Marlessa Stivala And Katie DeFonzo

Shows

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 10: Gloria's Boyfriend & Lionel's EngagementWe are delighted to meet Jenny in these episodes and so sorry for the chaos that ensues just because Louise is trying to celebrate her son and his new fiancé. But the situation gives us some hilarious moments to talk about, so we're not complaining. Especially since these episodes give Marlessa the chance to reference not one but TWO classics: Of Mice and Men and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. History Highlights: https://www.nps.gov/articles/disabilityhistoryearlytreatment.htm https://www.nps.gov/articles/disabilityhistoryrightsmovement.htm 2025-07-301h 00

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 9: Archie Feels Left Out & Et Tu, ArchieWe're not sure about the titles of these two episodes, but we're so glad they both give us the chance to dive a bit deeper into Archie's character. We get to see Mr. Quigley and Jo again, and we meet another character Joe from Archie's past. Most importantly, though, Marlessa takes on Historian duties this week! :) History Highlights: https://history.blog.fordham.edu/?p=296 https://fordhamobserver.com/23420/london/walking-in-the-footsteps-of-the-original-queen-b/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EGzHsye71c&feature=youtu.be https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970s_energy_c...2025-07-231h 04

The Sitcom Studies PodcastSIDE QUEST 2: Sitcom Weddings with SPECIAL GUEST Megan Tisdall We are joined for our second Side Quest episode by our dear friend Megan Tisdall, and we're discussing all things sitcom weddings! The vows, the dresses, the things that go wrong - we hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording! Marlessa's Picks M*A*S*H 5.25 Margaret's Marriage Modern Family 5.23-24 The Wedding Megan's Picks Brooklyn Nine Nine 5.22 Jake & Amy Friends 10.12 The One with Phoebe's Wedding Katie's Picks The Big Bang Theory 11.24 The Bow Tie Asymmetry I Dream of Jeannie 5.11 The Wedding 2025-07-161h 11

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 8: Edith's Christmas Story & Mike and Gloria Mix It UpWe're quite frustrated with Mike this week...is this becoming a trend? It all takes a back seat, however, to seeing our favorite lady Edith deal with a serious health scare. We are so glad to see how her family and neighbors care for her when she is so in need of others' compassion and understanding. History Highlights: https://www.healthline.com/health/history-of-breast-cancer#research-milestones 2025-07-091h 06

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 7: The Taxi Caper & Archie is CursedBetween being robbed, cursed with the malocchio, and forced to play pool with Irene Lorenzo, this has not been Archie's week. But we are in complete agreement that in both episodes, he gets what's coming to him. History Highlights: https://www.nyc.gov/html/media/totweb/taxioftomorrow_history_earlyyears.html https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2022/07/taxi-a-history-of-the-new-york-taxi-cab.html 2025-07-021h 06

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 6: Black is the Color of My True Love's Wig & Second HoneymoonWhile these were not our two favorite episodes of the season, we still found so much to discuss here: nostalgia, anniversary trips...and two very different sides of Archie? And push those insecurities aside, Gloria - we love you with or without the wig! History Highlights: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g3471/most-popular-hairstyles-of-all-time/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wallace 2025-06-251h 05

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 5: Edith's Conversion & Archie in the Cellar with SPECIAL GUEST Ryan Lintelman, Entertainment Curator at the SmithsonianPlease join us in thanking today's guest, Ryan Lintelman, who is the Entertainment Collection Curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, DC! We discuss not only the religious humor and Archie storylines at the heart of these two episodes, but also some behind the scenes stories of how curators at the Museum work to preserve the history surrounding some of our favorite sitcoms. We are so grateful for your time, Ryan! History Highlights: https://www.gothamcenter.org/blog/catholicchurch-suburbanexpansion-zy4la-cerc4-ezwep-hsfs3s-rnyg3-tm6kl-anff2-8hdc3-el4s7-lryac-drjjr ...2025-06-181h 10

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 4: Archie and the Computer & The Games Bunkers PlayHere's hoping no technology issues prevent you from listening today because we have two incredibly funny and thought-provoking episodes to discuss. A group therapy game brings a lot of emotion out from under the surface; we find a refreshingly open and honest Edith; and...where is Archie? Historical Highlights: https://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/computers/ 2025-06-111h 05

