Happiest New Year Harriet-Heads! We bring closure to our epic "Harriet The Spy" journey by watching the totally adorable Nickelodeon movie starring Michelle Trachtenberg, reading film and book reviews, getting Judy Blume's perspective on the novel, and a new listener letter (thank you, Jennifer!). Get ready to weigh in soon on our NEXT JUDY BOOK – …

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 16. It's a SURPRISE FINALE! Jody and Alison finish Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 kid lit novel and cannot believe it's over. Harriet writes some truly awful editorials for the Sixth Grade Page, witnesses the implosion of the Spy Catcher Club, and makes good with a vague public apology. Join the gals for dramatic readings and com…

"Harriet the Spy," chapters 14-15 (it's a twofer!). Harriet sees a shrink, takes a forced sabbatical, and gets a major dissing from besties Janie and Sport. On a brighter note, she receives a much-needed letter from beloved Ole Golly and returns to class with a vengeance – much to Marion Hawthorne's dismay. Join Alison and Jody as they near the end…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 13. Harriet has entered Gremlin Sociopath mode and we are here for it. Jody and Alison discuss this wild and weird 1964 kid lit classic by Louise Fitzhugh, and can't get over our heroine's descent into sadistic nihilism. To keep things light, Jody presents a Special Report on cancer fighting pigeons. And of course there's…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 12. Alison and Jody read, discuss, and dissect Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 kid lit nonvel about a child creeper and her vengeful classmates. The big news this week is the retaliation parade. Harriet's starting to get worried. There's dramatic readings, retro commercials, and TWO A+ Blume Head letters from Sawyer and Anne! lt's…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 11. Harriet has been SHUNNED. There's ink spilling, clubhouse construction, and a grapefruit-sized spitball. Thank you, Louise Fitzhugh, for ramping up the dramz this week! Join Alison and Jody for a romp through 1964 Manhattan, dramatic readings, pet sounds, and a listener letter (shout out Blume Head Sue!). It's a (some…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 10. The bully gets bullied! We've seen this before (hi, Blubber!), and it ain't pretty. Join Jody and Alison as they make their way through Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 novel about a sixth grade Mata Hari wannabe. Harriet's notebook gets stolen along with her tomato sandwich and dignity. Even Sport and Janie have turned against…

"Harriet the Spy," chapters 8-9. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have a 6-foot baby and the Dei Santis have some DRAAAMA. Also – Harriet gets caught! In the dumb waiter! But not before she has her iconic moment rolling around in an onion trance. Thank you, Louise Fitzhugh, for this INSANE book about a little rascal in 1964 Manhattan. Join Jody and Alison for…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 7. Ole Golly, we miss you! Harriet has been deemed a fat lady and an onion and she ain't happy about it. Miss Berry loses her mind amid a vaguely sexual monologue re: vegetables. Join Jody and Alison as they bury themselves in Harriet's weird world, with dramatic readings and 1964 commercials. Thank you Blume Head Amanda …

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 6. Ole Golly LEAVES! What?! We have not recovered. But please accompany us in reading this Louise Fitzhugh best-seller to find out how it all unfolds. There's a Berkeley Bike Basket adventure date, more egg creams, and an epic mother meltdown. We talk about the mystery Paul Newman flick, milk radiation, and the infamous S…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 5. Alison and Jody journey back to Louise Fitzhugh's depiction of 1964 Manhattan, a world of little twerps and wise nannies. Ole Golly goes on a perfectly lovely Mary Poppins-ish date and – of course – Harriet stalks her. Mom talks about her vomitorious meet-cute with Dad. Harriet gets existential about loneliness. There'…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 4. Alison and Jody read and discuss this childhood favorite, written by icon Louise Fitzhugh in 1964. We learn the cat-man is also a yogurt-man. The Robertsons show off their furniture. Janie blows up the house to avoid dance class. Harriet daydreams of her future office hours. Let's gather in the Cocoon to chat about ins…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 3. Harriet breaks and enters. Sport balances the books. Dad goes on a fink rampage. Ole Golly has... a BOYFRIEND?! So much is going down in this cherished and contentious novel by Louise Fitzhugh. Alison and Jody follow Harriet through Manhattan, from inside the famous dumbwaiter to the luncheonette for an egg cream. Spea…

