Podcasts about I Love Lucy

Steve focuses on the eclectic and lengthy career of tough guy American actor Richard Widmark who excelled in military dramas ("The Bedford Incident"), noir thrillers ("Kiss of Death"), westerns ("How the West Was Won"). and even made a comedic guest appearance on "I Love Lucy." 

The McGraw Show 8-6-26: Open Primaries, Crocs, I Love Lucy, Wrong Names, Golf Lies & Water Beds by

The Idiots think like criminals and get busted right away. Scott gets ready for a tri-athalon but Ted runs his mouth.  Teds Tips involve more lies and less family time.

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz not only had a massive hit with I Love Lucy, but they also changed TV forever. The then-husband and wife team had millions of Americans in stitches for their original run and continue to entertain old and new fans today. We'll hear the couple in thrillers: first, Ms. Ball stars in "Dime a Dance," a thriller from the pen of Cornell Woolrich (originally aired on CBS on January 13,1944), and then she's joined by her husband in "The Red-Headed Woman" (originally aired on CBS on November 17, 1949). Then, Lucy and Desi are Lucy and Ricky in the audition for what would have been a radio version of I Love Lucy.

"It was the first time that the idea of an HBCU was even a thought to me of a thing I could do... it was so eye-opening to me that there was this whole other part of life in Black culture that I just didn't know anything about... we're sending the message that all of our blackness is good." - Niceole LevyREWIND EPISODEThe 80s TV Ladies are almost done moving! A few more bonus episodes to rerun, and we'll be settled in and bringing you brand new episodes! We loved rewatching A Different World and learning about the show from our incredible guests. We think this interview with TV writer/producer Niceole Levy is so fun. We hope you enjoy it, too! Sharon and Susan begin an all-new series of episodes looking at the groundbreaking 80s sitcom A Different World (1987-1993). This Cosby Show spin-off starred Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Charnele Brown, Dawn Lewis and Marissa Tomei. It explored the lives of students at Hillman College, a fictional HBCU, and addressed issues such as race, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS and equal rights while still keeping the laughs coming. In 1988, Lisa Bonet and Marissa Tomei left the show and a new showrunner was brought on -- the legendary actress, producer, director and choreographer Debbie Allen.To help kick off this in-depth look at A Different World, we welcome A Different World fan and amazing “2020s TV Lady” -- writer, producer, and author Niceole Levy.  Niceole's numerous TV writing/producing credits include Cloak and Dagger, Shades of Blue, SWAT, The Recruit and Found. She is the co-writer, along with George Nolfi, of the 2020 feature film The Banker. She has also written a book for aspiring TV writers called "The Writer's Room Survival Guide."THE CONVERSATION80s TV made marriage look easy and fun -- cuz the couples were usually crime-solving millionaires!How watching every syndicated show on TV -- Perry Mason, I Love Lucy, Marcus Welby, Dick Van Dyke Show, Ironside -- prepares you for a life of TV writing.Everything retro is new again: Getting that first gig -- with Blair Underwood -- on the 2013 re-boot of Ironside!Niceole's advice for getting into TV and film -- DON'T GO TO FILM SCHOOL!For Niceole -- and so many others -- A Different World's Hillman College was her first exposure to an HBCU.RUN THE NUMBERS: 20 of the 47 writers on ADW were women!SEASON 2 RE-SET: How the addition of show-runner Debbie Allen re-ignited the series with a new sense of excitement and vitality.A DIFFERENT LOOK -- How A Different World achieved a bigger, more expansive look than other sitcoms of the time.So, join Susan, Sharon -- and Niceole -- as they talk Miami Vice, watching 1,000 television shows, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,keeping a TV journal, Boyz II Men, dancing with Kamala Harris, scheduling your life around a TV show -- and the importance of not messing up the lunch order!AUDIOGRAPHYWatch A Different World -- streaming on Netflix and Philo. Find out more about Niceole Levy at niceolelevy.com.Read her article “What I Learned Watching 1,000 Television Shows” here. Buy Niceole Levy's book "The Writer's Room Survival Guide" at Bookshop.org.Get Susan's President Carter play, Confidence (and the Speech) at Broadway Licensing.Help Abortion Access at Abortionfinder.org.PROMO DEALS - SPECIAL COZY EARTH PROMOTION! NOW Thru July 16th! Get 30% OFF at CozyEarth.com -After July 16, you can still get 21% OFF - or the BEST DEAL they have going - on awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.Be sure to use the promo code: 80STVLADIES for the best deal they're offering. Happy Shopping!

At the end of the last episode, Lucy filed for divorce from Desi, citing mental cruelty. However, despite the divorce being granted, Lucy and Desi continued to stay married, with the promise that they would be better spouses to one another. But did they keep their promises?In Part 2, hear about all the highs and lows Lucy and Desi's rollercoaster of a marriage underwent. Together, they faced not just the lows of long distance and infidelity, but also the highs of parenthood, and the creation of their immensely popular show, I Love Lucy. Desi always said that "I Love Lucy was never just a title." But was love enough to keep their marriage afloat? P.S. We are going on a hiatus following this episode until fall 2026. We will miss you - have a great summer! ********This is a teaser for a bonus episode— the full episode is 1 hour 30 minutes long. You can listen to it in full ⁠on Patreon⁠. About Significant LoversSignificant Lovers is a true-love podcast exploring couples throughout history and pop culture, hosted by cousins Kelly Anderson, Melissa Duffy, and Kaitlyn Anderson. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @significantlovers, listen on YouTube, and contact us at significantlovers@gmail.com.

