Cynthia’s Desk

TV logo with title storytelling and feminism, a TV journey

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...
Information about daytime TV history book

Her Stories: Declining Ratings and Daytime’s Demise – Part 4

During COVID lockdown, Dr. Elana Levine and I had a lengthy discussion that became an engaging four-part series about daytime’s demise. We discussed the economic pressures, declining ratings due to evolving audience demographics, and shifts in network decision-making that led to the genre’s decline. Topics include advertising revenue challenges, the rise of alternative  entertainment platforms, and the lasting impact of...
Outdoor concert with female performer

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)...
Virtual meeting with framed photos background

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,...
Connie Chung career feature art

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...
Tourist at Hollywood Hills

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...
Celebrating podcasting with Elsie Escobar

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,...
See No Evil" book with reviews displayed.

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...
Two women in a video call on laptop screens

Podcast Guesting: “Overdueing It: The Rhode Island Library Podcast”

Podcast guesting is a true honor! It's even more when the podcast host is a librarian. I humbly accepted the invitation to join Lauren Walker for Overdueing It. We discussed Advanced TV Herstory and its mission, as my heavy reliance on my own local library systems. Of course we talked about libraries, physical media (hang on to your DVD player!) and representation on...