"Harriet the Spy," chapter 2. Jody and Alison barrel ahead with this beloved and controversial Louise Fitzhugh novel! Harriet starts 6th grade (just like Margaret!) and there's no holds barred when it comes to talking sh*t about her classmates and teachers. The only acceptable ones are Sport who needs to give his face a good rinse and Janie who may…

“Harriet the Spy,” chapter 1. NEW BOOK, NEW BOOK! Jody and Alison start in on Louise Fitzhugh’s seminal kid-lit novel about a 11-year-old Manhattan scamp in 1964. They unpack the movies, TV, music, and newsworthy events of the year – including the New York World’s Fair, the Boston Strangler, Beatlemania, and Pop Tarts. We meet Harriet M. Welsch, Sp…

It's the long-awaited "Here's To You, Rachel Robinson" Odds and Ends! Come along with Jody and Alison as they lead you through an epic Rachel extravaganza. They read fabulous listener letters (thank you so much Molly and Brooke!), present two Special Reports on Natural Helpers and Birth Order Theory, perform Palfrey's Pond fanfic, and share some ch…

“Here’s To You, Rachel Robinson,” chapters 23-24. It’s the finale y’all! The last of Macbeth! The last Jeremy Dragon Roll Call! It’s so haaard to say goodbyyye to Palfrey’s Pond. Rachel reveals to the gang that she and Jeremy made out and she’s joining Challenge. Alison and Steph slip up with some shady politician plans. Charles continues to talk w…

“Here’s To You, Rachel Robinson,” chapters 21-22. OMG, can you EVEN handle the excitement?! Rachel and Paul go on their date(?!) and Cousin Tarren throws a major curveball. Jeremy Dragon and his Monopoly car pay a surprise visit and (spoiler!) there’s some epic Frenching by the Raccoon Tree. Join Alison and Jody as they journey back to 1993 for som…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 19-20. It's the big Ellis Island trip, baby! Rachel tries her Sea-Bands, fights with a 10-year-old, and plans a DATE(?!) with Paul Madeiros. Dad and Charles reconnect. Mom is nowhere to be found. Join Alison and Jody for an extremely thorough run-down of the incredible Are You There God, It's Me Margaret f…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 17-18. Jody and Alison invite you into the Cocoon to talk about this 1993 Judy Blume follow-up to "Just as Long as We're Together"! A Robinson-Rybczynski family dinner turns sour, Dad gets mad, Charles turns into a gargoyle and quotes Tolstoy, and Rachel finds her feelings in therapy. There's dramatic read…

Alison and Jody take a break from Rachel Robinson to hang with the directors/producers of Judy Blume Forever, Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok! Listen in for an intimate Blume Head chat about the absolutely phenomenal documentary and a li'l recap of the film, out now on Amazon Prime! Thank you Davina and Leah for spending time in the Cocoon with us, w…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 15-16. Alison and Jody's read-along of this nostalgic Judy Blume novel brings you back to 1993 and the world of Palfrey's Pond. Rachel wins her debate and gets a Jeremy Dragon lapdance, Mom takes to her bed after losing the Big Case, Dana Carpenter asserts herself, and Paul is a creep. Join the gang for dr…

“Here’s To You, Rachel Robinson,” chapters 13-14. Drama and excitement descend upon Palfrey’s Pond! Charles embarks upon a name change journey and hosts a Metallica party. Rowena and The StairMaster go line dancing. But most thrilling of all, JEREMY DRAGON AND MACBETH PLAY MONOPOLY! In Rachel’s room! Join Jody and Alison as they travel back to 1993…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 11-12. Jody and Alison read, dissect, and discuss this fan-fave Judy Blume novel, published in 1993. Rachel practices being a Natural Helper, Jessica lands a job at Going Places and campaigns for Accutane, and Steph has a tough time dealing with Rowena's New Groove. Meanwhile, Judes is driving around Key W…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 9-10. In one of Judy Blume's finest YA novels, Rachel continues to obsess over her normalcy and crushes on an older man with rimless frames. Charles tries to woo Alison with a fake adoption (don't worry, he later gets barfed on). Mom teaches us all a good lesson in problem solving and the Crusades. Join Al…

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 7-8. Join Jody and Al as they dive into Judy Blume's 1993 sequel to "Just as Long as We're Together." Rachel is overextended, stressed and rolling down literal hills, and Stephanie and Alison just DON'T GET IT. Charles eats mayonnaise salmon and has a shower. Dana and Jeremy Dragon go through some marital …