This week we're rewinding to one of our original Friday Night Live episodes from September 2023 — back when the chaos was fresh, the energy was high, and Tony and Rick were already driving me up a wall in the most joyful way possible.In this throwback, we cover everything from “I Love Lucy” (which I tried, I really did), to slapstick comedy, to boy bands, to gospel crossovers, to the eternal Beyoncé vs. Taylor Swift media nonsense. We debate what counts as a boy band, why certain comedy stresses me out, and whether Tony or Rick actually listens to any music made after 1998.There's nostalgia, there's music talk, there's generational shade, and of course — there's Botox honesty, because I refuse to let people lie about what keeps them looking good.It's classic Friday Night Live: fun, messy, opinionated, and full of the kind of laughter that only happens when friends show up exactly as they are.If this episode brought you a little joy, consider liking, subscribing, or sharing it with someone who might need it.As always, remember — it really is All About The Joy.Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit our website: All About The Joy and add, like and share.  You can now watch the livestream version of the show on YouTube at @CarmenLezeth You can also support us by shopping at our STORE - We'd appreciate that greatly.  Also, if you want to find us anywhere on social media, please check out the link in bio page. Music By Geovane Bruno, Moments, 3481Editing by Team A-JHost, Carmen Lezeth DISCLAIMER:  As always, please do your own research and understand that the opinions in this podcast and livestream are meant for entertainment purposes only. States and other areas may have different rules and regulations governing certain aspects discussed in this podcast.  Nothing in our podcast or livestream is meant to be medical or legal advice. Please use common sense, and when in doubt, ask a professional for advice, assistance, help and guidance. 

My review The Proving Ground DB133660 by Michael Connelly brings back Mickey Haller in a fast moving, gripping, and suspenseful legal thriller that will not let you sit still as you experience this compelling drama. This time, Mickey has stepped away from criminal law and is now working in civil court. If you are already a fan of the  Lincoln Lawyer series, then you already know that these books deliver nonstop tension, sharp courtroom drama, and stories that feel current and real, almost as if they were pulled straight from today's headlines. If you are new to the series, you are in for a real treat because this novel easily stands on its own. From the very first page, the story pulls you into the courtroom and makes you feel as if you are sitting there watching the lawyers argue right in front of you. At the center of the case is Aaron Colton, a sixteen year old boy who spends most of his time alone in his room talking to an AI companion named Clair. Over time, Clair becomes the voice he trusts most. One morning, Aaron takes his father's gun to school and shoots his girlfriend, killing her instantly. The tragedy sets off a lawsuit that raises difficult questions and keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Carrying her grief to the point of tears, Brenda Randolph, the murdered girl's mother, hires Mickey Haller to sue Tidalwaiv Technologies, the company that created the chatbot. What makes her character especially interesting is that she is not interested in becoming rich from the lawsuit. She wants the company to publicly admit that the chatbot is defective and dangerous for children. Aaron's parents, Bruce and Trisha Colton, are also devastated by what happened to their son and believe the company should be held accountable for selling a harmful product. They want the company punished financially because they believe that is the only language a corporation that large will understand. In court, Mickey approaches the lawsuit like a battlefield, believing every case is a fight for survival. As the trial unfolds, he must convince the jury that the AI companion made Aaron believe that drastic actions were normal. Standing against him are the Mason brothers, the defense attorneys for Tidalwaiv Technologies. At first, they try to make the case disappear completely. When that fails, they delay the proceedings and later offer a large settlement to avoid trial. But once they begin to think they might actually win, they withdraw the offer and push forward aggressively. The legal arguments from both sides become increasingly fascinating as the trial moves forward. The defense insists that the chatbot never explicitly encouraged violence. Instead, they argue that it only suggested Aaron should find another girlfriend so he could move on from the relationship and be happy again. Mickey, however, argues that the AI companion manipulated the boy into believing harmful actions were justified. Judge Margaret Ruhlin stands between the two battling sides, keeping order in the courtroom. Her presence adds another layer of realism to the legal proceedings. Rikki Patel, a longtime Tidalwaiv Technologies employee, takes the stand and changes the entire feel of the trial. His explosive testimony raises the stakes dramatically and completely shifts the direction of the case. What makes The Proving Ground especially compelling is that it is about much more than winning or losing a lawsuit. The novel explores whether the law can keep pace with rapidly changing technology and asks difficult questions about accountability in a world where artificial intelligence is becoming more and more a part of everyday life. No matter what people think about AI today, it is here to stay. For our children and grandchildren, it will become as natural to talk to an AI companion as it once was for us to turn on the television and watch I Love Lucy. In this book, Michael Connelly once again proves why he remains one of the best writers of courtroom suspense. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy legal drama.

Send me a messageAre you constantly living in the past or dreaming of the future just to escape the present? In this podcast, I reveal why this "escapist addiction" is a coping mechanism that keeps us from witnessing our most magnificent moments—and why the very thing you're running from (sadness) is actually your greatest tool for growth.Learn why life is like the iconic "I Love Lucy" conveyor belt scene: we frantically try to catch gone moments while missing the reality right in front of us. I dive deep into "Earth School" and explain why sadness isn't a weakness, but a weight you can lift to build incredible emotional strength. Stop checking out and start being present for the most incredible 3D holographic show in existence: your life.In this podcast, we explore:The Escapist Addiction: Why the past and future act like a "mental cigarette."The I Love Lucy Trap: How anticipating the future makes us unable to experience it.Earth School Philosophy: Why growth only happens when you stay in the "game" during the hard levels.Sadness as Strength: How to stop avoiding pain and start using it as a "gym" for your soul.Why Presence Matters: "The imagination is like a video game, but it is not the same as being on an actual planet." If you're ready to stop the simulations and start living, this podcast is for you.#Mindfulness #Presence #EarthSchool #MentalHealth #ToddPerelmuter #PersonalGrowth #InnerPeacePlease enjoy other episodes where I share meditation techniques, tips and spiritual lessons from around the world for peaceful and stress-free living. Remember to subscribe to stay up-to-date.Video podcasts are available at https://www.youtube.com/@ToddPerelmuterFor the days when life feels like too much, these 4 free books are for you. Get the free 4-books bundleIf my words have ever touched your heart or helped you through a hard moment, I'd be deeply grateful for your support in keeping this podcast alive. Support the PodcastAnd if you'd like to explore these ideas in greater depth, you can find all of my books here.

