We're still languishing in La La Land with Rusty and her co-star Felix, through chapters 19-20 of the 1981 Norma Klein YA classic, "Domestic Arrangements." Rusty gets cornrows and spends a naked night with Felix over Nova Scotia salmon and Champagne, Joshua Poshua is MIA (potentially Andover-bound), Alison forms a Little Boy Parade, and Jody learns a new word. Listen along for the usual dramatic radio plays, mess-ups, and uncontrollable singing/swearing. The girls also have a first look at Gabrielle Moss' brand-new book about '80s and '90s teen fiction series, "Paperback Crush." Super duper congratulations to this week's Blume Head of the Week, Mary Ann!
Read MoreRusty's going to California all by herself! But she's 14, she can handle it, right? Join Alison, Jody, and a bottle of Courvoisier to discuss chapters 17-18 of "Domestic Arrangements" by Norma Klein. Mom leaves town and Daddy quickly replaces her with Abigail, Deel loses her virginity while a five-year-old child sleeps soundly on the floor, Rusty hops on a flight to LA, and Joshua Poshua proves to be Numero Uno Stalker of 1981. Jody and Al reveal their embarrassing internet screen names, and reminisce about trundle beds and Neneh Cherry. They also recap their recent interview with BBC Entertainment News on the upcoming "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" movie! Finally, congratulations to Blume Head of the Week, Amy Wilson Sheldon!
Read MoreAlison and Jody have a SUPER exciting announcement to make, along with their regular "Domestic Arrangements" programming. The gals read chapters 15-16 of Norma Klein's 1981 novel about teen sex and stardom, and things just keep getting weirder. Daddy receives an obscene phone call and Rusty is interviewed by People magazine. Don't worry, she continues to say all the wrong things and her parents remain eternally incompetent. Jody and Al talk about early internet relationships, teacher-bullies, and the OG Degrassi. They receive a wonderful letter from former Blume Head of the Week, Jill, who writes about her complicated relationship with Judy Blume. And congrats to this week's Blume Head of the Week, Jennifer Kathleen!
Read MoreIt's a Valentine's Mystery! Alison and Jody read chapter 14 of Norma Klein's "Domestic Arrangements," where Rusty tries to figure out who Daddy's secret admirer is. She also goes into battle with Joshua Poshua and totally MURDERS her fram. Speaking of murder, Jody presents a Special Report on the Scarsdale Diet and the scandal involving Dr. Tarnower's jilted lover. Join the girls for some rosé, melodramatic readings, technology failures, and another glorious update from The Karen Files. Ginormous congrats to this week's Blume Head of the Week, J. Meredith!
Read MoreAll aboard! Jody and Alison analyze chapters 12-13 of "Domestic Arrangements," a YA treasure written by Norma Klein in 1981. Rusty poses with some cherries for Seventeen Magazine and does an exclusive interview on cable TV (you don't wanna miss this lively reenactment)! She also goes back to school but finds herself accosted by her jealous classmates. Rude! The gals present another treasure from The Karen Files and receive some fabulous tidbits about Barbizon and Scoliosis from Blume Head Helen. Come inside the Cocoon for idle banter about the creative liberties of James Franco, the shooting in Jody's backyard, '80s blush, and pre-teen nymphettes (ugh!). Congratulations to Jennie McKeon, this week's Blume Head of the Week!
Read MoreA star is born! Alison and Jody eat gross shooting star cookies (sorry!) as they cover chapters 10-11 of “Domestic Arrangements,” written by Norma Klein in 1981. Rusty receives some glowing movie reviews, test drives her new “acquisition,” and discovers that mom has a not-so-secret lover! We also learn more about the day Rusty and Joshua met (hint: it involves nude pix!). Al and Jody chat spermicide, Mary Kay Letourneau, and Lanz nightgowns. They receive another thrilling batch from The Karen Files, and end the episode with a Celebre-teen Wedding quiz! Did you know that Milla Jovovich married her "Dazed and Confused" co-star?! Finally, Congrats to Blume Head of the week Jami D.!
