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80s TV Ladies

80s TV Ladies

By: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson
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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.comSusan Lambert and 134 West Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ch-ch-ch-changes: The 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos, Part 2

    Ch-ch-ch-changes: The 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos, Part 2
    Jun 10 2026
    "Music videos were an avenue for women to break into directing, which was really important at the time. A lot of women basically got their start directing music videos because nobody wanted to do them... until they became super popular." — Susan Lambert HatemThe great mid-season packing and moving marathon continues! In the second half of this double-header special, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson return to count down the remaining legendary music videos that defined the MTV golden era. As they sort through decades of personal boxes, memorabilia, and old memories, they track the evolution of 1980s visual storytelling—from simple performance videos to cinematic masterpieces.Along the way, they highlight the unsung female directing pioneers who shaped the medium and share unforgettable insider Hollywood stories involving space shuttles, Aerosmith rehearsals, and the infinite grace of Whitney Houston. Grab your headphones and join the ladies for the final leg of this high-energy, nostalgic tour down memory lane!THE CONVERSATIONThe Mid-Season Packing Hiatus: Susan and Sharon share an update on their respective moves, navigating the emotional and physical heavy lifting of downsizing and uncovering hidden historical gems in old storage boxes.Female Directing Pioneers: The ladies discuss how music videos served as a vital gateway for groundbreaking female filmmakers like Mary Lambert and Penelope Spheeris at a time when traditional Hollywood doors were shut.Choreographers Step Out Front: Sharon breaks down Paula Abdul's iconic black-and-white debut for "Straight Up" (directed by David Fincher), mapping her legendary transition from behind-the-scenes Laker Girl choreographer to a front-and-center music superstar.Classic 80s Cameos & Cameo’s Word Up: A celebration of Cameo's "Word Up" featuring a remarkably baby-faced LeVar Burton as an overwhelmed police officer, alongside a dive into the origins of the phrase "wave your hands in the air like you don't care."The Reality of the Road: A look at Bon Jovi's cowboy-tinged "Wanted Dead or Alive" leads to a touching tribute to the grueling, marathon work ethic required of touring bands traveling from city to city.Sepia Tones & Lake Pedal Boats: Susan explores the Americana aesthetic of Rod Stewart & Jeff Beck's "People Get Ready" cover, pulling back the curtain on a rare 1965 pre-MTV performance by The Impressions filmed on pedal boats with the young stars of Dick Clark’s Where The Action Is.Susan's Disney & Cape Canaveral Tales: Susan shares an extraordinary behind-the-scenes story from her time in Disney broadcast publicity, recounting the legendary, high-budget Armageddon premiere launch party where Aerosmith played a private rehearsal concert directly in front of a lit-up space shuttle.Sharon's Oscar Rehearsal Memories: Sharon looks back on attending Academy Award rehearsals, offering a beautiful memory of Whitney Houston's profound kindness and grace toward a young fan while at the rehearsal for her iconic duet with Mariah Carey.The Welder with a Dream: The ladies champion Irene Cara's "Flashdance... What a Feeling" as an essential piece of 1980s feminist representation, reflecting on the film's rousing choreography and the publicity crew's spontaneous cubicle performances of "Armageddon: The Musical." But Susan wonders if the movie holds up on a rewatch?Fan Favorite Reruns Coming Up! To give the hosts time to complete their big moves, 80s TV Ladies announces an exciting lineup of fan-favorite rebroadcasts featuring insightful interviews with writer Nicole Levy and legendary showrunner Susan Fales-Hill exploring the legacy of A Different World.AUDIO-OGRAPHY📹 REVOLUTIONARY 80s MUSIC VIDEOS PLAYLIST - PART 2Artist | Song Title | Release | Picked By | LinkPaula Abdul | Straight Up | 1988 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube Pat Benatar | Hit Me With Your Best Shot | 1980 | Susan | Watch on YouTubeEurythmics | Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) | 1983 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube Cyndi Lauper | Girls Just Want to Have Fun | 1983 | Susan | Watch on YouTube Cameo | Word Up | 1986 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube Bon Jovi | Wanted Dead or Alive | 1987 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube Rod Stewart & Jeff Beck | People Get Ready | 1985 | Susan | Watch on YouTubeThe Impressions | People Get Ready | 1965 | Watch on YouTubeGenesis | Invisible Touch | 1986 | Sharon | Watch on YouTubeVan Halen | Jump | 1984 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube Irene Cara | Flashdance... What a Feeling | 1983 | Susan | Watch on YouTube Whitney Houston | I Wanna Dance with Somebody | 1987 | Sharon | Watch on YouTubePROTECT THE VOTEVote.org: Check your registration. Stay engaged, make your voice heard.NoKings.org: June 13. Get ready for the real 250 Anniversary. Rise Up. Sing out. Keep organizing!DemocracyDocket.com is protecting our vote. Learn more. SPECIAL 8TL PROMOTIONS! COZY EARTH - Best Deal21% OFF! At Cozy Earth.com - Get the best discount on awesome sheets and pajamas.Use promo ...
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    53 mins
  • Ch-ch-ch-changes: The 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos (Part 1)

