FYI: The Murphy Brown Podcast: Recent Episodes
Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins
Join Lauren and Jesi as they re-watch their hero, Murphy Brown, navigate the waters of journalistic integrity and female empowerment, discussing 1990s nostalgia and the glaring relevance this show still has in our culture today. Plus, interviews with the cast and creators! www.MurphyBrownPod.com Theme Song Provided by Pond5 artist Patrick Coen
In a new interview segment on the podcast, Jesi and Lauren welcome talented casting director, Jodi Angstreich ("Fleishman Is In Trouble", "Eric", "The Girl From Plainview", & many more), to talk about the casting process today in contrast to how it was in the 1990s. Plus, a little "Murphy Brown" and pop culture faves!
It’s group project time, as Jesi and Lauren break down this episode based on a true story! Jesi and Lauren discuss the inspirational tales of the guest star characters, the timeline of corporate retreats, and the complicated & fascinating history of the phrase “Yes, We Can” (beyond election taglines)!
It’s a party…to save Corky’s marriage, as we get the return of Jane Leeves ("Frasier") as Audrey Cohen, Janet Carroll ("Married With Children") as Doris Dial, and Scott Bryce ("As The World Turns")! Topics include the history of the phrase “Having It All” and how it manifests in intersectional feminism today, 90s fashion, and the importance of communication in relationships. Plus, funny moments and BTS tidbits!
Jesi and Lauren are excited to talk to H. Alan Scott ("Out On The Lanai: A Golden Girls Podcast" & "Newsweek's Parting Shot") to talk about the connection between "Golden Girls" and "Murphy Brown", TV in the 90s vs today
The theme is sisterly love as Lauren and Jesi talk about Murphy’s birthday (what sign do you think Murphy is?), and answer the question, “Why does 'Designing Women' owe their success to "Murphy Brown"?
Murphy is kidnapped by 90s heartthrob Craig Bierko, and the Gang doesn’t believe her! Is this episode a bottle episode? What is a bottle episode? Jesi and Lauren take the test to find out. Other topics include The Shirelles' history, eco-terrorism, and why a pink donut box is so closely associated with LA and sitcoms!
Jesi and Lauren's breakdown of this major Jim episode! Highlights include Charles Kimbrough’s backstory for Jim, a modern famous anchor who lost it on air, and more behind-the-scenes tidbits & insights.
Jesi and Lauren's breakdown of this major Jim episode! Highlights include the story of The Four Tops, the history of laughter and our health, and more behind-the-scenes tidbits & insights.
Lauren and Jesi finish out the final Colleen Dewhurst episode with a music sidebar, behind-the-scenes tidbits from Diane Sawyer's week on the set for her news magazine show “Prime Time Live” - which takes us from story idea in the writer’s room to rehearsal and writers and finally filming day. Join our Patreon www.murphybrownpod.com/donate to see the full Prime Time Live and more!
The gals break down the final Colleen Dewhurst arc as Avery Brown Sr with a jam-packed episode of behind-the-scenes tidbits, insights, and what the show had in store for Avery in Season Four. Stay tuned next week for Part 2 with the episode's music sidebar, cut moments, and how Murphy’s vulnerability affects us all.
The happy day has finally arrived…Jerry’s back! The gals finish up this fan-favorite episode with returning character Jerry Gold (Emmy Winner Jay Thomas). The gals share more behind-the-scenes stories, Jesi sidebars on the film “A Man & A Woman,” how it connects to Nancy Meyers, and of course more romance…and shoes.
The happy day has finally arrived…Jerry’s back! The gals deep dive into the love story of Jerry Gold (Jay Thomas) and Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) in this fan-favorite episode. Cut moments from the original script and behind-the-scenes stories included! Plus, Lauren does a sidebar on jewelry icon Elisa Peretti.
The real-life actors/writer’s union strike may be over, but not for the FYI Gang! Jesi and Murphy update the new season and are continuing season three! Sidebars include the life of Allen Toussaint, Candice Bergen’s 90s hair, Emmy-winning Fashion, unions, and how the episode connects to the recent 2023 Sag/Aftra and WGA strikes! Check out our website for show notes and how to watch this episode!
Best-selling author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong (Mary & Lou, & Rhoda & Ted, Seinfeldia) writes about TV and culture, with a focus on the impact of women. The gals sit down with Jennifer on the subjects of two of her books: “When Women Invented Television,” and the fantastic four subjects of the book, from the more widely known Betty White to the lesser known Hazel Scott, the first African American to host her own show. They also discuss her latest book, “So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We're Still So Obsessed with It).” Plus, a few surprises along the way!
Best-selling author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong (Mary and Lou, and Rhoda and Ted, Seinfeldia) writes about TV and culture, with a focus on the impact of women. The gals sit down with Jennifer on the subjects of two of her books: “When Women Invented Television,” and the fantastic four subjects of the book, from the more widely known Betty White to the lesser known Hazel Scott, the first African American to host her own show. They also discuss her latest book, “So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We're Still So Obsessed with It).” Plus, a few surprises along the way!
ENCORE EPISODE FROM 2020: The gals welcome Anita Floris, the host of “I’m Listening: A Fraiser Fan Podcast ". Topics include: the great Jane Leeves, the sex appeal of the Dials, arrival party etiquette, as well as Anita’s first impressions of the series. Check out show notes including info we found on lampshades and New Year and to catch up on the podcast: https://www.murphybrownpod.com/2-14-what-are-you-doing-nyeAnita is Anitajewtina on Twitter & Instragam.
An ENCORE from 2017: It’s that time of year! A TV tradition since the dawn of TV, the Christmas Episode! Jesi and Lauren go deep into Murphy Brown’s first Christmas (and Hanukkah) episode. Catch up on more episodes at www.murphybrownpod.com.
The gals have a season three announcement and their thoughts on Candice Bergen's latest five-timers-club sketch. Stay until the end for questions Jesi and Lauren have for you to answer!
An update to our format during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strike! What's coming up and what to look forward to!