Drama school told her she had no talent. Hollywood gave her B-movies and called her the Queen of the B's. At 40, an age when most actresses were written off, she premiered I Love Lucy and changed television forever. In this episode, Darren Hardy draws four lessons from Lucille Ball's journey for anyone who has been told it's too late, or too little, or just not enough. Get more personal mentoring from Darren each day. Go to DarrenDaily at http://darrendaily.com/join to learn more.

What a joy to welcome the all-time greatest Bachelorette & podcast maven Rachel Lindsay to the show. And if there's one thing we love about Rachel... she never holds back. Not when it comes to her very public divorce, her lack of a pre-nup, the Bachelorette group chat, her upcoming book, and dating much younger men. The glow never lies, honey! Too many things to even recap - growing up on I Love Lucy, charm school, improv, Bravo... a leaf unturned? Couldn't be us! Listen to Rachel's podcasts Higher Learning and Morally Corrupt! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lucille Ball might have been a natural boundary-pusher, but America's top TV comedienne had some ‘splaining to do when a damning news broadcast unveiled her former ties to the Communist Party. The hysteria of the Red Scare threatened to bury this redhead at the bottom of the Hollywood blacklist overnight. Even when America put rampant McCarthyism to rest, the United States government kept watching Lucille Ball – and we’re not talking about I Love Lucy reruns.Lucille Ball might have been a natural boundary-pusher, but America's top TV comedienne had some ‘splaining to do when a damning news broadcast unveiled her former ties to the Communist Party. The hysteria of the Red Scare threatened to bury this redhead at the bottom of the Hollywood blacklist overnight. Even when America put rampant McCarthyism to rest, the United States government kept watching Lucille Ball – and we’re not talking about I Love Lucy reruns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American television changed forever when a Cuban man and a red-haired woman met and then merged their professional careers in 1940. Their sitcom, “I Love Lucy” is still considered one of the greatest of all time. In Ruth chapter 2, the widow Ruth meets a wealthy land-owner named Boaz. But because God is writing this story, their meeting isn't chance at all. What encouraging insights can you uncover in this text about God's active involvement in your life? What does God want you to know about your life story?  (The Book of Ruth, part 3)

It's all led this: Chapter 10, prepping the first ‘I Love Lucy' episode.  And we begin with another perfect storm, this time of logistics.  Where will they shoot in L.A., and HOW with multi-cam on 35mm film, in front of a live audience?  Not to mention in front of the camera had its own issues.  Remember the Pilot didn't have the Mertzes;  and now they needed to find them.  Rehearsals got under way in the same space construction crews were still building sets.  And Lucille herself?  Coddling her pregnancy (understandably;  after all, it was ten years in the making).  Then we'll close-out the season, our story, on Saturday, September 8th, 1951;  the first official ‘I Love Lucy' shoot day.  Would it be a hit?  Maybe.  The conservative estimates in their favor?  Rooting FOR them?  They had a fifty-fifty shot.  Please chime in here with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

PAUL CHANDLER, THE SHY YETI lloks at THE LUCY SHOW and HERE'S LUCY.First broadcast on FAB RADIO INTERNATIONAL at 19:00 on May 3rd 2026.As a lot of you may already know from one or two of his previous appearances on VISION ON SOUND, our friend PAUL CHANDLER, THE SHY YETI himself, is a big fan of the kind of archive television that features women in prominent roles, holding their own against the prevailing masculine dominance that featured in most of the television of the time. PAUL has come on to the show to talk about the more female-oriented dramas and comedies that were being made at the time, featuring women who were far more than just the sidekicks, housewives and mothers that society often demanded that they portray, and somehow managed to break the moulds, constraints and expectations that America and the world insisted women should meekly conform to.One of the many names that he has enjoyed talking about is LUCILLE BALL, who was something of a powerhouse in American television not least because of her six-year stint on the sitcom I LOVE LUCY in the 1950s. Such was her star power that she became a legendary television producer with DESILU PRODUCTIONS which went on to produce three of the most iconic drama series of the 1960s, THE UNTOUCHABLES, STAR TREK and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, two of which are still proving to be just as popular today as they were back in the 1960s.PAUL has recently been watching two of LUCILLE BALL's later sitcom successes and wanted to discuss what he had seen of them with me today. These were the ground-breaking THE LUCY SHOW from the mid-1960s, and HERE'S LUCY which followed it. Both of these shows ran for six seasons, and were just as popular when she chose to end them as they always had been, with the latter holding its own alongside other iconic series such as THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW and BEWITCHED in the cauldron of female emancipation that brewed in the early 1970s.PLEASE NOTE - For Copyright reasons, musical content sometimes has to be removed for the podcast edition. All the spoken word content remains (mostly) as it was in the broadcast version. Hopefully this won't spoil your enjoyment of the show.

