web02.fireside.fm Sun, 26 Apr 2026 05:39:00 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Generation BSC: A Baby-Sitters Club Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Claudia” https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/tags/claudia Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter are two women in their mid-thirties who generally geek out about all things pop culture, particularly nostalgic pop culture. A spur-of-the-moment purchase of a random assortment of Baby-Sitters Club books on eBay sparked the excitement that would become Generation BSC. And what is Generation BSC? First, it’s a micro-generation Kate and Lauryn have identified with between Generation X and Millennials. This micro-generation has also been called the Oregon Trail Generation, Generation Catalano, the Star Wars Generation, Xennials, and Elder Millennials - essentially, for our purposes, those born between 1980 and 1985 who would have read Baby-Sitters Club books as they were being released in the late 80s and early 90s. (As an aside, we've come to realize since starting our journey with the Baby-Sitters Club, however, that Generation BSC really is anyone who has grown or is growing up with the BSC, but we're examining it from our perspective in particular.) Second, it’s a biweekly episodic podcast where Kate and Lauryn revisit each book in the Baby-Sitters Club series both looking back at how they approached the topics and themes when they read the books as children and comparing that with how they approach the same topics and themes in 2019 (and beyond). Eventually, the podcast will include guests and “Very Special Episodes” where Kate and Lauryn visit other pop culture from the same era and later, using the Baby-Sitters Club and Generation BSC as a jumping off point for discussion. Whether you’ve loved the Baby-Sitters Club since childhood or are jumping in for the first time, you’ll have a great time reading along with Kate and Lauryn. Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. en-us episodic Kate and Lauryn are proud members of Generation BSC making their way through the Baby-Sitters Club series one book at a time. Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter are two women in their mid-thirties who generally geek out about all things pop culture, particularly nostalgic pop culture. A spur-of-the-moment purchase of a random assortment of Baby-Sitters Club books on eBay sparked the excitement that would become Generation BSC. And what is Generation BSC? First, it’s a micro-generation Kate and Lauryn have identified with between Generation X and Millennials. This micro-generation has also been called the Oregon Trail Generation, Generation Catalano, the Star Wars Generation, Xennials, and Elder Millennials - essentially, for our purposes, those born between 1980 and 1985 who would have read Baby-Sitters Club books as they were being released in the late 80s and early 90s. (As an aside, we've come to realize since starting our journey with the Baby-Sitters Club, however, that Generation BSC really is anyone who has grown or is growing up with the BSC, but we're examining it from our perspective in particular.) Second, it’s a biweekly episodic podcast where Kate and Lauryn revisit each book in the Baby-Sitters Club series both looking back at how they approached the topics and themes when they read the books as children and comparing that with how they approach the same topics and themes in 2019 (and beyond). Eventually, the podcast will include guests and “Very Special Episodes” where Kate and Lauryn visit other pop culture from the same era and later, using the Baby-Sitters Club and Generation BSC as a jumping off point for discussion. Whether you’ve loved the Baby-Sitters Club since childhood or are jumping in for the first time, you’ll have a great time reading along with Kate and Lauryn. Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. yes episodic, books, reread, babysitters, babysitters club, podcast Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter kate.vlasek@gmail.com Episode 049: Claudia and the Genius of Elm Street! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/049 29136793-434d-46f1-9b0d-2efaf6b9fa62 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Claudia gets a regular babysitting job with a genius child star named Rosie Wilder. Rosie's parents have done a real number on her and she spends all her time taking lessons, practicing, and working (and regurgitating lines from her parents about said career and her life generally). It's a real contrast with the home life of our Superbrat Derek Masters. Claudia ultimately connects with Rosie over drawing and they put on an art show together (where we see the junk food-inspired pop art that is classic Claudia). The girls all pitch in on the art show and babysitting Rosie on occasion and even Janine gets to be an honorary BSC member! 1:07:48 yes Claudia gets a regular babysitting job with a genius child star named Rosie Wilder. Rosie's parents have done a real number on her and she spends all her time taking lessons, practicing, and working (and regurgitating lines from her parents about said career and her life generally). It's a real contrast with the home life of our Superbrat Derek Masters. Claudia ultimately connects with Rosie over drawing and they put on an art show together (where we see the junk food-inspired pop art that is classic Claudia). The girls all pitch in on the art show and babysitting Rosie on occasion and even Janine gets to be an honorary BSC member! Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc ​ Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com ​ Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Genius of Elm Street Claudia gets a regular babysitting job with a genius child star named Rosie Wilder. Rosie's parents have done a real number on her and she spends all her time taking lessons, practicing, and working (and regurgitating lines from her parents about said career and her life generally). It's a real contrast with the home life of our Superbrat Derek Masters. Claudia ultimately connects with Rosie over drawing and they put on an art show together (where we see the junk food-inspired pop art that is classic Claudia). The girls all pitch in on the art show and babysitting Rosie on occasion and even Janine gets to be an honorary BSC member!

