FYI: The Murphy Brown Podcast

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 of Murphy Brown, based on a true story! Jesi and Lauren discuss the inspirational history of the guest star characters, the history of corporate retreats, and the complicated and fascinating history of the phrase “Yes, We Can” - beyond election tag lines!

311: Jingle Hell, Jingle Hell, Jingle All The Way by Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins

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

It's Murphy's birthday, and she's celebrating it with a two-time Tony Winner! The theme is sisterly love as Lauren and Jesi talk about Murphy's birthday (what sign do you think Murphy is?), what never having a sister means to her, 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 break down 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 and 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-nye Anita 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 Strike www.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, 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 Strike www.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!

Norm Guzenhauser Interview: The Return Part 2 or 2 by Lauren Milberger & Jesi Mullins

Recorded back in late 2018, 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 late spring 2020.) We chat about Norm's season 2 episodes, including the last episode of “Frank's Appendectomy” - the history behind that title and how it was his final season until his return near the end of the series run. Also, see Norm's other season two episodes, “I Want My FYI,” “ Roasted,” & “Miles' Big Adventure.”

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 Dense 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 Dontizg (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 as well as casting and an actor's reputation working for them. 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