Chapter 9 sees Lucille and Desi get married.  Yep, again!  Lucille will re-sign with Columbia, reuniting her with dear friends Ed Sedgwick and Buster Keaton.  And she and Desi will both make more movies (this on top of Desi's nightclub touring and serving as Bob Hope's musical director).  Well, why not make a movie together?  If Hollywood wouldn't bank on them, they'll bank on themselves, and form their own company.  But what to name it?  Seems like using the same as their Chatsworth ranch oughta work!  But how to prove Lucille and Desi work as a showbiz team?  Why not go straight to audiences?  Live!  Which is just what they do.  And that's when a lot happens at the same time.  CBS is interested in turning her hit radio show ‘My Favorite Husband' into a TV show.  Which leads to making a pilot.  Which leads to Lucille and Desi having to decide if they're willing to give up everything they have -- her film and radio careers, his radio and nightclub careers -- for the thing ALL the studios are adamantly against:  television.  And the icing on the gamble cake?  Lucille Ball was pregnant.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

On this episode of Scene Missing, we head into shadowy postwar London for a stylish and strange detour in the career of Douglas Sirk. Before the lush Technicolor melodramas of the 1950s, Sirk took a crack at noir with the 1947 thriller Lured. A serial killer mystery wrapped in elegance, obsession, and just a touch of dark humor. Starring Lucille Ball in a rare dramatic role, the film follows a woman drawn into a dangerous undercover game as bait for a killer targeting lonely hearts. Along the way, she crosses paths with a gallery of suspects played by the likes of George Sanders and Boris Karloff, each bringing their own eerie flavor to the mystery.Joining me for the conversation is Washington D.C. comedian Lady Vee, and we dig into what makes Lured such an odd and fascinating hybrid. Is this a straight noir, or something more playful and subversive? How does Sirk's later thematic obsession with performance and identity show up here? And where does this sit in the evolution of Lucille Ball before I Love Lucy changed everything?

Chapter 8 is live and sees Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz get divorced (kinda).  While Desi's still in the Army, Lucille makes ‘Easy to Wed,' a hit, and ‘Two Smart People' which, unknown at the time, will be her last at MGM.  Then Desi's out of the Army to find slipping back into life at MGM isn't as easy as he'd hoped.  Lucille finds success freelancing -- including beginning her run with Bob Hope and one back in live theatre -- while Desi finds success back on the road.  And then, in 1948, with Hollywood in a panic over the Supreme Court vertical integration decree and the onslaught of television, Lucille focuses on a medium for which she'd previously only guested but will now make her a bonafide star:  Radio.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

A new à la carte Express Pass option has Universal fans debating the future of line-skipping, while fresh surveys hint at bigger strategic shifts in Hollywood and Orlando. Jim and Eric break down what a single-ride upcharge could mean for guest spending and park flow, plus what face-scanning tech might signal for Epic Universe's nighttime plans. Then, inspired by a listener suggestion, they take a deep dive into the surprisingly rich history of Lucy: A Tribute - the long-running attraction that once occupied prime real estate at Universal Studios Florida. NEWS • Universal begins testing a single-ride Express Pass option, allowing guests to skip lines for select attractions at a per-ride price • Early reactions to the pay-per-ride model and how it compares to Disney's Lightning Lane system • Face recognition scanners appear at Epic Universe portals, fueling speculation about crowd control and nighttime access • New surveys suggest Universal may adjust operating hours at Hollywood, possibly ahead of major attraction demand • Universal explores offering discounted annual passes to Disney passholders to boost cross-park loyalty FEATURE • The origin story of Lucy: A Tribute and how Lucie Arnaz partnered with Universal to preserve her mother's legacy • Why the attraction lasted decades longer than originally planned at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida • The role of I Love Lucy in early theme park competition between Universal and Disney-MGM Studios • How Lucy Ricardo became a beloved walkaround character - and why Universal recently retired her HOSTS • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia • Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chapter 7 sees Lucille Ball arrive at MGM, 31 years old, acutely aware this is her last shot at stardom.  She'll become the redhead we all think of including shining in Technicolor.  There's ‘Du Barry Was a Lady' which reintroduces her to Red Skelton and introduces her to Gene Kelly.  Then there's ‘Best Foot Forward,' a more-than-anything-else fun picture which begins her run of cameos (with the likes of Arthur Freed and Abbott & Costello).  There's also ‘Meet the People' with Dick Powell (right before his turn to Noir) and ‘Without Love' with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.  All of this peppered with war bond tours and, a true tragedy outside the scope of World War II, Lucille losing a family member.  And Desi?  He's in the Army now, stationed at Birmingham Hospital which is close enough to Desilu the ranch he should be coming home nights.  But, well, Desi's Desi.  To wit, we can't help but notice his and Lucille's seemingly unending cycle of passionate fights and makeups.  Until that cycle looks like the end.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

Chapter 6 begins the second half of our third season and we're back with our glamorous clown as Lucille meets Desi, twice, as they make the RKO movie version of the hit Broadway show ‘Too Many Girls.'  And they sure do fall for each other but passion is passion so it's often a bit of love and war.  Party hard and work hard?  Sure again.  And as for work?  This week includes Harold Lloyd, a who's who of radio stars, Lucille's first western, then the one she oft called her favorite of all her features, Desi's B-Movie run, gigs at the Roxy theatre and Versailles nightclub in New York, Lucille and Desi deciding they could never be married … and then Lucille and Desi getting married.  Please chime in here with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

Chapter 5 has us going back in time to share Desi Arnaz' road to Hollywood;  which, if you don't know, is more than a little surprising.  And scary.  And sad.  And then more than a little hopeful as “picking oneself up by the bootstraps” is an understatement.  From growing up in Cuba, surviving the 1933 Revolution, playing in rumba bands including with Xavier Cugat, drinking Bacardi rum with Bing Crosby, introducing the conga to Miami and New York, rubbing elbows with debutantes and Al Capone, to playing THE Latin footballer in Rodgers' and Hart's ‘Too Many Girls,' that Broadway hit becoming an RKO movie, Desi Arnaz proves his precursors to ‘I Love Lucy' are also well worth chatting about.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

