The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Latest Episodes:

102. Scotch Drawbacks Nov 14, 2019

Show notes

Oh, handle it ya slack-arse molls! We are starting a NEW BOOK, "Puberty Blues," written by Australian authors Kathy Lette and Gabrielle Carey in 1979! Travel with Jody and Al through chapters 1-2, to Sydney's southern beaches, where surfie chicks and spunky guys eat Chiko Rolls, wear straight-legged Levis, and suck whole oranges in the back of the bus. Protagonists Deb and Sue are two 13-year-old gals who just want to be part of the coolest crew around, the Greenhills Gang. Despite doing all the "right" things, they can't seem to break in — until a fateful call to the headmaster's office gets them noticed by top girls Tracey and Cheryl. To set the scene, Alison presents her findings on Young Talent Time, Luna Park, and 1979's top hits. Meanwhile, Jody gives the scoop on The Red Bikini Girl, the Truro Murders, and provides essential Aussie slang translation. Huge thank you to our very first Patreon donors: Katy Greenspan, Becky Tomkins, Jessica Going, Jessica Norton, Jack Knoebber, Schmoo Theune, Deanna McMillan, and Suzanne Krempasky! Be sure to join us at www.patreon.com/theblumesaloon

Odds and Ends #12: Amanda Rosenberg Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

Such a delight to have author and funny lady Amanda Rosenberg join us in the Cocoon! Alison and Jody chitchat with Amanda about her new book, “That's Mental: Painfully Funny Things That Drive Me Crazy About Being Mentally Ill” as well as British boarding school life, shoes with keys in the soles, the crazy-chic aesthetic of “Girl, Interrupted” and the nightmare of book promotion. There’s also a lot of Goosebumps, Point Horror, Adrian Mole, and Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul talk. Oh, and let’s not forget the iconic '90s-era Titanic Quiz. Do YOU know why Jack was allowed in the fancy dining room?
Pre-order “That’s Mental” now! www.indiebound.org/book/9781684422890

Odds and Ends #11: For People Who Get It Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

A very special episode in which Jody and Alison wrap up 20+ weeks of Judy Blume’s “Summer Sisters.” The gals dig up Judy’s history with Martha’s Vineyard and her very own Psycho House, what inspired her to write the book, and which character she loves (but her husband hates)! There’s also a historically accurate reenactment of Lena Dunham’s 2014 interview, Vix and Caitlin fan fic readings, book reviews from internet randos, and some awesome Blume Head letters. Lastly, may we present a Special Report on Pseudocide, Steve Rambam, Frank Ahearn, skip tracers, death kits, and the hotness of Jonathan Groff. OH YEAH, AND THERE’S AN EARTHQUAKE! P.S. – We announce our next book at the very end, so keep your ears peeled.

101. Eminem With a Clipboard Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

We've finished “Summer Sisters”! Can you believe it? Join Alison and Jody for chapters 45-46 (and the Epilogue) of Judy Blume’s 1998 novel. No spoilers here, but tune in for a shocker ending, dramatic reenactments, chat about Key West architecture, Postman Pat, bathtub revelations, Teen Mom tie-ins, and a Lockerbie bombing follow-up. The gals also read a great letter from a New Mexico listener who found life inspiration in Tiger Eyes. And FINS UP to Blume Head/Parrot Head of the week, Jessica! P.S. Due to a technical error, the first few minutes of this episode sound terrible, and we sincerely apologize. If you absolutely can’t stand it, fast forward to around 15 minutes. You won't miss any of the story!

100. Bru-Haha Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Our 100th episode, baby! And yikes, this one’s a doozy. Alison and Jody cover chapters 43-44 of “Summer Sisters,” written by Judy Blume in 1998. Ex-boyfriend sexy times, BFF betrayal, and a doomed Martha’s Vineyard wedding – it’s all here. Will Vix and Caitlin's friendship survive? Listen in for some iconic dramatic readings, classic early '90s TV commercials, and a lovely Blume Head letter. Ginormous congrats to Blume Head of the Week, Dara!

99. Barefoot at the Airport Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

It’s finally Now Times! Jody and Alison break into chapters 41-42 of Judy Blume’s 1998 grown-up novel, “Summer Sisters.” Vix gets an invite to celebrate Caitlin’s nuptials… with who? Bru! She jets to Martha’s V, dons a commemorative tee, and proceeds to get snockered at the Pre-nup Din Din, while Gus and Dan have a very bro-ey convo on a beach log. Alison and Jody learn what Mike
Dukakis is up to, recap their experience at Create and Cultivate, write a new ‘90s rom-com, and perform all sorts of dramatic readings. All hail Crabby Eurypterid, this week’s Blume Head of the Week!

98. Got Godivas? Sep 19, 2019

Show notes

This week’s a hot mess but Alison and Jody overcome adversity to bring you chapters 39-40 of Judy Blume’s “Summer Sisters.” Vix meets a gentleman(?) at the charity ball and jumps out of his car two weeks later, Ed has a health scare, Lanie’s kids are terrible, and Caitlin makes her way back to Martha’s Vineyard! Jody and Alison chat VCSO girls, velvet suits, bowling ball finger condoms, and middle age. Super congratulations to this week’s Blume Head of the Week, Trina!

97. Li'l Lucky Luke Sep 12, 2019

Show notes

Bust out your rollerblades and skate with us through chapters 37-38 of Judy Blume’s 1998 best-seller, “Summer Sisters.” Vix quits her job and meets some city folk who make her ponder the meaning of luck. Then she takes a secret trip to Atlantic City for a poker junket. She also has some erotic dreams involving peonies. Caitlin plans the opening of Eurotrash and takes care of her dying pal Donny. Gus seems confused about practically everything. Jody and Alison talk about the Lockerbie plane bombing, Whitney Port, and drugs that make you want to be celibate. And there are plenty of the usual dramatic re-enactments. Congratulations to this week’s Blume Head of the Week, Elizabeth B.!

96. My Wife Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

Put on your best pinstripe suit and settle in for chapters 35-36 of “Summer Sisters” by Judy Blume, published in 1998. Vix, Paisley, and Maia move to NYC to share a flea market hospital ward and start their careers. Caitlin swoops into town for some shrimp fettuccine and an awkward solo flamenco dance. Gus takes a trip to Seattle and has a regrettable meetup. Abby invents Facebook. Alison gives some good Loehmann’s goss, Jody finds a Martha’s V connection with The Carlyle, and they read an incredible letter from Blume Head Robyn about the Billy Madison clown. There’s also an international audio dispatch from Blume Head Becky, retelling her wild dream involving Jody, Alison, and the Weston Bellagio. Finally, hooray for Blume Head of the Week, Sarah B.!

95. Peonies! Peonies! Peonies! Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

Pop some echinacea and join us in the Cocoon for chapters 32-34 of “Summer Sisters,” Judy Blume’s gorgeous adult novel published in 1998. Vix channels her inner Werner Herzog and lands a PR job in New York City! Bru proposes! Vix says nicht-nicht! Caitlin sends some more weird postcards. Jody and Alison read two great Blume Head letters and talk about early-20s relationships, seven minutes in heaven, and the Teacher’s Pet podcast. Sorry for the accents. They reenact some crucial scenes and of course, discuss every minute detail. Lastly, yay for this week’s Blume Head of the Week: Kitchens and Contemplations!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Blume Saloon: A Judy Blume Book Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected