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What happens when the Democratic Party pulls off a seamless transition with Biden stepping down and Harris stepping up? Prepare for an electrifying discussion as Jimmy Dailey and Barbara, unpack this bold move, which effectively took the wind out of Trump's sails post-convention. We question if this was a masterstroke of premeditation or just a fortunate turn of events, and marvel at the unprecedented unity within the Democratic ranks. Meanwhile, don't miss my side story about settling into Pittsburgh and gearing up for the Confluence sci-fi and fantasy convention.

Amidst the political upheaval, we navigate the rollercoaster of emotions and the promise of change hovering on the horizon. Our deep dive into potential vice-presidential candidates—Shapiro, Kelly, Whitmer, and Beshear—reveals their strengths and weaknesses, with a special nod to Kelly's impressive dual background as an astronaut and military man. We emphasize the crucial role a VP pick plays in rallying the electorate and giving the ticket a competitive edge.

Switching gears, we recap the Republican National Convention with a mix of humor and critique. From Mark Kelly’s antics in a gorilla suit to Elon Musk's trolling escapades, we leave no stone unturned. We also take a critical look at JD Vance’s foreword in “Dawn’s Early Light,” dissecting its radical conservative agenda and the contradictions in Vance’s own story. Ending with a comparison of the Democratic and Republican strategies, we draw intriguing parallels to TV dramas like "The Boys" and "The West Wing," making for a compelling and thought-provoking episode.

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(with apologies to Marshall McLuhan)

We are back!
Barbara and Jim are back to talk about TV and politics in the midst of the Republican National Convention and the Biden Electability crisis. We'll also talk about "The Boys" (no spoilers), "West Wing," "Battlestar Galactica" and "The Good Fight."

Love to hear what you think in the comments. And please spread the word!!
If you'd like to attend a live taping of next week's show (on Zoom) email me at Barbara@BarbaraBarnett.com.

Please visit my website for more information about The Bram Stoker nominated The Apothecary's Curse, Alchemy of Glass and Chasing Zebras.

Please visit the It's All Been Done Radio Hour, Jim's home on the Interwebs.

Follow me on Twitter @B_Barnett.

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Originally part of the Original Let's Talk TV Live Brodcast on BlogTalk Radio. Enjoy this classic episode from a few years ago while you're waiting for new episodes to drop!

Have you ever wondered how TV medical dramas have mirrored and shaped society's view of healthcare over the decades? Join us as we sit down with Wally Podrazic from the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Wally, a renowned pop culture and television history expert, shares his vast knowledge and fascinating insights from his co-authored book, "Watching TV: Six Decades of American Television." Together, we explore the universal appeal of medical shows, their blend of soap opera elements, and the critical role of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in preserving this genre's legacy.

Travel back in time as we trace the captivating evolution of medical TV dramas from the 1950s to the 1980s. We'll discuss iconic series like "I Love Lucy," the educational "Medic," and the serious "Ben Casey" and "Dr. Kildare" of the 1960s. Experience the lighter yet impactful tones of "Hennessy" and hear about personal favorites and unforgettable episodes that have left an indelible mark on viewers. Wally and I share our love for these classic series, highlighting their varied storytelling styles and timeless appeal.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we discuss the profound societal impact of these shows. Learn how medical dramas tackled controversial social issues, reflected societal attitudes, and even influenced career choices. We'll explore how "MASH" uniquely blended comedy and drama to portray the harsh realities of war and how "Emergency" brought emergency medicine into the spotlight. This episode promises a nostalgic and insightful journey through the history and influence of TV medical dramas, shedding light on their role in shaping both television and society.