We're so excited to have comedian, writer, and HUGE Blume Head Molly Sanchez in the Cocoon to cover chapters 21-23 of Judy Blume's "Just as Long as We're Together"! Jody and Molly go deep into D-I-V-O-R-C-E, depression eating, erotic fan fic, A/S/L chat room memories, and tween fantasy crushes. Molly reads an old diary entry, in which her horny 14-year-old self proclaims her penchant for Harry Potter fan fiction and laments about being a (gasp!) virgin. In the book, Steph's dad drops in for Thanksgiving and her parents deal some extremely upsetting news. Poor Steph! She spends the holiday weekend sleeping and clearing out the kitchen (who can blame her?!) and tells a fib to Rachel and Alison. Just what this friend group needs – MORE SECRETS! Blume Head Erin and her talking pup Poppy present their own Special Report on Little Shop of Horrors, giving Maizie a real run for her money. And big thank you to our newest Patron, Rachel! Be sure to follow Molly Sanchez on Twitter @seriousmolly and on Instagram @mollyfuckingsanchez. Check out her podcasts Red All Over and Failure to Launch at stitcher.com/podcast/red-all-over and soundcloud.com/failure_to_launch_podcast. Lastly, don't miss Homewreck: A Shipwreck Fundraiser! On 4/17 Molly and other writers will be competing in an Emma fan fic write-off and it's gonna be amazing! booksmith.com/event/homewreck-shipwreck-fundraiser
Read MoreSpecial guest Beth joins Jody in the virtual cocoon to discuss chapters 18-20 of Judy Blume's 1987 YA novel, "Just as Long as We're Together." Steph, Rachel, and Alison dress like raver witches to impress Jeremy Dragon and we learn that JEREMY KNOWS RACHEL'S NAME! Rachel has been keeping a dark secret (hint: she's in advanced math), but Steph finds out and is not pleased. Jody provides the scoop (get it?) on TCBY and Westport's very own Onion Alley, and Beth shares her spatchcocking technique. There's also some hilarious impromptu diary reading, dramatic reenactments, and middle school memories. Thank you to Blume Head Sue for her letter about 7th grade frenemies!
Read MoreOur very first crossover podcast with the hilarious ladies of Vicious Cycle! Jody and Alison chat with Kate, Meg T, and Meg H about "Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret," THE period book written by Judy Blume in 1970. This is actually part two of our conversion, so don't miss part one on the Vicious Cycle feed! The gals read some absurd one star reviews, Nancy Wheeler fan fic, and share experiences with periods, pubes, bras, Tupperware boobs, sketchy tween pseudoscience, and leg shaving myths. They also play some incredible vintage '70s and '80s feminine hygiene commercials, and end the show with an epic Margaret-themed round of Jeopardy!
Read MoreBlume Head Power! A very special episode in which we unite in the name of Social Distancing with a collaborative take on "Just as Long as We're Together," by Judy Blume. Listeners Molly Sanchez, Dara Sabadin, Laura Ingles, Deanna McMillan, Sue Johnson, Helen Marangi, and Jessica Norton cover chapters 14-17 of this truly beautiful YA novel. Steph and Alison head to the Shore to bake Sadie Wishnik's famous brownies and the truth about Maizie is revealed. Steph also learns you really can have more than one best friend! Rachel gives a speech about seat belts, and the gang kills it at the bake sale. Thank you SO MUCH to the badass Blume Heads who participated, and to the Blume Heads who join us every week to listen. We love you all, sending crystal vibes to everyone out there. Extra thank you to our newest Patron, Helen! xo
Read MoreThis one's a shorty but goody! Chapters 11-13 of Judy Blume's unforgettable YA novel, "Just as Long as We're Together." Steph, Rachel, and Alison learn who Mr. Kravitz the exterminator REALLY is, Steph enters a fugue state and baptizes herself in Palfrey's Pond, Eric becomes the class hero, and Alison makes up a song about the Boy With Remarkable Eyes. Jody and Al talk about bats, contact lenses, and elaborate hand clap routines (who remembers Bo Bo?!). You also don't wanna miss a great collection of vintage commercials from 1987 or the extremely bad improv singing.
Read MoreChapters 8-10 of "Just as Long as We're Together" by the one and only Judy Blume (1987)! Jeremy Dragon casually pops into Going Places, the gals go shopping for expensive home decor, Steph discovers she can perv on the soccer field from the girls' bathroom, and we learn that Alison's mom is a famous TV star (excuse us, ACTRESS). The big question: is Gena Farrell a fictionalized Mia Farrow? Also, Judy loves ape art. Jody and Alison receive a hilarious audio correspondence from Beth Philley about her life as a teacher's pet, and sip Siesta Key Warm Tea as they chat lampshades, secret nicknames, vanilla perfume, and ponder the origins of fast fashion. Big shout out to new Patron Kristen Learned!