Time to meet the parents…again. This time: Frank’s parents! Lauren and Jesi chat about Barney Martin's(Seinfeld) & Rose Marie’s (The Dick Van Dyke Show)guest appearances and their amazing histories in show business! It’s all about Frank as we talk about his background, toxic masculinity, facing your fears, and the real-life celebrity-hosted anniversary party the episode is based on! Check out show notes for young pictures of Rose Marie - whose centennial is this year! Happy 100! RM!*This episode was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike and will be our last breakdown episode until the strike is resolved. And our last episode until the strike is resolved.Please check out our episode with co-writer Gary Dontizg and guest panelist Matt Baume (Hi, Homo, I'm Home)
The gals are over the moon to have guest actor/writer/avid “pop culture consumer” Tarik Davis (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” Bway’s “Freestyle Love Supreme,” Boom Chicago, Second City, “Late Night With Seth Meyers”) to chat more about "Murphy Brown", censorship, journalism, and how Murphy’s takedown of an Andrew Dice Clay character, including how the episode was a reaction to the real-life comic. Please check out our show notes for further reading on the subjects we covered.*This was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA Strikewww.tarikdavis.com
The gals are over the moon to have guest actor/writer/avid “pop culture consumer” Tarik Davis “("The Amber Ruffin Show,” Bway’s “Freestyle Love Supreme,” Boom Chicago, The Second City, “Late Night With Seth Meyers”) to chat about comedy, censorship, journalism, and how Murphy’s takedown of an Andrew Dice Clay (played by Michael Chiklis) character is relevant to today, including the history of how we got here. Check out our Patreon for more of Lauren and Tarik’s “New Jersey Convo” and Jesi and Tarik’s chat about the book “Burn It Down.” *This was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA Strikewww.tarikdavis.com
Jesi and Lauren are back to start their favorite season of "Murphy Brown" - Season Three! Topics include: the history and function of focus groups in pop culture, the collaboration between The Temptations and The Supremes, the background of guest star Harry Shearer (SNL, The Simpsons, Christopher Guest player), and more! *This was recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike.To follow along with us and watch Murphy Brown Season Three - check out our website - www.murphybrownpod.com
It’s a Season 2 (1989-1990 Season) Recap! Lauren and Jesi chat about their favorite themes of Season 2, Emmy wins and nominations, as well as a few missed stories they found along the way.
The gals chat about the final episode of season 2, which includes a wedding, couples, and flipped gender norms for the time! A short breakdown of the life of Janet Carroll (aka Doris Dial) and other sitcom legends who guest starred, as well as the debate on the explanations of gender in terms of dating and so-called “expectations” and “fluidity” in terms of dreams as you age. Oh, and The Temptations show up, and did we mention Corky (Faith Ford) gets married!
RSVP, everyone, for a jam-packed episode! Corky’s getting married, and the gals are here with the play-by-play for part one. The history of “Where Did Our Love Go?” and “Going To the Chapel” is discussed, Corky's (Faith Ford) growth and the concept of growing past your childhood dreams. And Doris returns!
Lauren and Jesi are excited to welcome from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel another Marvelous Ms. M - Matilda Szydagis -- who plays our favorite 1960s maid, Zelda! They chat with Matilda about her final season of Maisel and that Lenny Bruce scene! - But first, the gals finish chatting about Matilda’s first Murphy Brown, her thoughts on Eldin the house painter; we share behind-the-scenes thoughts from the writers of this episode and general thoughts on the last episode of Murphy season two before the two-part finale!
(recorded Summer of 2022) Lauren and Jesi are excited to welcome from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel another Marvelous Ms. M - Matilda Szydagis -- who plays our favorite 1960s maid, Zelda! They chat with Matilda about her audition for Maisel and her other work - including a new children's book. Together the three M’s chat about Murphy having to slow down in this season two episode! Topics include: wish fulfillment through TV characters and the difference in the diversity of roles for actors from all backgrounds in the 1980s/1990s vs. today. Join us for part two, where Matilda talks more about her experience on the finale season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and her impressions of watching Murphy for the first time.Check out our show notes www.murphybrownpod.com for more info and links on Matilda's children's books "All Cats Speak Polish" and "Penguin In The City"
(RECORDED Summer of 2019) The pod welcomes Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, Ph.D., author of the book Gaslighting, and her friend, Murphy Brown fan and marketing expert Jennifer Novak, to chat with Lauren, breaking down the Murphy Brown characters' psychologies!
In this modern Cyrano, Miles-centric episode the gals chat about the history of fax machines, Ticonderoga pencils, and the art of flirting by the written word! Plus, the careers of episode guest star actors Teri Hatcher and Richard Masar! For more and to donate to the podcast visit at www.MurphyBrownPod.com!
Recorded in Aug of 2019 we are so happy to finally bring you the second part of our interview with Norm Gunzenhauser back in the “before times.” (Originally planned to have dropped in late spring 2020.) Part two we chat about more season 2 as well as working with Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler and more!
Recorded back in the summer of 2019, we are so happy to finally bring you the second part of our interview with Norm Gunzenhauser back in the “before times.” (Originally planned to have dropped in late spring 2020.) We continue our chat about Norm’s season 2 episodes as well as Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and more!
It’s an entire episode of pranks as Murphy starts a chain reaction that brings about a fun episode and fun discussions. Includes: the mystery behind the unveiling of Watergate source “Deep Throat,” how Legend Nora Ephron used that knowledge to get back at her ex-husband, and more on Connie Chung’s history! Plus the history behind the Brenton Wood “Gimme A Sign” sung by Brenton Wood. (wait until the end of the episode for something special!)
Jesi and Lauren go into a very timely topic as the FYI gang deal with a boycott of one of Murphy’s news stories regarding sex education for teens. Jesi takes on the history of boycotts (on both sides of the fence) while Lauren talks about the history of condoms commercials on television. And more on The Marvelettes!
Denise discusses writing for her favorite secondary character, her influences in her writing and her time writing for Frasier, as well as her love of writing despicable characters in episodes like Season 2’’s “Whose Garbage, Is It Anyway?” (Jerry Gold) And season two’s “Brown and Blue” (an Andrew Dice Clay stand-in) and her influences in writing comedy! Follow us on Social Media for episodes and clips.
We are so happy to have Denise Moss on the show! Denise is part of the writing team of Dukane & Moss - writers of last week’s episode “On The Road Again". She and her writing partner have worked on sitcoms from “Murphy Brown” to “Fraiser” to “Roseanne.” In this two-parter Denise discusses her experience from assistant to freelance writer to staff writer.
Charles Kimbrough sings! Yes, welcome to the last half of season 2, which means we are on this Jim-centric episode that leans into Charles Kimbrough’s musical background. We chat about Kimbrough's Broadway history and the episode's question: “Is flirting bad” as well as the importance of the episode in Murphy and Jim’s relationship. Follow us on social media for clips from the episode! Stay tuned for our next episode interview with the co-writer: Denise Moss to talk more about this episode and more!
It’s time for our most requested episode online! The return of Jerry Gold in his new role as “love interest” to our Murphy Brown. Topics include Redemption of characters previously written as villains, The” heart of gold” male troupe, The Jerry (Jay Thomas) and Murphy romantic dynamic, and the history of the Aretha Franklin song “Think.”
In part two, we go into depth on Murphy and Corky’s “undercover blues” as ex-workers on a sting as well and chat about the amazing guest stars: Peter Marc Jacobson (The Nanny) and Beth Broderick (Sabrina The Teenage Witch) would go on to be part of two other famous 90s sitcoms! How this departure for the series seemingly seemed to be keying into a late 80’s comedy troupe but may have been saying more with its jokes.
We had such a great time talking about the important background on this episode; we had to make it another back-to-back two-parter! Part one, the pod, goes into depth on the history of Marvin Gaye’s struggle to get “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” Released! Then, Jesi goes into depth on how sex workers have been viewed over the years to today, and Lauren chats about the images of sex workers in 80s and 90s comedies. And Murphy has fun with a nerf gun at Miles' expense!