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​
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​
Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Claudia gets a regular babysitting job with a genius child star named Rosie Wilder. Rosie's parents have done a real number on her and she spends all her time taking lessons, practicing, and working (and regurgitating lines from her parents about said career and her life generally). It's a real contrast with the home life of our Superbrat Derek Masters. Claudia ultimately connects with Rosie over drawing and they put on an art show together (where we see the junk food-inspired pop art that is classic Claudia). The girls all pitch in on the art show and babysitting Rosie on occasion and even Janine gets to be an honorary BSC member!

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​
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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com
​
Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 040: Claudia and the Middle School Mystery! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/040 a45b53a9-97f1-4c59-8cb2-41a0289b8bb5 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter There's literally no mystery in this one where Claudia is accused of cheating on a math test after she gets an A- and just so happens to have the exact same right and wrong answers as Shawna Riverson, who obviously cheated off Claudia in what turns out to be a premeditated offense. Seriously - we did not remember Shawna, but she's somehow worse than Cokie Mason. Claudia and the BSC have some antics and eventually resolve the issue at hand and Claudia gets some recognition for her hard work and success. 1:25:39 yes There's literally no mystery in this one where Claudia is accused of cheating on a math test after she gets an A- and just so happens to have the exact same right and wrong answers as Shawna Riverson, who obviously cheated off Claudia in what turns out to be a premeditated offense. Seriously - we did not remember Shawna, but she's somehow worse than Cokie Mason. Claudia and the BSC have some antics and eventually resolve the issue at hand and Claudia gets some recognition for her hard work and success. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Middle School Mystery There's literally no mystery in this one where Claudia is accused of cheating on a math test after she gets an A- and just so happens to have the exact same right and wrong answers as Shawna Riverson, who obviously cheated off Claudia in what turns out to be a premeditated offense. Seriously - we did not remember Shawna, but she's somehow worse than Cokie Mason. Claudia and the BSC have some antics and eventually resolve the issue at hand and Claudia gets some recognition for her hard work and success.

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> There's literally no mystery in this one where Claudia is accused of cheating on a math test after she gets an A- and just so happens to have the exact same right and wrong answers as Shawna Riverson, who obviously cheated off Claudia in what turns out to be a premeditated offense. Seriously - we did not remember Shawna, but she's somehow worse than Cokie Mason. Claudia and the BSC have some antics and eventually resolve the issue at hand and Claudia gets some recognition for her hard work and success.

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> EM022: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season Two, Episode Seven: Claudia and the Sad Goodbye! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em0022 e5c1d413-8677-43c1-a08f-9cfb8dd6b9b7 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the Sad Goodbye! 47:48 yes Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the Sad Goodbye! Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the Sad Goodbye!

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the Sad Goodbye!

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> EM017: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season Two, Episode Two: Claudia and the New Girl! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em0017 5255f022-a8a7-42fe-b438-b2de3dc35214 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:15:00 -0500 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the New Girl and the big changes from the book of the same name! 50:43 yes Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the New Girl and the big changes from the book of the same name! Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the New Girl and the big changes from the book of the same name!

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Kate and Lauryn continue their discussion of Season Two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. We discuss Claudia and the New Girl and the big changes from the book of the same name!

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Re-Watch 06: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season One, Episode Six: Claudia and Mean Janine! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/rw06 c6ec29ce-f76f-4a40-a2d4-1bdd47f9822b Tue, 12 Oct 2021 06:15:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October. We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all! 58:56 yes Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October. We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all! Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October.

We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all!

Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October.

We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all!

Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Re-Watch 02: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season One, Episode Two: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/rw02 e5e61800-0084-4c4e-909c-fc42474fb73d Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October. We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all! 40:03 yes Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October. We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all! The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October.

We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all!

The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Welcome to our end of summer re-watch of season one of the Baby-Sitters Club series on Netflix. For the next few weeks, watch along with us and revisit our thoughts on the series before season two drops in October.

We’ll be back in the fall with our own season two as well, and can’t wait to catch up with you then. In the meantime, keep your eye on our social media and don’t forget to e-mail. We love to hear from you all!

The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are.

