Welcome to the anniversary episode of Advanced TV Herstory! This week marks 7 years since the inception of the podcast, and we're celebrating by reflecting on the past year's content, discussing the current state of TV, and exploring the topics we plan to cover in the future.

We delve into the evolving landscape of podcasting and the recent controversies surrounding platforms like Spotify. I also share insights about the importance of owning your favorite media in an age of streaming uncertainty. Plus, hear about my recent interviews and episodes on The Americans, Diana Ross' 1983 concert, and Liza Minnelli's TV career.

Additionally, we discuss the impact of representation in media and the importance of supporting women's sports. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and join me on this journey of TV history.

Thank you for being part of the Advanced TV Herstory community! Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, your support and engagement are deeply appreciated.

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- Advanced TV Herstory

- Podcast anniversary

- TV history podcast

- Representation in media

- Podcasting trends

- Streaming services

- Women's sports on TV

- Classic TV series

- Liza Minnelli TV career

- Diana Ross Central Park concert

- The Americans FX series

In celebration of Liza Minnelli's 50-year legacy since Cabaret, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the powerhouse performer's enduring influence on television and stage. Drawing from moments often overshadowed by her film career, this episode revisits Minnelli's unforgettable appearances with Goldie Hawn, The Muppets, Judy Garland tributes, and the Wembley Stadium event that celebrated the life of Freddie Mercury. Cynthia reflects on Minnelli's resilience, personal struggles, and the problematic commentary surrounding her 2022 Oscar appearance, using it as a lens to discuss ageism, representation, and American celebrity culture. This episode offers a vibrant look at: Liza's evolution from child of Hollywood royalty to EGOT-adjacent icon The legacy of Cabaret and her impact on Broadway culture Her roles in destigmatizing AIDS, addiction, and age on screen Personal reflections on visibility, health, and dignity in performance Whether you know her as a singer, dancer, daughter of Judy Garland, or timeless queer icon, this episode reminds us why Liza Minnelli's presence on any stage still matters. Referenced books & resources: Me and My Shadows by Lorna Luft Cabaret & AIDS Tribute – Daily Mail Freddie Mercury Wembley Clip

Cold War espionage with an 80s feminist touch - The Americans (FX, 2013-2018) gave us a new form of anti-hero in Elizabeth Jennings, played by Keri Russell. Cynthia and guest author Linda Mizejewski discuss the award-winning series' women, its commitment to accuracy and the bold approach of depicting spies as real people.

Linda Mizejewski's book The Americans, published by Wayne State Press https://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/books/detail/americans

Slate's podcast series on The Americans https://slate.com/tag/the-americans

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It's the new year and Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams recounts the lives and careers of talented TV women who died in 2021. While some died unexpectedly of disease, the long list features names of women who worked well into their golden years. Join this celebration of their impact on TV and come away with renewed energy to cheer on the amazing women in your own circle, while they're still around. The list includes Betty White, Cloris Leachman, Jessica Walter, Cicely Tyson, Markie Post, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes.

In this second part of the two-episode series, Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues her deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about Diana Ross' unforgettable 1983 Central Park concert. They explore how the Showtime broadcast amplified Ross' leadership during the rainstorm and the concert's lasting cultural impact.

Drawing from Lawson's book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, the conversation examines what Diana Ross' authenticity and resilience mean to women of color today. Cynthia and Shayla reflect on how this concert became a global symbol of representation and connection, with Ross proving that great performances can rise above even the most challenging circumstances.

Part 1 of interview with Shayla Lawson: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/3e60a2a1-c7b0-4318-af48-d10648f8ef13.mp3

This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope (2020) https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com/book-review-this-is-major-notes-on-diana-ross-dark-girls-and-being-dope-by-shayla-lawson/

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Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson to revisit Diana Ross' iconic 1983 Central Park concert.

As captured in Lawson's book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, this rain-soaked performance is explored through the lens of cultural significance, representation, and the resilience of women of color. Together, Cynthia and Shayla discuss how Ross' leadership and authenticity during the storm transformed the concert into a historic moment for music and feminism.

Tune in for a reflective conversation on what this event meant to Black families, the entertainment industry, and the evolving narrative of women in media. The concert's impact underscores the importance of visibility for women of color in media and music.

Episode Resources Related Episodes: Diana Ross' 1983 Central Park Concert (1.18)

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/917c300f-4750-4fd6-a61c-39a5bfbf2c11.mp3

Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Part 2) (7.4)

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5573db2d-8866-4b8f-899c-7598f4910d1d.mp3

Guest's Book: Shayla Lawson (2020) This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com/book-review-this-is-major-notes-on-diana-ross-dark-girls-and-being-dope-by-shayla-lawson/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams dives into the fascinating world of Hollywood's golden era through the 2001 made-for-TV movie These Old Broads. Written by the legendary Carrie Fisher, this film features Hollywood icons Shirley MacLaine, Fisher's mother Debbie Reynolds, Dame Joan Collins, and Dame Elizabeth Taylor.

Cynthia explores the film's themes of aging, scandal, and the powerful stories woven from Fisher's own life experiences. She highlights the cast's dynamic performances and their real-life connections, as well as the film's nods to Hollywood history and Fisher's personal narrative. Listeners are encouraged to watch the film and appreciate its rich storytelling and cultural significance.

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams pays tribute to the TV women in front of and behind the camera who passed away in 2020. including such big names as film and TV legend 104 year old Olivia deHavilland, actor/singer Ja'Net DuBois of Good Times, daytime's Marj Dusay, Glee's Naya Rivera and the woman who brought us The Magic School Bus, Joanna Cole.

Cynthia lists well known older women successfully leveraging social media and weighs in on #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay and the entertainment industry's treatment of Britney Spears.

Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams chats role models and memorable characters found in the 4-Female sitcom construct, with Summer Martin of The Unconventional Woman podcast. Guest Wendy Burns-Ardolino contributes insights into what qualities and traits viewers look for in their role models and how 4 women characters offer fluidity to leading conversations.

Excerpts from Mara Brock-Akil, showrunner of Girlfriends and the Irish cast of Derry Girls with showrunner Lisa McGee (YouTube) https://youtu.be/5y7jcmkotw4 (M Brock Akil) Derry Girls https://youtu.be/bbjpEnH_Zb0

Wendy Burns-Ardolino's book TV Female Foursome and Their Fans https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/tv-female-foursomes-and-their-fans/

CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA and ADVANCED TV HERSTORY

Monthly Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/

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

In the 3rd of 4 episodes about role models and memorable characters, Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Summer Martin, of The Unconventional Woman podcast delve deep into some of the most crafted, defined, distinct women characters to ever grace the dramatic small screen.

They follow it up with a list of similarly refined, authentic real women – whose growth and stature have unfolded over the decades. Characters and real figures discussed include Dr. Camille Saroyan (Bones), Chris Cagney and MaryBeth Lacey (Cagney & Lacey), AnnaLiese Keating (How to Get Away With Murder), Olivia Pope (Scandal), Robin Roberts (Good Morning America), Joy Reid (The Reid Out), Gayle King, Oprah, Shonda Rhimes, and Martha Stewart.

Clip: Season 2 opener of Martha and Snoop's Dinner Party Music: Jahzzar's Take Me Higher (www.freemusicarchive.org) Summer Martin of The Unconventional Woman podcast www.tuwpodcast.com Editing and sound design by Catherine Yang