Talking Representation, TradWives and Progress with Caroline Heldman
It was a pleasure to talk representation, tradwives, progress and more with Caroline Heldman earlier this month. I hope you get a chance to listen this timely episode. We discuss AI'sconnection to porn and today's college students. Caroline provides insight into the state of representation in media - television, film, advertising and news. Dr. Heldman is the Department Chair, Gender,...
Linda Kelsey Talks “Lou Grant,” “MASH” and Acting
Linda Kelsey reflects on her television career, including her role as reporter Billie Newman on Lou Grant (1977–1982) and her 1976 guest appearances on M*A*S*H. Linda and I recorded an episode of Advanced TV Herstory in person, at a public library in south Minneapolis. TV execs wondered a sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, could successfully spin off a drama around Ed Asner as Lou Grant. It was a success and then some, with ample credit due to Linda Kelsey, who played Billie...
Storytelling and Feminism: A TV Journey
Storytelling and feminism are the content hallmarks of this past year of podcasting, as I explain in this 2026 anniversary episode. Each year, I pause content to focus Advanced TV Herstory's journey by sharing insights and stories that shaped recent episodes. I share instances from interviews and correspondence that fortify my examination of storytelling through TV. Truly, I'm amazed that...
Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park Concert (#1 popular episode)
Leadership, Rain, and Music History In this, my #1 popular episode, published in 2015, I explored Diana Ross’ legendary 1983 Central Park concert, where music and leadership collided amidst a torrential downpour. Discover how Ross captivated a bi-racial crowd, managed chaos with grace, turning a challenging performance into a cultural milestone. From the event’s impact on early cable streaming (Showtime)...
Comfort TV: Finding Joy with Karly Beaumont
Comfort TV is a real thing. Like many, I’ve been looking to make sense of the world in November 2024. I wondered who could best join me in observing how life in the U.S. is changing and found my answer. Social media connection and podcaster, Karly Beaumont, was active with many thoughtful messages. Creator of Talking Shondaland and contributor to TV Movie Mistress,...
News Icon Connie Chung’s Legacy
New icon Connie Chung finally wrote a memoir, and I loved it! A few months ago, I shared that I really enjoyed reading Connie, A Memoir (2024) by TV news icon Connie Chung. I thought my chances of landing her for an interview were abysmal. Rather, I chose to offer my own analysis of Chung’s legacy and impact. I've had my eye...
Busy Days in L.A. = Revived mission
Four busy days in LA revived my mission of the podcast and why I feel so strongly about celebrating the work of talented TV women. It was a mix of business and pleasure, which is why I love producing Advanced TV Herstory. I had meetings lined up that included recording two interviews. The first was with Beth Sullivan, creator of...
Podcasting, Growth & Grit
Podcasting growth and grit were on tap for this year’s anniversary episode of Advanced TV Herstory. I welcomed special guest Elsie Escobar, Podcast Hall of Famer and co-founder of She Podcasts. Elsie mentors independent podcasters and she and I go back to 2017. Advanced TV Herstory's anniversary episodes serve as a recap and look forward. We touched on the independent podcasting's evolution,...
Family Viewing Hour and the FCC
Geoffrey Cowan's See No Evil is about TV's Family Viewing Hour and the FCC. This 1979 resource is an intense accounting of the 1970s power plays that rocked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In the early 1970s, white men in Congress attempted to curb progressive television content by threatening the FCC's funding. This was in response to Norman Lear's breakthrough...