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 3: Archie the Gambler & Henry's FarewellToday we say goodbye to Henry Jefferson but hello to another Jefferson family member, and we're a little excited... History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_the_United_States 2025-06-041h 00

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 2: Edith Finds an Old Man & Archie and the KissIt seems that nothing will make Archie happy this week, whether that's finding a guest or a new statue in his home. Of course, we're going to delve in a bit further and figure out what's behind it all. History Highlights: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20151119-the-shocking-story-of-the-kiss https://www.seegreatart.art/new-york-in-the-70s-a-tale-of-two-cities/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auguste_Rodin 2025-05-281h 01

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Deep Dive 1: We're Having a Heat Wave & We're Still Having a Heat WaveSeason 4 of All in the Family begins with new neighbors moving onto the Bunkers' street, and Archie will go to great lengths to make sure that these newcomers fit into his narrow view of what the neighborhood should look like...be careful what you wish for, Archie... Historical Highlights: https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/25/archives/shifting-patterns-of-immigration-add-new-flavor-to-the-citys.html 2025-05-2155 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastALL IN THE FAMILY Intro: Those Were the DaysSEASON TWO! New season, new sitcom, same scintillating conversations! We’re stepping into our virtual time machine and tackling one of the most influential sitcoms of all time: Norman Lear’s classic All in the Family. Pull up a chair for this trip back to 1970s Queens, NY with us—and don’t be a “Meathead.” Interview with Jean Stapleton and Carroll O'Connor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LAXWlvAfTs 2025-05-1423 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Wrap Up: We Hear the Blues A-Callin’As part of our Frasier wrap up, we tackle some over-arching questions about the series - is Frasier a good person? Which couples do we ship? What enneagram type is Frasier? And of course, we rank our favorite episodes of Season 6. We begin a new season and sitcom next week! "For an entire season of this podcast you have heard us say, 'we're listening.' Well, you were listening too. And for that we are eternally grateful." https://sitcomstudies.wordpress.com/2018/09/16/25-essential-episodes-of-frasier-for-its-25th-anniversary/ https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/ ...2025-05-0747 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 12: Shutout in Seattle, Parts 1 & 2We have officially reached the end of Season 6, and there's a whole lot to discuss. We say goodbye (sort of) to Bulldog and consider where the finale leaves each of our beloved Crane trio. Have we come full circle? History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfinger_(Shirley_Bassey_song) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barry_(composer) 2025-04-3059 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 11: When a Man Loves Two Women & Visions of Daphne with SPECIAL GUESTS, The Frasier Department HostsThe lovely Lucas and Leila from The Frasier Department podcast join us to discuss the penultimate pair of episodes of this season! Even with two additional contributors to this week's debates, we are still all on the same page re: the Faye vs. Cassandra question... History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pagliacci https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franco_Zeffirelli https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commedia_dell%27arte Tune in to Lucas and Leila's podcast here - https://thefrasierdepartment.com/ 2025-04-231h 11

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 10: IQ & Dr NoraThis week, we tackle a classic Crane brothers rivalry episode and a Frasier vs. his own ego storyline. And let’s not forget; Niles also grows a dashing mustache! History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Mallon 2025-04-1653 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastSIDE QUEST 1: Sitcom Dinner Parties Gone WrongWe weren’t ready to move on from dinner parties quite yet - so please enjoy our first ever SIDE QUEST episode! We talk all things related to the dinner parties that feature in some of the most well-known and renowned episodes of our chosen series: the good, the bad, the awkward. Some darker themes are discussed as well, but we feel confident that good food and even better “company” will get us through. Marlessa’s Picks: Cheers 5.20 Dinner at Eight-ish Everybody Loves Raymond 8.4 Misery Loves Company The Office 4.13 Dinner Party Katie’s Picks The Big Ban...2025-04-091h 13

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 9: Dinner Party & Taps at the MontanaWe're discussing not one but TWO dinner parties this week! Lots of questions to ask, especially when it is so important that these event goes well. When to have the party? Who to invite? What to do when the hors d'oeuvres might be tainted? In short, what could possibly go wrong? Please read Marlessa's blog post on sitcom bottle episodes here: https://sitcomstudies.wordpress.com/tag/bottle-episodes/ History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collyer_brothers 2025-04-0257 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 8: To Tell the Truth & DecoysThis week, we debate doing the “moral” thing vs the “right” thing; Frasier attempts hunting; Niles flushes out Maris’ family secret; and we have some classic Frasier farcical fun. Oh, and we meet Donny Douglas … History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Streetcar_Named_Desire_(1951_film) 2025-03-261h 07

