Episode 26: The Targ-Bucks

Alison and Jody tackle chapters 4-6 of Judy Blume's iconic work of YA fiction, "Forever..." Kath continues to rebuff Michael's persistent advances, Erica wonders why Artie isn't into her, and Elizabeth throws a party for the cast of "Butterflies Are Free." Oh, and who could forget The Great Soap Fight of 1975?! It's a real whirlwind of lemon chiffon cake, backgammon, and pillow talk.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 25: Crabapples

The gals start reading "Forever..." Judy Blume's controversial novel about first love and first sex! Alison and Jody set the scene by exploring life in 1975 – the music, the movies, and current events. The Vietnam War is finally over, "Jaws" slays the box office, and disco's coming to town! They discuss chapters 1-3 and find themselves both intrigued and repulsed by Michael, Katherine's new beau. But her bra-less mom is awesome. Tune in for an extra-long episode full of teenage fondue parties, latch hook rugs, embroidered jeans, and too many tangents to count. Things are heating up, but will Katherine decide to go... all the way? Special thanks to Blume Head Schmoo for the intel on Summit, New Jersey.

Read More
Alison Michael
Odds and Ends #5: The Scoli Special

After all this "Deenie" talk, have you been wondering what it's like to wear a Milwaukee brace? Been reminiscing about your own toe-touch screenings in P.E.? Ever thought about which scoliosis celebrity you are? Well, this is the episode for you! Alison and Jody put on their nerd glasses to bring you the who/what/why of all things scoliosis, including some of the controversy on different treatments. They also read two gorgeous letters from Blume Heads sharing their own bracing stories. Lastly, the gals announce the next book: "FOREVER," Judy Blume's 1975 novel about... you know what!

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 24: Roast Beef Cigarettes

It's the Deenie Finale, y'all! Alison and Jody wrap up chapters 19-21 of Judy Blume's 1973 angst-ridden novel about scoliosis and special places. Deenie befriends Barb (aka Creeping Crud), makes out with Buddy Brader at Janet's basement party, and finally bonds with sister Helen. Al and Jodes discuss mean and murderous doctors, censorship, and Pound Puppies. Last but not least, they receive field correspondence from a Blume Head who wore a Boston brace!

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 23: Waste-A-Face

Deenie makes it through her first day of school with the brace (just barely)! She’s become a real sasspot, but is still putty in the hands of Buddy Brader. Jody and Alison cover chapters 15-18 of “Deenie,” Judy Blume’s mega-angsty YA novel about a gal and her S-curve. The ladies put their voice-acting skills to the test with a TON of dramatic readings and re-enactments. They receive a wonderful letter from a devout Blume Head in Berlin, Alison reminisces about cringeworthy middle school dances, and Jody recalls a run-in with her high school math teacher and a spool of thread.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 22: I'm the Captain Now

The Angst-O-Meter is in the red! Jody and Alison talk about chapters 11-14 of Judy Blume's YA novel "Deenie," in which their heroine suffers a Britney-inspired psychotic break after being fitted into her Milwaukee brace. Not even Ma's eggplant parm will help. Tune in for some bad backs, bad haircuts, and bad a capella. Check our Facebook page for a chance to win a Blume Saloon pin and your very own vintage copy of "Deenie!"

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 21. If You Do Know, Then You Know

Poor Deenie has scoliosis! And she has to wear a Milwaukee brace for four years! Alison and Jody discuss chapters 7-10 of Judy Blume's "Deenie," a true YA classic. Join them in the sweltering Blume Cocoon as they reminisce about awkward hand-holding, learn about the history of X-rated movies, and take a quiz to see what 1970s celebrity they are. Who's gonna get stuck with Donny Osmond? Check our Facebook page to take the quiz for a chance to win a Blume Saloon pin and your very own vintage copy of "Deenie!"

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 20: A Commando Cult

Join Al and Jodes as they analyze chapters 4-6 of Judy Blume's ninth novel, "Deenie." Follow along as Deenie fights with her overbearing Ma, tries to escape the Creeping Crud, and is repeatedly asked to touch her toes by the grownups in her life. Something's up, and our gal Deenie doesn't like it. Also in this episode: a special report on special education, and a wonderful package of vintage goodies from a Massachusetts Blume Head. 

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 19: Slow Grapevine

Alison and Jody crack open "Deenie," Judy Blume's YA novel about a beautiful teen with scoliosis! Deenie gets rejected from Barbizon, disappoints her ma, and doesn't make the cheer squad. But she does get a few lunchtime stares from Buddy Brader! Meanwhile, Jody and Alison take a look at life in 1973, swap stories of disastrous cheerleading tryouts, sisterly rivalry, and practice their ASMR technique. Get out your back braces and join us, won't ya?

