Discover women’s stories in television history

Smiling woman portrait beside quoted text

Feminist Television Podcast

Since 2015, this independent podcast has produced more than 200 episodes exploring television history and women’s representation.

It features conversations with award-recognized producers, writers, directors, and actors discussing topics such as racism in casting, gender inequity in television marketing, and philanthropy in the entertainment industry. Guests include Emmy winners and nominees, an Oscar-nominated documentary director, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and other notable performers.

The show has also welcomed fellow podcasters and interviewed 28 authors and scholars in media, gender, and cultural studies, while producing multi-episode series on topics such as McCarthyism in early television, Judy Garland’s TV series, and opportunities for women in cable programming.

Interviews

Join us as we celebrate our very talented guests, their achievements and challenges, and uncover the creative processes that drive their success.

Actors’ Perspectives

Annie Potts – A versatile actor known for her roles in "Ghostbusters" and "Designing Women," Annie shares how her childhood experiences translate to her philanthropy and charitable foundation.

Margaret Cho – Comedian and activist Margaret Cho discusses breaking barriers in comedy and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry.

Kim Fields – With a career spanning decades, Kim Fields talks about her journey from child star to director, and her passion for storytelling.

Angela Ingersoll – Actor and singer Angela Ingersoll shares insights into Judy Garland and her acclaimed series.

Marlene Forte – Cuban-born actor Marlene Forte discusses her diverse roles in television and the importance of cultural representation on screen.

Cady McClain – Three-time Daytime Emmy winner Cady McClain gives us a glimpse into her work as an actor and director, and the power of storytelling in daytime television.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Sarah Moshman – Documentary filmmaker Sarah Moshman talks about the challenges and triumphs of capturing real-life stories and empowering women through film.

Lisa D’Apolito – Director Lisa D’Apolito provides a behind-the-scenes look at her filmmaking process and the impact of documenting iconic figures in entertainment.

Julie Cohen – Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julie Cohen shares her experiences in creating compelling documentaries and the importance of preserving history through film.

Beth Sullivan – Creator of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," Beth Sullivan discusses the art of writing for television and creating strong, relatable female characters.

Victoria Riskin – Screenwriter and producer Victoria Riskin explores the challenges of adapting literary works for the screen and her efforts to advocate for writers' rights.

April Smith – Emmy-nominated writer April Smith offers insights into her creative processes and the dynamics of writing for television and published fiction.

Cynthia's podcast has become a cornerstone for enthusiasts and scholars alike who seek to deepen their understanding of television history and culture. By interviewing authors and scholars with substantial credentials, she offers listeners a unique blend of academia and storytelling.

Scholarly Credentials

Deep Knowledge of Television

Writing History from a Feminist Lens

Voices From Our Audience

From Johanna in Sweden

I've been listening from the beginning over here in Sweden.

I like all of your episodes, but my favorite kind were the ones you did solo about a single episode of TV (like Designing Women for instance) and the ones about different themes like Monied Matriarchs in Dallas and Falcon Crest, those stories really made me notice and think about how TV influenced me growing up, taught me (for better or worse) social codes, about relationships, class and sociopolitical circumstances. Something to explore throughout life I think, and your podcast is a great forum for insight and inspiration.

From Wendy Burns-Ardolino, Ph.D. professor & recurring guest

Advanced TV Herstory is one of the smartest, well-researched podcasts on my playlist. Cynthia provides the foundation of information of important events and series in television history, from a timely feminist perspective. She's developed a loyal audience from academia and attracts top name scholars for interviews because the conversations are so rich. Enjoy and learn from this podcast and public intellectual.

From Elizabeth in NY

Thank you! I just listened to 2 episodes of the podcast on my commute this morning & LOVE IT. Can't wait for the other episodes!

From Marcy in MN re: Hill Street Blues

The show was on when I was in law school. Veronica Hamel’s character had a major influence on many of us. She was attractive, professional, witty, in control. This was one of the first times I recall seeing an older woman who was seriously attractive and sensual. Hamel I think served as the role model for later attorneys on shows like Law & Order. Where the idea of female lawyers who dressed as tarts came from, I have no idea.