The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Latest Episodes:

148. Ballet Shoe Battle Royale Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 19-20. Sally has a foot fungus and gets competitive over Margaret O'Brien's ballet slipper, Douglas finds a crunchy surprise in his chow mein, and Peter Hornstein rudely compares Sally to New Girl Jackie. Jody and Alison obsess over this wonderful Judy Blume novel about friends, frenemies, and family set in 1940s Miami Beach. Get ready for some great(?) dramatic readings, heavy analysis of the "Unfinished Dance" shoe contest, memories of roaches at La Madeline, and a shout-out to Love Island Australia. It's a Judy Blume Book club. Join us every week!

147. Toothpick in the Ashtray Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 17-18. Join Jody and Alison as they read, re-enact, and discuss this fan-fave Judy Blume novel! Sally fancies herself a mixologist and tries homemade creme de cacao, Virus X makes its way through Miami Beach, Barbara shares a family secret, and Shelby goes missing (watch your back, Mr. Zavodsky!). Your hosts chat about Beverly Cleary (RIP, legend), read a letter from Blume Head Martha, and Alison presents a Mini Special Report on the Shelborne Hotel. Millions of thank yous to our new Patrons, Danielle and Ally! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

146. Butterfly Kisses Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 15-16. In this iconic children's novel by Judy Blume, Sally gets chastised for playing with paper dolls, is brutally attacked by a man o' war, and kicked in the face by Georgia Blue Eyes. Jody and Alison ponder the art of convalescence, read TWO letters from UK Blume Heads, and Alison presents a very thorough Siphonophore Special Report. Thanks to Mary Anne and Vikki for their wonderful letters, and to Brandee and Vikki for their Patronage! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

145. Chickens with a View Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 13-14. Jody and Alison read and examine this beloved Judy Blume novel in which Omar the cat gets in trouble, Sally and Andrea drink from the "wrong" water fountain, and creepazoid Mr. Zavodsky continues to peddle candy EVEN THOUGH HE CAN'T EAT IT. The gals discuss Berkeley walkabouts, 1940s radio programmes, and Hitler's gross teeth. If you are having fun listening along, check out our Patreon for more content: patreon.com/theblumesaloon! It's a Judy Blume book club! Join us every week.

144. Orville Redenbacher Mar 05, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapter 12. Comedy writer and podcaster Molly Sanchez joins us to discuss one of the most iconic chapters we've ever read! Doey Bird comes to visit for Thanksgiving, Mom gets wasted (hashtag WILLYA), Sally seduces/kills Hitler, and the fam has steak with Fruit Cup Supreme with Big Ted, Vicki, and some very clean diamonds. Jody, Alison, and Molly chat about Daddy's Treatment, parents having house parties, White Shoulders, and Holly Madison. In a moment that is sure to go down in Blume Saloon history, Molly shares some patriotic 5th grade fan fic that you'll never forget. We dissect everything about this gorgeous novel and re-create memorable scenes with dramatic readings. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!
Check out Molly's podcasts The Hold Up and Red All Over on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow her on Twitter @seriousmolly, IG @mollyfuckingsanchez, and TikTok @molly-sanchez.

143. Doughy Daddy Feb 26, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 10-11. Sally has an inkwell mishap (thanks, Peter Hornstein), snacks on Fig Newtons with Barbara, and learns about Latin Lovers from Andrea. We also discover the unbelievably tragic fate of Daddy's entire family. Will he even live to see 43?! Alison and Jody discuss all the Miami Beach goings-on, including another run-in with creepy Mr. Zavodsky and Miss Swetnick's dalliance with Peter's brother. Your hosts uncover a real deal 1940s kosher sour cream and cottage cheese recipe, present a mini Special Report on Fernando Lamas, and re-create all the best scenes with dramatic flair. Congratulations to Molly, Helen, Augie, and Jessica for ALL winning our Hirohito's Go-Kart Draw-a-Thon! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

142. Rude Food Feb 19, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 8-9. Sally's been busy. She plays approximately one thousand games of Jolly Roger, covers her body in peanuts, attempts to out Mr. Zavodsky via Bambi letterhead, and tries to solve the secret Bath House Disease mystery. Jody and Alison chat about the bald-faced lies they told to get out of school, house mice, and Witch TikTok. Blume Head Michelle presents an A+ Special Report on 1940s child star Margaret O'Brien, while Danielle provides some excellent Yiddish intel and memories of her Miami Beach childhood. Come on inside the Blume Cocoon for dramatic readings, vintage commercials, and all around good times! If you like what you hear please consider joining our Patreon for insider access and fun goodies, or write us a friendly review on Apple Podcasts! It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every week!

141. Milk and Spaghetti Feb 12, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 6-7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDES!!! Alison and Jody celebrate by discussing this fantastic kidlit classic by Judy Blume! Our gal Sal tries Miami school again and meets Miss Swetnick of the Heart Shaped Glasses, cool pal Barbara, and not-cool doorless bathrooms. She also meets Mr. Zavodsky, aka Adolf Hitler in hiding! There's bike riding in Flamingo Park, backbends on the beach, and some more fun stories about conquering Nazis. Jody presents TWO Special Reports on Nephritis and Ipana toothpaste, and updates Alison on the now-infamous Hawaii ashtray. One hundred thank yous to our new Patron, Jeb Wilson! If you like what you hear, please consider joining the Blume Saloon Patreon or leaving us a friendly Apple Podcast review!

140. Love and Other Indoor Sports Feb 05, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 4-5. Choo choo! All aboard the Miami train for some Judy Blume goodness! Sally, Douglas, Mom, and Ma Fanny take the overnight train to Florida and have a pyjama party! Sally ain't impressed with their new apartment (not even a Murphy bed will change her mind) and has a truly terrible first day at school. Alison and Jody chat head lice, the Orange Blossom Express, braided coronets, and Ralph ashtrays from Hawaii. There's an update on Jody's correspondence with Rita Williams-Garcia, a fantastic bit of Margaret fan fic from Blume Head Helen, and dramatic reenactments that will make you feel like you're right there with the Freedmans.

139. Pleasure Dome Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

"Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself," chapters 2-3. Get out your pink Spalding ball and join us for this incredible Judy Blume novel. We're back in 1947: Sally eats tongue with raisin sauce, spends time in the BORDELLO bath tub, bosses her friends around, and learns she'll be spending the winter in Miami Beach! She also dreams up a thrilling story about saving Lila from the Gestapo and nursing her back to health with kosher salami on rye. Jody and Alison reenact all the classic scenes and provide an analysis of the Freedman goings-on. And finally, there's some new progress on the Margaret movie!

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