This episode discusses the NBC soap opera, Texas, and how it embarked on the boldest strategy ever done to attain success in the rough terrain of the soap opera landscape. Texas was a spin-off of Another World. This episode discusses how Texas strived to be the most successful new show of the 1980s by grabbing on to the coattails of the most popular TV show in America, the prime time show Dallas. This episode discusses the wild and at times bizarre strategy used to implement this strategy. The coattails gamble had shocking results and would have significant ramifications for both Texas and Another World for years to come. This episode discusses the many memorable moments along Texas’s journey, including the many jaw-dropping twists and turns. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This special episode features Part 2, the final part, of the Top 10 longest serving daytime soap opera actors. This episode highlights #5 through #1 in the Top 10 countdown. In this countdown episode, a soap opera actors’ longevity is measured by how long they played 1 solitary character. Take a trip down soap lane and learn about the longest serving actors/actresses in daytime soap opera history, and the incredible characters that they played. This episode discusses their amazing, indelible legacies. Find out who is the longest serving daytime soap opera actor ever! As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This special episode features Part 1 of the Top 10 longest serving daytime soap opera actors of all time. This episode highlights #10 through #6 in the Top 10 countdown. In this countdown episode, a soap opera actors’ longevity is measured by how long they played 1 solitary character. Take a trip down soap lane and learn about the longest serving actors/actresses in daytime soap opera history, and the incredible characters that they played. This episode discusses their amazing, indelible legacies. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode discusses the beloved ABC soap opera, Ryan’s Hope, and its whirlwind 14-year run. Ryan’s Hope remains a sentimental favorite for many soap opera fans. This episode discusses how ABC executives turned to Ryan’s Hope at a time of real difficulty for the network, as the network began to slide in the soap opera ratings battle. Through highs and lows, this episode explores how Ryan’s Hope captured the hearts of many fans through its authenticity and gripping storylines. Ryan’s Hope would also have many memorable characters, but one more than any other would stand out as one of the most memorable in soap opera history. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode discusses the ABC soap opera, Port Charles, and its wild spin-off adventure. Port Charles was a spin-off of the beloved soap opera General Hospital. This episode discusses the challenging history for daytime soap opera spin-offs, and how that history had laid a difficult path for Port Charles to navigate. Through it all though, Port Charles would leave a legacy as one of the boldest and most unique shows in soap opera history. As Port Charles sought to stem the rising tide of the soap opera landscape, the show would indeed have one of the most jaw dropping pivots in TV history. Ultimately Port Charles, the show that many hoped would usher in a new era of soap opera expansion, ended up being the doomed soap opera spin-off, but not without a lot of drama and incomparably zany storylines. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 5, the conclusion of one of the greatest storylines in All My Children history – the Pine Valley Gaslighting storyline! Part 5 of this incredible storyline discusses the fallout from Dixie’s institutionalization. This episode discusses the many wild twists and turns, as the battle between gaslighting and reality rages on. Indeed, this episode includes what is widely considered to be the greatest cliffhanger in the show’s history. As the storyline reaches a definitive conclusion, there is much drama, shock, and even danger. As always, this episode includes and illuminating audio features that help relive this classic storyline. Come along on another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 4 of one of the wildest storylines in All My Children history - the Pine Valley Gaslighting storyline! This storyline had taken the soap opera world by storm in 1989. Part 4 of this storyline discusses the fallout from the kidnapping and the subsequent turmoil that develops as a result. This storyline will take an even darker turn, as gaslighting and emotional cruelty would reach its most extreme levels with devastating consequences. Indeed, this episode details the worst forms of gaslighting in soap opera history as this storyline takes a shocking turn. As always, this episode includes and illuminating audio features that help relive this classic storyline. Come along on another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 3 of one of the wildest storylines in All My Children history - the Pine Valley Gaslighting storyline! Part 3 of this storyline discusses the fallout from Brooke Chandler finding out the truth about Adam Chandler and Dixie Cooney’s relationship. The storyline reaches an inflection point, as the dynamics of the saga change. Indeed this wild storyline will proceed often along a very dark path. There are joyous moments, but also many shocking moments. As always, this episode includes and illuminating audio features that help relive the classic storyline. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 2 of one of the wildest storylines in All My Children history - the Pine Valley Gaslighting storyline! Part 2 of this storyline discusses the continuing web of lies and deceit surrounding the lives of Adam Chandler, his wife Brooke Chandler, and their maid Dixie Cooney. The stakes continue to be raised resulting in one of the most drama-filled episodes in All My Children history. As always, this episode includes and illuminating audio features that help relive the classic storyline. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights one of the wildest storylines in All my Children history - the Pine Valley Gaslighting storyline! This is one of the most brilliantly written, as well as disturbing storylines in soap opera history. This is a story about when one’s hopes and dreams, encounter psychological manipulation, unmitigated deception and gaslighting at its most extreme. All My Children was one of the top soap operas of the 1980s, and it finished off the decade with a bang with this storyline; one that gripped the nation in late 1988 and throughout 1989. In Part 1 of the multi-part lookback at this storyline, I will discuss the foundational events of the storyline and the wild events that ensued. This episode also includes interesting and illuminating audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of The Bold & the Beautiful; the last of the legendary, classic soap operas. CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful would emerge from being the new kid on the block in the mid-late 1980s to be the most popular soap opera across the world; broadcast in a record 110 countries. This episode spotlights the creation of the iconic show, and all the great characters, all the rivalries, as well as the wild and dramatic early storylines. Indeed, this episode discusses two of the most shocking storylines in soap history – so shocking that they have never been referred to since! As always, this episode includes audio excerpts and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the arrival of the iconic character of Victor Newman on CBS’s The Young and the Restless. Victor Newman, played by Eric Braeden, is the classic anti-hero and a person of many contradictions. Though his character’s backstory is shrouded in much mystery, he would go on to be arguably the most recognizable character in soap opera history. This episode will spotlight the wild storylines in his first few years on the show from 1980 – 1984. During a period of much transition for Young & Restless, this episode discusses the major role that Victor had in moving The Young & Restless towards the path of being the top soap opera in America. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts, trivia time, and ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of Santa Barbara. NBC’s Santa Barbara was one of the most well-known and iconic soap operas. It is a show of many contradictions – a show with one of the largest international followings in history but yet struggled in the ratings. A soap opera that lasted less than a decade, but yet won more Daytime Emmy’s for Best Soap Opera than soap operas that lasted for 3 or 4 decades. Indeed, Santa Barbara was the first to win the award 3 years in a row. This episode spotlights the creation of the show and its early storylines. This show had it all - tremendous drama, great personalities, great acting from great actors such as Robin Wright before she was on ‘The Princess Bride’ & ‘Forrest Gump’, and other phenomenal actors like Lane Davies, Jed Allan, A Martinez, Marcy Walker, to name just a few. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 2, the conclusion of the Another World hostage crisis of 1981; one of the most suspense filled storylines of the 1980s. The storyline features intense, edge of your seat drama that mesmerized the soap opera world. This episode provides an in-depth look of the continuation of the hostage storyline and all of its suspense-filled drama. The episode also features a prominent role for Ed O’Neill prior to his days as the iconic Al Bundy on Married with Children. As always, this episode has some very interesting audio features that help relive the classic storyline. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Part 1 of the Another World hostage crisis of 1981; one of the most suspense filled storylines of the 1980s. The storyline features intense, edge of your seat drama that mesmerized the soap opera world. The storyline also features a prominent role for Ed O’Neill prior to his days as the iconic Al Bundy on Married with Children. This episode provides an in-depth look at the storyline, along with very interesting audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights the most famous couple in soap opera history, General Hospital’s Luke and Laura. Their storylines had saved a show on the verge of cancelation to now being the undisputed #1 daytime soap opera in the country. This episode (Part 3 of 3) focuses on the 1980-1981 period, as Luke and Laura help lead General Hospital to heights never experienced before or since; culminating in the most watched episode in daytime soap opera history. That day in November 1981, is one of the proudest days in soap opera history, as the genre had come a long way from its humble beginnings. General Hospital would gain such popularity that there was even a major celebrity cameo along the way. Once again Luke and Laura face many twists and turns. First in the Ice Princess saga, as Luke and Laura face their most dangerous challenge yet, then its subsequent aftermath and the legendary Luke and Laura wedding. This episode also includes interesting and illuminating audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights the most famous couple in soap opera history, General Hospital’s Luke and Laura. Their storylines had saved a show on the verge of cancelation to now being the #1 soap opera in the country. This episode (Part 2 of 3) focuses on Luke and Laura’s 1980 ‘Summer on the Run'; as they flee from the Frank Smith’s mob. They encounter danger at every turn, all the while the people of Port Charles are unaware of their whereabouts. This episode highlights all the twists and turns along the way, as the nation is transfixed upon what would happen next. This episode also includes interesting and illuminating audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights the most famous couple in soap opera history, General Hospital’s Luke and Laura. Their storylines would captivate the nation and change daytime soap operas forever. They will be the focus of a 3-part episode in-depth focus on this podcast. This episode (Part 1 of 3) will focus on the early history of Luke and Laura, particularly spotlighting the period from 1978 to 1980. I will discuss all the drama of their storylines, as well as the storyline controversies; including one of the most disturbing and shocking controversies in soap opera history. This episode also includes interesting and illuminating audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights one of the greatest mystery storylines in soap opera history. Throughout 1979, the soap opera world was gripped by this classic As the World Turns storyline – The Drama at the Willows. The storyline has it all – intrigue, mystery, danger, and quite a few twists and turns. This episode provides an in-depth look at the storyline, along with very interesting audio features. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of The Young and the Restless. CBS’s The Young and the Restless would emerge as a more than worthy successor to the pre-eminence once monopolized by CBS’s “Fantastic Four of the 50s”; ultimately emerging as the most successful soap opera of them all. The Young and the Restless revolutionized the soap opera landscape with the youngest cast in soap opera history. This episode spotlights the creation of the show and its early storylines, as it embarked upon its path to stardom. The episode spotlights the wild and not so smooth ride that the show had in its early days. As the show’s popularity rose, arguably the greatest soap opera rivalry would also emerge; a rivalry that would last for more than 30 years. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of All My Children. All My Children discussed the issues of the time in a way not yet seen before in the soap operas. All My Children would embrace controversy with bold, unafraid, thought provoking and socially conscious writing, matched with the acting of its brilliant cast. This episode examines the storylines at the beginning of the show. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of One Life to Live; the second longest running soap opera in ABC history. One Life to Live emerged as one of the legendary soap operas of its time. It was a fearless show with a groundbreaking cast, willing to highlight social issues and not shy away from controversy. This episode examines the storylines at the beginning of the show, including one of the most controversial storylines in soap opera history. As always, this episode includes audio excerpts, trivia, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of Another Word; the second longest running soap opera in NBC history. After a difficult first season, Another World would embark on a rapid turnaround, and would emerge as one of the more popular soap operas. This episode examines the origins of the show and its early storylines. As always, this episode includes trivia, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

In this episode, I reflect upon and give my thoughts on the formative, foundational years of Days of Our Lives of the 1960s and 1970s.

This episode spotlights Days of Our Lives in the late 1970s. The episode discusses the major dramatic storylines from 1977 to 1979. This era is punctuated by stunning storylines of mistaken identities, people seemingly returning from the afterlife, and major characters being institutionalized. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from late 1970s episodes. As always, this episode includes ratings time and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Days of Our Lives in the mid 1970s. The episode discusses the major dramatic storylines and shocking twists from 1974 to 1976. In this era, the show culminates its incredible rise by reaching the top of daytime soap opera ratings. The era is punctuated with action-packed, dramatic storylines; a few of which reach quite a boiling point. The episode also spotlights the historic introduction of the first African American feature family in soap opera history. Also, we will see the introduction of a few other significant characters into the Salem landscape, including the legendary Marlena Evans. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from mid 1970s episodes. As always, this episode includes ratings time and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Days of Our Lives as it enters the 1970s. The episode discusses the major dramatic storylines and shocking twists from 1970 to 1973. As Days of our Lives enters its glory years, the show continues its incredible march up the daytime soap opera ratings. The episode spotlights the introduction of a couple of major characters that would emerge as pivotal mainstays in the Salem landscape. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from early 1970s episodes. As always, this episode includes ratings time and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights Days of Our Lives at the end of the 1960s. Days of Our Lives closes out the 1960s with quite a few dramatic twists, including courtroom dramas, more cliffhangers, a shocking shooting, and the stunning return of a core family member. As always, this episode includes trivia time, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode spotlights the first couple years of Days of Our Lives. The episode discusses the show’s earliest storylines, including courtroom dramas and intriguing cliffhangers. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from the early episodes of Days of Our Lives. As always, this episode includes trivia time, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of Days of our Lives. This show will emerge as NBC’s longest running daytime soap opera. This episode discusses the Horton family and life in Salem at the start of the show. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from the very first episode of Days of Our Lives. As always, this episode includes trivia, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of the America’s current longest running daytime TV soap opera, General Hospital. Moving into the 1960s, ABC finally decides to join the soap opera ratings battle to challenge the dominant CBS soap operas. The emergence of General Hospital would forever change the soap opera landscape, and would broaden the appeal of soap operas to other TV networks. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from the very first episode of General Hospital. As always, this episode includes trivia, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of The Edge of Night, as it emerged as one of the first 30-minute soap operas. Using a unique, never before seen or duplicated, mystery drama style, The Edge of Night emerged as one of the most popular soap operas of the 1950s. The episode explores the wild world of drama that made this show a hit across the genders. As always, this episode includes trivia, ratings time, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of As the World Turns, as it emerged as one of the first 30-minute soap operas. As The World Turns would take the soap opera world by storm, and would ultimately be the #1 soap opera for 2 decades. The episode also discusses the core characters in its early years, and spotlights one of the biggest storylines that helped to catapult the show to #1. The episode also discusses As The World Turns role in how the nation found out about the tragic events of the JFK assassination. Included in this episode are audio excerpts from the As The World Turns episode from that day; with the breaking news bulletins included. As always, this episode includes trivia, ratings time, and much more.

This episode explores the beginnings of The Guiding Light, and how it transitioned from a radio success to one of the most popular daytime TV soap operas of the 1950s; indeed ultimately becoming the longest running soap opera in American history. The episode also discusses the core characters in its early TV years, and the storylines that captured the imagination of the nation. As always, this episode includes special audio features, trivia, and much more. Enjoy another trip down soap lane!

This episode explores the beginnings of Search For Tomorrow, and how it emerged as the first dominant daytime TV soap opera of the 1950s. The episode also discusses the iconic character of Jo Gardner. Also included in the episode are special audio features, trivia, and much more.

This episode explores the very beginnings of TV soap operas, including the transition from radio to TV. This episode discusses in depth the very first soap opera shows and the pioneers that helped to pave the way for the entire soap opera genre. This episode includes special audio features, as well as trivia, and much more as I embark on the first trip down soap lane.