Read MoreIt's time for chapters 6-7 of Judy Blume's 1987 YA novel, "Just as Long as We're Together"! WARNING: Jody and Alison are running at sub-optimal performance levels, but they do it with pizzazz. Stephanie and Rachel check out Alison's house and hear a wild story from Maizie, the French-language dog. Then Bruce has a sweaty nightmare and Steph pens a nuclear disarmament appeal to Ronald Reagan over donuts. Your hosts chat vintage Water-Piks, in-home intercoms, Genesis' Land of Confusion, teachers pets, and the upcoming SUMMER SISTERS MINISERIES! A special thank you to our new Patron, Laura Ingles, and congratulations to Blume Head Becky on her recent nuptials!
Read MoreMove over Benjamin Moore, Jeremy Dragon’s heeeere! Jody and Alison read chapters 4-5 of Judy Blume’s 1987 YA novel, “Just as Long as We’re Together” and chat more about Max Headroom, the flattening of the Golden Gate Bridge, Speak & Spells, court calls, familial nudity, Cheer, Bert & Harry, and sunglass leashes. Meanwhile, our heroines start their first day of seventh grade, wear cool baggy outfits, and cover their notebooks with wallpaper. Will Rachel ever take a chill pill? Will Stephanie learn to stick up for herself? And will Alison please teach us how to be as cool as she is? Don’t forget to check out our exclusive Patreon offerings at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon!
Read MoreNew book alert! Alison and Jody start reading chapters 1-3 of Judy Blume fan favorite, “Just as Long as We’re Together.” Stephanie Hirsch and her BFF Rachel Robinson reunite after summer camp and swoon over a strategically placed poster of Richard Gere (aka Benjamin Moore). But then new girl Alison shows up at Palfrey’s Pond. Who is this mysterious barefoot Californian, and what’s up with her talking dog? We travel back to 1987 and immerse ourselves into the world of Baby Jessica, Prozac, The Simpsons on Tracey Ullman, Max Headroom, and Reagan’s “tear down this wall” speech. Jody talks about AZT and Baby M, and Alison presents a light dissertation on movies, music, and fascism’s creative influence. Oh, and we get to hear about the time she met Jessica Simpson! Finally, back by popular demand, another accent challenge – the English edition! Sending huge thank yous to Blume Head Jessica for the incredible gift, and to our brand new Patrons: Margaret C., Jami D., and Susan J.!
Read MoreIt's the big Puberty Blues Wrap-Up Party you've been waiting for! Alison and Jody dissect Bruce Beresford's 1981 adaptation of "Puberty Blues" (the iconic Aussie novel co-written by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey). They compare and contrast the film with the book with the TV show and present their research on the infamous and elusive Salami Sisters. There's also two terrific letters from Blume Heads Jeb and Arlene, and highlights from the highly-anticipated "Best/Worst American Accent Challenge." Lastly, listen closely to find out what our NEXT BOOK is! Don't forget to join our Patreon for exclusive access to our newsletter, a free sticker and Cathy koozie, Snackin' & Yakkin' videos, original Judy-themed art, and handwritten postcards! www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon
Read MoreJody and Alison finish Puberty Blues! Enter the Cocoon for chapters 15-16 of the hallowed Australian YA novel, written in 1979 by Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette. Deb gets pregnant and then not pregnant, Cheryl drops acid and puts on quite the show at assembly, the Greenhills gang succumbs to heroin, and our gals decide to drink milkshakes and START SURFING! Follow along as Alison and Jody muddle through meandering plotlines, unclear details, hash capsules, gaol and Soul Pattersons. Come back in two weeks for a final wrap-up, including Special Reports, a Puberty Blues movie review, and listener letters. Lastly, please support us by joining our Patreon at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon!
Read MoreChapters 13-14 of "Puberty Blues," written in 1979 by Australian teen authors Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey. Things are getting deadset dramatic down on Cronulla Beach. Deb pulls a Margaret and finally gets her rags! And if that's not enough, she also does a Kath and loses her virginity the very same night. But her relationship with Garry doesn't last long... (spoiler alert!) he's a heroin addict! Alison and Jody discuss Egyptian bongs and Jason Derulo's budgie smugglers. Alison makes a list of therapy talking points, and Jody reveals the BIG LIE Judy Blume told in 6th grade. A million thank yous to Blume Head Kat for telling us all about Eucalyptus Balls, and to Brandi C. for her Patronage!
Read MoreHappy 2020 Blume Heads! Jody and Alison discuss chapters 11-12 of "Puberty Blues" by Australians Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey, written in 1979. Deb gets in trouble for spending too much time behind the library with her new BF and we learn just how VILE the surfie boys actually are (JUSTICE FOR FRIEDA CUMMINS!). There's also some incredible Aussie TV commercials from the early '80s, talk about salad sandwiches, Summer Rolls and Honey Logs, bad Christmas cracker jokes, and dramatic readings. Thank you SO VERY MUCH to our new Patrons, Lisa Lester and Mandy Sutton!
