Épisodes

  • How Soap Commercials Turned to Melodrama
    Jan 26 2026

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    The soap commercials first from the radio then television aired during daytime hours, eventually forming a genre known as soap opera and extending into Prime Time. BAF interviews podcaster James Lott, Jr. of JLJ Media, tapping into Lott's extensive knowledge of the genre and how it has shaped television drama over the decades in the way shows were presented, characters and the actors who portrayed them were received, and viewers watched them often awaiting weeks even months for plot resolution.

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    1 h et 14 min
  • How Television Made a Team Brand
    Dec 15 2025

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    With the NFL season in full grind and approaching the playoffs, BAF looks at the Dallas Cowboys and the highly visible impact and history of their popularity on the air. He is joined by longtime Cowboys fan, Kaete, who represents a solid example of how television connects loyal followers outside of Texas. Topics of discussion center on how annual Thanksgiving appearances and active player, coach, and other personnel presence beyond the field have contributed to the brand "America's Team."

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    42 min
  • America Loves a Parade, Especially on Television
    Nov 24 2025

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    Parades are a longtime occasion to celebrate and honor. BAF explores how the presence of television has heightened the experience. This involves eliminating the factor of traveling the distance to see the spectacle, bringing amazing views close up through camera angles to see floats, inflatables, and performances plus hearing commentary from favorite on-air personalities. It all started in 1948 with the first national telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade bringing enjoyment and pop culture to American households over a national holiday. This annual telecast led the way to others that promote recreational and political events. With the 99th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the horizon take a look back to its time on the air.

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    16 min
  • When Television Entered Another Dimension
    Oct 6 2025

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    The 1950s brought science fiction to television, but in October of 1959 a new program took elements of that genre to another level with a new anthology titled "The Twilight Zone." Created, produced, and narrated by Rod Serling this program explored different situations each episode involving space, time, the mysterious and unknown, and twists inolving humanity as well. Past guest Krysti joins BAF on an exploration of past episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and the overall show's impact over time.

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    31 min
  • From the Mountain to the Prairie
    Sep 15 2025

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    The 1970s were a changing time for television bringing in a mix of new sitcoms and variety shows involving satire and social issues along with new trends and images in action shows and crime dramas. As the curtain closed on the era of western-based shows that were popular during the 1950s and 60s, two new historical dramas focused on the everyday lives of family in rural America - The Waltons and Little House of the Prairie. SImilar in many ways, they were also unique in how they touched American households in the nine seasons they aired. The families from Waltons Mountain and Walnut Grove defined more than just a generation.

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    25 min
  • The Games Experiened Around the World
    Aug 25 2025

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    No, it's not an Olympic year and half a year away from one. But the purpose of having an Olympic Games sustains through time. BAF admits that in starting the podcast in 2024 he neglected last year's summer games in lieu of prepping introductory epsiodes. But better late than never and months ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the importance of their televised exposure ranges across a variety of competitions, ceremonies, news, and features. Television coverage has brought all international parties together.

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    23 min
  • The Opening Theme: Going But Not Forgotten?
    Jul 28 2025

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    BAF explores a nostalgic subject for many when it comes to television programs - the opening theme. The early programs focused on the announcement of the show and its primary sponsor(s) but over time has helped introduce the setting and characters using music and visuals in different ways to set American audiences up to watch the program at hand. BAF addresses the question later in the episode if the presence of memorable themes are just that - memories?


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    25 min
  • Serving Up Tennis On Television
    Jul 14 2025

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    With this year's Wimbledon Grand Slam Tournament in the books and looking ahead to this year's U.S. Open , BAF explores the history and impact of tennis on television from its roots in the 20th Century. Loc, a well-received guest from last season, joins the show again to serve up his tennis experiences and knowledge wiith some of BAF's facts and perspectives on the early years. Topics include "Battle of the Sexes" between Bobby Riggs and BIllie Jean King and its Prime Time coverage, Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe contributing to the inclusiveness of tennis, and the personal stories and personalties of Chris Evert Lloyd, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi. Also hear about some past sportscasters including the "man with the crazy pants."

    Receive bonus coverage at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2381107/support.

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    47 min