80s TV Ladies

134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson

4-time Podcast Awards Winner! Webby nominated for Best Indie Podcast. 80s TV Ladies is dedicated to the beloved female-driven shows of the 1980s! Do you love 80s pop culture, television and fabulous women? On our show, you’ll hear a breakdown of how these shows got made, how they were influenced by the times and, in turn, how they influenced pop-culture trends to follow. We love discussing the “two-steps forward, one-step-back” lens of media-driven feminism. Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they talk about the fabulous ladies of television: Cagney & Lacey, Designing Women, A Different World, The Golden Girls and more. With special guests, TV creators and stars! Do these shows we hold so dear hold up? Let's find out. Season 1: We examine three “detective duo shows” this season, with multiple episodes and awesome guests for each TV show we cover. Scarecrow and Mrs. King Remington Steele Cagney & Lacey Season 2: Multiple episodes per TV show exploring representation and behind-the-scenes insight in science fiction, drama and sitcoms! Queer representation in 70s and 80s 9 to 5 television show It's a Living Designing Women Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas Star Trek Ladies Moonlighting Special guests: Eugenie Ross-Leming, Martha Smith, Robin Bernheim, Stephanie Zimbalist, Evan Ball, Debbie Evans, Barney Rosenzweig, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Karen Arthur, Cynthis Beemis Abrams, Matt Baume, Jane Epsensen, Drew Greenberg, Paul Kreppel, Bryan Edward Hill, Maggie Friedman, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Stan Zimmerman, Mary Lou Belli, Nana Visitor, Glenn Gordon Caron, Shery Main and more! We publish every other Wednesday. Tell us: Who should we interview and what's your favorite 80s Ladies television show? https://www.80stvladies.com

  1. The Golden Girls: 10 Not So Great Things About a Great Show

    24/12/2025

    The Golden Girls: 10 Not So Great Things About a Great Show

    ”Dorothy's tale of how she and her husband ended up together implies that he slipped her something and had sex with her. Without protection… Yeah…” - Susan Lambert Hatem Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep in this episode into the beloved TV show 'The Golden Girls,' discussing its groundbreaking impact and the not-so-great aspects. While celebrating its progressive approach to hot-button topics and its iconic cast, they discuss ten aspects they found problematic, from mean-spirited humor to racial and cultural insensitivity. The episode, inspired by a Vulture article by Steven W. Thrasher, seeks to balance admiration with candid critique, acknowledging both the show's achievements and its shortcomings. Tune in for a balanced look at one of the most iconic TV shows from the '80s, filled with both love and critique. Wishing you all a Happy Belated Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Wonderful Holidays! May you all have a hopeful and very Happy New Year! HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH. Click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping! DECEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK: 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts: Cozy Earth (41% Off) Old Glory (15% Off) 🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES AUDIOOGRAPHY Listen to Grace Anna at ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com The Golden Girls Streaming: Watch on Hulu Get DVDs on eBay Vulture Article: "The Real Mud on Golden Girls" by Steven W. Thrasher Read the article on Vulture OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate?Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com  Other TV Shows Referenced:Mama's Family -Mama's Family (Wikipedia) Married with Children - Married with Children (Wikipedia) All in the Family - All in the Family (Wikipedia) How to Marry a Millionaire (film) - How to Marry a Millionaire (Wikipedia) People Brandon Tartikoff (NBC executive, inspiration for the show) Brandon Tartikoff (Wikipedia) Susan Harris (Creator of The Golden Girls) Susan Harris (Wikipedia) Charles Levin (Actor who played Coco) Charles Levin (Wikipedia) Steven W Thrasher (Author of the Vulture article) Steven W Thrasher (Official Site) CONNECT Go to 80sTVLadies.com for more info and transcripts. Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.  Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture. 00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies Podcast 00:29 Introducing the Golden Girls Discussion 01:02 10 Things We Don't Love About the Golden Girls 02:28 Mean-Spirited Humor in the Golden Girls 04:05 Sexism and Controversial Jokes 07:10 Racism and Cultural Insensitivity 14:36 Ageism and Stereotypes 17:37 Inconsistencies and Lost Characters 20:20 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    25 min
  2. Marsha Posner Williams, Part 2 | Golden Girls, Hail to the Chief and Sherman Hemsley's Amen

    10/12/2025

    Marsha Posner Williams, Part 2 | Golden Girls, Hail to the Chief and Sherman Hemsley's Amen

    "Achieving this milestone was a dream come true. It made all the hard work and sacrifices worth it."  - Marsha Posner Williams In this 80s TV Ladies episode, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson continue their interview with Emmy-winning producer Marsha Posner Williams, exploring further chapters of her illustrious career in television. Marsha discusses her work on the short-lived yet memorable show 'Hail to the Chief,' including behind-the-scenes challenges and humorous moments, like dealing with unprepared nuns in the audience. She delves into the transition to producing 'The Golden Girls,' touching on pivotal moments such as reworking the pilot, the removal of the character Coco, and the creation of the show's iconic theme song and opening credits. Marsha also reflects on inter-cast dynamics, particularly the tension between Bea Arthur and Betty White, and shares broader insights on her career achievements, inspirational encounters, and the empowering message she delivers in her college lectures. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 00:32 Hail to the Chief: Behind the Scenes 05:42 Golden Girls: Season 1 and Casting 08:29 Golden Girls: Creating the Iconic Theme and Opening Credits 15:52 Golden Girls: On-Set Dynamics and Challenges 20:58 Golden Palace Origins 21:09 Tales from the Set 22:18 Navigating Hollywood's Gender Dynamics 22:45 The Me Too Movement 26:18 Working on Amen 32:24 Transition to College Lectures 36:18 Reflecting on a Hollywood Career 43:31 Conclusion and Farewell AUDIOOGRAPHY Listen to Grace Anna at ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS Get awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH. If you click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not, use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping! DECEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK: 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts: Cozy Earth (41% Off) Old Glory (15% Off) 🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate? Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com  Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    47 min
  3. Marsha Posner Williams, Part 1 | On Golden Girls,  Emmy Wins and Being a Television Trailblazer

    26/11/2025

    Marsha Posner Williams, Part 1 | On Golden Girls, Emmy Wins and Being a Television Trailblazer

    “Even more so than All in the Family, we had protesters outside our office... We used to keep our curtains closed because we were afraid someone was gonna throw a brick through the window.” - Marsha Posner Williams on 'Soap' In this episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson interview Marsha Posner Williams, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning producer known for her work on hit shows such as ‘Soap,’ 'Benson,' 'Night Court,' and 'The Golden Girls.' Dive into Marsha's fascinating career journey as she shares intriguing and hilarious anecdotes about her experiences in Hollywood, including her connection to Marlo Thomas's fan club. She tells us about working with Danny Thomas, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas, and Susan Harris! And shares the trials and triumphs of producing controversial yet iconic TV shows alongside Danny Thomas, Paul Junger Witt, Tony Thomas and Susan Harris. From typing jokes and working as a hostess dancer to her involvement in groundbreaking, controversial and iconic TV shows, Marsha's story is one of resilience, ambition, and a keen sense of humor. Tune in to hear her insights on the evolving landscape of television and her contributions to the most memorable shows of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Stay tuned for more in Part 2! AUDIOOGRAPHY Listen to ArtMuse Podcast at artmusepodcast.com HOLIDAY PROMO DEALS If you click through from this page, the discount should automatically apply. If not use the promo code: 80STVLADIES. Happy Shopping! Get some awesome sheets and pajamast at COZY EARTH. NOVEMBER 8TL DEALS BLOCK: 80s TV Ladies deals and discounts:  Cozy Earth (41% Off) Old Glory (15% Off) 🔗 Get them at: https://MyDeals.Page/19wy 🎁 Code: 80STVLADIES OUR 100th EPISODE is coming! What should we do to celebrate? Send us your ideas via: 80sTVLadies @ gmail dot com  00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies 00:37 Introducing Marcia Posner Williams 01:51 Marcia's Early Inspirations 05:28 Journey to Hollywood 08:05 Struggles and Breakthroughs 11:05 First Big Break in Hollywood 20:23 Working with Danny Thomas 23:11 Unpredictability of Live TV 23:28 First Steps in Television 23:45 Working with Susan Harris 25:15 Controversies of 'Soap' 26:39 Fan Reactions and Personal Stories 32:39 Promotion to Script Supervisor 34:17 Transition to Producing 38:34 Memorable Moments on Set 46:39 From 'Benson' to 'Night Court' 47:34 Negotiating Conditions for 'Hail to the Chief' Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    51 min
  4. 80s TV Legends: Golden Girls, Love Boat and Jim Colucci Forever

