Episode 47: Esther in Waiting

The weird world of "Wifey" is getting wilder! In Judy Blume's groundbreaking 1978 novel about bleakest suburbia, Sandy get the Gon-Gon and has to notify all her lovers, Shep brings some soul-crushing real talk, Banushka goes for a ride, and the Motorbator's identity is revealed... maybe. Jody and Alison discuss chapters 22-24, complete with readings, sidebars, and expert analysis. They also announce the first ever Blume Head of the week recipient(s): Muses and Stuff podcast! Wanna be next? Write us a letter, spread the word, draw us a picture, just do something cool. We don't care!

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Alison Michael
Episode 46: A Silky Mushroom

Sandy strikes out! Join Alison and Jody as they recap chapters 20-21 of Judy Blume's 1978 erotic novel, "Wifey." Secret motel liaisons, a rendez-vous at The Cape, and quite possibly the first signs of a psychotic break. Jody develops a theory about who (or what) Sandy Pressman REALLY is, while Alison reveals her obsession with the Met Gala. Tune in for some great forgotten '70s commercials, melodramatic readings, and reminiscing about a simpler time... a time when you could smoke on planes. 

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Alison Michael
Episode 45: Pouilly Fuissé Chardonnay

Storm's a-brewin' in chapters 17-19 of Judy Blume's "Wifey"! Sandy gets crushed at the Club tournament, hijacks a golf cart, has an intense car-fight with Norm, and decides to give Shep a buzz. Meanwhile, Myra considers divorce and Steve hunts for his very own Mrs. Robinson. The girls receive a great letter from a new Blume Head, Alison gives a lesson on low-number license plates, and Jody uncovers another thrilling Jimmy Buffet connection.

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Alison Michael
Episode 44: Little Sand Shark

Sandy's world gets more bizarre as Jody an Alison cover chapters 15-16 of Judy Blume's 1978 novel about a horny housewife. The twins get bogo rhinoplasties, Sandy has her date with Vincent X. Moseley and hunts for Shep, Myra finds out Gordy is cheating, and a sexy, hairy plumber appears. Jody presents a Special Report on '70s nose jobs, while Alison does her finest voice acting yet. But the best part is Blume Head Rebecca's letter, which prompts Al and Jody to reminisce about how they met, how The Blume Saloon was born, and who the mystery podcast mascot is. *** Use code BLUME to receive 15% off any Sudio headphones at https://goo.gl/RRzTao! Free shipping!

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Alison Michael
Episode 43: Got No Strings

Holy organza! Alison and Jody read through "Wifey" chapters 12-14, which contain THE raunchiest scenes ever re-enacted within the Blume Cocoon. Sandy goes commando and reconnects with Shep at the Club Formal, then gets the full treatment from her Gyno-Bro Gordon, and finally realizes she hates golf. It's a Judy Blume book club! Join us every week. *** Use code BLUME to receive 15% off any Sudio headphones at https://goo.gl/RRzTao! Free shipping!

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Alison Michael
Episode 42: Everybody Watchung Tonight

It's a full house! Jody and Alison envelop author and Literary Death Match creator, Adrian Todd Zuniga, into the Cocoon to chat about his new book, "Collision Theory," his journey to becoming a bona fide novelist, and the time he HUNG OUT with Judy Blume in Miami! Then, Blume Head Cathy drops by to discuss chapters 10-11 of "Wifey," Judy's positively naughty adult novel from 1978. Sandy gets a pixie cut, argues with Norm about his asshole mother, and remembers her cringeworthy wedding night at the Kennedy Airport hotel. The girls discuss ice-filled bathtubs, firehouse sweet sixteens, New Jersey topography, 1970s racial tensions, and bad sex. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

Be sure to check out "Collision Theory," "...a headlong and heartaching modern masterwork. It's suddenness, unexpectedness, humor, and humanity make for an unforgettable read." https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781945572821

And find out if Literary Death Match is coming to a town near you! It’s super fun. literarydeathmatch.com

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Alison Michael
Episode 41: Beige on Beige on Beige

Our beefiest episode yet! Alison and Jody cover chapters 7-9 of Judy Blume's sexy, fantasy-filled adult novel, "Wifey." Sandy decides to be her best self on the eve of 1970, has a mind-blowing open marriage convo with Lisbeth, and spots Shep on the train. She receives some obscene phone calls and another visit from the Mystery Motorcycle Masturbator. Jody presents two Special Reports on vasectomy pins and the numerology of Judy Blume, while Alison hosts a 1970s pop culture quiz. And, of course, there are lots and lots of dramatic readings showcasing the worst New York accents of all time. 

