Here at RCCTV we have been fortunate to have worked with the talents of Beatrice Toney Bailey for the past couple years. We first worked with her on the show Bea-on Bereavement which proved to be a powerful series of shows that dealt with some tough issues surrounding death. But as her show evolved, Bea began to take on many other human interest topics, and by the end of season one, we thought it was time for a title change.
We caught up with Bea, and asked her to share how her show has evolved from Bea-on Bereavement to A to Z with Bea.
Enter Beatrice Toney Bailey
In partnership with the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento and RCCTV, “Bea-on Bereavement” was a talk show that I developed to function as a vehicle that will allow dialogue among our various faiths on a common subject: Death. The catalyst for this discussion was influenced by a step-by-step guide I wrote entitled, Farewell, My Friend and was written as a result of lessons and experiences I had while caring for my late husband who died of cancer.
Regardless of our specific beliefs, we will all be touched indirectly, and eventually directly, by death. We are similar in many ways, yet have unique cultural and faith based approach to end-of-life issues.
I interviewed individuals of various faiths who have personal experience with end-of-life issues, as well as, recognized experts on the subjects being discussed. “Bea-on Bereavement” opened up a brand new world for people of all faiths, cleared up some mysteries, and allowed our viewers to better understand each other. Our was that our viewers could become more proactive as they gain more control over a subject matter that is often not discussed. There was always an overlay of humor throughout the show, and the positive feedback from “Bea-on Bereavement” has been tremendous.
As we become better informed, we will be better equipped to understand and help each other as we go down a path that all will travel. As the initial episodes were being taped, it dawned on me that Death and end-of-life issues were one of the many obstacles that we will face in life. In fact, I began to cover everything from A-Z. With that in mind, the talk show took off in a brand new direction. Some of the episodes subsequently taped involved the subjects of Raw Foods, Bikram Yoga, Alzheimer’s Disease, Nursing Home Placement, How to Be An Effective Father and even an episode on AIDS. Regardless of the content of the show, I have the unique ability to find appropriate humor and make my guests and viewers feel at ease. This show is currently being viewed nationally by many people outside of the Sacramento Area.
SEASON TWO:
The show will be on every Monday at 9:00 PM and every Thursday at 7:00 PM. On Comcast Channel #20, Surewest Channel #19, or can be viewed at these same times at RCCTV.org. This show has really hit its stride and promises its viewers some real head shaking episodes. A few of the extremely poignant topics to be covered are Human Slavery, Fall Prevention, the Sikh Religion and Organ Donation. It is the goal of this program that its viewers will watch the credits roll, look at each other and say…“I’ didn’t know that!”