    12/11/2025

    80s TV Legends: Golden Girls, Love Boat and Jim Colucci Forever

    Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson on 80s TV Ladies, where they chat with Jim Colucci, TV writer, author, and entertainment journalist, known for his deep dive into the cultural impact of the Golden Girls. In this episode, Jim discusses his unauthorized retrospective book, 'Golden Girls Forever,' sharing behind-the-scenes stories and the show's lasting cultural influence. From interviews with Golden Girls cast members to exploring themes of diversity and acceptance in 80s television, Jim provides stories about the cast Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty.    The conversation explores Jim's experiences writing about other iconic shows like 'All in the Family,' 'Will and Grace,' and his upcoming book on 'The Love Boat.' Get inside these legendary 80s pop culture shows with insights, laughter, and nostalgic reflections on the power of television to shape our views.Filling in for Melissa this week is Associate Producer Sailor Franklin. And we kept talking. So many more stories about Golden Girls, The Love Boat, James Lipton, Cloris Leachman and more! Get the full supersized Jim Colucci episode at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies AUDIOOGRAPHY You can find Jim Colucci at JimColucci.com   And on Instagram.com/Jimcolucci Get Jim's book Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai at Harper Books.  Get the FULL 2-Hour amazing interview with Jim at Patreon.com/80sTVLadies The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo Purchase:  Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase). Hulu has the documentary ​​The World According to Allee Willis. So fun! Read more about the GG 40th Anniversary celebration at ABC. Now streaming on Hulu/Disney+ Watch The Golden Girls: 40 Years of Laughter and Friendship Trailer at YouTube.  JOIN THE FUN Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! 5-stars means a lot. Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    1h 12m
  5. Stan Zimmerman: From Golden Girls to Gilmore Girls - A Writer's Journey Through 80s TV

    29/10/2025

    Stan Zimmerman: From Golden Girls to Gilmore Girls - A Writer's Journey Through 80s TV

    Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they welcome back prolific writer, director, producer, and actor Stan Zimmerman. Known for his work on iconic female-driven comedies like 'The Golden Girls,' 'Roseanne,' and 'Gilmore Girls,' Stan shares insights from his illustrious career and discusses his new book, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore.  From recounting behind-the-scenes moments with Betty White, Bea Arthur, and other legends, to addressing the challenges of being a gay writer in Hollywood, Stan's stories are both entertaining and enlightening. Tune in for a journey through 80s TV history, writing partnerships, and lessons learned along the way. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:43 Introducing Stan Zimmerman 01:51 Stan's Writing Journey 02:37 The Personal Side of Writing 03:36 Journaling and Reflection 05:13 Challenges and Resilience 10:18 Golden Girls Insights 14:30 Writing Partnerships and Hollywood Politics 17:27 Spec Scripts and Early Career 25:50 Golden Girls Episodes and Legacy 36:50 Pitching Jokes to Soap and Benson Writers 37:39 Evolution of the Writer's Room 39:04 Golden Girls and Changing Times 42:23 Stories from the Book: Celebrity Encounters 50:59 Theater and Making a Difference 56:01 Challenges and Triumphs in Hollywood 01:00:41 Friendship with Lily Tomlin 01:10:45 Reflections on Writing for Golden Girls 01:12:19 Conclusion and Podcast Shoutouts AUDIOOGRAPHY Find more about Stan at ZimmermanStan.com Book Recommendation: The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore by Stan Zimmerman. Get it at Indigo River Publishing. Or at Barnes and Noble. The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase), on DVD, and more. Get Involved in Your Community Indivisible: Find a group near you and get involved at indivisible.org Contact Your Representatives: Check out Five Calls to quickly and easily call your representatives. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    1h 15m
  6. An Iconic Voice | The Last Golden Girl Cindy Fee on the Art of TV Themes