Read More
Alison Michael
Odds and Ends #4: Alison's Return!

Join the gals for a mini-episode to welcome back Alison and special guest baby Poe! Jody, Beth, and Al test their knowledge of early-70s pop culture and Aussie slang, do a recitation of the fifty nifty United States, and resume lots of talk about weed. They will start reading "Deenie" next week.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 18: Rolling Nightmare

Beth and Jody finish "Then Again, Maybe I Won't"! They review chapters 9 and 10, in which Lisa gets a Corvette, Joel gets what he deserves, and Tony gets some inner peace. Beth tells the tale of how she once crashed into a 7-Eleven storefront, and Jody talks a lot about weed. They also play some vintage 1970s TV commercials and read an incredible letter from a Blume Head with a Blue Box.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 17: The In-Between Coat

Jody and Beth are back in the Blume Cocoon to talk all about chapter 8 of Judy Blume's 1971 novel, "Then Again, Maybe I Won't." The girls discuss some very mediocre shoplifting adventures, Beth's Montessori school for budding tyrants, and Jody's rekindled obsession with Parrot Heads. Meanwhile, poor Tony Miglione ends up in the hospital after a killer case of gas... err... Nervous Stomach.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 16: Ted and His Mustache

Jody and Beth hold down the Blume Cocoon while Alison's out on maternity leave! This week, they provide in-depth coverage of chapter 7 of "Then Again, Maybe I Won't" by Judy Blume. Tony (kind of) wins his big basketball game, the three amigos get wasted in Joel's basement, and Ted's secret lover is revealed (hint: her last name rhymes with "goober"). Jody shares her research on the wild world of phone phreaking, and Beth gets gets all science-y with a fascinating talk on Valium, Barium, and Nervous Stomach.

Read More
Alison Michael
Odds and Ends #3: 1971 Immersion Course

 

Take a breather from Tony's boners and travel back to 1971 by way of vintage TV commercials, hip slang and hot celebrity couples (some real and some faux). Alison's out on maternity leave, but the gals have you covered. Play along with their quizzes and keep listening until the very end to find out who Michael Jackson and Gene Simmons have in common. We'll get back to "Then Again, Maybe I Won't," Judy Blume's glorious novel about adolescent boyhood, next week.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 15: Thunder Thighs

Burps, binocs, and boners! Alison and Jody talk about chapters 5 and 6 of "Then Again, Maybe I Won't," Judy Blume's popular YA novel about a seventh-grade dude in the throes of puberty. Along the way, they swig root beer, make up songs, and attempt to figure out why boys are so weird.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 14: The Bouquet Residence

Grubby shoplifters. Hot swimmers. Ugly babies. Mad grandmas. And... raging boners! Jody and Alison make their way through chapters 3 and 4 of Then Again, Maybe I Won't, Judy Blume's groundbreaking young adult novel about "a boy with problems." Alison recounts her first five-finger discount and a run-in with airport security, while Jody drops some Flip Wilson trivia and learns how to hide a pocket rocket.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 13: Power to the Larrys

Alison and Jody bravely enter the world of pre-teen boys as they discuss chapters 1 and 2 of "Then Again, Maybe I Won't," Judy Blume's fourth novel. They also take a deeper look into the pop culture, music, and events of 1971 – the year of Tony Miglione! Jody gives a lesson on laryngectomies, while Alison practices her burp talking. Come join the girls inside the Blume Cocoon for laughs, deep thoughts, and wet dreams.

Read More
Alison Michael
Odds and Ends #2: Tiger Eyes Movie Night

For hardcore Blume Heads only! In this mini-episode, Alison and Jody analyze and review the beautiful film adaptation of Judy Blume's cherished novel, Tiger Eyes. Jody also recounts her recent pilgrimage to Margaritaville Las Vegas, and reveals a thrilling discovery.

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 12: Tall Lady Pig Bomb

The Tiger Eyes finale! Alison and Jody wrap up this epic Judy Blume novel – chapters 33-40 – discussing Davey's killer "Oklahoma!" performance, her emotional farewell to her father, and the Wexler family's move back to New Jersey. Also, Jody and Alison compare tongues and do Miss Piggy impressions. Last but not least, crystals are back!

Read More
Alison Michael
Episode 11: Poop Division

In the penultimate Tiger Eyes episode Jody and Alison talk about chapters 26-32, Davey's turbulent home life, the loss of her friend Mr. Ortiz, and an extremely successful audition for the high school musical. Alison emcees a "That's So Judy" quiz, and Jody tries to solve the age-old question, "Where do nerds come from?" Also in this episode: lots of dramatic readings and awful attempts at Spanish.

Read More
Alison Michael