The day has finally arrived! We finally complete the set with Gary Dontizg - Murphy Brown, writer/producer extraordinaire and writer of many of our favorite episodes, including “Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are”! Gary talks about his experience as a gay comedy writer in the 80s & 90s and the push-and-pull he experienced in his effort to bring gay characters to TV in the years before Ellen and Will & Grace.
The gals are so happy to welcome YouTuber, journalist & LBGTQ+ TV pop-culture expert Matt Baume to the pod for a wonderful two-part discussion. In Part One, Jesi & Lauren sit down with Matt to chat, not only Murphy Brown but Star Trek, The Nanny, Frasier & more! Check out next week when Gary Dontzig (writer/producer) joins Lauren, Jesi & Matt to talk about Murphy Brown’s first gay episode and his experience as a gay comedy writer in the 80s & 90s.
It’s back to school time! First, the gals chat about mentors when Murphy's high school journalism teacher starts a school in her name. Then, Jesi takes us on a journey through the brief history of marching bands and walks us through 90’s Anchor Kathleen Sullivan’s misogynist tenure in Broadcast Journalism. And the topic of mentors and mentees is discussed and how an actor’s reputation can work for them in a role.
Knives Out Spoiler: 23.57-24.37
Check out www.murphybrownpod.com for some extras about the episode! (Link mentioned coming soon)
The gals take on what makes Frank tick in Murphy Brown’s first Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto) dating episode. Lauren goes into depth about the history of the celebrity sandwiches craze in The United States, while Jesi flexes her Star Trek muscle & tells a brief history of Squeaky Fromme. Also, the joy of guest star Eve Gordon!
The kids in the opening of our last episode, “I Want My FYI,” were in need of civics all the back in 1990. Today, Civics is absent from the national curriculum, now when we need it so much, Lauren sits down with Carrie Ray-Hill, Director of Digital Learning at iCivics, “founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009 to ensure that all Americans have the knowledge and will to participate in our unique experiment in self-government,’ A non-profit civic non-partisan, free to more than “7.6 million students annually, in all 50 states” in Middle School and High School.” Lauren talks with Carrie about ICivics' use of Video Games to help kids (and us!) learn how our country works. And yes, we also talk about Murphy Brown!
A young Mayim Bialik and Mark-Paul Gosselaar, on the cusp of their Blossom and Saved By The Bell fame (The first season had just aired when he filmed this episode!) guest star as young FYIers in a podcast favorite! The gals go in-depth on what it was like to be teens in the 90s, the educational system then and now, as well as a sidebar on The Memphis Group, an art school that set the look for the 80s and 90s.
*We recorded this in late 2020.
Welcome to the 90s! The podcast is back for the back half of Season 2 as we officially hit the 1990s proper with a pod fav! Jesi highlights pop-culture moments that defined the 90s and goes into the origins of Motown through Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Lauren talks about the brief history of journalists who were sent to jail for not revealing their sources. The gals chat about an infamous blooper from this episode between Grant Shaud & Candice Bergen, plus background on amazing guest actors like Cristine Rose!
Although this was the last episode we recorded before the pandemic, we could not have produced the entire season without the help of our Patreon. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.
Jesi and Lauren chat with the co-host of “You’re Wrong About” and “Why Are Dads?” continues with more pod crossovers! The gals chat with Sarah (OJ Simpson case expert) about the TV comic reaction to the OJ Simpson Trial (check out her multi-part series in “You’re Wrong About”), her love of Faith Ford’s cookbook & celebrity cookbooks in general, Quantum Leap, and more!
Jesi and Lauren welcome the co-host of “You’re Wrong About” and “Why Are Dads?” to chat about her love of Murphy Brown, 90’s pop-culture, and more! Part One includes discussions about the difference between 90’s TV consumption vs Today, a deep pop-culture dive on 1987’s “Year Of The Bimbo,” and female representation through the media. Plus, a chat about Lord Of The Rings!
We will return with a NEW SEASON soon! Currently Recording!
www.remembersarahmarshall.com (links to both podcasts) Twitter: @ Remember_Sarah YWA: MB vs DQ: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dan-quayle-v-murphy-brown/id1380008439?i=1000465289875
Lauren and Jesi are excited to bring you this amazing interview two-part special we recorded in February with Faith Ford, A.K.A Corky Sherwood! The gals sit down and chat about her beginnings in Louisiana, her time as a model in New York, and all the Murphy Brown stories! As well, as tales from our life-long-friends-ship with Jane Leeves, aka. Audrey Cohen, Aka, Daphne from Fraiser!
Part 2: Booking Murphy Brown and her friendship with Jane! Join our Patreon for special episodes now! www.MurphyBrownpod.com/donate
Charities from last week! BEAM www.beam.community
Black Trans Femmes In The Arts www.linktr.ee/btfacollective
Justice for Breonna Taylor Official Go-Fund Me www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-…r-breonna-taylor
Lauren and Jesi are excited to bring you this amazing interview two-part special we recorded in February with Faith Ford, A.K.A Corky Sherwood! The gals sit down and chat about her beginnings in Louisiana, her time as a model in New York, and all the Murphy Brown stories! As well, as tales from our life-long-friends-ship with Jane Leeves, aka. Audrey Cohen, Aka, Daphne from Fraiser!
Part 1: The Early Years and Corky Sherwood as a character!
BEAM www.beam.community
Black Trans Femmes In The Arts www.linktr.ee/btfacollective
Justice for Breonna Taylor Official Go-Fund Me www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor
www.MurphyBrownpod.com
The gals welcome Anita Floris, the host of “I’m Listening: A Fraiser Fan Podcast '' from More Banana, to end our podcast season with this Diane English written classic! Topics include: the great Jane Leeves, the sex appeal of the Dials, arrival party etiquette, as well as Anita’s first impressions of the series and how it still holds up for a younger audience! Join us for the pod’s season finale!
Anita is Anitajewtina on Twitter & Instragam.
Miss us already!? While you wait for our next season join our patron or donate one time only at www.murphybrownpod.com/donate or www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod for extended episodes and extra moments during our hiatus! 100% of proceeds go to fund the podcast for you!
We found out about the Lampshade! https://www.google.com/amp/s/slate.com/news-and-politics/2009/03/when-did-drunk-people-start-putting-lampshades-on-their-heads.amp
Our “Here’s To You Mrs. Kinsella” guest Lisa Darden joins the gals after the show to discuss diversity in Murphy Brown & pop culture from 1990 to today, how we can all work together, and how feminism can be an inclusive movement to all.