Read MoreBack from the dead, and it's even better the second time 'round! Alison and Jody motor through chapters 8-9 of Norma Klein's 1981 novel, "Domestic Arrangements." They present another fascinating letter from The Karen Files and interview Jody's English Mum about her adventures with the f-word. Meanwhile, Rusty baby-sits Kerim and makes up with Joshua via a blowjob, Dad is appalled at her Christmas request, and Deel throws some fightin' words. The movie premiere is a great success, but Mom's jealousy starts to rear its ugly head. Why can't anyone be happy for Rusty?! Come into the Cocoon for all sorts of extraneous chat about weird fan clubs, The Real World, shame at the Buffalo Exchange, denim-on-denim, and Tommy Wiseau. And ginormous congratulations to Blume Head of the Week, Helen Marangi!
Read MoreGood lord, this one's a doozy. Alison and Jody make their way through chapters 6-7 of Norma Klein's "Domestic Arrangements," published in 1981. The girls get an incredible, intriguing letter from a Blume Head with some serious intel. They chit chat about millennial strawberries, the Clueless Targ-Bucks takeover, chairs shaped like hands, THC drops, Jock Jams, great tits, and Gunne Sax. Meanwhile, Rusty's dad turns 50 and celebrates with some Dobos Torte and a semi-surprise party, Deel gets "totally zonked," Mom reveals her home-wrecking history, and Charlie gets very, very creepy. Most importantly, Rusty's film premieres and Joshua ain't impressed. He didn't even like "Kramer vs. Kramer!" Congratulations to Blume Head of the Week Audrey Sprenger!
Read MoreBreaking news: Rusty's in a movie, y'all! Jody and Alison cover chapters 4-5 of Norma Klein's 1981 YA novel "Domestic Arrangements," where fourteen-year-old Tatiana (aka Rusty) has lots of mediocre sex with her boyfriend, attends a bizarre giant penis photography show with Daddy, and is going to be the star in a new Columbia Pictures movie. She will appear nude in said movie. WTF?! Along with the usual dramatic readings and chapter summaries, Alison and Jody chat about San Francisco's world class public transit system, classic films, and a mini-Special Report on VCRs. Hearty congrats to Blume Head of the Week, Alex!
Read MoreAlison and Jody are back in the Cocoon to talk about Norma Klein’s “Domestic Arrangements” chapter 3! This one’s a shortie, but we’ll get back to our regular programming next week. Rusty has a horrifically forthright conversation with her “cool mom” and butters Daddy up after his chat with the Laskers. We learn that Joshua has some naked pics, and most importantly, that Rusty has starred in some kind of mysterious exploitation movie. WHAT?! Total cliffhanger. The gals talk about their first non-kisses, Jody discovers she’s a swinger, and Alison teaches us the correct pronunciation of “Stuyvesant.” If that's not enough, tune in for the vintage commercials from 1981 and the melodramatic radio plays. Finally, congratulations to GemerGemer for being this week’s Blume Head of the Week!
Read MoreAre you ready for a new book? How about a new author? Or a new co-host? Alison is out this week, but Sara joins Jody in the Cocoon to discuss chapters 1-2 of Norma Klein’s 1981 novel, “Domestic Arrangements.” Not only was Norma one of Judy Blume’s close pals, they both found themselves on the “Most Banned” lists for YA fiction in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Jody and Sara present their research on the pop culture, music, fashion, and weird facts about the year of their new heroine, Rusty Engelberg. Fourteen-year-old Rusty gets caught having sex with Joshua in the bathroom at 3 a.m., Daddy goes postal, sister Deel is jealous, and Mom don’t care. Tune in for dramatic readings, literary analysis, and lots of mini-special reports! And congratulations to Blume Head of the Week, Chalon B!
Read MoreIt's the final "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" episode! Alison and Jody wrap up chapter 10 of Judy Blume's brilliant book, the one where Fudge Hatcher does the unspeakable. You know what it is. Peter is devastated by the loss of Dribble, and no one seems to care! Will his family ever make it up to him? Alison presents an exclusive interview with Blume Head Amanda -- a real live person who grew up in 1970s Manhattan -- while Jody gives a Special Report on the hellish '70s NYC subway system and the Guardian Angels. Alison's Fudge impressions are on point and Jody decides to Save the Turtles. Finally, hearty congrats to Darisa and Jack, our mother/son Blume Heads of the Week!
