES We encourage you to visit your local bookseller or library. Book by Gloria Naylor - The Women of Brewster Place -https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-of-brewster-place-gloria-naylor/1102236580

Movie on YouTube - The Women of Brewster Place - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-XFelzSXfc

People Magazine Article - Oprah Goes Hollywood - https://people.com/archive/oprah-goes-hollywood-vol-29-no-23/

Book by Carol Stabile, PhD - The Broadcast 41 - https://thereadingwarehouse.com/book.php?ISBN=9781912685424

Vulture Article - 30 Years Ago, The Women of Brewster Place Cracked Open the Door for Queer TV - https://www.vulture.com/2019/05/the-women-of-brewster-place-theresa-lorraine.html

Vice Article - I've Made More Than 1,700 Wikipedia Entries on Women Scientists and I'm Not Yet Done - https://www.vice.com/en/article/z34k9e/wikipedia-pages-women-scientists-jessica-wade-stem

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com

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

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia

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