Épisodes

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

    80s TV Legends: Golden Girls, Love Boat and Jim Colucci Forever
    Nov 12 2025
    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/80sTVLadiesAUDIOOGRAPHYYou can find Jim Colucci at JimColucci.com And on Instagram.com/JimcolucciGet 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/80sTVLadiesThe Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, PhiloPurchase: 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 FUNDon’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.
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    1 h et 12 min
  • Stan Zimmerman: From Golden Girls to Gilmore Girls - A Writer's Journey Through 80s TV

    Stan Zimmerman: From Golden Girls to Gilmore Girls - A Writer's Journey Through 80s TV
    Oct 29 2025
    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.
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    1 h et 15 min
  • An Iconic Voice | The Last Golden Girl Cindy Fee on the Art of TV Themes

    An Iconic Voice | The Last Golden Girl Cindy Fee on the Art of TV Themes
    Oct 15 2025
    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' Welcome00:32 Introducing Cindy Fee: A Musical Journey01:57 Early Beginnings in Music04:13 Moving to LA and Career Breakthroughs06:04 Recording Demos and Working with Diane Warren10:58 Family Life and Balancing Career12:57 Studio Work and Jingle Singing25:58 Golden Girls Theme Song and TV Music29:41 The Evolution of TV and Music Industry39:25 The Impact of AI on Performers39:58 The Role of Unions in Protecting Talent41:06 Misconceptions About Golden Girls Contributions41:25 Golden Girls Conventions and Fan Interactions42:53 A Career in Music and Jingles49:11 Memorable Collaborations and Advice for Singers59:20 The Emotional Connection of 'Thank You for Being a Friend'01:09:45 Future Plans and Final ThoughtsAUDIOOGRAPHYLearn more about Cindy Fee at CindyFeeSings.comFind Cindy at TikTok.com/@goldengirlfeeBe a part of Cindy Fee's new "Thank You For Being a Friend" music video. Learn more at her InstagramCheck out Golden Girls LIVE! This December in San FranciscoCOMMERCIALS: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+, PhiloPurchase: Apple TV, YouTube, on DVD at EbayBook 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.
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    1 h et 14 min
  • Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy

    Celebrating The Golden Girls: 50 Fast Facts and Their Lasting Legacy
    Oct 8 2025
    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!CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:30 General Show Facts08:09 Cast Facts15:43 Production Facts 24:47 Legacy Facts32:26 Break32:45 Character History Facts48:55 AudioographyAUDIOOGRAPHYThe Golden Girls Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, PhiloPurchase: Apple TV, YouTube (for rent/purchase), on DVD, and moreMaude Streaming (free): Tubi, Pluto TVBook 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 HomesGet Involved in Your CommunityIndivisible: Find a group near you and get involved at indivisible.orgContact Your Representatives: Check out Five Calls to quickly and easily call your representatives.CONNECTGo 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/80sTVLadiesDon’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.
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    54 min
  • Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV

    Warrior Women & RJ Stewart: Xena and Gabrielle's Impact on 90s TV
    Sep 24 2025
    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

    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.
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    1 h et 22 min
  • Season 4 Premiere | Epic 90s Challenge: Xena vs Buffy TV Showdown

    Season 4 Premiere | Epic 90s Challenge: Xena vs Buffy TV Showdown
    Sep 10 2025
    "Listeners, what would be the answer for you? Is it Buffy or Xena?” Welcome to Season Four of 80s TV Ladies with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem. In this episode, we dive into a nostalgic showdown between two iconic 90s TV heroines: Xena, the Warrior Princess, and Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.Susan and Sharon discuss the origins, cultural impact, and strengths of both shows, debating who would win in a head-to-head fight, which show was more influential, and which had the best musical episode! They also speculate on which heroine iconic Wonder Woman iterations (70s WW played by Linda Carter and 2017's WW, played by Gal Gadot) would prefer.Stay tuned for exciting details about our next guest, RJ Stewart, co-creator of Xena, and some engaging audio recommendations and show notes. This episode promises a delightful mix of history, pop culture analysis, and fanfare for these beloved series.00:00 Welcome to 80s TV Ladies Season Four!00:58 Introducing RJ Stewart and the Xena vs. Buffy Debate01:35 History of Xena: Warrior Princess02:50 History of Buffy the Vampire Slayer04:45 Buffy vs. Xena: Who Would Win in a Fight?07:17 Best 90s TV Ladies Superhero Show12:25 Musical Episodes: Xena vs. Buffy17:46 Buffy vs. Xena: The Ultimate Showdown18:03 Wonder Woman's Preference: Xena or Buffy?19:43 Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman: A New Perspective24:18 90s TV Heroines: Beyond Buffy and Xena26:00 Final Tally: Buffy vs. Xena27:37 Upcoming Episodes and recommendations30:07 Sign off and FarewellAUDIOOGRAPHYXena: Warrior PrincessStreaming: Amazon Prime VideoPurchase: eBayBuffy the Vampire SlayerStreaming: Tubi (free), Hulu, Disney+Purchase: eBayCrazy Hawk by RJ Stewart (Book)Purchase: Bookshop.org, Barnes & NobleAudiobook read by Katie Hagaman: Audible.Guess What? We’re nominated!For TWO People’s Choice PODCAST AWARDS!: Podcastawards.comCONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for info and transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadiesDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.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.
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    32 min
  • FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER, AND LEGENDARY LADIES | OUR SEASON 4 PREVIEW

    FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER, AND LEGENDARY LADIES | OUR SEASON 4 PREVIEW
    Sep 3 2025
    “It’s not just because it’s a masterclass in comedy or because it has one of the greatest television theme songs of all time, I think it’s because it’s about friendship.”Get ready for a brand new season of 80s TV Ladies! In this special sneak peek, hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem dish out all the details on what’s coming up in Season Four.What's next for 8TL: Golden Girls, Kate & Allie, and One Day at a Time!From the iconic laughs of The Golden Girls, to the heartfelt journeys of One Day at a Time, and the long-awaited fan favorite Kate & Allie, we’re diving deep into the shows that defined a generation of women living life on their own terms. We’ll share behind-the-scenes stories, spotlight unforgettable characters, and welcome some very special guests and sidebar episodes—including a showdown between Xena and Buffy to kick things off! Plus, we’ve got tips on where to stream or find these classic series, and ways you can help support the show.AUDIOOGRAPHYThe Golden GirlsStreaming: Hulu, Disney+Purchase: Apple TV, YouTube, Walmart, eBayOne Day at a TimeStreaming: Tubi, YouTubePurchase: Shout Factory, eBayKate & AllieStreaming: The Roku ChannelPurchase: Walmart, Best Buy, eBaySo grab your bitchin’ shoulder pads and settle in—Season Four is about to bring you more joy, laughter, and fabulous TV than ever before. Don’t miss it!Guess What? We’re nominated!For TWO People’s Choice PODCAST AWARDS!: Podcastawards.comCONNECTSign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON. Join the Facebook page discussion at Facebook.com/80sTVLadiesDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Join us for more conversations with the people who shaped TV and pop culture.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.
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    8 min
  • RERUN: Say Gay! Exploring LGBTQ Representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s TV | Matt Baume

    RERUN: Say Gay! Exploring LGBTQ Representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s TV | Matt Baume
    Aug 27 2025
    Dive into the fascinating world of LGBTQ representation in 70s, 80s, and 90s television with hosts Sharon Johnson and Susan Lambert Hatem on '80s TV Ladies.' This special summer rerun, featuring expert Matt Baume, highlights iconic queer moments and characters. Originally aired on June 7th, 2023, the episode covers groundbreaking shows like 'Bewitched,' 'All in the Family,' 'Golden Girls,' and more. Matt discusses his unique journey as a content creator focused on queer pop culture and shares his insights on evolving media representation. Don’t miss this engaging and enlightening episode, perfect for Pride Month or any time of year!

    00:00 Introduction to Queer TV with Matt Baume
    00:43 Meet the Hosts and Guest Introduction
    02:41 Matt Baume's Journey into Queer Pop Culture
    04:54 The Impact of Television on Cultural Understanding
    13:30 Early Gay Representation on Television
    15:07 The Significance of 'Bewitched' in Queer Representation
    20:52 Norman Lear's Contributions to Queer Representation
    28:57 The Golden Girls and Its Gay Fandom
    33:58 Michael Scott and Archie Bunker: A Comparison
    34:40 The 'I Can't Believe It's Not Heterosexual' Trope
    37:52 Backlash and Acceptance of Queer Representation
    41:08 Lesbian Representation on TV
    49:15 Trans Representation on TV
    53:01 The Role of Gatekeepers in TV Representation
    59:18 Demanding Representation and Change
    01:01:15 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
    01:03:34 Conclusion and Farewell

    AUDIOGRAPHY
    Find Matt and his podcast “Sewers of Paris” - at MattBaume.com
    Get Matt Baume’s new book “Hi Honey, I’m Homo” at Bookshop.org.
    Or at Elliott Bay. Watch Matt’s YouTube Videos.

    LGBTQ Advocacy: Consider supporting orgs like The Trevor Project and The Okra Project.

    CONNECT
    What does representation mean to you? Email us at 80sTVLadies@gmail.com

    SUSAN and RICHARD HATEM ON TOUR
    Richard of Richard Hatem’s Paranormal Bookshelf is going on the road! Susan will be there, too - producing and hosting! We’re kicking off Rich’s 2025 multi-city show, the “LIGHT IN THE DARK” tour, debuting an all-original LIVE episode, you can only hear it live!

    Confirmed dates:
    Sept 20th - The Mothman Festival. Point Pleasant, WV
    Sept 22nd - Washington D.C.
    Sept 27th - Centereach, NY

    More dates are being added soon:
    Check out rhpb.eventbrite.com or go to https://www.richardhatemsparanormalbookshelf.com/events to learn more!

    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.
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    1 h et 5 min