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Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam on Their Terrific New Documentary BANG MY BOX: THE ROBIN BYRD STORY

Episode 524: Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam on Their Terrific New Documentary BANG MY BOX: THE ROBIN BYRD STORY

Filmmakers Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam

Show notes

Before the internet and the ubiquity of social media influencers, there was Robin Byrd – the spirited, anything-goes New York City public access host, clad only in her signature black crochet bikini. From 1977 to 1998, Robin created, produced, and hosted the late-night call-in show that incorporated performances and interviews with adult entertainers and experimental artists. Each show ended with a bawdy song and dance, turning her unapologetic, eponymous show into a national platform for sex-positivity, safe-sex/AIDS awareness, and free speech.

BANG MY BOX: THE ROBIN BYRD STORY is a new documentary which just premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and debuted this week on HBO and HBO Max. And I’m thrilled to chat with the filmmakers Jyllian Gunther and Stephanie Schwam about Robin's life and career and their terrific doc, which they co-wrote, co-directed and co-produced,

Some background on the filmmakers: Stephanie’s expertise in non-fiction storytelling runs the gamut from meaty, one-off, news-based docs, to emotional cinema verite, to straight up formatted reality TV. Her shows have been nominated for multiple GLAAD, Critic's Choice, and Emmy awards. Jyllian is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker working across film, television, and audio. Her work explores love, loss, and memory, with a keen interest in stories of young people building their futures and older people making sense of their past. She is known for drawing comedic, heartfelt characters with distinct voices.

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Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud
@ Radio Free Rhiniecliff
Design by Cricket Lengyel

Hosts


Guests

Jyllian Gunther

Jyllian Gunther

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Stephanie Schwam

Stephanie Schwam

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