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 033: Claudia and the Great Search! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/033 32a94606-592a-42e4-9e24-7398ecf75c3f Tue, 25 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Due to the subject matter of Kristy and the Secret of Susan focusing on an autistic child Kristy spends a significant amount of time with, Kate and Lauryn are taking a minute to bring on some great guests that they feel will help make that conversation as sensitive and thoughtful as possible. As a result, this week we're diving into Claudia and the Great Search, where Claudia becomes convinced she was adopted and goes on a thorough search to find the truth about her birth family and ultimately realizes, with Stacey's help, that she needs to just talk to her parents. This conversation results in the ultimate Danny Tanner moment. 1:18:51 yes Due to the subject matter of Kristy and the Secret of Susan focusing on an autistic child Kristy spends a significant amount of time with, Kate and Lauryn are taking a minute to bring on some great guests that they feel will help make that conversation as sensitive and thoughtful as possible. As a result, this week we're diving into Claudia and the Great Search, where Claudia becomes convinced she was adopted and goes on a thorough search to find the truth about her birth family and ultimately realizes, with Stacey's help, that she needs to just talk to her parents. This conversation results in the ultimate Danny Tanner moment. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Great Search Due to the subject matter of Kristy and the Secret of Susan focusing on an autistic child Kristy spends a significant amount of time with, Kate and Lauryn are taking a minute to bring on some great guests that they feel will help make that conversation as sensitive and thoughtful as possible. As a result, this week we're diving into Claudia and the Great Search, where Claudia becomes convinced she was adopted and goes on a thorough search to find the truth about her birth family and ultimately realizes, with Stacey's help, that she needs to just talk to her parents. This conversation results in the ultimate Danny Tanner moment.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Due to the subject matter of Kristy and the Secret of Susan focusing on an autistic child Kristy spends a significant amount of time with, Kate and Lauryn are taking a minute to bring on some great guests that they feel will help make that conversation as sensitive and thoughtful as possible. As a result, this week we're diving into Claudia and the Great Search, where Claudia becomes convinced she was adopted and goes on a thorough search to find the truth about her birth family and ultimately realizes, with Stacey's help, that she needs to just talk to her parents. This conversation results in the ultimate Danny Tanner moment.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 026: Claudia and the Sad Good-bye. https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/026 c7e2ef0a-a738-4648-9a8e-1ea0f6915d02 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Well, we’ve reached the book we’ve been dreading since the beginning, knowing that eventually we’ll have to say goodbye to Mimi with the rest of the BSC, Claudia in particular. It was a tough book to come back to after a break for the holidays that we’d hoped would be a nice opportunity to reset after the shitshow that was 2020, made even more tough when an attempted coup and attack on the Capitol occurred about a week before recording. Kate and Lauryn ended up coming to this book from very different perspectives, due both to their own personal experiences with grief and this book and the proximity to January 6th in their reading. Join us for an in-depth conversation that tries not to wallow in the sadness and instead focus on just how great this book is overall, but especially in just how perfectly it provides for teachable moments and opportunities to learn about how to deal with death of a loved one, the death of a friend or acquaintance’s loved one, and how loss and the processing of grief looks different for every person. We also dive into the subplot with Corrie Addison and her awful parents (or maybe not so awful if we allow some grace for what they might be experience that we don’t see in the book?) and Claudia’s close relationship with Corrie where they both fill a space they’re currently missing (due to Mimi’s death and Corrie’s aforementioned awful parents). This includes comparing and contrasting with Mrs. Barrett in her introduction. We take some related and unrelated tangents (as usual) to discuss topics like Lurlene McDaniel YA novels, the implications of unexplained bruises, Dorianne’s name change, the importance of friendships being a two-way street with both parties on the same page, honoring people with art and reactions when people share personal work with you, how grateful we are for Generation BSC, an acknowledgement that sometimes you have to suffer for fashion, the continued problematic references to Emily Michelle, and Jamie’s adorable way of referring to the Shillaber twins – the “Very-lyn twins.” 1:06:25 no Well, we’ve reached the book we’ve been dreading since the beginning, knowing that eventually we’ll have to say goodbye to Mimi with the rest of the BSC, Claudia in particular. It was a tough book to come back to after a break for the holidays that we’d hoped would be a nice opportunity to reset after the shitshow that was 2020, made even more tough when an attempted coup and attack on the Capitol occurred about a week before recording. Kate and Lauryn ended up coming to this book from very different perspectives, due both to their own personal experiences with grief and this book and the proximity to January 6th in their reading. Join us for an in-depth conversation that tries not to wallow in the sadness and instead focus on just how great this book is overall, but especially in just how perfectly it provides for teachable moments and opportunities to learn about how to deal with death of a loved one, the death of a friend or acquaintance’s loved one, and how loss and the processing of grief looks different for every person. We also dive into the subplot with Corrie Addison and her awful parents (or maybe not so awful if we allow some grace for what they might be experience that we don’t see in the book?) and Claudia’s close relationship with Corrie where they both fill a space they’re currently missing (due to Mimi’s death and Corrie’s aforementioned awful parents). This includes comparing and contrasting with Mrs. Barrett in her introduction. We take some related and unrelated tangents (as usual) to discuss topics like Lurlene McDaniel YA novels, the implications of unexplained bruises, Dorianne’s name change, the importance of friendships being a two-way street with both parties on the same page, honoring people with art and reactions when people share personal work with you, how grateful we are for Generation BSC, an acknowledgement that sometimes you have to suffer for fashion, the continued problematic references to Emily Michelle, and Jamie’s adorable way of referring to the Shillaber twins – the “Very-lyn twins.” Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Sad Good-bye Well, we’ve reached the book we’ve been dreading since the beginning, knowing that eventually we’ll have to say goodbye to Mimi with the rest of the BSC, Claudia in particular. It was a tough book to come back to after a break for the holidays that we’d hoped would be a nice opportunity to reset after the shitshow that was 2020, made even more tough when an attempted coup and attack on the Capitol occurred about a week before recording. Kate and Lauryn ended up coming to this book from very different perspectives, due both to their own personal experiences with grief and this book and the proximity to January 6th in their reading. Join us for an in-depth conversation that tries not to wallow in the sadness and instead focus on just how great this book is overall, but especially in just how perfectly it provides for teachable moments and opportunities to learn about how to deal with death of a loved one, the death of a friend or acquaintance’s loved one, and how loss and the processing of grief looks different for every person. We also dive into the subplot with Corrie Addison and her awful parents (or maybe not so awful if we allow some grace for what they might be experience that we don’t see in the book?) and Claudia’s close relationship with Corrie where they both fill a space they’re currently missing (due to Mimi’s death and Corrie’s aforementioned awful parents). This includes comparing and contrasting with Mrs. Barrett in her introduction. We take some related and unrelated tangents (as usual) to discuss topics like Lurlene McDaniel YA novels, the implications of unexplained bruises, Dorianne’s name change, the importance of friendships being a two-way street with both parties on the same page, honoring people with art and reactions when people share personal work with you, how grateful we are for Generation BSC, an acknowledgement that sometimes you have to suffer for fashion, the continued problematic references to Emily Michelle, and Jamie’s adorable way of referring to the Shillaber twins – the “Very-lyn twins.”

