Photo: ABC/CBS/JPI Studios

Listen to “Soap Nation Live November 2018 Episode” on Spreaker.

If you missed Thursday’s night’s Soap Nation Live! with Michael Fairman, you can hear the replay of the broadcast right here in the audio player above.

The November episode of the monthly podcast featured special guests: Soap icon, Linda Dano (Ex-Felicia, AW, Gretel, (OLTL, GH, Port Charles, AMC), and Cynthia, ATWT), General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom (Kevin/Ryan), The Young and the Restless’ Beth Maitland (Traci), Days of our Lives Freddie Smith (Sonny), and listeners were in for a surprise when GH’s Maura West (Ava Jerome) called-in as well during the show.

During this fun night of chat, Linda Dano kicked-off the show as she and Michael reminisced about the night she won the Daytime Emmy in 1993 for her role as Felicia Gallant on Another World.  Then, the duo talked about: her soap career as Gretel “Rae” Cummings on the ABC Daytime line-up, her incomparable fashion sense, and how fans can see her first acting project in 12 years when The Chronicle Mysteries debuts with Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS) in March of 2019 on the Hallmark Channel.

Next, General Hospital’s Jon Lindstrom discussed taking on and revisiting playing the dual roles of Kevin Collins, and his serial killer twin brother, Ryan Chamberlain.  In addition, Jon talked about his leading ladies, Genie Francis and the #KevLaur hash tag, and Ryan’s interest in Ava Jerome.  Then, after answering some questions from listeners, Maura West surprised her scene partner and called-in to chat with him.

Beth Maitland came on to Soap Nation Live! next, and she discussed finally having the opportunity after 36 years to explore Traci’s relationship with her siblings, Jack and Ashley, that came about in Eileen Davidson’s exit storyline.  The Daytime Emmy-winning actress also revealed her favorite Y&R storyline over the years. Maitland has received critical-acclaim for her recent work on the CBS Daytime drama series.

The final guest of the night was Freddie Smith.  The popular DAYS star talked on the latest developments of Sonny and Will, where now the two can be together since Paul and Will broke up, but will their happiness last long?  Freddie gives the listeners a preview of what’s to come.  Then, a listener calls in revealing how through watching Days of our Lives and the Sonny and Will story and romance, how it helped him come out and to have a family.

Last, during our Game Show segment, a lucky caller eventually wins the Sonny Kiriakis-centric trivia game and will receive a Days of our Lives swag/goodie bag and an autographed personalized photo of Freddie Smith.

To hear archived and past episodes of Soap Nation Live, you can go to the official show page on Spreaker.com here.

Now, listen to the broadcast with Linda, Jon, Beth, Freddie and Maura, and then let us know via the comment section below what was your favorite moment in the broadcast.

In a key move to allow those performers in front of the camera and behind the scenes crew and creatives to be acknowledged for their accomplishments this calendar year, the four daytime dramas collectively have decided to lift their threatened boycott and participate in the upcoming 46th annual Daytime Emmy competition.

This comes after the four network soaps (Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless) banded together after being unsatisfied with snafu’s coming out of the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awards earlier this year in April, and a list of grievances and concerns they asked to be addressed by the organization that administers the Emmy contest.

Then, following an internal investigation by NATAS by the law firm of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth of Washington, DC, the results which were released on November 8th, and being in receipt of their findings, the soaps decided to move forward while still having concerns they want addressed.

In a statement from the group, a spokesperson related to Deadline, who broke the story late Friday: “As a group, we are not in agreement with all of the conclusions that NATAS reached.  However, in the spirit of working with NATAS and the TV Academy on improving the integrity of the Daytime Emmys, we have lifted our boycott. We look forward to meeting with NATAS to discuss their findings and our concerns in greater detail.”

On Saturday, someone close to the situation said to Michael Fairman TV: “Our participation doesn’t mean we accept their proposal moving forward, we still have major issues that we will be discussing with the Chair and President (of NATAS), but as a collective whole, we don’t want to penalize our actors for NATAS’ mis-management.”

The 46th Annual Daytime Emmy submissions began earlier this week on November 12th, with the Daytime Emmys slated to be handed out in early May of 2019.

So, are you glad that the network soaps have lifted their threatened boycott so that your favorite performers, whose performances you have loved over the last 11 months can be acknowledged for their talents and hard work? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Big news for GH fans! For the first time ever, Elvis Presley’s Graceland will host a special “General Hospital”- themed fan celebration. The event kicks off Friday, January. 18, and will include numerous exclusive events held in various locations throughout the Graceland Campus; including: Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex, and the AAA-rated Four Diamond luxury resort, The Guest House at Graceland.

Beginning today, Friday November 16th fans can log on to Graceland.com/GeneralHospital and purchase tickets several GH-themed parties, such as “The Live Nurses Ball” and the “Metro Court Hotel Lounge Party, ” as well as catch screenings of classic episodes, blooper reels and never-before-seen content.

Additionally, several stars of the series will appear including: Maurice Benard (Sonny Corinthos Jr.), Steve Burton (Jason Morgan), Briana Nicole Henry (Jordan Ashford), Finola Hughes (Anna Devane), Wes Ramsey (Peter August), James Patrick Stuart (Valentin Cassadine), Josh Swickard (Detective Harrison Chase), Donnell Turner (Curtis Ashford), Laura Wright (Carly Corinthos) and executive producer Frank Valentini.  The cast and EP will share their favorite memories from the show, answer questions from the audience, and participate in autograph signings and exclusive photo opportunities.

Photo: ABC

Valentini said in a statement on the event: “I’m excited to meet with the fans and have them spend the weekend with the extremely talented cast of ‘General Hospital.’ It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a historic location.:

Various levels of packages are available for immediate purchase. For more information and details, please visit Graceland.com/GeneralHospital.

In addition to all the GH-themed events, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Graceland. Fans will be invited to visit the iconic mansion that Elvis called home; Elvis Presley’s Memphis – a 200,000 square foot entertainment complex filled with museum exhibits, shops and restaurants; and Elvis’ custom jets. Guests in attendance will also have the option to purchase exclusive General Hospital merchandise only available to attendees.

So will you be heading to Graceland in January to see the stars of GH and participate in this one-of-a-kind fan experience? Comment below. But first check out this just released promo for the event!

ATTN: #GH SUPER FANS: We’re invading #Graceland for a one-of-a-kind celebration, Jan. 18th-20th, 2019! @VisitGraceland
CLICK FOR TICKETS: https://t.co/J0sIDrb4Vx #GH55 pic.twitter.com/VQ1u23gizr

— General Hospital (@GeneralHospital) November 16, 2018