Shows
Advanced TV HerstoryTV’s Funniest Women: Past, Present & FutureFrom Lucille Ball to Tina Fey, from Joan Rivers to Margaret Cho, women have been rewriting the rules of comedy for decades — and they're not done yet. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Lynn Harris, founder of Gold Comedy, to explore the legacy and future of funny women on TV. Together, they dissect the comedic influence of legends like Mary Tyler Moore, Moms Mabley, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus — and discuss why shows like SNL still present challenges for women today. With a nod to streaming, social media, and evolving industry gatekeepers, this episode dives into how women and non-binary crea...2025-05-0336 min
the kozēkozē podcast386. Non-toxic activewear made of plantsMary Bemis, the founder of Reprise, is on a mission to free your closet from plastic to save your skin. With a tagline of "wear plants, not plastic," she has all the conscious mamas and pregnant mamas turning their heads to learn more, as they offer maternity activewear as well!
By designing clothing made with nontoxic plant-based materials, they create a softer, healthier, more comfortable way for you to care for your skin.
Today, Mary takes us through her journey to launching and operating Reprise of over six years-- a journey including but not limited...2024-10-171h 01
The Unofficial Shopify PodcastBuilding a Sustainable Activewear Brand from ScratchReprise Activewear founder Mary Bemis takes us through her incredible journey from launching a Kickstarter campaign to building a sustainable activewear brand that has caught the attention of Self Magazine and The View. She opens up about the gritty realities of bootstrapping—dealing with shady manufacturers, losing thousands, and balancing a day job while building her brand. This episode is a deep dive into the world of sustainable fashion, offering inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference. Listen in to hear how Mary turned her passion for a healthier lifestyle into a thriving business.2024-08-0651 min
The Unofficial Shopify PodcastShopify Magic Media EditorMary Bemis, the founder of Reprise Activewear, shares her experience using Shopify’s Magic Media Editor and its AI features.Guest Background: Mary Bemis founded Reprise Activewear six years ago, starting with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her brand focuses on sustainability, using plant-based materials to create high-quality activewear. Despite bootstrapping her business, Mary has grown Reprise into a notable brand in the sustainable fashion industry. She leverages her hands-on approach to handle everything from website building to product fulfillment, making her an exemplary figure for aspiring entrepreneurs.Episode Highlights:Introduction to Shopify's Magic Media Ed...2024-07-0518 min
Advanced TV HerstoryTV Talk Shows: Hellman v. McCarthyWelcome to the next episode in our special series on TV Talk Shows. Big talk show moments, especially the controversial ones, provide snapshots that we can use to examine our politics and culture at a singular point in time. Some of the moments we discuss in this series may be unfamiliar to you or they may seem obscure or forgotten, but that’s the point. We’re here to preserve TV Herstory. Today, when alternative facts are part of our daily life, it’s especially instructive to look back more than 40 years at a grudge match...2023-12-1316 min
Advanced TV HerstoryAnnie Potts on Heart Channels And Helping OthersWe know her as Meemaw, Mary Jo Shively, Emmie Sims, and the voice of Bo Peep. But Annie Potts is hooked on helping others—she’s very hands on—and she’s here to tell us about that part of her life. In doing so, she inspires us with her commitment and challenges us to “turn the car around.” Annie’s charitable organization, The Heart Channels, provides direct support quickly and creatively to people at critical crossroads in their life. Its mission reflects what Annie witnessed growing up—that wherever there was a need, people opened their hearts and quiet...2023-11-2146 min
Advanced TV HerstoryWGA, MTM and Hollywood Stories with Victoria RiskinHollywood legacy meets union leadership in this revealing conversation with Victoria Riskin. A second-generation screenwriter and former President of the Writers Guild of America West, Riskin brings stories from inside the industry’s golden era—and the picket lines of today. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Riskin discuss the evolving power dynamics between writers and studios, tracing the WGA's long fight for equity. With insights into Riskin's parents—Oscar-winning screenwriter Robert Riskin and King Kong star Fay Wray—this episode blends personal history, feminist storytelling, and behind-the-scenes power plays in television and film. You’ll hear about: The...2023-09-1249 min
Pennsylvania OdditiesDid Daniel Mellott Burn his Children Alive?With Guest Host Ashley Bemis. In April of 1875, the most sensational murder trial in the history of Fulton County took place. Charged with one of the most shocking crimes imaginable were Mary Mellott and her husband Daniel, a Civil War veteran who was known throughout Buck Valley as "Wolf Dan" on account of his disfigured face.
2023-08-0111 min
80s TV LadiesWelcome to Season 2: Advanced TV Herstory w/Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Part 1Welcome to 80’s TV Ladies: Season Two!Susan and Sharon kick-off the new season with Cynthia Bemis-Abrams, the host of sister podcast “Advanced TV Herstory” -- a fascinating deep dive into the backstory of women in television, that connects the dots between TV, feminism, American culture and politics.In Part One of a two-part conversation, we’ll talk about the shows, actresses and characters that stood out as landmarks for women over the past five decades. We also tease what’s coming up as Susan and Sharon turn their attention from one-hour mysteries to half-hour comedies i...2023-05-2455 min
My Better HalfA visit with a Rogue Valley spa expertAs someone who had the value of water therapy instilled in her at a young age, it’s not surprising that Mary Bemis finds herself living on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon. On this episode of My Better Half, Mary outlines the Seven Tenets of Spa and charts her course to becoming known as “the mother of American spa media”. She’s long been known for making waves in the wellness industry – through the serial launches of spa magazines, and for keeping spas accountable in the way they describe their services. Her work has garnered h...2023-05-1214 min
Priority StatusSpa and Wellness Secrets - 5 Questions with Mary Bemis, founder of Insiders Guide to SpasIn this episode of “5 Questions With…”, Kristin Moller, senior vice president of our Toronto office connects with Mary Bemis, founder of Insiders Guide to Spas and one of the most recognized names in spa and wellness journalism. She was one of the first reporters to focus on spas and wellness in the 1990s and forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. Recently honored as a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness in 2023 by Medika Life, Mary is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award.
In 1997, she launched American...2023-04-2833 min
Advanced TV HerstoryMemoriam 2021Cynthia recounts the lives and careers of talented TV women who died in 2021. While some died unexpectedly of disease, the long list features names of women who worked well into their golden years. Join this celebration of their impact on TV and come away with renewed energy to cheer on the amazing women in your own circle, while they're still around. The list includes Betty White, Cloris Leachman, Jessica Walter, Cicely Tyson, Markie Post, and Mary Wilson of The Supremes. CONNECT WITH ATVH AND CYNTHIA ATVH Newsletter - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/ Website...2022-01-2727 min
Incomplet Design HistoryMary BlairMary Blair was a fine artist, commercial artist, concept artist, and Disney Imagineer. After graduating from Chouinard and marrying Lee Blair, Mary was set to build a career as a regionalist watercolor painter like her husband. Due to World War 2, fine art was not working out, and the two entered the world of commercial art and animation. Both landed positions at Ub Iwerks Studio. In 1940, Blair joined Walt Disney studios as a sketch artist. The job frustrated her, and she quit shortly after. A few months later, Walt Disney animators went on strike in 1941, right when Walt left on...2021-09-2312 min
Blood Sweat & CareersPassion for Fashion /Sustainable Athleticwear Designer Mary BemisShow Notes Coming!2021-04-271h 00
Through the Seasons with Megan GilgerHow Does Seed Starting Connect us to the Natural World?Happy March! As we end winter this month, I wanted to kick off with discussing the opening of our brand new Fresh Exchange community where we will be focused on growing together as our garden grow through the seasons. In this episode we kick it off by discussing everything you need to know about our community as well as HOW to WIN one of 3 Annual Memberships to the community (a value of $160). We will discuss the community every week this month before it launches so keep an ear out for more updates and how to get...2021-03-0331 min
Advanced TV HerstoryThey Showed Us Who We Could BeDeep chat with Summer Martin of The Unconventional Woman Podcast about role models & memorable characters and what they meant for us, our aunties, mothers and friendships. We discuss the powerful impressions of Freddie Brooks of A Different World, The Flying Nun's Sister Bertille and Homeland's Carrie Mathison. Temple University student Maryam Muhammad adds her perspective on Cree Summer's Freddie Brooks. - - - - - Maryam Muhammad, student at Temple University and blogger at Medium, a place where writers, influencers and podcasters get the word out. Find her work at www.maryamazeeza.com –...2020-10-0728 min
Advanced TV HerstoryCelebrating Role Models & Memorable CharactersDeep chat with Summer Martin of The Unconventional Woman Podcast about role models & memorable characters and what they meant for us, our aunties, mothers and friendships. We discuss the impact of Freddie Brooks of A Different World, Mary Richards of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Cosby Show's Clair Huxtable and others on us and generations older and younger. Temple University student Maryam Muhammad adds her perspective on Cree Summer's Freddie Brooks. - - - - - Maryam Muhammad, student at Temple University and blogger at Medium, a place where writers, influencers and...2020-09-2334 min
Rabbitt Stew ComicsEpisode 258New Comic Reviews: DC's Cybernetic Summer by Stephanie Phillips, Leela del Duca, Stuart Moore, Cully Hamner, Liz Erickson, Nik Virella, Corinna Bechko, Gabriel Hardman, Max Bemis, Greg Smallwood, Che Grayson, Marguerite Sauvage, Heath Corson, Scott Koblish, Joshua Williamson, David Lafuente, Steve Orlando, Paul Pelletier, Andrew Constant, Nicola Scott DC Digitals Empyre: Savage Avengers by Gerry Duggan, Greg Smallwood Empyre: Captain America 1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Ariel Olivetti, Rachelle Rosenberg Sins Rising X-Factor 1 by Leah Williams, David Baldeon, RB Silva Lost Soldiers 1 by Ales Kot, Heather Moore, Luca Casalanguida Hedra 1 by Jesse Lonergan Pulp by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips...2020-08-032h 10
Gift Biz Unwrapped250 – Why Starting with In Person is Best with Mary Bemis of Reprise Active WearMary is the founder of Reprise, a line of plant-based activewear aiming to free your closet from plastic.
She founded the company to educate us about the ingredients in our clothing, so we have more control over our health and wellness.
Reprise products never contain oil-based synthetics or recycled plastics because of their impact on the planet. Mary believes your skin deserves only the best, so they only work with plant-based fabrics to give you the cleanest wear.
Mary envisions a future where people not only look to see what’s in their clothes, but they expect better materials.