David Garrison joined me to discuss watching I Love Lucy and Maverick; going to high school with Bruce Springsteen; getting a BFA at BU; joining the Arena Stage in Washington D.C.; his first off Broadway play, The History of American Film; his tenure on the soap opera The Edge of Night; getting a Tony nomination for A Day in Hollywood / A Night in Ukraine - a Marx Brothers parody; joining Pirates of Penzance; appearing on Night of 100 Stars; James Cagney accidentally being locked in the basement; replacing Harvey Fierstein in Torch Song Trilogy; leaving to join the cast of a new show It's Your Move; favorite episodes; Married with Children; writers taking his love of the outdoors and giving it to Steve; favorite episodes include "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", "I'll See You in Court", and "Have You Driven a Ford Lately"; actually driving a '65 Mustang; leaving MWC and joining Working It Out; playing Nixon in The Great Society; Titanic; Wicked; and working out a musical based on the 1998 film Ever After

Chapter 4 spotlights Lucille's thriving in the wake of her split with RKO Chief Pandro Berman … including dipping her toes in a medium that would prove more than a little seminal:  radio.  In her words?  “It turned out to be one of the smartest things I did.”  Outside of work?  There was her next serious relationship:  director Alexander Hall.  Their relationship is more a mutual understanding including time spent with their group of friends:  George Burns & Gracie Allen, the Fred Allens, and the Charles Ruggles.  Even with her family living with her in Los Angeles, Lucille always embraced found-family and this was an incredibly strong group for her.  Now, one of the movies she'll make during this period?  ‘Dance, Girl, Dance.'  During which she met her future husband:  Desi Arnaz.  Wearing a wallop of a black eye.  SHE had the black eye.  Kind of.  We'll get there.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

'Lucille' Chapter 3 -- “A Clown with Glamour” -- spotlights Ms. Ball's arrival at RKO, and her family's arrival in California.  Lucille will befriend Ginger Rogers and, as significantly, Ginger's mother, Lela, who will prove a great mentor.  And Lucille will need it as she navigates both the studio and studio relationship with chief Pandro Berman.  Sure, he'll help her with her career, so long as it's the best decision for Lucille AND RKO.  Because, remember, “Sex whispers but money talks.”  Between 1935 and 1937, Lucille appeared in eleven features plus a handful of shorts, including getting her first fan letter and first press specifically for her comedy.  She also took an RKO leave of absence to appear in a Broadway play.  That's at work.  At home?  Grandpa Hunt's health falters and he gets heavily involved with Socialism.  Back in Hollywood from Broadway, Lucille co-starred in her biggest production to date … that looked like it might be her biggest production at all.  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

TV historian and host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Neal Sabin, Vice Chairman of Weigel Broadcasting, for a conversation about the enduring popularity of classic television and the role of "comfort TV" in modern broadcasting. Sabin oversees programming strategy for Weigel's widely distributed multicast networks, including MeTV, Catchy Comedy, Start TV, Heroes & Icons, Dabl, and Story Television Network. Together they explore how classic television continues to find new audiences across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. In this episode, Sabin discusses the technical, legal, and creative work involved in preserving and presenting vintage television for modern viewers, including the conversion of older formats into high definition and the complexities of television rights and syndication. Together, they explore: • The continued popularity of comfort television and classic sitcoms • How classic shows like I Love Lucy remain cultural touchstones • The challenges of restoring and converting archival TV formats into HD  • The evolving landscape of TV syndication and network programming • How audiences discover classic television through modern platforms Sabin also discusses Weigel Broadcasting's streaming partnerships and how platforms such as Frndly TV, Philo, and Fubo are helping bring classic television programming to new generations of viewers.

In this episode I spoke with author Kathleen Brady about the 75th Anniversary of I Love Lucy.  The 75th anniversary of I Love Lucy is October 15, 2026. The iconic sitcom, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, originally premiered on CBS on October 15, 1951. Doug Hess is the host and producer! 

Episode 2 — Four Studios in Two Years — spotlights Lucille Ball's arrival in Hollywood where she'll make ‘Roman Scandals' as well as about 20 more projects for Sam Goldwyn, Darryl Zanuck, and Harry Cohn ... before arriving at RKO. And, in that time, she focused on three things:  sponging info, meeting people, and establishing a good reputation.  Lucille Ball may have not finished High School but she was getting the education of a lifetime.  All the while she's putting some of her paycheck away each week so she can get her family out west with her:  mother DeDe, grandpa Hunt (who she called Daddy), brother Fred, and cousin-cum-sister Cleo.  An embellished story or not, it's been told often:  at the same time Lucille called her mother to say she was finally ready for them to come out? She lost her job.  Well, the family should come anyway but “take the bus instead of the train!”  Please chime in here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast with your questions & comments, or just sharing your love of Lucille Ball and her road to ‘I Love Lucy!'  Thanks for listening ...

Episode 1 of ‘Lucille,' our season celebrating Lucille Ball, begins the road to ‘I Love Lucy.'  (Spoiler!  We end the season with that hit show beginning!)  After all, the 40 years before that?  That's a road far too less traveled and far too interesting to miss.  We begin with a little girl in west New York state living the poverty-tragedy of Dickens.  Well, that isn't going to stop our hero who dreams of becoming an actress.  There are struggles in Jamestown and eventually Manhattan where the little girl becomes a young lady but, no matter the struggles, the dreams hold steady.  And running side-by-side with Broadway footlights?  Keeping her family together.  This is Chapter 1:  A Redhead Personality. Please share your questions and comments here and/or on Instagram @fromoutofthepastpodcast!  Thanks for listening ...