Read MoreThe Hatcher men are on their own! Alison and Jody cover chapters 8-9 of Judy Blume's delightful "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." Fudge becomes the star of a new Toddle Bike commercial, Peter gets his first kiss from Dad's secretary, there's a movie theater emergency during "A Bear's Life," and Dad cooks a truly disgusting 12-egg omelette (with mushrooms). Join the gals for their most earnest, enthusiastic dramatic readings yet, memories from Alison's bachelorette party, and some fantastic Blume Head correspondences. And congratulations to Blume Head of the Week: Missy Badberg!
Read MoreJoin Alison and Jody as they cruise through chapters 5-7 of Judy Blume’s 1972 childhood treasure, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing!” Fudge turns three and has an absolute shitshow birthday party with a puker, a biter, and a crybaby. Peter grows increasingly resentful of his li’l bro, especially after being forced to do a weird balloon dance. The fam spends a day in the city which ends with mashed potato wall art and a cascade of peas. And to top it all off, Peter’s transportation committee falls apart with Sheila and Jimmy Fargo’s constant bickering. Jody reminisces about British parlour games, and Alison provides some goss on a recent helicopter hijacking. Tune in for bad Star Wars impressions, dramatic readings, and two wonderful listener letters. Finally, congratulations to Mark Durica for being Blume Head of the Week!
Read MoreAlison and Jody zip through chapters 3-4 of "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," one of Judy Blume's most famous novels, written in 1972. Fudge gets a cereal bath and has a jungle gym accident in Central Park, Peter gets into trouble with Mom, and we finally meet the legendary Sheila Tubman. Alison remembers being a very mature five-year-old, and Jody shares her secret to the perfect headstand (it's all about triangles, y'all). The gals also ponder an important question: does dope mean heroin or weed? And finally, congratulations to Debb, this week's Blume Head of the Week!
Read MoreNew book alert! Alison and Jody take you back to early '70s New York City, the world of Peter Hatcher and pesky Fudge, as they read chapters 1-2 of Judy Blume's kid lit hit "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing." Jody gives a Special Report on the unprecedented spate of bizarre airline hijackings in 1972, while Alison sets the scene and walks us through the popular music, movies, and TV of the era. There's also a lot of talk about fake plants. Meanwhile, Peter's just trying to live his best fourth grade life but Fudge creates all sorts of problems for anyone who crosses his path. Dad loses the Juicy-O account, Mom loses some flowers, but Peter wins a pet turtle!
Read MoreYou thought "Wifey" was over? Hah, not quite! Alison and Jody wrap up Judy Blume's scandalous 1978 novel and say goodbye to Sandy Pressman the only way they know how: Special Reports, decades-old People and Bust magazine interviews, hilarious one-star book reviews, and a Jeopardy quiz. Alison digs up some dirt on the history of key parties, and boy are you in for a shocker. We also learn what a Hot Karl is. Meanwhile, Jody uncovers Judy's secret stints as pop songstress and DIY maker. Last but not least, huge congratulations to our Blume Head of the Week: Street Jaime!
Read MoreCan you believe it?! Jody, Alison, and special guest Cathy finish "Wifey," Judy Blume's outrageous sexy adult novel published in 1978! Sandy tells Norm she has The Clap, he goes ballistic, she spends the night in the attic with a Snoopy sleeping bag, and we finally learn more about Brenda Partington Yvlenski via the Tufts Box Letters. Oh, and the Motorbator makes one last appearance. Alison talks about the time she got beat by a pop-up tent in Hawaii, Jody writes a diaphragm jingle, and Cathy drops some knowledge on noodle pudding. Tune in for some great '70s commercials, girl talk, and the finest faux Jersey accents this side of the Mississippi. Lastly, congratulations to this week's Blume Head of the Week, Sandy Shelly!
Read MoreThe 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!
Read MoreSandy 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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