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 5-6. Charles comes home to bake coffee cake, Rachel names her future child Toledo, and Gram comes to life on Mother's Day. Join Jody and Alison for a Special Report on Arthur the Hairball Lion, dramatic readings, prom talk, and two beautiful letters from Blume Heads Dara and Alycia! Keep that mail coming! …

"Here's To You, Rachel Robinson," chapters 3-4. In this 1993 sequel to Judy Blume's "Just as Long as We're Together," Rachel practices for the seed spitting championship, broods over Charles' antics, and runs away from Steph and Alison's constant questioning. Matthew scores a womb goal. Jody and Al work up theories about mom and Dr. Sparks, do dram…

“Here’s To You, Rachel Robinson,” chapters 1-2. Jody and Al get back to their Judy roots with this 1993 follow-up to “Just as Long as We’re Together.” They talk about the world events, movies, music, and TV that shaped Rachel, Steph, and Alison’s lives. Think: Beanie Babies, Jurassic Park and Norwegian Black Metal murders. Meanwhile in Palfrey's Po…

Part TWO of our Alice Odds and Ends extravaganza! Alison and Jody discuss Rick Emerson's "Unmask Alice," which sheds so much light on the warped world of Beatrice Sparks, her motivation for writing Alice, Jay's Journal, and so many other faux diaries. Art Linkletter and the Satanic Panic also feature heavily. Then the gals recap and critique the su…

Part One of our epic two-part Alice Odds and Ends! This week Jody and Alison discuss all things “Go Ask Alice” – from fanfic, to its critical reception, to reader reviews. There’s also some great listener letters from Blume Heads Sawyer and Dani. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, Jody finally dishes on the New York screening of “Are You There God? It’s Me, Mar…

“Go Ask Alice,” August 14, 1970–Epilogue. Well friends, we did it. Jody and Alison are DUNZO. Alice makes water ballet friends, meets her first subway armpit hair, has a rendez-vous with Joel, and decides to stop journaling. And THEN some. Join us for vintage commercials, dramatic readings, and to hear who Al met at the Emmys. It’s a Judy Blume boo…

"Go Ask Alice," July 25–August 12, 1970. Mac and cheese with bits of bologna, anyone?! Alice moves into the Youth Center/Asylum and meets babbling Babbie, interviews her fellow inmates for her social work career, and watches TV with thirty older ladies. Come join Alison and Jody for some deep analysis, critique, and melodramatic readings from this …

“Go Ask Alice,” June 16–July 24, 1970. Buckle up, y’all, this is a NUTTY episode. Gran dies, RIP Gran. Joel leaves town, RIP Joel. Alice eats chocolate-covered LSD peanuts, has a mega freak-out, and ends up in the Booby Hatch. Alison and Jody chat worms, Adam Sandler, and perform dramatic readings. And there’s a great letter from new Blume Head, Do…

“Go Ask Alice,” April 27–June 16, 1970. Alice meets an innocent young scholar at the college library (he’s doomed!) and gets bullied at school. Gramps dies, RIP Gramps. Join Jody and Alison for some post-Thanksgiving good times, including dramatic readings, literary critiques, the most stupid quiz ever, and a hilarious letter from Blume Head Daniel…

“Go Ask Alice,” ?-April 24, 1970. Join us for fruit cups and wilted lettuce salad, it’s time for more Alice shenanigans! Alice meets herself in the park, somehow finds her way back home, has a terrifying-but-sexy flashback, and yet manages to whip up a gourmet meal for mom. Alison and Jody talk about hair, firemen, and dogs in strollers. And there'…

“Go Ask Alice,” Feb 6, 1970-? Alice hitchhikes to Denver, ends up in Coos Bay, then somehow finds herself in Southern California. In between sleeping under a shrub and becoming a Priestess of Satan, she’s made some new friends and hit some new lows. Join Jody and Alison for Fentanyl Skittles, dramatic readings, some more Drug Talk (™), and a Specia…

“Go Ask Alice,” Dec 13, 1969–Jan 30, 1970. Cover yourself in ashes and sackcloth, Blume Heads, Alice and Chris are DUNZO with Berkeley! They fly home and have a nice, wholesome holiday season with orange yeast rolls. But then Black and Blue Lane comes along and ruins it all. Alison and Jody talk about texting etiquette, uppers vs. downers, and famo…

“Go Ask Alice,” Oct 19-Dec 12, 1969. Alice and Chris move to San Francisco! And then Berkeley! They buy a TV, try heroin, and open a boutique! Join Alison and Jody as they bravely maneuver through this 1971 pseudo-diary and bring light to the darkness. They perform dramatic readings, calculate inflation, and do their best to figure out where the he…

“Go Ask Alice,” Aug 14-Oct 18, 1969. Alice goes back home, pledges a drug-free life only to end up peddling LSD to elementary school kids. But we have great news – she's not pregnant! Join Jody and Alison for chat about outlet shopping, insomnia, Dexies and Bennies. And you don’t want to miss the hilarious Molly Sanchez reading from her 7th grade d…

“Go Ask Alice,” June 15-Aug 13, 1969. Alice visits Gran and Gramps and goes HARD with torpedoes, speed, Adam and Eve. She goes all the way with Bill only to have true love Roger reappear soon after. Alison and Jody talk about bad trips, Pretty Wild, and read snippets of Jody’s boy-crazy 10th grade diary. Thank you Blume Head Sue for her sugary lett…

“Go Ask Alice,” Jan 1-June 13, 1969. Alice has a horrible time at her new school but makes a friend, Mom’s a nag, Tim and Alex suck, and the boys JUICE IT UP! Join Alison and Jody to chat about this wild faux-diary by Anonymous, listen to dramatic readings, and soak up some glorious vintage commercials. It's a Judy Blume book club. Join us every we…

“Go Ask Alice,” Sept 16-Dec 25, 1968. New Judy-adjacent book alert! Join Jody and Alison as they embark upon their maiden Alice voyage. Your hosts will lead you through the music, movies, events, and pop culture of the years 1968-1970 as a primer, followed by some dramatic readings, critiques, and analysis. There's also an exciting Rumberger reveal…

It’s the END of “It’s Not the End of the World.” Jody and Alison wrap up this 1972 Judy Blume novel with special guest “Have a Banana” Sally! We’ve got some divorce trivia, an Eggo Special Report, a celebrity quiz, and some classic Letters to Judy. Thank you to British Blume Head Louise for her A+ letter. Be sure to follow us to learn what our next…

“It’s Not the End of the World,” chapters 30-31. The FINAL CHAPTERS! Karen reaches the Hope Phase, Mom flies by the seat of her pants, and Amy makes her famous cold cut joke. Jody and Alison talk about non-bad divorce books, 1972 New Jersey separation laws, and the 1994 rom-com about a sex worker with a heart of gold, Milk Money. Tune in for a bran…

"It's Not the End of the World," chapters 27-29. JEFF RETURNS from his mystery jaunt. Mom makes a life-shattering announcement. Dad convalesces in Las Vegas. Karen is nobody's favorite. Judy Blume's 1972 middle grade novel is really keeping us on our toes! Jody and Alison drink Corona and Athletic Greens and talk about bad parenting, thumbs, and th…

“It’s Not the End of the World,” chapters 25-26. Diorama drama! Missing persons! Weird families! Judy Blume at her finest. Karen destroys the viking ‘rama and hits up the bookstore, Jeff’s still missing, and Mary Louise Rumberger gets suspicious. There’s TWO Special Reports: Al walks us through the wild history of hysteria and Jody talks about infa…

“It’s Not the End of the World,” chapters 23-24. Jeff runs away, Mom and Daddy have an epic row, and Karen FINALLY melts down. Judy really brings on the divorce dark times. Alison and Jody chat about moving, the Real World New Orleans reunion, and the “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” movie postponement. Thank you Blume Heads Jackie and Lisa f…

“It’s Not the End of the World,” chapters 20-22. Judy Blume paints the portrait of a 7th grader dealing with her parents’ divorce in 1972 and things are getting wild! Karen and Val have a strange bath party, Dad makes a terrible announcement, and there’s some diorama drama. Jody and Alison chat about nudist resorts and shaving lies. Tune in for vin…

"It's Not the End of the World," chapters 17-19. Karen's cards go unappreciated, Amy practices her parental manipulation skills, Jeff breaks a toe, and mom gets a JOB! Jody and Alison (all the way from Sweden!) discuss and reenact this 1972 classic Judy Blume novel, and talk about awkward anniversaries and fluorosis. Thank you SO very much to Bex a…