"The more that things change, the more they stay the same... Nevertheless, we have to keep pushing forward. We have to keep moving that line forward in order to make a better tomorrow for all of us." - Sharon Johnson

Welcome to 80s TV Ladies The Winds of Ch-ch-ch-change!
In this special episode—the first half of an epic two-part spectacular—hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson are joined by their fabulous producer Melissa to talk about the massive personal transitions currently unfolding in all of their lives. With both Susan and Sharon in the middle of major moves, the ladies take a heartwarming, funny, and deeply honest look at packing up decades of memories, downsizing, and the emotional weight of nostalgia.

But a season of change wouldn't be complete without the ultimate 1980s soundtrack! The ladies kick off Part 1 of their definitive countdown of the 20 Most Revolutionary 80s Music Videos, diving into the first 13 incredible videos on their list. They explore how the golden era of MTV transformed visual storytelling, artist autonomy, and pop culture forever. From groundbreaking feminist rap anthems and synth-pop milestones to a full-blown Madonna masterclass and jaw-dropping stop-motion animation, this conversation is a sparkling, nostalgic reflection on turning the page to the next chapter.

THE CONVERSATION

- THE WINDS OF CHANGE: Sharon, Susan and Melissa discuss the nature of personal and professional transitions—navigating the "two steps forward, one step back" rhythm of life and why we must keep pushing forward for a better tomorrow.
- THE FOREIGN COUNTRY OF THE PAST: Susan opens up about packing up her home after 19 years, three kids, a house full of pets, and how digging into old boxes feels like visiting a foreign country where “they do things differently there.”
- MOVING ACROSS THE U.S.A.: Sharon shares the bittersweet reality of leaving Southern California after 42 and a half years to move back to the Midwest, explaining how she is judiciously sorting through her life to downsize into her mother's home in Indianapolis.
- CUE THE ROBIN, DEER, AND EAGLE: Producer Melissa shares an incredibly moving, cinematic story about losing her mother and brother Dougie, and a persistent red robin that visited her window in Pennsylvania alongside a herd of deer and a majestic bald eagle overhead.
- LOVELY PARTING GIFTS & PRECIOUS VHS TAPES: The ladies talk about finding new homes for nostalgia, including Sharon giving away her classic Mark and Brian radio memorabilia on Facebook and her absolute refusal to let go of her original Star Wars trilogy on VHS—because the prequels simply do not exist!
- FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE COLISEUM: Susan reminisces about discovering her oversized 1984 Bruce Springsteen Born in the U.S.A. concert souvenir tour program from her freshman year at USC, back when legendary stadium tickets were only $25. (Actually, according to the internet, the tickets cost $17.50!)
- CH-CH-CH-CHANGES (PART 1): The main event kicks off as the ladies begin their countdown of the most revolutionary music videos of the decade, highlighting how the rise of MTV reshaped the cultural landscape.
- THRILLER (Sharon’s Pick): Sharon kicks it off with the music video credited with transforming music videos into the stratosphere - and into short, storytelling films. She also talks about learning the zombie dance and how it transformed her exercise routine!
- TAKING CONTROL (Susan's Pick): Susan spotlights Janet Jackson's seminal "Control" music video, directed by Mary Lambert (no relation, though Susan wishes she had pretended otherwise!). This was quite literally the album and song when Ms. Jackson declared her independence over her career after leaving her new husband, James DeBarge, and firing her manager (and father) Joseph Jackson. A revolutionary move and every song speaks to finding her voice.
- I'M STILL STANDING (Susan's Pick): A deep dive into Elton John's ultimate comeback anthem, exploring his personal resilience and the hilarious realization by the ladies that Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli is one of the featured neon dancers in the video.
- LOVE SHACK (Sharon's Pick): Sharon and Susan takes a trip down the Atlanta highway looking for the B-52s' legendary "Love Shack" and celebrating its pure, joyful energy.
- LADIES FIRST (Susan's Pick): Susan pays tribute to Queen Latifah’s revolutionary 1989 feminist rap anthem "Ladies First" (featuring Monie Love) from her debut album, All Hail the Queen.
- THE MADONNA TWO-FER (Sharon's Picks): Sharon talk about her favorite two Madonna songs and music videos, "Crazy for You" and "Express Yourself" and the groundbreaking visual style of the 80s Pop Queen.
- STUNNING ANIMATION (Sharon's Pick): The ladies marvel at Peter Gabriel's award-winning stop-motion animation masterpiece "Sledgehammer" created by Aardman Animation.
- PEOPLE HAVE THE POWER (Susan's Pick): Susan closes out Part 1 by honoring Patti Smith's powerful, timeless 1988 anthem "People Have the Power."

AUDIO-OGRAPHY

📹 REVOLUTIONARY 80s MUSIC VIDEOS PLAYLIST (PART 1)

Artist | Song Title | Release | Picked By | Link
Michael Jackson | Thriller | 1983 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Janet Jackson | Control | 1986 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
Janet Jackson | Rhythm Nation | 1989 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Elton John | I'm Still Standing | 1983 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
The B-52's | Love Shack | 1989 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Queen Latifah | Ladies First (w/ Monie Love) | 1989 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
Madonna | Crazy For You | 1985 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Madonna | Express Yourself | 1989| Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Public Enemy | Fight The Power | 1989 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
Watch Do The Right Thing Opening Credits on YouTube
Tracy Chapman | Fast Car | 1988 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Tracy Chapman | Talking About A Revolution | 1988 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
Peter Gabriel | Sledgehammer | 1986 | Sharon | Watch on YouTube
Patti Smith | People Have The Power | 1988 | Susan | Watch on YouTube
Watch the 2019 Patti Smith at the Public Theatre with 250 singers on YouTube (See Stewart Copeland play the frying pan!)

- Watch the 1971 film adaptation of The Go-Between. Find it on https://www.netflix.com/title/60011150. Or https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-go-between/umc.cmc.85tbxz7spm4ahwfo6qcfxue9.
- Dust off your VCR and watch the original Star Wars trilogy on VHS. Find it on https://ebay.us/m/OtvLP0.

PROTECT THE VOTE
- Check out Democracy Docket https://www.democracydocket.com/case-status/filed/.
- Learn more about the ACLU https://www.aclu.org.
- Make sure you're registered to VOTE at http://vote.org/

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