More Info On Lisa: www.fairhousingjustice.org Twitter: DardenLisa IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm2688647
The gals are happy to welcome Lisa Darden as their guest this week! Lisa is an actor as well as a board member of the Fair Housing Justice Center in New York City and a fan of Murphy Brown since childhood! Lisa tells us her origin story of growing up watching Murphy Brown as an African American woman then and now. Lauren talks about the genesis of Stevie Wonder’s adult career with this week’s song Superstition! Topics also include: Women and mens’ sexual prime, Grant Shaud’s physical comedy, and the Candice Bergen connection to The Graduate, which inspired our title with the song “Here’s To You, Mrs. Robinson.”
More Info On Lisa: www.fairhousingjustice.org Twitter: DardenLisa IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm2688647
We are excited to welcome back Murphy Brown writer-producer Russ Woody (“Cybill” “Becker” “The Middle”)writer of our next episode “Here’s To You Mrs. Kinsella” as well as Season One's' “Kyle, “It’s How You Play The Game,” and many more! Just in time for “The Good Place” finale this week, Russ is talking about his new book “Tuesdays with Ted” (available wherever you buy books and ebooks or www.RussWoody.com). “An uplifting, heartbreaking, occasionally funny story about an old man with ALS, a sitcom, its star and just enough time to say good-bye,” Russ tells the gals stories from the book about his father, Ted Danson and much more, including a funny story about Candice Bergen and the book! But first, we get an update on Russ’s project about Abraham Lincoln’s first vice president, Hannibal Hamlin.
Follow Russ on Instagram @ RussTWoody and join our Patreon with a one time or monthly donation for extended moments, including more on Lincoln and Hamlin! www.murphybrownpod.com/donate
This episode, the gals go over Season two’s “The Strike” written by Steven Peterman and Gary Dontzig! Topics include: Aging as women in society, Candice Bergen’s working relationship with director Barnet Kellman through her own words, and Grant Shaud’s physical comedy. While Lauren tells the tale of legendary Smokey Robinson, Jesi discusses reporter Alex Bozarjian being assaulted by a runner on live television.
The gals are excited to bring Part Two of what originally aired as a one-hour episode of Murphy Brown: ”Brown Like Me” - written by series creator Diane English. Topics include: the great Nat King Cole & the story behind his classic song “Star Dust,” Emmy confusion, and the importance of banter as foreplay.
The gals are excited to bring Part One of what originally aired as a one-hour episode of Murphy Brown: ”Brown Like Me” - written by series creator Diane English. Topics include: Murphy’s adult relationship with her parents, when and how one can look good in hats, late-in-life babies, and more!
Join us for Part Two to discuss fighting as foreplay, the Great Nat King Cole, the origins behind the song “Stardust,” and more!
In our continuation of ”The Ladies of ‘Love & War’,” the pod welcomes Murphy Brown Season 1 guest star (I Would Have Danced All Night) and Diane English series regular: Suzie Plakson! We chat with Suzie about highlights from her sitcom career (Family Ties, Mad About You, How I Met Your Mother), her origins, and being directed by fellow actors. Plus: inspirations in the creative progress and the art of waiting.
We recommend you listen to our interview with Joanna Gleason.
”The Return of King Lillian” - ww.kinglillian.com
Finally, the ladies reach this pivotal Jim-centric episode and Lauren’s first Murphy Brown. Jesi brings us the back-story Charles Kimbrough created for his character, Lauren goes into the brief history of comedy roasts, and the pod shares relevant excerpts from Eddie Izzard biography ”Believe Me”! Not to mention, the cut scenes from syndication you never knew were missing, anecdotes on Leslie Stall, Murder She Wrote, and the inside scoop on hiring Walter Cronkite!
The gals are lucky and beyond thrilled to have Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason on the pod for a discussion on art, television, musical theater and of course Diane English. Maybe you know Joanna from her season ten appearance on Murphy Brown (10.7: “Petty Women”) or her three seasons as a series regular on the Diane English series “Love and War” (streaming currently) or her infamous guest appearances on The West Wing, Friends, & as the mother in “Boogie Nights.” The pod talks to Joanna about her place in television history, from her own childhood as the daughter of a game show pioneer to working with Aaron Sorkin. Not to mention, award-winning work with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine (“Into The Woods”), working with theater giants and her infamous production of “Nick & Nora." We believe you will learn and laugh with a great artist. Join us!
It’s the pod’s first Humblot episode! Yes, the first send-up of awards season in the series. In what the gals see as a continuation of Season One’s “Devil With The Blue Dress” we build on Murphy (Candice Bergen) and Corky’s (Faith Ford) relationship. Topics include: Awards parallels, what actually is “Old Couple Day” in TV history, and a real-life pageant winner who defied expectations. Also, Lauren talks about the illustrious and interesting life of Emmy-winning TV legend and episode guest star, Alex Rocco, as Al Floss.
Jesi and Lauren take on Murphy Brown’s Season 2 environmental discussion with their most topical episode yet! So topical it took them two installments to cover it! Part Two topics include: the myths of recycling, what sparked letters of complaint (hint: they weren’t from Exxon), and a new installment of “Retcon Theater.”
For more on the character of Jerry Gold and his origins check out our episode from Season 1, “It’s How You Play The Game.”
Links discussed in Part 1 and 2:
The Plastic Tide NPR) https://www.npr.org/series/684530164/the-plastic-tide
Save Animals With Your Mascara Wands! https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/appalachian-wildlife-refuge-mascara-wands-267692
Jay and his Son JT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNRFkTpZYZk
Gilbert Gottfried Remembers Jay Thomas https://www.iheart.com/podcast/240-gilbert-gottfrieds-amazing-27384794/episode/special-bonus-re-release-remembering-jay-thomas-28428385/
Jesi and Lauren take on Murphy Brown’s Season 2 environmental discussion with their most topical episode yet! So topical it took them two installments to cover it! Part One topics include: Similarities and connections from 1989 to 2019 in regards to the planet, childhood memories, and the life & career of guest star Jay Thomas in the first of his Emmy Winning role as recurring character Jerry Gold. Join us next week for Part Two!
For more on the character of Jerry Gold and his origins check out our episode from Season 1, “It’s How You Play The Game.”: www.murphybrownpod.com/episodes/2018/5/11/114-its-how-you-play-the-game
Note: Check back later for the radio show mentioned in this episode
You may know Jacqui’s media writings from such publications as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Slate, and Buzzfeed. Most recently she recapped the Murphy Brown revival series for Vulture. Co-host Lauren sits down with Jacqui to discuss her fascination with the classic series as a media historian and a journalist. Topics include: Murphy Brown’s significance in media history, gender in television in the 1990s, the meta nature of the series, Jerry Gold, and more! A wonderful interview you won’t want to miss.
- We forgot to mention Susan Harris in our female showrunners of the 1990s discussion!
