Satellite Sisters

TheSatellite Sistersis an internet-basedpodcastthat originated as a syndicated radio program broadcast onPublic Radio InternationalandABC News & Talk(viaABC Radio Networks). The program first aired on Public Radio International in 2000;A year after its launch, it was syndicated on 70 radio stations.The show revolves around five real-life sisters living in different cities. Its premise is that the sisters "get together" via satellite to talk as if they were going to meet in person or talk on the phone. The sisters typically rotate hosting duties, and the show most often is co-hosted by three of the five sisters simultaneously.

The show received the Gracie Award for Outstanding Comedy in 2008and for Outstanding Podcast in 2009,awarded byAmerican Women in Radio and Television.

ABC Radio ceased its syndication of the show on November 9, 2008, and the show transformed into an internet-basedpodcast,with weekly episodes available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

The Sisters have written a book calledUncommon Senses.Published byRiverhead Booksin 2001, the book is a collection of short stories about the Dolan sisters' lives growing up inFairfield, Connecticut.The sisters post the podcast readings. The Satellite Sisters released a second book calledYou're the Best: A Celebration of Friendshipin October 2015, published byProspect Park Books.

There is also an internetcommunity radio stationnamed BSIDE Radio inVancouver, Canada,that hosts a radio program that is also hosted as a podcast called Satellite Sisters on Bside Radio. This program/podcast showcases "Bassmusic" tracks produced by women and plays a mixed set by a woman DJ in every episode.

Members

Julie Dolan

Julie Dolan Smith is the oldest of the sisters. She is the one "true" satellite sister as she is a "trailing spouse".She has held the position of Dean of College Admissions. Until September 2006, Julie lived inRussiaand broadcast the show from overseas. After a short stay in San Francisco, she and her husband moved toSteamboat Springs, Colorado,and then relocated toDallas,Texas.She has two grown sons. She was also the first of the sisters to become a grandmother.

Liz Dolan

Liz Dolan is the second oldest of the sisters. Liz is a 1979 graduate ofBrown University.She is a former corporate vice president at theNikeCorporation. She played a major role in the development of the Satellite Sisters show. In January 2009, she was named Chief Marketing Officer for "OWN", TheOprah Winfrey Networkbased inBurbank, California.She then worked at Fox International as the Chief Marketing Officer. Liz resides inSanta Monica, California,with her dog, Hooper.

Sheila Dolan

Sheila Dolan is the middle sister. She previously worked as a teacher and principal in New York City. Sheila is based inSanta Monica, California,in what she refers to as "The Cozy Cottage." She has one grown daughter, Ruthie. She is often the sister who assumes the "lead" on the radio program.

Monica Dolan

Monica Dolan is the second-youngest sister. She is based inPortland, Oregonand broadcasts from her home there. Prior to joining the show, Monica worked as anurse.Monica has a segment that spotlights artists.

Lian Dolan

Lian Dolan is the youngest sister. Lian Dolan is a writer, producer and podcaster. In addition to hosting and producing Satellite Sisters, Lian is the author of three novels:The Sweeney Sisters,published byWilliam Morrow/HarperCollinsin April 2020, and two novels,Helen of PasadenaandElizabeth the First Wife,both published by Prospect Park Books. She has written forWorking Mothermagazine,O, The Oprah Magazineand Pasadena Magazine. She graduated fromPomona Collegein Claremont, California, with a degree in Classics. She lives in Pasadena with her husband, two grown sons and one big German shepherd.

Uncommon senses

Their book,Uncommon Senses,was published in 2001.Peoplecriticized it as "excessivelynavel-gazing".Publishers Weeklywrote that it may have worked better on the radio than on the page and found "nothing wildly entertaining or groundbreaking" in the book.