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]]> Well, we’ve reached the book we’ve been dreading since the beginning, knowing that eventually we’ll have to say goodbye to Mimi with the rest of the BSC, Claudia in particular. It was a tough book to come back to after a break for the holidays that we’d hoped would be a nice opportunity to reset after the shitshow that was 2020, made even more tough when an attempted coup and attack on the Capitol occurred about a week before recording. Kate and Lauryn ended up coming to this book from very different perspectives, due both to their own personal experiences with grief and this book and the proximity to January 6th in their reading. Join us for an in-depth conversation that tries not to wallow in the sadness and instead focus on just how great this book is overall, but especially in just how perfectly it provides for teachable moments and opportunities to learn about how to deal with death of a loved one, the death of a friend or acquaintance’s loved one, and how loss and the processing of grief looks different for every person. We also dive into the subplot with Corrie Addison and her awful parents (or maybe not so awful if we allow some grace for what they might be experience that we don’t see in the book?) and Claudia’s close relationship with Corrie where they both fill a space they’re currently missing (due to Mimi’s death and Corrie’s aforementioned awful parents). This includes comparing and contrasting with Mrs. Barrett in her introduction. We take some related and unrelated tangents (as usual) to discuss topics like Lurlene McDaniel YA novels, the implications of unexplained bruises, Dorianne’s name change, the importance of friendships being a two-way street with both parties on the same page, honoring people with art and reactions when people share personal work with you, how grateful we are for Generation BSC, an acknowledgement that sometimes you have to suffer for fashion, the continued problematic references to Emily Michelle, and Jamie’s adorable way of referring to the Shillaber twins – the “Very-lyn twins.”