Join our Patron for more from Lauren’s chat with Jacqui! www.murphybrownpod.com/donate
Jacqui’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/DearSplenda Jacqui’s content:www.jacquishine.contently.com Jacqui’s article on Cop Shows https://timeline.com/dragnet-lapd-propaganda-cop-bb19d9a5fb6f?gi=70ee68c74205
Jesi and Lauren go in-depth into Episode Six of Season 2, Buddies Schmuddies, an episode that tests Murphy and Frank’s relationship when they fight for the same story. Topics include: the origins story of Pat Corley a.k.a. Phil, jokes that seem seminal to the 1990s, and a Candice Bergen quote from 1989 takes the ladies on an off-topic discussion of the changing of words in society through social context or misinformation and how many communities are reclaiming words for their greater purpose.
For more on Jesi and Lauren's discussion about reclaiming words in society become a member of our Patreon! Help the podcast create! www.MurphyBrownPod.com/donate
The gals are here to discuss Episode 5 of Season 2: “Miles’ Big Adventure” by Tom Seeley and Norm Gunzenhauser (former guest of the pod!) Topics include: The best way to pack for a trip, special guest star Yeardley Smith (“The Simpsons”) pre-Lisa Simpson career, and the building of Murphy and Miles relationship. Also, Jesi brings us a real-life story from the 1980s that may have loosely inspired a major plot point of the episode!
Brush up your Murphy Brown… “Start learning her now!” Yes, it’s the fourth episode of Season 2: “TV or Not TV.” Learn the interesting backstory on what inspired this epic meta episode direct from the writer as well as sidebars on Emmy nominated (for this role) guest star Morgan Fairchild ("Friends", "Roseanne", "Dallas") and special guest star Connie Chung.
Check out our website for extra info on this episode including Connie Chung talking about her appearance on the episode!
The gals and the FYI gang start saying goodbye to the 1980s as the pod talks 80’s highlights and memories referenced in this week’s episode written by Sy Dukane & Denise Moss (Frasier, Roseanne). Topics include: Journalistic integrity, the history of Redbook, and the real-life stolen memo that inspired this episode’s plot!
Check out show notes for extra info (under episodes!) And to join our Patreon or donate to the pod! www.murphybrownpod.com
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Interview: Mary Pat Gleason (Season 1 Guest Star)
What we love about the podcast is being able to bring you not only Murphy Brown but the history of Television it intersects! Mary Pat Gleason played Olga the Russian Secretary in Season 1, Episode 16 “Moscow On The Hudson” and you know her from so much more, like WIll & Grace (both versions), Gilmore Girls, & Friends! We also chat about her working with Whoopi Goldberg and the cult classic “Troop Beverly Hills”! You will love Mary Pat’s story, her resilience, finding her own voice as a writer and using it to share the struggles of mental illness. We know you’ll leave loving Mary Pat as we do! (Please note: This was recorded in July 2018.)
Mary Pat's Episode of Murphy Brown https://soundcloud.com/murphybrownpod/116-moscow-on-the-potomac
Interview with Marianne Mullerleie (Secretary #8) https://murphybrownpod.com/episodes/2018/4/3/interview-marianne-muellerleile-secretary-8
The gals are back and so is the Jim love on the Dial-centric episode, “Anchor’s Away” (Season 2, Episode 2). Topics include: The introduction of new anchor and recurring character Miller Redfield, relevance and legacy, as well as the geo-political background of the episode. But first, Lauren and Jesi use this episode to talk about Aretha Franklin and her legacy. Check out our patreon for extra content from this episode!
www.murphybrownpod.com/donate for ways to join our Patreon or give a one-time donation! It all helps!
WELCOME TO THE BEST OF THE POD! Jesi and Lauren have a jam-packed episode as they talk about a Season One favorite, Episode 13: “Soul Man’ written by Tom Seeley and friend and guest of the pod, Norm Gunzenhauser. (We recommend we go back and listen to his interview - link below - if you haven’t already!) Topics include: Accepting progress, Friendship, Inclusion, and how women can be just as crude as men. Also, Jesi talks Charles Kimbrough’s origins story and connection to Stephen Sondheim, while Lauren goes into the history of Men’s Clubs vs Women from the late 1980s to today! All of this and more on this week’s episode of FYI!
Norm Gunzenhauser Interview: www.murphybrownpod.com/episodes/2018/1/12/interview-with Webpage: www.murphybrownpod.com
Jesi and Lauren close out the pod’s Season 11 Interviews with Part 2 of 2 with “Real Murphy Brown” herself, creator Diane English! Topics include: The writers and the Writers Room, the real answer about Corky and Miles, & more! Plus, questions from YOU on Twitter!
Jesi and Lauren close out the pod’s Season 11 Interviews with Part 1 of 2 with “Real Murphy Brown” herself, creator Diane English! Topics include: Diane and the Murphy Brown origin story, why Murphy isn’t streaming, writing, and tales from the revival and classic series. Also, for those following us from the beginning, we finally ask Diane about the famous “Chet” story that Norm Gunzenhauser told us about in our first interview for the pod!
Join us Thursday for Part 2 of our interview with Diane and the Season 11 finale on CBS!
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The gals welcome the dynamic wunderkind Miles Silverberg himself, Grant Shaud, for Part 2 of their discussion! Topics include: An actor’s process, comedy influences, Jay Thomas, Murder, She Wrote, and Jesi & Lauren teach Grant what “canon” means.
Also, we have Grant take the www.cbs.com “Which Murphy Brown Character Are You?” quiz. Who will he get?!
To Take the Quiz Yourself: www.cbs.com/shows/murphy-brown/…character-are-you-/
The gals welcome the dynamic wunderkind Miles Silverberg himself, Grant Shaud! Topics include: His origin story and early theatre life, auditioning Now vs the Late ‘80s, his Murphy Brown audition story, and the greatness of Diane English. Also, the trio does a little impromptu version of “Retcon Theatre” with Miles & Corky’s relationship. www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownPod Check out the free swag and special features!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownPod.com for extra info on what we discussed! Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts
Learn more about EST - aka Ensemble Studio Theater - https://www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org
Jesi and Lauren are elated to welcome the writing team of Gina Ippolito & Skander Halim (Story Editors) from the revival writing team to the pod! The gals chat with Gina and Skander about their first episode of Murphy Brown, last week’s “#MurphyToo” episode! Topics include: Working in the writers’ room, how they developed the episode itself, being “the young people” in the room, and a frank discussion about the themes and meaning of the episode.
Also, we have Gina and Skander take the www.cbs.com “Which Murphy Brown Character Are You?” Quiz. Who will they get!?
To Take the Quiz Yourself: https://www.cbs.com/shows/murphy-brown/news/1008839/which-murphy-brown-character-are-you-/
Gina: Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginaippy Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginaippy Website: www.ginamippolito.com
Skander: Twitter: www.twitter.com/SkanderHalim
And join our Patreon to get special content from this episode! www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts
Jesi and Lauren are elated to welcome the writing team of Gina Ippolito & Skander Halim (Story Editors) from the revival writing team to the pod! The gals chat with Gina and Skander about their first episode of Murphy Brown, last week’s “#MurphyToo” episode! Topics include: Working in the writers’ room, how they developed the episode itself, being “the young people” in the room, and a frank discussion about the themes and meaning of the episode. Tune in next week for Part 2 when we have Gina and Skander take the www.cbs.com “Which Murphy Brown Character Are You?” Quiz. Who will they get!?
Gina: Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginaippy Instagram: www.instagram.com/ginaippy Website: www.ginamippolito.com
Skander: Twitter: www.twitter.com/SkanderHalim
And join our Patreon to get special content from this episode! www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts
We pick up where we left off as Jesi, Lauren, and episode director Barnet Kellman continue their breakdown of the Season 2 opener. Topics include: the amazing Jane Leeves and her career, the deeper meaning of the episode, banister acting, and women over 40 on television.
www.MurphyBrownpod.com/donate Check out the free swag and special features!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownPod.com for extra info on what we discussed! Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts
Jesi and Lauren are here to give first thoughts and impressions of the first episode of the Murphy Brown revival aka the Season 11 opener “Fake News,” written by series creator Diane English! Plus, behind-the-scenes insights from the gals who attended the filming of the revival pilot!
www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownPod - check out the free swag and special features!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownPod.com for extra info on what we discussed! Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Welcome to Season 2! Jesi, Lauren, and special guest, director Barnet Kellman take a deep dive into Murphy and Miles’ relationship in this season opener (and pod favorite), written by creator Diane English. Learn behind the scenes factoids direct from the set, secrets from the script, and Jesi teaches us some behind-the-scenes history! Bonus fun: The gals reconstruct the moments usually cut from syndication!
Join us Monday, Oct 8th for Part 2!
www.MurphyBrownpod.com
WELCOME TO MURPHY BROWN WEEK! Take a look back at our first episode as we gear up for "Murphy Thursday" with new episodes of Murphy Brown on CBS and (In your ear holes) the podcast! (Yay, Season 2!)Join us all week for Encore episodes of the pod!
FYI: The Murphy Brown podcast is an episode-by-episode discussion of the landmark sitcom Murphy Brown (1988-1998). Hosted by super fans actor/writers Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins, the series will not only break down each episode of the ten-year series but also discuss behind-the-scenes tidbits, modern parallels, and Murphy's relevance to today. Recorded LIVE from AntennaTV Facebook Live feed in NYC. Lauren & Jesi talk not only the origins of Murphy Brown but their own history with the show.
Follow the show on social media, twitter, Instagram and facebook @murphybrownpod.
*Lauren is mortified she misspoke Diane English’s Birthday is 05/18 Join us in two weeks with season 1, episode 1: Respect.
Welcome to what the gals hope to be a regular feature on the podcast: A season-ending retrospective! Jesi and Lauren have prepared questions for each other on their favorite things from the past season. Questions include: what changed during their rewatch, favorite episodes, moments, guest stars and more! Also, a special Season Two podcast announcement!
Welcome back to our Season One wrap-up interview with director Barnet Kellman! For Part 2, Barnet chats with the gals about his mark on the show, the writers’ room, what other famous people auditioned for Miles Silverberg, and how much of a team player Candice Bergen really is! Also, Barnet goes over a few of the pod’s previous episodes with his added thoughts!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod
Welcome to our Season 1 wrap-up with series director and architect of Murphy Brown, Barnet Kellman. The gals discuss Barnet’s early life and how TV lead him to theater and then back again, as well as the series regular casting process, the origins of Frank Fontana, the real story of casting Miles Silverberg, and how Barnet met Diane English! Stay tuned next week for Part Two!
And join our Patreon to get a special sneak preview of Part 2! www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts
And so Jesi and Lauren end Season One with a bit of a future redux as they reach Episode 22, The Morning Show - an episode in direct parallel with the upcoming Murphy Brown revival series on CBS this fall! Topics include: The arc of Murphy’s relationships with Miles and Corky in Season One, the amazingness of Faith Ford and eggs, and why the gals have changed their minds about this episode. Plus, some exciting news regarding the podcast and Jesi teaches Lauren the difference between baking and cooking!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts! As mentioned in today's episode: www.patreon.com/MurphyBrownpod
Lauren and Jesi dive deep into the penultimate episode of Season 1, “The Bickners” written by friend of the pod Russ Woody. Topics include: Season finales, the depiction of age and sex on television, and Native American appropriation in art and fashion. The gals also discuss an alternative reality to the episode at hand! Will you agree or not? Stay tuned!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Put on your disco shoes and book those Hustle lessons (or not)! The pod enters 1977 and one of the few Murphy Brown flashbacks episodes with this Diane English-written pod favorite: Summer of ‘77. Topics include: Flea Markets, women anchors in the late 20th century, Linda Ellerbee, the Diane English’s DVD commentary. Also, Lauren goes into the history of the word “Cockamamie” and Jesi has some fun news to announce!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!
As they near the end of Season One, the gals are finally at another Moss/Dukane episode, which means they get to share some great behind the scene tidbits from Denise Moss (“Fraiser” & “Roseanne”)! Topics include: The film “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” the real behind-the-scenes stories the episode is based on, and a very special story from Jesi about one of the guest actors from this week’s episode! Join us!
The gals are happy to welcome to the show Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Schiff! (“The West Wing,” ABC’s “The Good Doctor”) It is only fitting considering how often Jesi and Lauren reference Toby Ziegler and “The West Wing” on the pod! Richard appeared in Season 6, Episode 21, “Anything by Cured” written by friend of the pod Russ Woody (as well as appeared on another Diane English show “Love & War”). Topics include: Richard’s origin story, acting as a process, platonic friendships on TV ( i.e. CJ/Toby), and working with Allison Janney, Plus, our hosts ask Richard a “West Wing” question they’ve been waiting years to ask, will he answer it? WEST WING FINAL SEASON SPOILER WARNING at 1:04.57
You can check out more on this episode (including a picture of Richard in his 1994 appearance on Murphy Brown) in Show Notes under Episodes: www.murphybrownpod.com. If you like what you hear please leave us a review on iTunes.
It’s the 18th episode of Season 1! Jesi and Lauren talk their take on “Funnies Girl” - written by Tom Seeley & friend of the pod Norm Guzenhauser. Topics include: The true story behind the word “caricature,” today’s troll culture, and what recent news story may be relevant to this week’s episode! Plus, thoughts about the episode and its origins from Norm himself!
Check out Show Notes at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!
Jesi and Lauren are talking Murphy Brown and nerds this week! The gals chat legendary guest star Buck Henry (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock,” “The Graduate,” “Get Smart”), take a deep dive into their experiences with perfume/fragrances, plus the secret history of Season 1, Episode 17’s cold open song, “He’s a Rebel.” Bonus email commentary and tidbits from episode co-writer (and friend of the pod) Steven Peterman!
To check out Show Notes as well as our previous two-part interview with Steven Peterman please check out our website at www.MurphyBrownpod.com. Please also review/rate/subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!