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Alison Michael
Episode 40: Mister Sunshine

In chapters 4-6 of Judy Blume's scandalous 1978 novel, Wifey, Sandy Pressman evades a crew of expat swingers, finds a new way to entertain herself on the beach, and learns about ganja from her 10-year-old son. Norman continues to be a total douche, but has inexplicably become a choice cut for the ravenous Club Ladies. Sparing no gory detail, Jody and Alison read aloud the most wild/excruciating/sexy moments and are still left wondering: what the hell is going on?! Was the mystery man in madras shorts real? You tell us!

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Alison Michael
Episode 39: Sticks and Wees

Alison and Jody start a new book... WIFEY!!! Judy wrote it, her first adult novel, in 1978 above a Los Alamos donut shop and turned the literary world upside-down. The gals read chapters 1-3, present some 1970 deep cuts, and find themselves wrapped up in Sandy's wild world of unexplained illness and frenzied masturbation. The Pressmans argue over half-baked Chicken Piquant, Sandy finds the pervy ghost of Evel Knieval on her lawn, and Myra battles a Jamaican customs officer over 300 pounds of frozen meat.

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Alison Michael
Episode 38: PB for BB

The "Blubber" finale! Things take a turn for Jill as she finds herself in Linda's shoes. More dramatic bathroom encounters, bus stop brawls, and Kiddie Justice ensue. Alison and Jody re-enact all the crucial scenes and provide whiskey-fueled analysis on the characters' motivations. They also read a sweet letter from an Ohio Blume Head and bust out some 1974 issues of Teen Star Gossip magazine to bring you all the hottest news on style, slang, and celebrity rumors. Hint: Elvis has packed on the pounds! Pooh-pooh-pe-doo. 

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Alison Michael
Episode 37: Corduroy Hemorrhoids

Three's company! Special guest Beth joins Alison and Jody to discuss Judy Blume's "Blubber," chapters 13-16. The tables have turned and the bullies are on their way to sweet Kiddie Justice. Jill eats a toilet sandwich at Warren Winkler's Bar Mitzvah, Linda and Kenny become BFFs, and Judge Wendy presides over the trial of the century. Beth recalls a (literally) shocking childhood memory, Jody and Alison discover that they're Whale Twins, and the gals dive deep into Judy Blume's inner psyche with a Judy Q's quiz. Did you know that Judy has a lover named Archie?

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Alison Michael
Episode 36: A Federal Offense

Happy birthday week, Judy!!! Queen Bees, frenemies, bullies, and betches. Is there no end to Linda Fischer's living nightmare? Alison and Jody read chapters 10-12 of "Blubber," Judy Blume's 1974 YA novel. Jill writes a nasty letter to the Superior Stamp Company (just like the one Jody wrote to Ann M. Martin), Mrs. Sandmeier drops a bomb, Linda is force-fed a fake ant, and Mr. Machinist catches his culprits. Join us for some vintage commercials, Toddlers & Tiaras recaps, and a "Which Classic High School Queen Be Are You?" quiz. Take the quiz (link on our Facebook page), tell us which Queen Bee you are, and you just might win a pin! 

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Alison Michael
Episode 35: Bad Witches

Poor Linda Fischer! Despite her new celery diet she continues to get bullied by the Mean Girls of class 206. Jody and Alison plow through chapters 7-9 of Judy Blume's YA classic, "Blubber," with recaps, dramatic readings, and of course some singing. Jill loses her tooth during a choir performance, Linda really nails an unintentional solo (brrrrreast!), and a kickball accident sends Linda to the nurse's office. Blume Head Jeb shares an incredible letter about reading "Forever" as a ten year old, and last but not least, the great Fart vs. Burp debate is solved once and for all.

