FYI: The Murphy Brown Podcast

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-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, 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 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.