Read MoreI'M ON ME RAGS! Hello and welcome to chapters 9-10 of THE Australian YA classic, "Puberty Blues," penned by teenagers Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey in 1979. Deb and Sue get drunk for the first time and it does not end well. Deb gets dropped and has an epic driveway meltdown, Sue finally gets her friendship ring, the gang roams aimlessly around Miranda Fair, and there's some strange tickling foreplay to Pat Boone. Alison talks about her disastrous day trip to Phoenix, Jody recalls her early '90s brush with Dettol, and Chef Beth helps turn some pages. Be sure to join our Patreon for more CONTENT, including our newsletter, videos, and fun goodies in the mail! www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon
Read MoreSee ya later old cheese! Join your favorite Blume Heads for chapters 7-8 of “Puberty Blues,” the iconic Australian YA novel by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (1971). Sydney surfie chicks Deb and Sue are still getting up to no good – guzzling brandyvino, dating terrible boys, watching Benny Hill, wearing see-thru underpants, and getting called to the headmaster’s office. Meanwhile, Jody and Alison discuss Singapore Social, Alison’s early adoption of UGG boots, the joy of answering machine greetings, fibro houses, and the groundbreaking Aussie soap, “Number 96.” There’s also a disturbing letter from Beth about a Vaseline-covered amputated hand, and a note from Andrea about some spooky Blume Saloon-related coincidences. And if that’s not enough, we’ve piped in some excellent Australian commercials from the late ‘70s!
Read MoreChapters 5-6 of “Puberty Blues” by Aussie teens Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (1979). The Greenhills gals don multicolored undies and take up JAZZ BALLET, Deb and Sue try surfing for the very first time, and the whole gang eats Cheezels as they wait to root in the rumpus room. Jody and Alison talk about leaky air mattresses, muckbang, boob enhancing techniques, and “equestrian duties”. There’s also some dramatic readings with try-hard Australian accents and a super informative letter from real life Australian Lisa Bee! Please consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon.
Read MoreAlison and Jody bumble through chapters 3-4 of “Puberty Blues,” written by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (when they were just 16!) in 1979. Now that Deb and Sue are in the Greenhills Gang, their next mission is to get spunky older boyfriends. And to lose their virginities at the drive-in. Jody presents some Mini Special Reports on the various types of Australian accents and ‘70s-era panel vans. Alison recalls her school’s water fountain etiquette and learning how sex works. There’s also a lot of talk about finger buns, paddocks, bison, bubblers, and Pimp My Ride. Finally, huge thank you to our new Patrons: Lisa Bee, Amy Michael, Bronwyn, and Nathan! Please consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon.
Read MoreOh, handle it ya slack-arse molls! We are starting a NEW BOOK, "Puberty Blues," written by Australian authors Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey in 1979! Travel with Jody and Al through chapters 1-2, to Sydney's southern beaches, where surfie chicks and spunky guys eat Chiko Rolls, wear straight-legged Levis, and suck whole oranges in the back of the bus. Protagonists Deb and Sue are two 13-year-old gals who just want to be part of the coolest crew around, the Greenhills Gang. Despite doing all the "right" things, they can't seem to break in — until a fateful call to the headmaster's office gets them noticed by top girls Tracey and Cheryl. To set the scene, Alison presents her findings on Young Talent Time, Luna Park, and 1979's top hits. Meanwhile, Jody gives the scoop on The Red Bikini Girl, the Truro Murders, and provides essential Aussie slang translation. Huge thank you to our very first Patreon donors: Katy Greenspan, Becky Tomkins, Jessica Going, Jessica Norton, Jack Knoebber, Schmoo Theune, Deanna McMillan, and Suzanne Krempasky! Be sure to join us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon
Read MoreSuch a delight to have author and funny lady Amanda Rosenberg join us in the Cocoon! Alison and Jody chitchat with Amanda about her new book, “That's Mental: Painfully Funny Things That Drive Me Crazy About Being Mentally Ill” as well as British boarding school life, shoes with keys in the soles, the crazy-chic aesthetic of “Girl, Interrupted” and the nightmare of book promotion. There’s also a lot of Goosebumps, Point Horror, Adrian Mole, and Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul talk. Oh, and let’s not forget the iconic '90s-era Titanic Quiz. Do YOU know why Jack was allowed in the fancy dining room? Pre-order “That’s Mental” now! www.indiebound.org/book/9781684422890
Read MoreA very special episode in which Jody and Alison wrap up 20+ weeks of Judy Blume’s “Summer Sisters.” The gals dig up Judy’s history with Martha’s Vineyard and her very own Psycho House, what inspired her to write the book, and which character she loves (but her husband hates)! There’s also a historically accurate reenactment of Lena Dunham’s 2014 interview, Vix and Caitlin fan fic readings, book reviews from internet randos, and some awesome Blume Head letters. Lastly, may we present a Special Report on Pseudocide, Steve Rambam, Frank Ahearn, skip tracers, death kits, and the hotness of Jonathan Groff. OH YEAH, AND THERE’S AN EARTHQUAKE! P.S. – We announce our next book at the very end, so keep your ears peeled.
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