Topic: Mad Men

Sheila Nevins, President of HBO Documentary Films, admitted in an interview that she was "complicit" in the sexual culture of the 1960s to advance her career. Nevins, a multi-Emmy winner, reflected on her time at the Children's Television Workshop and ABC. The discussion links her experiences to the "Mad Men" era of workplace misogyny.

Actor Jon Hamm, star of the series Mad Men, announced he completed treatment for alcohol addiction just before the show's final season premiere. The hosts suggest this announcement might be a calculated PR move to generate interest in the show, given the heavy drinking depicted by his character, Don Draper. They question the timing of the "rehab" story coinciding with the marketing blitz.

NBC's recent programming decisions, including the cancellation of "Smash" and "Go On," reflect a struggle to maintain viewership outside of reality hits like "The Voice." Industry analysis from agent Matthew Lesher suggests that critically acclaimed shows like "Mad Men" have surprisingly low viewership compared to reality programs like "Duck Dynasty." The segment also critiques podcasting tropes, such as excessively long intro songs and lack of focus.

Actors Vincent Kartheiser and Rich Sommer appear in a "Mad Men" themed promotional video advocating for high-speed rail investment. The spot, produced for US PIRG, encourages citizens to contact senators and request bumper stickers. The hosts criticize the use of 19th-century technology and compare it to European Thalys train advertisements that promote Wi-Fi and luxury over car travel.

The 67th Golden Globe Awards are discussed, with a focus on host Ricky Gervais and his jokes at the expense of NBC. The hosts observe that winners from NBC Universal properties were allowed to speak longer than those from other networks. They also note the heavy product placement for Stella Artois during the broadcast.

The hosts discuss the AMC series "Mad Men," focusing on the character of Betty Draper, played by January Jones. They play a clip where she expresses hatred for her home, friends, and town, which they feel summarizes her "ice queen" persona. The conversation briefly touches on the actress's performance and the character's relationship with Don Draper.

The hosts discuss how advertising agencies on Madison Avenue have historically shaped government policy, citing the criminalization of marijuana as a PR-driven effort. They preview a future discussion on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent comments regarding the potential legalization of marijuana in California. The show concludes with a reminder of the upcoming Sunday broadcast.