    15/10/2025

    An Iconic Voice | The Last Golden Girl Cindy Fee on the Art of TV Themes

    In this captivating episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem interview the legendary Cindy Fee, best known for singing the iconic theme song for 'The Golden Girls'. The conversation covers Cindy's extensive career, beginning with her professional singing at a young age, and her work with notable artists such as Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, and Dolly Parton. Cindy shares behind-the-scenes stories from her career in jingles, commercials, and studio work, as well as her experiences performing live. She also reflects on the enduring appeal of 'The Golden Girls', the impact of TV theme songs, and the evolution of the music industry. Cindy's anecdotes and insights offer a unique glimpse into the life of a versatile and prolific singer. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Welcome 00:32 Introducing Cindy Fee: A Musical Journey 01:57 Early Beginnings in Music 04:13 Moving to LA and Career Breakthroughs 06:04 Recording Demos and Working with Diane Warren 10:58 Family Life and Balancing Career 12:57 Studio Work and Jingle Singing 25:58 Golden Girls Theme Song and TV Music 29:41 The Evolution of TV and Music Industry 39:25 The Impact of AI on Performers 39:58 The Role of Unions in Protecting Talent 41:06 Misconceptions About Golden Girls Contributions 41:25 Golden Girls Conventions and Fan Interactions 42:53 A Career in Music and Jingles 49:11 Memorable Collaborations and Advice for Singers 59:20 The Emotional Connection of 'Thank You for Being a Friend' 01:09:45 Future Plans and Final Thoughts AUDIOOGRAPHY Learn more about Cindy Fee at CindyFeeSings.com Find Cindy at TikTok.com/@goldengirlfee Be a part of Cindy Fee's new "Thank You For Being a Friend" music video. Learn more at her Instagram Check out Golden Girls LIVE! This December in San Francisco COMMERCIALS: Hoover Nobody Does it Like You on YouTube. Wheaties What the Big Boys Eat on YouTube. Pontiac Ride Pontiac Ride on YouTube. The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo Purchase: Apple TV,  YouTube, on DVD at Ebay Book Recommendation - Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai by Jim Colucci. Find it at Harper Books.  Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    1h 14m
  7. Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy

    08/10/2025

    Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy

    Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson dive deep into the beloved 'The Golden Girls' with a delightful overview and 50 fun facts about the show. Discover fascinating show details, cast secrets, and notable legacy moments as they share their passion for this iconic series.  Learn about the iconic characters played by Bea Arthur (Dorothy Zbornak), Betty White (Rose Nylund), Rue McClanahan (Blanche Devereaux), and Estelle Getty (Sophia Petrillo). Along the way, explore production quirks and the enduring impact of 'The Golden Girls' on TV history.  Explore the show's legacy, including its international remakes and impact on pop culture. Packed with laughter, nostalgia, and insightful anecdotes, this episode is perfect for longtime fans and new viewers alike.  Stay tuned to learn about our next episode with a special upcoming guest - Cindy Fee, the voice behind the theme song 'Thank You for Being a Friend.' Don't miss it! CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:30 General Show Facts 08:09 Cast Facts 15:43  Production Facts  24:47 Legacy Facts 32:26 Break 32:45 Character History Facts 48:55 Audioography AUDIOOGRAPHY The Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Philo Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase), on DVD, and more Maude Streaming (free): Tubi, Pluto TV Book Recommendation Golden Girls Forever: An Unauthorized Look Behind the Lanai by Jim Colucci.  Check it out at Amazon. Find it at Harper Books.  In Memoriam Todd Cochrane: Learn more about the founder of the Podcast Awards and early podcaster in these obituaries: Obituary in Podnews, Obituary from Eagle Funeral Homes Get Involved in Your Community Indivisible: Find a group near you and get involved at indivisible.org Contact Your Representatives: Check out Five Calls to quickly and easily call your representatives. CONNECT Go to 80sTVLadies.com for more info and transcripts. Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.  Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    54 min
  8. Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV

    24/09/2025

    Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV

    Join hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem for an exciting episode as they take an in-depth look at the legendary 90s TV show, Xena: Warrior Princess. This episode features special guests RJ Stewart, head writer and co-creator of the series, and Anna Schekel, an artist and lifelong Xena fan. The discussion covers the evolution and impact of 'Xena: Warrior Princess,' the chemistry between Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor, and how the series became a cult classic. RJ shares insights into the show's creation, the importance of female empowerment in TV, and his new post-apocalyptic novel 'Crazy Hawk.' Don't miss this blend of nostalgia and deep dive into one of the most beloved series of the 90s. 00:02 Theme Music 00:23 Audio Note and Season 4 Introduction 01:02 Discussing Zena Warrior Princess 03:10 Interview with Anna Scheckel 05:36 Anna's Favorite Episodes and Characters 08:30 Welcoming RJ Stewart 11:04 RJ Stewart's Writing Journey 37:31 Cult Classic Status and Conventions 44:15 Discussing Creative Control and Story Arcs 47:34 Hero Protection and Character Development 48:17 The Impact of Female Empowerment Stories 50:44 Working with Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor 54:27 Navigating Industry Challenges and Gossip 55:34 The Bond Controversy and Career Reflections 58:57 Exploring Xena's Lesbian Subtext 01:07:09 Memorable Moments and Industry Insights 01:17:02 Final Thoughts and Future Projects 01:20:47 Ad-Break 01:20:49 Audioography AUDIOOGRAPHY Xena: Warrior Princess Streaming: Amazon Prime Video Purchase: eBay Crazy Hawk by RJ Stewart (Book)Purchase: Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble Audiobook read by Katie Hagaman: Audible. See Susan at Rich's LIVE show for Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf - Final NY dates: Sept 24 and Sept 27! Get Tix at Eventbrite. CONNECT Visit 80sTVLadies.com for info and transcripts. Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadies Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info. Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list! Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes and exclusive content on PATREON.

    1h 22m

About

4-time Podcast Awards Winner! Webby nominated for Best Indie Podcast. 80s TV Ladies is dedicated to the beloved female-driven shows of the 1980s! Do you love 80s pop culture, television and fabulous women? On our show, you’ll hear a breakdown of how these shows got made, how they were influenced by the times and, in turn, how they influenced pop-culture trends to follow. We love discussing the “two-steps forward, one-step-back” lens of media-driven feminism. Join hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson as they talk about the fabulous ladies of television: Cagney & Lacey, Designing Women, A Different World, The Golden Girls and more. With special guests, TV creators and stars! Do these shows we hold so dear hold up? Let's find out. Season 1: We examine three “detective duo shows” this season, with multiple episodes and awesome guests for each TV show we cover. Scarecrow and Mrs. King Remington Steele Cagney & Lacey Season 2: Multiple episodes per TV show exploring representation and behind-the-scenes insight in science fiction, drama and sitcoms! Queer representation in 70s and 80s 9 to 5 television show It's a Living Designing Women Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas Star Trek Ladies Moonlighting Special guests: Eugenie Ross-Leming, Martha Smith, Robin Bernheim, Stephanie Zimbalist, Evan Ball, Debbie Evans, Barney Rosenzweig, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Karen Arthur, Cynthis Beemis Abrams, Matt Baume, Jane Epsensen, Drew Greenberg, Paul Kreppel, Bryan Edward Hill, Maggie Friedman, Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, Stan Zimmerman, Mary Lou Belli, Nana Visitor, Glenn Gordon Caron, Shery Main and more! We publish every other Wednesday. Tell us: Who should we interview and what's your favorite 80s Ladies television show? https://www.80stvladies.com

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