The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Latest Episodes:

111. Chartreuse Feb 13, 2020

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Move over Benjamin Moore, Jeremy Dragon’s heeeere! Jody and Alison read chapters 4-5 of Judy Blume’s 1987 YA novel, “Just as Long as We’re Together” and chat more about Max Headroom, the flattening of the Golden Gate Bridge, Speak & Spells, court calls, familial nudity, Cheer, Bert & Harry, and sunglass leashes. Meanwhile, our heroines start their first day of seventh grade, wear cool baggy outfits, and cover their notebooks with wallpaper. Will Rachel ever take a chill pill? Will Stephanie learn to stick up for herself? And will Alison please teach us how to be as cool as she is? Don’t forget to check out our exclusive Patreon offerings at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon!

110. Three Men and a Coffin Feb 06, 2020

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New book alert! Alison and Jody start reading chapters 1-3 of Judy Blume fan favorite, “Just as Long as We’re Together.” Stephanie Hirsch and her BFF Rachel Robinson reunite after summer camp and swoon over a strategically placed poster of Richard Gere (aka Benjamin Moore). But then new girl Alison shows up at Palfrey’s Pond. Who is this mysterious barefoot Californian, and what’s up with her talking dog? We travel back to 1987 and immerse ourselves into the world of Baby Jessica, Prozac, The Simpsons on Tracey Ullman, Max Headroom, and Reagan’s “tear down this wall” speech. Jody talks about AZT and Baby M, and Alison presents a light dissertation on movies, music, and fascism’s creative influence. Oh, and we get to hear about the time she met Jessica Simpson! Finally, back by popular demand, another accent challenge – the English edition! Sending huge thank yous to Blume Head Jessica for the incredible gift, and to our brand new Patrons: Margaret C., Jami D., and Susan J.!

Odds and Ends #13: Beyond the Blues Jan 30, 2020

Show notes

It's the big Puberty Blues Wrap-Up Party you've been waiting for! Alison and Jody dissect Bruce Beresford's 1981 adaptation of "Puberty Blues" (the iconic Aussie novel co-written by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey). They compare and contrast the film with the book with the TV show and present their research on the infamous and elusive Salami Sisters. There's also two terrific letters from Blume Heads Jeb and Arlene, and highlights from the highly-anticipated "Best/Worst American Accent Challenge." Lastly, listen closely to find out what our NEXT BOOK is! Don't forget to join our Patreon for exclusive access to our newsletter, a free sticker and Cathy koozie, Snackin' & Yakkin' videos, original Judy-themed art, and handwritten postcards! www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon

109. I'm Onshore! Jan 16, 2020

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Jody and Alison finish Puberty Blues! Enter the Cocoon for chapters 15-16 of the hallowed Australian YA novel, written in 1979 by Gabrielle Carey and Kathy Lette. Deb gets pregnant and then not pregnant, Cheryl drops acid and puts on quite the show at assembly, the Greenhills gang succumbs to heroin, and our gals decide to drink milkshakes and START SURFING! Follow along as Alison and Jody muddle through meandering plotlines, unclear details, hash capsules, gaol and Soul Pattersons. Come back in two weeks for a final wrap-up, including Special Reports, a Puberty Blues movie review, and listener letters. Lastly, please support us by joining our Patreon at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon!

108. Ferry Out the Window Jan 09, 2020

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Chapters 13-14 of "Puberty Blues," written in 1979 by Australian teen authors Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey. Things are getting deadset dramatic down on Cronulla Beach. Deb pulls a Margaret and finally gets her rags! And if that's not enough, she also does a Kath and loses her virginity the very same night. But her relationship with Garry doesn't last long... (spoiler alert!) he's a heroin addict! Alison and Jody discuss Egyptian bongs and Jason Derulo's budgie smugglers. Alison makes a list of therapy talking points, and Jody reveals the BIG LIE Judy Blume told in 6th grade. A million thank yous to Blume Head Kat for telling us all about Eucalyptus Balls, and to Brandi C. for her Patronage!

107. Eucalyptus Balls Jan 02, 2020

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Happy 2020 Blume Heads! Jody and Alison discuss chapters 11-12 of "Puberty Blues" by Australians Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey, written in 1979. Deb gets in trouble for spending too much time behind the library with her new BF and we learn just how VILE the surfie boys actually are (JUSTICE FOR FRIEDA CUMMINS!). There's also some incredible Aussie TV commercials from the early '80s, talk about salad sandwiches, Summer Rolls and Honey Logs, bad Christmas cracker jokes, and dramatic readings. Thank you SO VERY MUCH to our new Patrons, Lisa Lester and Mandy Sutton!

106. Nanu Nanu Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

I'M ON ME RAGS! Hello and welcome to chapters 9-10 of THE Australian YA classic, "Puberty Blues," penned by teenagers Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey in 1979. Deb and Sue get drunk for the first time and it does not end well. Deb gets dropped and has an epic driveway meltdown, Sue finally gets her friendship ring, the gang roams aimlessly around Miranda Fair, and there's some strange tickling foreplay to Pat Boone. Alison talks about her disastrous day trip to Phoenix, Jody recalls her early '90s brush with Dettol, and Chef Beth helps turn some pages. Be sure to join our Patreon for more CONTENT, including our newsletter, videos, and fun goodies in the mail! www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon

105. A Rooting Machine Dec 12, 2019

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See ya later old cheese! Join your favorite Blume Heads for chapters 7-8 of “Puberty Blues,” the iconic Australian YA novel by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (1971). Sydney surfie chicks Deb and Sue are still getting up to no good – guzzling brandyvino, dating terrible boys, watching Benny Hill, wearing see-thru underpants, and getting called to the headmaster’s office. Meanwhile, Jody and Alison discuss Singapore Social, Alison’s early adoption of UGG boots, the joy of answering machine greetings, fibro houses, and the groundbreaking Aussie soap, “Number 96.” There’s also a disturbing letter from Beth about a Vaseline-covered amputated hand, and a note from Andrea about some spooky Blume Saloon-related coincidences. And if that’s not enough, we’ve piped in some excellent Australian commercials from the late ‘70s!

104. We Need Some Vaseline Dec 06, 2019

Show notes

Chapters 5-6 of “Puberty Blues” by Aussie teens Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (1979). The Greenhills gals don multicolored undies and take up JAZZ BALLET, Deb and Sue try surfing for the very first time, and the whole gang eats Cheezels as they wait to root in the rumpus room. Jody and Alison talk about leaky air mattresses, muckbang, boob enhancing techniques, and “equestrian duties”. There’s also some dramatic readings with try-hard Australian accents and a super informative letter from real life Australian Lisa Bee! Please consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon.

103. Space Raisin Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

Alison and Jody bumble through chapters 3-4 of “Puberty Blues,” written by Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey (when they were just 16!) in 1979. Now that Deb and Sue are in the Greenhills Gang, their next mission is to get spunky older boyfriends. And to lose their virginities at the drive-in. Jody presents some Mini Special Reports on the various types of Australian accents and ‘70s-era panel vans. Alison recalls her school’s water fountain etiquette and learning how sex works. There’s also a lot of talk about finger buns, paddocks, bison, bubblers, and Pimp My Ride. Finally, huge thank you to our new Patrons: Lisa Bee, Amy Michael, Bronwyn, and Nathan! Please consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon.

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