Podcast Episode Description:

In the first episode of the Her Stories series, Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Dr. Elana Levine explore the history of soap operas and their cultural significance. They discuss how pioneers like Irna Phillips, Agnes Nixon, and William Bell used the genre to address complex social issues, including reproductive rights, family dynamics, and societal taboos. This episode examines the rise of daytime dramas from radio to television, revealing how women writers and producers shaped the medium and gave voice to women's stories in groundbreaking ways.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary:

Episode 6.5 kicks off a four-part series diving into the legacy of daytime dramas. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and guest Dr. Elana Levine provide an overview of the soap opera genre's origins and evolution. They highlight the contributions of key figures like Irna Phillips and Agnes Nixon, who brought authenticity and depth to daytime storytelling. The discussion also covers Procter & Gamble's sponsorship model, how marketing strategies targeted women at home, and how these narratives reflected—and challenged—societal norms.