‘I Love Lucy' had to begin somewhere, and this is that story.  From a little girl growing up in west New York State, dreaming of being an actress, then making it happen … to the struggled days in Manhattan when “eating good” meant you were eating … to the struggled days in Hollywood that didn't improve much more than the weather.  Well, the struggles only made the tenacious brunette-turned-blonde-turned-redhead work harder toward that same dream:  being an actress.  Season 3, premiering March 3rd, looks at those forty years — 1911 to 1951 — that birthed what many still believe to be the greatest sitcom — possible the greatest show — of all time. Before there was 'Lucy,' there was Lucille.

On this episode we sit down with Louisiana artists TheBrosFresh and talk about their upcoming music and how is Austin treating them. We also discuss VladTV making tweets about Jay-Z to garner attention from the worse parts of the internet. Hip-Hop facts include facts about I Love Lucy, Drake, Master P and more. Fresh’s Unpopular […] The post Rockin’ With TheBrosFresh! appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Lucie Arnaz is a renowned actress, singer, and producer. For nearly three decades, she has performed her acclaimed nightclub act throughout the United States and Europe, in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, at Feinstein's, 54 Below, Birdland and the Café Carlyle. She has performed at The Academy Awards show and at the White House. And she's released several acclaimed CDs. She's known also for her roles in the film “The Jazz Singer” alongside Neil Diamond and the TV series “Sons And Daughters”. And she also starred together with her parents in “Here's Lucy”. For anyone living in a cave since the 1950s, or who just isn't old enough, Lucie's parents were the iconic superstars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who were the stars of the show “I Love Lucy”, one of the most famous and most important shows in the history of television.My featured song is “Juliet Dances” from the album East Side Sessions by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.—-----------------------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH LUCIE:www.luciearnaz.com—----------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST RELEASE:“MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert's latest release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars.CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—---------------------------------------ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLE“MI CACHIMBER” is Robert's recent single. It's Robert's tribute to his father who played the trumpet and loved Latin music.. Featuring world class guest artists Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhornCLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's latest compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com  

Front Row Classics welcomes back actor & filmmaker Raji Ahsan for this Valentine's Day. Brandon and Raji are celebrating the 75th anniversay of their favorite show, I Love Lucy. Instead of celebrating the greatest epsiodes, the two are deciding to highlight some of the shows they feel are most underrated. The discussion sparks a lot of fun and a couple disagreements. We hope you enjoy and let us know your thoughts!

We Love Lucy Front Row Classics welcomes back actor & filmmaker Raji Ahsan for this Valentine’s Day. Brandon and Raji are celebrating the 75th anniversay of their favorite show, I Love Lucy. Instead of celebrating the greatest epsiodes, the two are deciding to highlight some of the shows they feel are most underrated. The discussion … Continue reading Ep. 423-Celebrating I Love Lucy with Raji Ahsan →

Show notes provided by Joe PelusoThis October 15th will mark the 75th anniversary of one the mostinfluential TV shows in the history of the medium--"I Love Lucy".  Created and produced by its two stars--Lucille Ball and DesiArnaz--this all-time great sitcom became an overnight success, andwent on to change the landscape of the fledgling TV medium. But moreimportantly, it brought unbridled laughter to millions of Americanhomes in the decade of the 1950's.The misadventures of Lucy Ricardo,and her often time reluctant sidekick Ethel, made families from coast tocoast howl with laughter week after week. The "screwball redhead" hadone goal in mind--to get into show business! Her adoring, andincredibly "patient" husband--band leader Ricky Ricardo--would tryhis darndest to thwarth her hair brained efforts. It was more than abattle of the sexes, but instead a full-out comedic war of witts.   Join you hosts James, Chris and Joe as they raucously recall theirfavorite scenes and episodes from this classic show. Lucy gettingsnockered as she rehearses a TV commercial, Lucy and Ethel stuffingchocolate bon bons in their mouths, blouses and hats, Lucy gettinginto a free-for-all in a wine vat, and Lucy singlehandedly putting astop to the Pacific Railroad. But Lucy was done, she takes ofHollywood and Europe and becomes the screwball scourge of twocontinents!   And how was all this comedy gold brought to the small screen? Itwas accomplished via the inventive genius of Desi Arnaz; rightfullyknown as the man who "invented" television. Together with his businesssavvy wife, he took the nascent medium to the next level ensuring thatTV was not just another passing fad.How did he do it? How did Desi andLucy have both CBS and the show's sponsor Philip Morris eating out oftheir hands? How did they purchase an entire studio while filming "ILove Lucy"? Amidst all the zanny insanity on screen, behind thecameras deals were brokered that would cement Lucy and Desi as THEpower couple in Hollywood.   But all the accomplishments that brought Lucy and Desi wealth andfame pale in comparison to the laughter and joy their antics (alongwith Fred and Ethel) have bestowed upon audiences the world over for75 glorious years. I think it's safe to say--WE ALL LOVE LUCY!