It’s 2018 and the Gals are talking US/Russian relations...only way back in 1989! Look out for accents galore, discussions about inclusion in today’s society, love for Shirley MacLaine (even if Murphy has none), and childhood memories of E.T. & She-Ra.
www.murphybrownpod.com for show notes and our episode archive. Please subscribe/rate/review
Jesi and Lauren bring you Part Two of their interview with Joe Regalbuto a.k.a Frank Fontana! Topics include: Age on television in the 21st century, more revival talk, the psyche of Frank Fontana, and how Joe’s career may be coming full circle in Astoria, Queens!
Check out more episodes and more info about this episode under Show Notes: www.murphybrownpod.com
Note: The film Joe and Steve Peterman (writer/producer for Murphy Brown) did together was a TV movie called “The Other Woman” (1983).
Jesi and Lauren are thrilled to bring you Part One of their interview with Joe Regalbuto a.k.a Frank Fontana! Topics include: Joe’s origin story on the East Coast, stories of his past co-stars - including Mary Tyler Moore, Frank’s relationship with Murphy, and Joe’s time on television in the 1980s (including Golden Girls). And we ask Joe what he can or not can say about the upcoming Murphy Brown revival.
Check out more episodes and more info about this episode under Show Notes: www.murphybrownpod.com
Jesi and Lauren briefly chat about the new Murphy Brown announcements via last week’s CBS Upfront presentation, which included a revival trailer, air dates, and Lauren shares a news story about AOL emails in the 21st century. Join us!
The gals are excited to celebrate a belated Mother’s Day with Colleen Dewhurst’s first episode of Murphy Brown (her Emmy Winning role as Murphy’s mother: Avery Brown, Sr.) written by series creator Diane English. Topics include: Parent/child relationships, head canon, and Ms. Dewhurst’s life/career, including her experience working on Murphy Brown in her own words!
Check out Show Notes for more on this episode at www.murphybrownpod.com
The gals are thrilled to welcome one of the original Murphy Brown writers to the show: Russ Woody (“Cybill,” “Becker,” “The Middle”) for the conclusion of his two part interview! Topics include: Working alone vs working with a writing partner, his time on the infamous “Cybill” set, Christine Baranski, and truth in comedy writing. And, we ask Russ about the upcoming Murphy Brown revival. Join us for big laughs and lots of TV history!
Check out our show notes (under episodes) for Russ’s resume, pictures, and more: www.murphybrownpod.com. Or check out Russ's website at www.russwoody.com
The gals are thrilled to welcome one of the original Murphy Brown writers to the show: Russ Woody (“Cybill,” “Becker,” “The Middle”)! Topics include: The timeless allure of Ted Danson, his writing process, and some amazing stories from Murphy Brown. Join us for big laughs and lots of TV history! Then stay tuned next week for tales of Russ’s time working on the infamous “Cybill” set & we ask him about the revival.
Check out our show notes (under episodes) for Russ’s resume, pictures, and more: www.murphybrownpod.com. Or check out Russ's website at www.russwoody.com
Jesi and Lauren dive head first into the beginnings of “Trash TV” as they cover Season One, Episode 14: “It’s How You Play The Game” written by Russ Woody (Season One’s “Nowhere To Run” & “Kyle”)! Topics include: Ratings then and today, Joe Regalbuto and Faith Ford’s Emmy submissions. Lauren takes a “walk on the wild side” and goes in depth about the talk show scene of the late 1980s - including the host that loosely inspired Jerry Gold! - while Jesi discusses verbiage surrounding sex workers. Plus, revival casting news!
This and more at www.murphybrownpod.com.
Jesi and Lauren have a jam-packed episode as they talk about a Season One favorite, Episode 13: “Soul Man’ written by Tom Seeley and friend and guest of the pod, Norm Gunzenhauser. (We recommend we go back and listen to his interview - link below - if you haven’t already!) Topics include: Accepting progress, Friendship, Inclusion, and how women can be just as crude as men. Also, Jesi talks Charles Kimbrough’s origins story and connection to Stephen Sondheim, while Lauren goes into the history of Men’s Clubs vs Women from the late 1980s to today! All of this and more on this week’s episode of FYI!
Norm Gunzenhauser Interview: www.murphybrownpod.com/episodes/2018/1/12/interview-with Webpage: www.murphybrownpod.com
Jesi and Lauren are back to chat Season One, Episode 12: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” written by friend of the pod, Korby Siamis. Topics include: Is Amy Yasbeck really in this episode? Frank’s issues, Jim’s flaws, and the gals wax nostalgic on the death of the network TV miniseries. Also included: A brief update on the Murphy Brown revival returns and new casting, plus a few tidbits on the episode (this time about Diane English) via Korby. And the gals briefly chat about the evolution of terms in LGBTQ terminology according to GLAAD.
Check out the show notes and read more about what was discussed in today’s episode under “Episodes” on: www.murphybrownpod.com!
Marianne Muellerleile is that face you know from films such as “Terminator,” “Memento,” and “Return To Me.” She’s also a part of television history with credits spanning from “Moonlighting” to “Cybill”! The gals sit down to talk with Marianne about her time on “Murphy Brown” as Secretary #8 (Season 1, Episode 6 “Baby Love”) as well her impressive TV career on such shows as “Will & Grace,” “Magnum P.I.” & “Third Rock From The Sun.” If you like television as much as Jesi and Lauren do, you will love spending an hour with this legendary and lovely human being.
Check out more about Marianne in our show notes under “Episodes” at www.murphybrownpod.com!
Jesi and Lauren are back to chat Season One, Episode 11: “Off The Job Experience” written by Tom Seeley and previous guest Norm Gunzenhauser! Topics include, credibility as a journalist, working with your heroes and the boss/employee relationship. The gals also chat some retcon, Gene Kinsella, and a brief history highlights of real-life journalists who have been suspended from air. (Stay tuned at the end for some insights from Norm himself!) And finally, the gals have a correction from their episode on “Kyle.”
Check out show notes and more Episodes on: www.murphybrownpod.com!
The gals are thrilled to welcome back one of the original Murphy Brown writers (Seasons 1-6), and later Executive Producer (Seasons 5-6), Steven Peterman for Part 2 of his first interview on the podcast! Be sure to listen to Part 1 before listening to Part 2. Topics include: The lasting impact of Murphy Brown, Steve’s transition from actor to writer, awards, and memories of Jay Thomas as Jerry Gold.
Check out our show notes (under episodes) for Steven resume, pictures, and more: www.murphybrownpod.com.
The gals are thrilled to welcome one of the original Murphy Brown writers (Seasons 1-6) and later Executive Producer (Seasons 5-6): Steven Peterman! Jesi and Lauren think you will enjoy the interview and the great stories Steven has to share. In fact, they got such great stories out of Steven that this episode is only Part 1 of a two part episode! Topics include: Meeting his writing partner Gary Dontzig, Murphy’s impact on people of all ages and background, how it was to write a gay storyline for a network show back in the 1990s and … unfortunately, Dan Quayle. Also, Lauren has a surprise for Steven from 1993. Be sure to join us next week for Part 2!
