Do You Remember This?
From the WGBH Media Library & Archives
Hello, WGBH Alumni!
The WGBH Media Library and Archives received an informational request describing a past program that may or may not be WGBH affiliated. If anyone has any information, please reach out by sending an e-mail to .
Here is the request:
“I grew up in Boston in the 70s & 80s and am trying to recall a program I used to come across as a kid on PBS (WGBH/Channel 2) that I loved watching but I do not believe it was a ‘children’s show’ per se.
I think it was a child psychology/development program. I want to say it would be on on Saturday mornings….. I remember the opening sequence that was animated. It started as a heartbeat line and would morph into a cell …. a zygote …a baby…a crawling toddler . . a walking child etc. and it had compelling, thoughtful theme music. Each episode felt like a documentary. I have been wracking my brain to remember and have combed the vault but with no luck.
Might you be able to help me figure out this smart and informative program?”
Thank you,
SammySamantha May Driscoll (she/her/hers)
Archivist | WGBH Media Library & Archives
One Guest Street
Boston, MA 02135
617-300-4339
From Judith Gerstel:
Does anyone remember the name of the original host of MPM? I worked on that program when it started ….a Hungarian name, I think
I believe that Bill Cavness hosted the morning classical show before RJL.
As John Voci wrote, it was Bill Cavness who had the program before Robert J. Bill told me that he was the one who came up with the name of “Morning Pro Musica.” Bill also said that he had a knack for coming up with names for other programs.
I was the DP on the T Berry Brazelton What Every Baby Knows series for several years. It aired on Lifetime cable. Loved working with Brazelton.
TOM COTTLE That’s who came to mind reading this request. Can see him still – polyester bell bottom pants, bright printed shirt w/top buttons undone, big huge natural afro, big smile.
SOAPBOX believe he did a talking head fundraising spot for us. thanks for the memory nudge. Lo Hartnett
I worked on the Tom Cottle Show. I seem to remember it just brought the lights up from black onto a studio “interview” set. Very simple show, but we addressed some sensitive topics.
T. Berry Brazelton was my beloved pediatrician from birth to 13 years old. I didn’t know he had a show! I would LOVE to see his show, if Channel 2 ever plays it again. Or if there is some other way that I can watch it, please let me know!
A loving hello to all of you that I know from WGBH from 1980-1986! I love reading about you through the years in these Alumni pages! Great job, Jay Collier!
Guy & I (married 35 years this week!) have lived in Sarasota, FL, for the last 5 years, so the Alumni pages have really helped me continue to feel part of the WGBH family. I hope I can make it back for one of the Alumni parties in the future.
I’d love to hear from my old friends, if you’d like to email me:
More leads via the WGBH Alumni Facebook group:
Jon Solins: Sounds like the Tom Cottle Show.
Nancy Linde: I thought of Cottle too. The show was called Soapbox, I think. But I don’t remember that opening.
Lisa Oteri: Sounds familiar!
Russ Fortier: I believe the station did a program or perhaps a series with T. Berry Brazelton of Harvard, a noted pediatrician who explored child development and mental health.
Roger Lyons: I believe you’re correct, Russ. But I can’t recall the name of the show.
Frank Coakley: I did sound for a series with Dr. Brazelton with cameraman Bill Charette back in the 80’s. I don’t remember the name of the show.
Nancy Dillon: Saturday mornings may have been the Annenberg distance learning programs. It might have been Annenberg’s Discovering Psychology. Have you tried looking through some broadcast logs or member guides for that time frame?
Sue DeMarco: It wasn’t “All Kinds of Minds” was it? I think that was more of an adult show in the 90s?
Phil Meyer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1062860/ What Every Baby Knows (TV Series 1983–1995) – IMDb
Ilene Fischer: Lisa Oteri WEBK-I was the AD on that show in the early ’90s at the defunct Monitor Channel facilities.
Phil Meyer: Bill Charette is listed in the production credits.
Lisa Oteri: Phil Meyer I remember an earlier version or program
Christy George: Prof Phil Zimbardo (of Stanford Prison Experiment fame) did a PBS psychology show, but that was 90s or early aughts.
I wrote this on the alumni Facebook pages, so please excuse duplication:
I believe the station did a program or perhaps a series with T. Berry Brazelton of Harvard, a noted pediatrician who explored child development and mental health.
Nope. The tom cottle show was a talk show. I was on one of them. It didn’t have an animated open.
I thought of Cottle too. The show was called Soapbox, I think. But I don’t remember that opening.
Sounds like the Tom Cottle Show.