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
Episode 28: Chimps Riding Bikes

Kath and Mike FINALLY do it! So settle in for lots of awkward sexy readings as Alison and Jody cover chapters 10-13 of  "Forever...", a 1975 classic. The gals workshop new names for their lady parts and reveal the shocking truth about Ralph. They also receive a truly outrageous letter from a devout Blume Head who literally dreamed up the next Judy Blume novel.

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Alison Michael
Episode 27: Meet Ralph

Pour yourself a glass of Scotch, you're gonna need it! Come join Alison and Jody as they bravely venture through chapters 7-9 of Judy Blume's notorious YA novel, "Forever..." Erica vows to help Artie discover his sexual orientation, while Kath and Mike head to the mountains for some skiing and dry humping. We also meet a new character this week: Ralph. Get ready for a very special report, a thought-provoking quiz, and about 15 combined minutes of laughter that probably should have been edited out.

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Alison Michael
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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!"

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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!"

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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. 

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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?

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Alison Michael