Check out our show notes (under episodes) for Steven resume, pictures, and more: www.murphybrownpod.com.
The time has arrived for the gals to chat about Leslie Jordan’s (“Will & Grace”, “Boston Legal.”) episode of Murphy Brown! Season One, Episode 10 “Kyle” - written by Russ Woody (“Cybill”, “Mad About You”, “The Middle”). Topics include: Leslie Jordan and the art of being yourself, mass incarceration in our society today, a profile on the casting director for Murphy Brown’s first four years, and more!
Check out show notes and read more about what was discussed in today’s episode under Episodes on: www.murphybrownpod.com.
Lauren and Jesi are excited to chat about a pivotal episode, according to Diane English, in the development of Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown! It’s also the first episode written by Steven Peterman & Gary Dontzig - who would go on to executive produce the series in Season Five. Topics include: The fear of irrelevance after a certain age, the history behind Frank’s jacket, and strong female role models who get things done….and more on the Jersey accent.
Read more about this episode’s topics in our show notes on www.murphybrownpod.com!
It’s the first Murphy Brown episode of 1989 and the first penned by writing partners Denise Moss & Sy Dukane (“Frasier” “Roseanne”). The gals chat about fashion, the delicate matter of mourning controversial public figures, and another prop in Murphy’s office that may have more significance than you knew!
They also share some tidbits and history from Denise Moss herself. Read more about this episode in our show notes on www.murphybrownpod.com!
Jesi and Lauren launch head first into the seventh episode of Season One and how the episode’s original filming changes their entire perspective on re-watch. Topics include: Could a gunman plot work today, the real-life event that inspired the episode, and Jesi & Lauren share personal stories about how the body reacts to trauma and physical danger. Also…it might be someone’s birthday episode. Listen and find out!
www.murphybrownpod.com to read more about the what the gals discuss in episode show notes!
Exciting news to report in the land of Murphy Brown! Lauren & Jesi chat about the new Murphy Brown revival news at CBS, what they are most looking forward to seeing, share their own “head canon” ideas, and discuss what the current reboot/revival culture says about society today! www.murphybrownpod.com
Jesi & Lauren chat about Season 1, Episode 6 “Baby Love” by friend of the podcast Korby Siamis (“The Middle”; “My Sister Sam”) as Frank and Murphy decide to try and have a kid together. Topics include women and motherhood, biological clocks and Joe Regalbuto/ Frank Fontana casting and origin stories! Also, Lauren finds out the answer to a Murphy Brown mystery she’s wondered about since childhood.
Check out show notes at www.murphybrownpod.com. Follow us across social media at MurphyBrownpod and feel free to drop us a line at Murphybrownpod@gmail.com
The gals are thrilled to welcome one of the original Murphy Brown writers to the show: Norm Gunzenhauser (Seasons 1, 2, 8, 9, 10)! Jesi and Lauren think you will enjoy the interview as much as they did conducting it. Spoiler: They’re pretty smitten. Topics include: What it’s like to write with a partner, the impact of a show like Murphy Brown on its audience, and what could a Murphy Brown reboot look like? Check out our show notes for Norm’s resume, pictures, and more: www.murphybrownpod.com.
It’s that time of year! A TV tradition since the dawn of TV, the Christmas Episode! Jesi and Lauren go deep into Murphy Brown’s first Christmas (and Hanukkah) episode, “Murphy’s Pony”, written by series creator, Diane English. Topics include: snowstorms, Murphy’s outfits, toys, Murphy tirades…and then we end the show with a Yiddish lesson from co-host Lauren.
Lauren and Jesi chat about a pod favorite, season 1 episode 4 - “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” - written by series creator, Diane English. This episode is famous for introducing a pivotal character in the series, Murphy’s ex-husband Jake Lowenstein, played by Robin Thomas (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, “Halloween Town”, “Who’s The Boss”). Topics include: how women can be strong and feminine simultaneously, can you really know someone after only five days, and…does Murphy Brown have a “type”? Leave us a message about what Murphy Brown means to you and we may play it on the show: 646. 450.6902. Or email a voice note from your phone to murphybrownpod@gmail.com.
This week Jesi and Lauren “embed” themselves into Season 1, Episode 3: Nowhere To Run written by Russ Woody (“Cybill”, “Mad About You”, “The Middle”) But first they share some exciting tidbits about last week’s episode straight from the episode’s writer herself! Other topics for episode 1.03 include, how Grant Shaud was cast as Miles Silverberg, Journalism then & today, which one of the co-hosts self-identifies as Miles & how clickbait culture has changed our society. We had to cut Russ Woody’s bio for time, but be sure to check out the full comic verses on www.Murphybrownpod.com/episodes Episode 3 show notes.
Please share the love with a review on iTunes or send us a short voicemail telling us how much you love Murphy Brown and we’ll add it to the show! (646) 450-6902 or email a voice note from your phone to MurphyBrownpod@gmail.com.
This week Lauren & Jesi tackle the sophomore episode of season one: “Devil With a Blue Dress On” by Korby Siamis. Topics include, how Faith Ford was cast as Corky Sherwood, the start of more running gags, and women in the workplace. Join us!
www.murphybrownpod.com - Also find us on Twitter, IG, and Facebook Social Media at MurphyBrownpod
Welcome to the start of Season One! Lauren and Jesi go through the pilot episode of Murphy Brown, “Respect”, written by series creator Diane English. The ladies talk about the amazing guest stars, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and personal anecdotes from the co-hosts -- including who has fondled an Emmy (like Frank Fontana), and who has personal knowledge of Murphy (her addiction to a #2 soft pencils). Shoulder pads and secretaries await you!
Don’t forget to listen/follow our Spotify playlist “Murphy Brown Empowerment Playlist” and join us at www.murphybrownpod.com for all your show needs! Or follow us across social media (Twitter, Facebook & Instagram) at MurphyBrownpod
FYI: The Murphy Brown podcast is an episode-by-episode discussion of the landmark sitcom Murphy Brown (1988-1998). Hosted by super fans actor/writers Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins, the series will not only break down each episode of the ten-year series but also discuss behind-the-scenes tidbits, modern parallels, and Murphy's relevance to today. Recorded LIVE from AntennaTV Facebook Live feed in NYC. Lauren & Jesi talk not only the origins of Murphy Brown but their own history with the show.
Follow the show on social media, twitter, Instagram and facebook @murphybrownpod.
*Lauren is mortified she misspoke Diane English’s Birthday is 05/18 Join us in two weeks with season 1, episode 1: Respect.
Co-Hosts Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins give you a 5 min promo for "FYI: The Murphy Brown Podcast". Check out all the info on the launch 10/19 on the Antenna TV Facebook. Live Stream link: www.facebook.com/antenna tv Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram @ MurphyBrownPod!