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 7: The Show Where Woody Shows Up & Three Valentines, with SPECIAL GUEST, Emmy-winning TV editor Mike StivalaMarlessa's Dad joins us this week to offer his expert insights about these two iconic episodes! We discuss growing apart from old friends; connections with Cheers as Woody Harrelson enters the chat; and of course why over-preparing for a date might cause the whole evening to go up in flames (literally). Oh, and here's hoping ALL of your red flags go up if you need to call a friend during a date to find out if you are in fact on said date... History Highlights: https://www.historynewsnetwork.org/article/who-was-st-valentine 2025-03-191h 11

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 6: Good Samaritan & Our Parents, OurselvesToday we have not one but TWO episodes where Frasier's inclination to help others backfires. "So are [we] saying you shouldn't help people?" Join us to discuss whether no good deed does in fact go unpunished. We also dive into how to let someone down after a date that goes wrong; healthy levels of cynicism; and Super Bowl parties. History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Parker 2025-03-121h 06

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 5: Roz, a Loan & Merry Christmas, Mrs. MoskowitzSpring may be on the way but IT IS STILL CHRISTMAS in our hearts because we are on a high after watching this holiday classic. And oh yes, Roz is there too… History Highlights: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/woman-iconic-v-j-photo-died-age-92-heres-her-story-180960435/ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jews-christmas/ 2025-03-051h 06

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 4: How to Bury a Millionaire & The Seal Who Came to DinnerNiles is entering his budgeting era by moving from The Montana to The Shangri-La, so you know we’ll have a lot to talk about—including a dead seal draped in a peignoir. History Highlights: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/how-much-easier-was-it-for-baby-boomers-to-buy-a-home-in-seattle-lets-adjust-for-inflation/ https://antiquearchaeology.com/blogs/two-lanes-blog/the-history-of-supper-clubs-bringing-families-together-for-dinner 2025-02-261h 01

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 3: First Do No Harm & Secret AdmirerWe know Frasier’s often looking for love in all the wrong places. So, what happens when he’s convinced a woman only likes him for his psychiatric expertise, or when he’s more focused on the idea of a mysterious “admirer” than the actual woman he’s dating? Let’s dive in… Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath https://pulmonarychronicles.com/index.php/pulmonarychronicles/article/view/185/438 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6482690/#ref8 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6166910/ https://nps...2025-02-1955 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 2: Dial M for Martin & Hot TicketTensions are high this week, as Frasier continues to struggle with being out of work and the Crane brothers desperately try to secure tickets to the hottest play in Seattle. IS Frasier right that there’s “no such thing” as an accident? How can you distinguish loving an art form to fit in VS for its own sake? Grab a front row seat for these and other discussions. History Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_Gehrig https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pride_of...2025-02-121h 03

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER Deep Dive 1: Good Grief & Frasier's CurseGrab some sherry, we’re rolling right into FRASIER’s sixth season with some riveting debates: how relatable Frasier is (or not) when grappling with the stages of grief, coincidence vs fate, the best ways to master emotional growth, and of course, if Frasier is being a bad celebrity. One thing is definite though: it’s fate that you’ll listen to this episode. Historical Highlights: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_grief https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/5-stages-of-grief-coping-with-the-loss-of-a-loved-one 2025-02-051h 00

The Sitcom Studies PodcastFRASIER is Listening (And We’re Gonna Talk About Him)One of the most lauded sitcoms ever that is often also considered one of the best written, Frasier also happens to be Marlessa’s favorite show of all time. Katie’s watching it for the first time (gasp!); will she need convincing of its greatness? Which Frasier season are they covering? Plus, what are Katie’s hot takes as a first-time viewer? 2025-01-2918 min

The Sitcom Studies PodcastWelcome to Sitcom StudiesYour hosts, TV industry marketer Marlessa and archivist Katie, welcome you to Sitcom Studies, the ultimate TV analysis podcast! Sitcoms have long had a profound impact on American media and culture, but which ones truly stand the test of time and are worth revisiting? Best friends Marlessa & Katie tackle a specific season of an iconic sitcom, each podcast “season”: tackling iconic characters, relationships, and plotlines, while also delving into memorable lessons, philosophical debates, and of course, nostalgia. 2025-01-2808 min