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Alison Michael
Episode 34: Shart on the Bart

Take a seat inside the Blume Cocoon for chapters 4-6 of Judy Blume's 1974 novel, "Blubber." This episode is chock full of bullies, bitches, and BMs. Poor Linda is harassed in the bathroom, the gang gets up to no good on Halloween night, and fan favorite Miss Rothbelle sings bizarre lullabies while touching every student one by one. To wind down, Jody and Alison share personal horror stories of bladder and bowel mishaps. PS - Be sure to check out the Blume Saloon Boutique for some super fun merch: zazzle.com/theblumesaloon

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Alison Michael
Episode 33: Robert Redford Arnold Palmer

The gals start a NEW BOOK, "Blubber" – written by Judy Blume in 1974 as a first-hand account of 5th grade mean girls and bullying. Linda Fischer gives a speech on whales, Jill decides to be an asshole flenser for Halloween, Wendy turns into a baby Regina George, and cool Kenny drops some Guinness Book knowledge. Alison and Jody travel back in time to the mid-'70s bringing you some real talk on current events, movies, and music of the era. Jody learns the truth behind margarine, and Alison recalls the time her regrettable costume won her a free skate party.

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Alison Michael
Odds and Ends #6: Forever Movie Night

WE'RE BACK, kicking off 2018 with super in-depth coverage of the made-for-TV movie, "Forever." Released in 1978 and starring Stephanie Zimbalist, Dean Butler, and Diana Scarwid, this film is the opposite of timeless – in the best possible way! Get ready for ren faire, Sexy Surfer Santa, so many Vivaldi montages, and a truly magical tree house. Alison and Jody compare/contrast the move with the Judy Blume novel, provide expert analysis on outfits, decor, soundtrack selections, and Bone Zone accuracy. Jody recalls a triggering musical moment from her childhood, and Alison impersonates a security alarm with gusto. 

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Alison Michael
Episode 32: Psychology Two

Alison and Jody FINALLY finish "Forever..." Judy Blume's 1975 novel about a young girl's journey through first love, sex, and spinach. Grandpa passes away and Kath and Theo share a special moment. Mike surprises Kath at camp, but although he buys her a lobster dinner it does not end well. Jody and Al discuss their predictions and read from "Letters to Judy." Join us after the new year for a Very Special Forever Movie Review!

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Alison Michael
Episode 31: Obone Zone

Sybil has her baby, Kath experiments with reverse cowgirl, the gang graduates high school and takes a trip Down The Shore to LBI. It's all here in chapters 20-23 of Judy Blume's "Forever..." Most notably, Kath goes to CAMP! She meets a hunky young tennis coach who makes her question her true love vow to Michael. Alison and Jody are in it to win it with more dramatic readings and graphic descriptions of teen lust. They read a letter from Teen Male Correspondent, Royce, and relive memories of Alison's pop punk music video stardom. It's a sort of book club. Join us every week! And be sure to enter our "Invent-an-Aftershave" challenge. We want listeners to dream up their wildest aftershave/cologne names. Bonus points if you provide artwork. Send entries to blumesaloon@gmail.com!

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Alison Michael
Episode 30: That's Jaunty!

So much drama this week! Alison and Jody read through chapters 17-19 of Judy Blume's turbulent 1975 novel, "Forever..." Kath receives terrible news that could shatter her future plans with Mike, Erica decides she needs to be single, Artie takes drastic measures, and the gang gets hammered at The Playground. Meanwhile, Al and Jodes reminisce about their Warped Tour punk days, summer camp, and piranha-filled dorm room bars. Last but not least, Jody quizzes Alison on '70s-era aftershave slogans: Non-Sense or Right on the Nose?

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Alison Michael
Episode 29: Kisses and Conversation

Happy Thanksgiving! Alison and Jody sail through chapters 14-16 of "Forever..." by the one and only Judy Blume. Kath, being the savvy young woman she is now, takes a day trip to New York City and swings by Planned Parenthood to get THE PILL! Then she and Mike both catch the flu. But they soon get better and go to the bone zone approximately seventy-three times in one weekend. Also, Jody reveals the deep, dark underworld of Judy Blume fan fic, and Alison practices her voiceover skills.

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Alison Michael