Television has shaped American culture for more than 70 years—but which shows truly defined each decade? Michael is joined by legendary TV critic Alan Sepinwall (The Wall Street Journal; "The Sopranos Sessions" author) to break down the most influential TV series from the 1950s to today, from I Love Lucy and The Twilight Zone to Seinfeld, The Sopranos, RuPaul's Drag Race, and Stranger Things. Then, TC joins Michael to preview this week's episode of The TC After Dark Podcast—covering Dry (or Damp) January, the Costco rotisserie chicken controversy, viral headlines, and whether “Josh” is the new “Karen.” Smart, funny, and culture-packed—this is TV history, media insight, and modern life all in one episode. Original air date 6 Febuary 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're headed on the road in 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb"You and I are white trash because we say the F-word, but Kira is better than that...she has a criminal record but whatever. She just said the F-word 10 times!" Well fortunately for our lovely Bitches, Kira is in the hot seat on the second half of "Wild Wild West Coast Pt 2." After a couple weeks of threats, Tracey is finally delivering on her promise to oust Kira from the ALDC by exposing her past legal troubles, but will it be enough to actually secure Sarah R a more permanent spot on the team over Kalani?As the ALDC make their final LA hurrah at Starbound they run into a bit of a problem, their dances just aren't it! Between tired choreography and some out of date references, its hard to imagine any of the dances making a strong impression compared to the more intense LA dancers in attendance. Worst of all is the bizarre choice to paint JoJo and Mackenzie in black and white for their I Love Lucy homage, managing to make the two look more like corpses than Lucy and Ethel. To add insult to injury their music shuts off mid-performance... so is that just an intentional sabotage at this point? How did it keep happening!?But while the girls are struggling to make some noise on stage, the moms certainly are making noise behind the scenes. Abby threatened that not all the girls would be returning to Pittsburgh with the ALDC, and Tracey decides the best way to make her case is by taking out the competition. She begins to hurl insults and accusations at Kira, bringing up not only the fact she'd been charged with fraud for running an eBay scheme, but also claims she was arrested for credit card fraud! Shouting of course ensues. But honestly? Abby still seems more upset over Holly's perceived betrayal from a few days prior, and technically the MattyB incident is still on the horizon because that stuff all goes down AFTER the competition. So for all of Tracey's efforts, it would seem she might have played her cards just a little too late, or maybe there really is not stopping the Kalani train if she's one of Abby's favorites.Quotes“[The Bitchettes] know it's a good episode when you start talking in your Grover voice." (14:39-14:43 | Christi)“Jess says she's really sick of Abby going on and on about Maddie. Well Jess, girlfriend, you just got there eight episodes ago so buckle up." (18:48-18:57 | Christi & Kelly)“She cans hove Radio Disney up her ass, and Kelly really does means that!" (47:14-47:18 | Christi)“We lost to ourselves. It was made out that we lost to a better dance... that our kids did!" (49:49-49:59 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Anthony Desiato presents a special bonus episode in advance of the podcast's Season 5 coverage! Anthony and guest Ed Gross discuss the classic 1957 I LOVE LUCY episode "Lucy and Superman" — guest starring George Reeves as Superman.The podcast's Season 5 coverage begins NEXT WEEK!Be sure to listen to our sister podcast series, DIGGING FOR KRYPTONITE, which explores Superman across time and media. Support both shows and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato, including the spinoff podcasts BEYOND METROPOLIS and DIGGING FOR JUSTICE!Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies. FACEBOOK GROUP: Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan GroupFACEBOOK PAGE: @diggingforkryptonitepodINSTAGRAM: @diggingforkryptonitepodTWITTER: @diggingforkrpodBLUESKY: @diggingforkrpod.bsky.socialEMAIL: flatsquirrelproductions@gmail.comWEBSITE: FlatSquirrelProductions.com Another Exciting Episode is a Flat Squirrel Production. Theme music by Dan Pritchard. Key art by Gregg Schigiel.

Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams welcomes Mary Owen, daughter of Golden Age film and TV icon Donna Reed, to explore how The Donna Reed Show (1958–1966) pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and influenced portrayals of motherhood and feminism in sitcoms. Reed's character, Donna Stone, was the first TV mom to lead a show focused on everyday family life — earning her a Golden Globe and backlash from Second Wave Feminists. Mary shares first-hand stories about growing up on set, preserving her mother's legacy, and how progressive ideas—like casting a Black neighbor boy—were shut down by networks despite the show's attempts at representation. Cynthia and Mary also compare The Donna Reed Show's storytelling to that of I Love Lucy, Hazel, and Betty White's Life with Elizabeth. This rich conversation reframes Reed's influence on pop culture, sitcom structure, and feminism — and challenges what we think we know about "trad wives."   Related Episodes 80s Monied Matriarchs: Ellie Ewing and Angela Channing https://traffic.libsyn.com/advancedtvherstory/80s_Monied_Matriarchs.mp3 Betty White's Career in TV https://traffic.libsyn.com/advancedtvherstory/Betty_White.mp3 Episode Life Lessons Progress often happens in "small steps," even when it isn't widely recognized in the moment. Feminist impact can emerge from unexpected places — even from characters previously thought of as  "traditional." Representation battles have long histories, often hidden behind network decisions. NoteSeasons 1–5 of The Donna Reed Show are widely available on streaming and DVD. Seasons 6 & 7 are not available due to rights held by a different entity (not the Owen family).   CYNTHIA BEMIS ABRAMS AND ATVH ATVH Newsletter – tvherstory.com Website - https://cynthiabemisabrams.com/  Podcast Archive - tvherstory.com Email - advancedtvherstory@gmail.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/advancedtvherstory/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@advancedtvherstory Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Media.Cynthia Bluesky Social - https://bsky.app/profile/cynthiabemisabrams.bsky.social PRODUCTION Audio - Marilou Marosz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariloumarosz/ Music - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/

This week, Da7e and Neil get trapped in the basement of Juniper Hill with a clown that moves at variable speeds as Welcome to Derry sets the table for its season one climax. In The Calm [04:46], they consider the role belief plays in combating It, highlight the evergreen nature of I Love Lucy references, and discuss the show's deployment of some gruesome prosthetic effects. Then in The Storm [01:09:42], your faithful hosts make some bold predictions for what will happen in this season's penultimate episode and question whether Mrs. Kirsch will be a main character in future seasons. Next week, the drama, horror, and psychological torment heat up as Welcome to Derry ignites its penultimate episode, "The Black Spot." To interact with the show, send your comments and questions to stormofspoilers@gmail.com, and follow us on Twitter/X and Bluesky @Da7eandNeil. You can also support Da7e and Neil and get all kinds of bonus content (from the Game of Thrones era to the LOST rewatch to our Twin Peaks rewatch project to our current Adventure Pod and Leftovers watch project) by subscribing to our Patreon here: patreon.com/Da7eandNeil