She's pa...2020-01-2050 min
The Social Impact StartupNo More Plastic: Creating Plant-Based Activewear with Mary Bemis - Founder, Reprise ActivewearMary Bemis is the founder of Reprise Activewear, a sustainable and plant-based athleisure brand. Mary began her career in finance and slowly transitioned over to fashion, starting with reading the labels of her clothing, attending trade shows to eventually taking courses at FIT and launching her own company. After learning about the amount of synthetics in traditional activewear, she decided to create a product that she couldn’t find on the market - one that was meant for comfort and performance, but was a more natural solution for the consumer and better for the planet overall. She uses Tencel, which is...2019-07-2138 min
Advanced TV HerstoryCable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - Part 1In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams examines how cable TV disrupted traditional broadcasting, creating new opportunities for women’s stories. Joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the conversation dives into the economics of cable, the rise of niche programming, and the industry’s shift to serve specific audiences. Discover how cable provided platforms for female-led narratives, from Mary Tyler Moore to Cagney & Lacey and Grey’s Anatomy. Learn how women in the industry seized these opportunities to reshape media and why it’s crucial to support women’s art and stories in today’s...2019-05-0124 min
No Extra Words one person's search for storyWomen Writers on ChoiceIt was my privilege to put together this episode on an important topic and I can't begin to express my gratitude to our contributors and to my wonderful support community who made it possible. "Family Planning" is by Tina Tocco, copyright 2005, used with permission. It was originally published in Harper Palate Winter/Spring 2013 issue. Read Tina's bio and her her previous contributions to the show. "Choose" is by Mary O'Keefe Brady, copyright 2017, used with permission. Read Mary's bio. "Single Sexless Mother" is by Linda Bonney, copyright 2017, used with permission. Read Linda's bio. 2018-01-1932 min
Advanced TV HerstoryGift Giving Recs for TV FansStill pondering what to get that hard-to-buy-for TV fan in your life? This podcast has your back, walking you through 5+ great gift ideas used in producing past episodes. All are classics or discuss classics! Designing Women, Diana Ross, Sports Night, a book about the making of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Kim Field's just-released autobiography, Blessed Life.2017-12-1009 min
Advanced TV HerstoryHot Pants in Hollywood: An interview w/Susan SilverHost Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Susan Silver, writer for TV's "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Maude" and "Square Pegs" and other projects to talk about her memoir, "Hot Pants in Hollywood: Sex, Secrets and Sitcoms." Susan shares her path to becoming a TV writer and the supportive environments she encountered.—Cynthia Bemis Abrams2017-04-2445 min
Advanced TV HerstoryWomen of Super Bowl HalftimesUnscripted viewing of highlights of Super Bowl Halftime Shows t Performances by 6 women, all available on YouTube. Omitted performances by major artists: Tina Turner, Mary J. Blige, Brittany Spears & Carol Channing because they either performed as a medley of talent or in the case of Ms. Channing, the video just isn’t available. 1982 with the Up With People performance. 1992 was the salute to the Winter Olympics that concluded with a performance by Gloria Estefan, 1996 Diana Ross arriving in a helicopter. 2003 halftime stages that featured Shania Twain and No Doubt, led...2016-02-0256 min
Advanced TV HerstoryTreva Silverman: Writing Herstory on MTM - Part 3Treva Silverman, the primary writer for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, broke ground as one of the few women in the writers' room during television's golden age. In this episode, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, author of Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, joins host Cynthia Bemis Abrams to discuss Silverman’s career, legacy, and the challenges of writing smart, funny TV from a woman’s perspective. The conversation includes: Treva Silverman’s influence on Lou, Ted, and Georgette; The power of delegation and leadership in collaborative TV writing; The cold audience response to the pilot episod...2015-11-2327 min
Advanced TV HerstoryMTM’s Women Writers: Casting, Fashion & Rhoda - Part 2Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues her conversation with author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, digging deeper into the brilliant women behind The Mary Tyler Moore Show. In this episode, they explore how casting, style, and behind-the-scenes leadership shaped not just the series — but TV history. Armstrong shares insights from her book Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, focusing on the show's female writers and creatives: Writers like Susan Silver, Jenna McMahon, Gail Parent, and Marilyn Suzanne Miller Casting director Ethel Winant's eye for chemistry and strong ensemble balance Costume designer Mimi Kirk an...2015-11-1849 min
Advanced TV HerstoryMTM Women Writers: Chuckles, Rhoda & Reform - Part 1Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, author of Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted, to spotlight the pioneering women writers behind The Mary Tyler Moore Show. From interviews with MTM creatives to reflections on iconic episodes, this conversation sets the stage for a three-part series on women in the writer’s room and their groundbreaking influence on 1970s television. Highlights include: The era’s feminist context and MTM’s unique portrayal of women How Rhoda and Mary’s friendship redefined female dynamics on screen Behind-the-scenes insight on the Emmy-winning episode “Chuckles Bites the Dust,”...2015-11-1233 min