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Welcome to Advanced TV Herstory, the podcast that connects the dots of TV & feminism and American politics & culture. We tell the stories of women in TV who have had a profound impact on the confidence and aspirations of generations of girls and women.

We highlight the pioneering journalists, talented actresses, and gutsy writers who challenged societal norms and provide historical context for their achievements within the cultural and political trends of the time. By exploring the past, we ensure that the struggles, triumphs, and milestones of these women are not lost to history.

Hosted and produced by television scholar Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is more than just a podcast. It is a research-based examination of the evolution of television and women in our society. Each episode is an opportunity to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, challenge norms, break barriers, and shape the future of television and our world.

Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at www.tvherstory.com/.

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  2. TV Cooking Show Pioneer Julia Child feat. Julie Cohen

TV Cooking Show Pioneer Julia Child feat. Julie Cohen

Mar 6, 2025

Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary director Julie Cohen to explore her career in network TV journalism and filmmaking. The conversation covers Cohen’s path to power as a storyteller, highlighting her work on films about Pauli Murray, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Julia Child.

Cohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including:
  • RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition.
  • My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney.
  • Every Body (2023), a documentary about the intersex rights movement and personal narratives.

The episode also highlights Julia Child’s pioneering influence on television and women’s roles in professional kitchens. Cohen discusses Child’s legacy as a feminist figure and the impact of her political activism, particularly regarding reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Julie Cohen actively promotes her latest documentary, The Path Forward (2024).

The Power of Storytelling in Documentaries
  • Why she chose to spotlight Pauli Murray, RBG, and Julia Child
  • Challenges in structuring historical narratives into compelling film stories
  • Overcoming obstacles in starting and funding documentary projects

Julia Child’s Television Legacy
  • How Julia Child revolutionized TV cooking shows
  • The impact of her work on modern food media figures like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Rachael Ray
  • Her hidden activism and why her political legacy is often overlooked
  • The feminist undertones in Child’s career and influence on women in professional kitchens

Behind the Scenes of Every Body (2023)
  • How Cohen approached the intersex rights movement in her documentary
  • Personal stories shared in the film and their broader significance

Julie Cohen's Films:

To book a screening of A Path Forward : https://grasshopperfilm.com/(grasshopperfilm.com) . By Spring 2025, it will be available on paid streaming channels, including Apple+.