State Senator Scott Wiener is angling for Nancy Pelosi's congressional seat but a New York Times magazine investigation links Wiener's 2022 “Safer Streets for All Act” to a boom in the sex-trafficking of children in California. In other news: Newsom matches Trump in the theatrical use of National Guardsmen, the Los Angeles school teacher who called for armed resistance to immigration enforcement, the “Wealth Tax” makes a California comeback, and how I Love Lucy changed television and the world. Bonus: Lance Christensen discusses some 800 bills now turned into law, as Gavin Newsom force-feeds Californians already choking on regulation. Music by Metalachi.Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.orgFollow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCAShow Notes:Can Anyone Rescue the Trafficked Girls of L.A.'s Figueroa Street?Newsom Says Trump Is ‘Rigging the Election' With Federal Poll MonitorsInside the Tech CEO Campaign to Stop Trump From Sending Troops to San FranciscoNational Guard troops, deployed by Newsom, arrive at LA Regional Food Bank amid government shutdownThe Origins of the American Military Coup of 2012 The Origins of the American Military Coup of 2012Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agentShould billionaires pay more? California unions want voters to decideThe Force awakens in San Jose Cash payments to unhoused people likely won't end homelessness, but recipients spent wisely, California study saysPhillips 66, Kinder plan first-ever California-bound fuel pipelineBill-O-Rama with Lance Christensen:SB 414 (Ashby) – Regulating charter schools to death (cf AB 84, Muratsuchi) – VETOEDSB 848 (Perez) – Stop passing the trash teachers bill from the Senate Ed Chair – SIGNEDAB 1454 (Rivas) – Holding school districts accountable for literacy scores now that AB 1454 (Rivas) passedAB 1370 (Patterson) – NDA prohibitions for the legislature (Zavala interview) – SIGNEDSB 237 (Grayson) – Allowing more oil drilling in CA – SIGNEDAB 1207 (Irwin) – Continuing cap and tax program – SIGNED Is cap and tax slowly dying to accommodate need for massive increase in electrical production to provide for more AI, datacenter capacity? (CalMatter's piece)AB 628: A Costly New Mandate For California Landlords – SIGNED AB 1264 that eliminated ultra processed foods for kids, but is still gung-ho on sterilizing and mutilating them (Gov press release) – SIGNED Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mark Simone talks about the most Instagramable city in the world; the President of France starts his prison term; AOC raising funds to take on Chuck Schumer; Bill Maher gives advice to Democrats;  early voting starts this weekend; Letitia James pleads not guilty in court;  Costco is getting into the Ozempic business; the downsides to using weight loss drugs; only one person left alive from the cast of 'I Love Lucy .'

Todd Purdum joins Zach to unpack Desi Arnaz's wild arc: raised like a prince in Cuba, exiled at 16 by revolution, hustling in Miami, inventing the conga craze, then conquering Broadway and Hollywood with Lucille Ball. We dig into trauma that fueled his genius, the invention of the three-camera sitcom, catching "Lightning In A Bottle" with I Love Lucy, womanizing, marriage cracks and goodbyes, and the fingerprints Desi left on modern television. Guest bio: Todd S. Purdum is a veteran journalist and author whose forty-year career has spanned The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Politico, and The Atlantic. He's covered everything from city hall to the White House, served as diplomatic correspondent and Los Angeles bureau chief, and written definitive books on both Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution and the political drama behind the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He is the author of 'Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television.' This is only the first half of the episode with Todd Purdum. To get the full episode (audio and video), subscribe to The Zach Show 2.0 today: https://thezachshow.supercast.com/ TODD PURDUM LINKS:Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television: https://bit.ly/4opO7StAuthor Page: http://bit.ly/3L0BoY6New York Times Archive: https://www.nytimes.com/by/todd-s-purdumAll Books: http://bit.ly/3J97tMU THE ZACH SHOW LINKS: The Zach Show 2.0: https://thezachshow.supercast.com/Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3zaS6sPYouTube: https://bit.ly/3lTpJdjWebsite: https://www.auxoro.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxoroTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezachshowpod If you're not ready to subscribe to The Zach Show 2.0, rating the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts is free and massively helpful. It boosts visibility, helps new listeners discover the show, and keeps this chaos alive. Thank you: Rate The Zach Show on Spotify: https://bit.ly/43ZLrAtRate The Zach Show on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/458nbha  

We don't think twice about using a fork today, but our ancestors didn't love it - and they were pretty sure God wouldn't approve, either. Since the 1950s, artificial laugh tracks have helped ensure that jokes land on sitcoms from I Love Lucy to Friends to The Big Bang Theory. Let's meet the man responsible.http://www.commutethepodcast.comFollow Commute:Instagram - instagram.com/commutethepodcast/Twitter - @PodcastCommuteFacebook - facebook.com/commutethepodcast

Today, this is what's important: Blake's chair incident, I Love Lucy, Adam's Karen story, school pick up / drop off, filming locations, hypothetical situations, Isaac's birthday, Hooters, cruise culture, & more. Click here for more information about the This Is Important Cruise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playing Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy, made Desi Arnaz a star. Behind the scenes, he created what became standard procedures for producing, shooting, lighting and broadcasting TV sitcoms. Author Todd Purdum talks about his new book Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television. Also, we hear from Mark Hamill. He's in the new movie The Life of Chuck and is known for playing the iconic hero Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies. He talks about auditioning for the film and acting with puppets. Plus, TV critic David Bianculli reviews the new HBO documentary, Pee-Wee as Himself.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The success of I Love Lucy is often credited to Lucille Ball's comedic talent, but biographer Todd Purdum says Desi Arnaz was more than just "second banana" to Lucy. He also helped shape the modern sitcom. Also, TV critic David Bianculli reviews a documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy