R.I.P.: Radio Talk Pioneer Dr. Joy Browne

Nationally syndicated radio host and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Joy Browne died suddenly on Saturday.

Her sister Alanna Sinclaire tells CBS Radio News that she was on the phone talking with her about food and movies when her heart stopped.

Her sister says Dr. Joy Browne would never disclose her age but one referenced source says she was believed to be 71.

Dr. Browne won numerous awards for her work, including the American Psychological Associations President’s Award, the Talkers magazine award for Best Female Talk Show Host, #10 on the list of the 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time, and has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Talk Show Hosts. She has been singled out for News/Talk National Personality of the Year as well as Syndicated Talk Show of the Year by Radio & Records magazine every year since the list was formed.

In an interview with RadioInk Publisher Deborah Parenti in 2011, Dr. Browne spoke about how she subscribed to the “stupid and cheerful” philosophy on life:

“I am a great fan of 'stupid and cheerful.' If someone says something negative, instead of responding, “Oh my God, I can’t believe you said that,” turn it around. Try saying, “It’s so helpful to have somebody give me feedback.” If you just take the superficial approach to things that may be hurtful or insulting, it makes the other person do the heavy lifting. If they really want to criticize, they are going to have to do more work. So if you respond to, “Gee, you look tired,” with “It’s because I have too much to do here,” you took on all of the work. If someone is trying to insult you, let them do the work. And if that wasn’t their intention, a negative reply just might have cost you an ally. Keep your response neutral, “simple and stupid!”