    Ch-ch-ch-changes: The 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos (Part 1)
    May 27 2026
    "The more that things change, the more they stay the same... Nevertheless, we have to keep pushing forward. We have to keep moving that line forward in order to make a better tomorrow for all of us." - Sharon JohnsonWelcome to 80s TV Ladies The Winds of Ch-ch-ch-change!In this special episode—the first half of an epic two-part spectacular—hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson are joined by their fabulous producer Melissa to talk about the massive personal transitions currently unfolding in all of their lives. With both Susan and Sharon in the middle of major moves, the ladies take a heartwarming, funny, and deeply honest look at packing up decades of memories, downsizing, and the emotional weight of nostalgia.But a season of change wouldn't be complete without the ultimate 1980s soundtrack! The ladies kick off Part 1 of their definitive countdown of the 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos, diving into the first 13 incredible videos on their list. They explore how the golden era of MTV transformed visual storytelling, artist autonomy, and pop culture forever. From groundbreaking feminist rap anthems and synth-pop milestones to a full-blown Madonna masterclass and jaw-dropping stop-motion animation, this conversation is a sparkling, nostalgic reflection on turning the page to the next chapter.THE CONVERSATION- THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Sharon, Susan and Melissa discuss the nature of personal and professional transitions—navigating the "two steps forward, one step back" rhythm of life and why we must keep pushing forward for a better tomorrow.- THE FOREIGN COUNTRY OF THE PAST: Susan opens up about packing up her home after 19 years, three kids, a house full of pets, and how digging into old boxes feels like visiting a foreign country where “they do things differently there.”- MOVING ACROSS THE U.S.A.: Sharon shares the bittersweet reality of leaving Southern California after 42 and a half years to move back to the Midwest, explaining how she is judiciously sorting through her life to downsize into her mother's home in Indianapolis.- CUE THE ROBIN, DEER, AND EAGLE: Producer Melissa shares an incredibly moving, cinematic story about losing her mother and brother Dougie, and a persistent red robin that visited her window in Pennsylvania alongside a herd of deer and a majestic bald eagle overhead.- LOVELY PARTING GIFTS & PRECIOUS VHS TAPES: The ladies talk about finding new homes for nostalgia, including Sharon giving away her classic Mark and Brian radio memorabilia on Facebook and her absolute refusal to let go of her original Star Wars trilogy on VHS—because the prequels simply do not exist!- FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE COLISEUM: Susan reminisces about discovering her oversized 1984 Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. concert souvenir tour program from her freshman year at USC, back when legendary stadium tickets were only $25. (Actually, according to the internet, the tickets cost $17.50!)- CH-CH-CH-CHANGES (PART 1): The main event kicks off as the ladies begin their countdown of the most revolutionary music videos of the decade, highlighting how the rise of MTV reshaped the cultural landscape.- THRILLER (Sharon’s Pick): Sharon kicks it off with the music video credited with transforming music videos into the stratosphere - and into short, storytelling films. She also talks about learning the zombie dance and how it transformed her exercise routine!- TAKING CONTROL (Susan's Pick): Susan spotlights Janet Jackson's seminal "Control" music video, directed by Mary Lambert (no relation, though Susan wishes she had pretended otherwise!). This was quite literally the album and song when Ms. Jackson declared her independence over her career after leaving her new husband, James DeBarge, and firing her manager (and father) Joseph Jackson. A revolutionary move and every song speaks to finding her voice.- I'M STILL STANDING (Susan's Pick): A deep dive into Elton John's ultimate comeback anthem, exploring his personal resilience and the hilarious realization by the ladies that Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli is one of the featured neon dancers in the video.- LOVE SHACK (Sharon's Pick): Sharon and Susan takes a trip down the Atlanta highway looking for the B-52s' legendary "Love Shack" and celebrating its pure, joyful energy.- LADIES FIRST (Susan's Pick): Susan pays tribute to Queen Latifah’s revolutionary 1989 feminist rap anthem "Ladies First" (featuring Monie Love) from her debut album, All Hail the Queen.- THE MADONNA TWO-FER (Sharon's Picks): Sharon talk about her favorite two Madonna songs and music videos, "Crazy for You" and "Express Yourself" and the groundbreaking visual style of the 80s Pop Queen.- STUNNING ANIMATION (Sharon's Pick): The ladies marvel at Peter Gabriel's award-winning stop-motion animation masterpiece "Sledgehammer" created by Aardman Animation.- PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER (Susan's Pick): Susan closes out Part 1 by honoring Patti Smith's powerful, timeless 1988 anthem "...
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    1 hr
  • RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner | The Scarecrow And Mrs. King Years, Part 2

    RERUN: Bruce Boxleitner | The Scarecrow And Mrs. King Years, Part 2
    May 13 2026
    “Katie and I, our relationship could be a little exciting -- I had to watch my step, I had to toe the line. I had to behave myself or I’d get taken to the principal’s office... And she was the principal.” -- Bruce BoxleitnerREWIND EPISODE: The 80s TV Ladies - Sharon and Susan - are both moving! More details in our next episode. Meanwhile, please enjoy a few of our favorite episodes on repeat - consider it early summer rerun season. Let us know what you think about Bruce, Lee Stetson, and Scarecrow and Mrs. King. We think it's one of the most adorable interviews with Bruce Boxleitner ever. :)In Part Two of their conversation, Bruce reflects on the differences between doing TV then and now, his relationship with Kate Jackson -- and how the long hours can sometimes turn your co-stars into your family…Bruce Boxleitner’s television career started way back in 1973 with an appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and he has since appeared in over 100 films and TV shows including Gunsmoke, Baretta, Police Woman, Hawaii 5-0, Babylon 5, Crossing Jordan, Commander in Chief, American Dad, Cold Case, Heroes, Chuck, NCIS, Supergirl, The Orville, When Calls The Heart, How The West Was Won, Bring ‘Em Back Alive, The Gambler and Tron.THE PART 2 CONVERSATIONTHE UGLY SIDE OF LEE STETSON: When Lee slaps Amanda in “Burn Out” (S2; EP.21) What was going on? -- “Kate said, “Hit me.” It was no fun. I didn’t enjoy doing it at all.”ON THE JAZZ: In Europe, Mel Stuart -- a saxophonist -- fell in with some local jazz musicians and ended up sitting-in in clubs all over Munich.DOUBLE TROUBLE: Bruce finds out the strange reason his stunt double Gary Davis did the pilot’s helicopter stunts with no safety cable!On doing network TV: “This is where I come off sounding like a grumpy old man, but in my day, we had fun. Nobody is having fun anymore. Because we have cell phones on the set, everyone’s on their cell phone. No one’s talking.”WHO CAN TURN THE WORLD ON WITH HIS SMILE? Bruce got his first gig on The Mary Tyler Moore Show because the producer owed his agent a favor.On doing a streaming series: “I’m doing a series now -- six episodes. They call that a series? I call it a two-parter.”Bruce gets a surprise walking onto the Gunsmoke set when he discovers the entire town is built inside a soundstage.On filming pilots: “George Clooney says he’s the king of the unsold pilots. Well, buddy, I’m the runner-up!”While shooting The Orville, Bruce finds out that the biggest SMK fan… is Seth McFarlane!How do you marry Lee and Amanda? Should you marry Lee and Amanda?So, join Susan and Sharon -- and Bruce -- as they talk How The West Was Won, Ted Knight, Tron, Juanita Bartlett, Susan Diol, Police Woman. Plus pranking Martha Smith -- and Kate Jackson -- AND Beverly Garland… and the sad, tragic life of “Dean, the Boyfriend”!AUDIO-OGRAPHYFind out more about Bruce Boxleitner at Facebook.comFollow him at Instagram.com/BoxleitnerBruceCatch him on Cameo at Cameo.com/BoxleitnerBruceWatch S2, Ep. 21: Burn out on TubiGet The Ultimate Fan’s Guide to Scarecrow & Mrs. King by David Johnson, Taya Johnston and Sabine Ludewig at Amazon. CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.AUDIO-OGRAPHYFind out more about Bruce Boxleitner at Facebook.com Follow him at Instagram.com/BoxleitnerBruceCatch him on Cameo at Cameo.com/BoxleitnerBruceWatch SMK for free at Internet Archive.Watch S2, Ep. 21: Burn out on Internet Archive here. Read the NY Times review of Bruce’s 1973 Broadway play debut, Status Quo Vadis. And guess who else was in the cast? (Hint: Sam from Cheers!) CONNECTVisit 80sTVLadies.com for transcripts.Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list.Support us and get ad-free episodes on PATREON.VOTEREMEMBER: Make sure you're ready.Register or Check your US Election Registration at Vote.orgBe sure to vote in your primaries. Find out what's on your ballot at BallotReady.orgJuly 15th this year is the 47th anniversary of President Carter's Crisis of Confidence speech. Read Susan’s play about the speech and the confidence it takes to be president in challenging times: Confidence (and the Speech) at Conchord Publishing DPS. Credits: 80s TV Ladies™ Episode RERUN 305: Produced by 134 West and Susan Lambert Hatem. Hosted by Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson. Guest: Bruce Boxleitner. Sound Engineer and Editor: Kevin Ducey. Producers: Melissa Roth, Richard Hatem, Sharon Johnson. Associate Producers: Sergio Perez, Sailor Franklin. Music by Amy Engelhardt. Copyright 2024 2026 134 West, LLC and Susan Lambert. All Rights Reserved. Visit 80sTVLadies.com for more info.Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.Don’t miss out. Sign up for the 80s TV Ladies mailing list!Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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