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> EM012: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season One, Episode Six: Claudia and Mean Janine! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em012 0b3439d0-827c-4bd2-9c0d-5460f513612b Tue, 25 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club. 58:25 yes Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix, The Claudia Kishi Club Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club.

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]]> Kate and Lauryn keep up the mini-series discussion about the Netflix series with a conversation about episode six of season one, Claudia and Mean Janine, and also delve a little deeper into The Claudia Kishi Club.

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]]> EM009: Emergency Meeting - A Conversation with Anna Nguyen re: The Claudia Kishi Club and the Netflix Series! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em009 0a47704f-51de-4c21-9f07-fbd0f829489f Tue, 04 Aug 2020 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate and Lauryn are joined this week by Anna Nguyen, a PhD student in rhetoric and composition who also uses her Instagram (@whatwouldclaudiawear) to document her own sartorial choices and meta-literary commentary on the Baby-Sitters Club. We discuss Sue Ding’s documentary, The Claudia Kishi Club, and the Netflix series generally and touch on some specifics from the book series as well. In our discussion, we examine the model minority myth and the othering of Claudia in descriptions related to such myth. Anna notes that the legacy of Claudia for Asian Americans is largely positive and shares her concerns on why she feels differently. In doing so, she unpacks the significance of identity categorizations and the tendency to universalize experiences in monolithic ways. We dive into the cultural impact of the new Netflix series, the general reception and reactions since its release, and why we (as a culture) might not be viewing it as critically as we watch and discuss. The concepts of “white excellence,” the “white savior complex,” and “black shows” vs. “white shows about black characters” come up in our discussion of the series and the books themselves when we deconstruct Kristy’s characterization in particular, including a discussion of how changing the race of some of the characters for the show had broader implications in the interpersonal reactions. We round out the conversation with an examination of the opportunities in our future discussions related to socioeconomic issues, racism, and the use of Native American imagery and names. One small correction: In a reference to the problematic Asian character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Anna mentions Mickey Rourke as the actor in that role. Mickey Rooney appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 55:31 yes Kate and Lauryn are joined this week by Anna Nguyen, a PhD student in rhetoric and composition who also uses her Instagram (@whatwouldclaudiawear) to document her own sartorial choices and meta-literary commentary on the Baby-Sitters Club. We discuss Sue Ding’s documentary, The Claudia Kishi Club, and the Netflix series generally and touch on some specifics from the book series as well. In our discussion, we examine the model minority myth and the othering of Claudia in descriptions related to such myth. Anna notes that the legacy of Claudia for Asian Americans is largely positive and shares her concerns on why she feels differently. In doing so, she unpacks the significance of identity categorizations and the tendency to universalize experiences in monolithic ways. We dive into the cultural impact of the new Netflix series, the general reception and reactions since its release, and why we (as a culture) might not be viewing it as critically as we watch and discuss. The concepts of “white excellence,” the “white savior complex,” and “black shows” vs. “white shows about black characters” come up in our discussion of the series and the books themselves when we deconstruct Kristy’s characterization in particular, including a discussion of how changing the race of some of the characters for the show had broader implications in the interpersonal reactions. We round out the conversation with an examination of the opportunities in our future discussions related to socioeconomic issues, racism, and the use of Native American imagery and names. One small correction: In a reference to the problematic Asian character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Anna mentions Mickey Rourke as the actor in that role. Mickey Rooney appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix, The Claudia Kishi Club Kate and Lauryn are joined this week by Anna Nguyen, a PhD student in rhetoric and composition who also uses her Instagram (@whatwouldclaudiawear) to document her own sartorial choices and meta-literary commentary on the Baby-Sitters Club. We discuss Sue Ding’s documentary, The Claudia Kishi Club, and the Netflix series generally and touch on some specifics from the book series as well. In our discussion, we examine the model minority myth and the othering of Claudia in descriptions related to such myth. Anna notes that the legacy of Claudia for Asian Americans is largely positive and shares her concerns on why she feels differently. In doing so, she unpacks the significance of identity categorizations and the tendency to universalize experiences in monolithic ways. We dive into the cultural impact of the new Netflix series, the general reception and reactions since its release, and why we (as a culture) might not be viewing it as critically as we watch and discuss. The concepts of “white excellence,” the “white savior complex,” and “black shows” vs. “white shows about black characters” come up in our discussion of the series and the books themselves when we deconstruct Kristy’s characterization in particular, including a discussion of how changing the race of some of the characters for the show had broader implications in the interpersonal reactions. We round out the conversation with an examination of the opportunities in our future discussions related to socioeconomic issues, racism, and the use of Native American imagery and names.

One small correction: In a reference to the problematic Asian character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Anna mentions Mickey Rourke as the actor in that role. Mickey Rooney appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Kate and Lauryn are joined this week by Anna Nguyen, a PhD student in rhetoric and composition who also uses her Instagram (@whatwouldclaudiawear) to document her own sartorial choices and meta-literary commentary on the Baby-Sitters Club. We discuss Sue Ding’s documentary, The Claudia Kishi Club, and the Netflix series generally and touch on some specifics from the book series as well. In our discussion, we examine the model minority myth and the othering of Claudia in descriptions related to such myth. Anna notes that the legacy of Claudia for Asian Americans is largely positive and shares her concerns on why she feels differently. In doing so, she unpacks the significance of identity categorizations and the tendency to universalize experiences in monolithic ways. We dive into the cultural impact of the new Netflix series, the general reception and reactions since its release, and why we (as a culture) might not be viewing it as critically as we watch and discuss. The concepts of “white excellence,” the “white savior complex,” and “black shows” vs. “white shows about black characters” come up in our discussion of the series and the books themselves when we deconstruct Kristy’s characterization in particular, including a discussion of how changing the race of some of the characters for the show had broader implications in the interpersonal reactions. We round out the conversation with an examination of the opportunities in our future discussions related to socioeconomic issues, racism, and the use of Native American imagery and names.

One small correction: In a reference to the problematic Asian character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Anna mentions Mickey Rourke as the actor in that role. Mickey Rooney appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

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Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> EM007: Emergency Meeting - Netflix Season One, Episode Two: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em007 e158bbb1-ffd8-4c19-8c0b-5e030e8b1744 Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are. 39:32 yes The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Netflix The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are.

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> The Emergency Meetings continue with Kate and Lauryn’s discussion of Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, episode two of The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix. Despite the title and general concepts being the same as the second book in the main series, we note that the Phantom Caller concept has been significantly modified and the related Phantom Phone Calls from Trevor Sandbourne and Alan Gray are non-existent. We discuss how this makes sense, but the shoehorning in of the Phantom Caller metaphor to retain that reference to the original leaves us a little disappointed with that aspect, while loving the episode as a whole. We get our introduction to Richard Spier in one of several nods to horror movies (and a clear indication of just how big a drama king he is). Parent/child relationships, expectations, and lack of communication are the big theme in this book, which we explore through our discussion of the Kishi parents with both Claudia and Janine and Kristy with Liz (also known forever to us as Edie) and Watson. Karen Brewer makes her first significant appearance and we are here for it. Her spooky energy is everything we didn’t know we needed. We touch on how great this show is at fleshing out these characters and showing their motivations when they do things that might otherwise seem out of character, how well it justifies original plot points despite updates to technology, Nancy Meyers kitchen porn, Mary Anne’s opportunity to be clever despite the lack of early warning system necessities, just what soigné actually means, and how the costumes chosen by Claudia and Stacey are so indicative of who they are.

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 019: Claudia and the Bad Joke! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/019 70220516-33d9-4d1f-bbb6-063b559c8025 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Pranks are sweeping the neighborhood, with new babysitting charge, Betsy Sobak, and the Pikes leading the charge. And despite Kate’s prediction that the prank war declared on Betsy by the BSC could NEVER be after Claudia’s accident because that would be too shitty a thing for them to do, it turns out that they are, in fact, just that shitty as they decide to use a prank war to teach Betsy a lesson. Yeah, it’s another book where the girls let us down and the main child isn’t the greatest as the BSC takes “parenting advice” from George and Lucille Bluth to scare Betsy straight when it comes to the humiliation and embarrassment that comes from pranks when everyone hasn’t bought in on the concept. We compare and contrast the pranking that goes on with the Pikes and their babysitters (where everyone has a tacit understanding of give and take and has fun with it) and the situation with Betsy and her babysitters and classmates, who clearly do not have that type of relationship. We do appreciate that the lesson eventually comes due to a heartfelt conversation between Kristy and Betsy (rather than a mansplainy monologue a la Danny Tanner), but the fact that the prank war and somewhat malicious lesson-teaching works and is reinforced definitely rubs us the wrong way. We again confirm Dawn being the absolute best friend in the BSC and try to dissect why that might be (and getting a little arm chair expert-y in our conversation), while noting that the Claudia/Janine dynamic in this book is our favorite iteration of their relationship. We also touch on Claudia’s Asian-ness when compared to Jessi’s Blackness and how that will be something we pay more attention to as we continue reading, our heightened childhood expectations re: how important dry-cleaning would be when we grew up, wearing our dad’s (oversized on us) button-down shirts and learning how to tie flamboyantly colored/patterned ties, how when you’re a kid, it seems like every adult has stock cliched responses (e.g., “but it’s a dry heat,” “it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity”), and how oatmeal raisin cookies and apple juice might be the worst afterschool snack ever. 1:23:54 yes Pranks are sweeping the neighborhood, with new babysitting charge, Betsy Sobak, and the Pikes leading the charge. And despite Kate’s prediction that the prank war declared on Betsy by the BSC could NEVER be after Claudia’s accident because that would be too shitty a thing for them to do, it turns out that they are, in fact, just that shitty as they decide to use a prank war to teach Betsy a lesson. Yeah, it’s another book where the girls let us down and the main child isn’t the greatest as the BSC takes “parenting advice” from George and Lucille Bluth to scare Betsy straight when it comes to the humiliation and embarrassment that comes from pranks when everyone hasn’t bought in on the concept. We compare and contrast the pranking that goes on with the Pikes and their babysitters (where everyone has a tacit understanding of give and take and has fun with it) and the situation with Betsy and her babysitters and classmates, who clearly do not have that type of relationship. We do appreciate that the lesson eventually comes due to a heartfelt conversation between Kristy and Betsy (rather than a mansplainy monologue a la Danny Tanner), but the fact that the prank war and somewhat malicious lesson-teaching works and is reinforced definitely rubs us the wrong way. We again confirm Dawn being the absolute best friend in the BSC and try to dissect why that might be (and getting a little arm chair expert-y in our conversation), while noting that the Claudia/Janine dynamic in this book is our favorite iteration of their relationship. We also touch on Claudia’s Asian-ness when compared to Jessi’s Blackness and how that will be something we pay more attention to as we continue reading, our heightened childhood expectations re: how important dry-cleaning would be when we grew up, wearing our dad’s (oversized on us) button-down shirts and learning how to tie flamboyantly colored/patterned ties, how when you’re a kid, it seems like every adult has stock cliched responses (e.g., “but it’s a dry heat,” “it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity”), and how oatmeal raisin cookies and apple juice might be the worst afterschool snack ever. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Bad Joke Pranks are sweeping the neighborhood, with new babysitting charge, Betsy Sobak, and the Pikes leading the charge. And despite Kate’s prediction that the prank war declared on Betsy by the BSC could NEVER be after Claudia’s accident because that would be too shitty a thing for them to do, it turns out that they are, in fact, just that shitty as they decide to use a prank war to teach Betsy a lesson. Yeah, it’s another book where the girls let us down and the main child isn’t the greatest as the BSC takes “parenting advice” from George and Lucille Bluth to scare Betsy straight when it comes to the humiliation and embarrassment that comes from pranks when everyone hasn’t bought in on the concept. We compare and contrast the pranking that goes on with the Pikes and their babysitters (where everyone has a tacit understanding of give and take and has fun with it) and the situation with Betsy and her babysitters and classmates, who clearly do not have that type of relationship. We do appreciate that the lesson eventually comes due to a heartfelt conversation between Kristy and Betsy (rather than a mansplainy monologue a la Danny Tanner), but the fact that the prank war and somewhat malicious lesson-teaching works and is reinforced definitely rubs us the wrong way. We again confirm Dawn being the absolute best friend in the BSC and try to dissect why that might be (and getting a little arm chair expert-y in our conversation), while noting that the Claudia/Janine dynamic in this book is our favorite iteration of their relationship. We also touch on Claudia’s Asian-ness when compared to Jessi’s Blackness and how that will be something we pay more attention to as we continue reading, our heightened childhood expectations re: how important dry-cleaning would be when we grew up, wearing our dad’s (oversized on us) button-down shirts and learning how to tie flamboyantly colored/patterned ties, how when you’re a kid, it seems like every adult has stock cliched responses (e.g., “but it’s a dry heat,” “it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity”), and how oatmeal raisin cookies and apple juice might be the worst afterschool snack ever.

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E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Pranks are sweeping the neighborhood, with new babysitting charge, Betsy Sobak, and the Pikes leading the charge. And despite Kate’s prediction that the prank war declared on Betsy by the BSC could NEVER be after Claudia’s accident because that would be too shitty a thing for them to do, it turns out that they are, in fact, just that shitty as they decide to use a prank war to teach Betsy a lesson. Yeah, it’s another book where the girls let us down and the main child isn’t the greatest as the BSC takes “parenting advice” from George and Lucille Bluth to scare Betsy straight when it comes to the humiliation and embarrassment that comes from pranks when everyone hasn’t bought in on the concept. We compare and contrast the pranking that goes on with the Pikes and their babysitters (where everyone has a tacit understanding of give and take and has fun with it) and the situation with Betsy and her babysitters and classmates, who clearly do not have that type of relationship. We do appreciate that the lesson eventually comes due to a heartfelt conversation between Kristy and Betsy (rather than a mansplainy monologue a la Danny Tanner), but the fact that the prank war and somewhat malicious lesson-teaching works and is reinforced definitely rubs us the wrong way. We again confirm Dawn being the absolute best friend in the BSC and try to dissect why that might be (and getting a little arm chair expert-y in our conversation), while noting that the Claudia/Janine dynamic in this book is our favorite iteration of their relationship. We also touch on Claudia’s Asian-ness when compared to Jessi’s Blackness and how that will be something we pay more attention to as we continue reading, our heightened childhood expectations re: how important dry-cleaning would be when we grew up, wearing our dad’s (oversized on us) button-down shirts and learning how to tie flamboyantly colored/patterned ties, how when you’re a kid, it seems like every adult has stock cliched responses (e.g., “but it’s a dry heat,” “it’s not the heat that gets you, it’s the humidity”), and how oatmeal raisin cookies and apple juice might be the worst afterschool snack ever.

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Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> EM003: Emergency Meeting - Claudia in Quarantine! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/em003 a05b2e7c-97ba-42c5-8a8a-82552d0011bf Tue, 28 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Kate and Lauryn continue with their emergency meetings to check in with each of the girls and discuss what we think Claudia is doing during her COVID-induced quarantine. We disagree initially about how Claudia reacts to school being cancelled, with Lauryn focusing on the schoolwork aspect and Kate focusing on the interpersonal face-to-face interactions. We touch on how we think Claudia and Janine are handling being quarantined together (likely exactly how they have in the two books where their relationship has been a focus – conflicts initially, but coming around to understanding). We discuss whether Claudia is on the front lines of mask-making, either actually making them or possibly finding ways to decorate the masks, especially to make them more fun and less scary for kids. Knowing Claudia’s love of junk food and Nancy Drews, we discuss how we think Claudia is getting more of these things to satisfy her needs and whether her parents have maybe softened their position on these items given what’s going on in the world. Lauryn pretends that Amazon doesn’t exist in the version of 2020 that the BSC is in for purposes of our discussion and Kate questions whether Claudia would even use it if it was available. We definitely agree Claudia is using her time at home to focus on her art (and exploring new media) and on fashion and creating amazing outfits, potentially creating (or expanding) a fashion Instagram or blog. We again end with a quick check-in on how we’re feeling and getting through self-isolation this week. Stay safe and healthy everyone!! 30:01 yes Kate and Lauryn continue with their emergency meetings to check in with each of the girls and discuss what we think Claudia is doing during her COVID-induced quarantine. We disagree initially about how Claudia reacts to school being cancelled, with Lauryn focusing on the schoolwork aspect and Kate focusing on the interpersonal face-to-face interactions. We touch on how we think Claudia and Janine are handling being quarantined together (likely exactly how they have in the two books where their relationship has been a focus – conflicts initially, but coming around to understanding). We discuss whether Claudia is on the front lines of mask-making, either actually making them or possibly finding ways to decorate the masks, especially to make them more fun and less scary for kids. Knowing Claudia’s love of junk food and Nancy Drews, we discuss how we think Claudia is getting more of these things to satisfy her needs and whether her parents have maybe softened their position on these items given what’s going on in the world. Lauryn pretends that Amazon doesn’t exist in the version of 2020 that the BSC is in for purposes of our discussion and Kate questions whether Claudia would even use it if it was available. We definitely agree Claudia is using her time at home to focus on her art (and exploring new media) and on fashion and creating amazing outfits, potentially creating (or expanding) a fashion Instagram or blog. We again end with a quick check-in on how we’re feeling and getting through self-isolation this week. Stay safe and healthy everyone!! Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Jessi's Secret Language Kate and Lauryn continue with their emergency meetings to check in with each of the girls and discuss what we think Claudia is doing during her COVID-induced quarantine. We disagree initially about how Claudia reacts to school being cancelled, with Lauryn focusing on the schoolwork aspect and Kate focusing on the interpersonal face-to-face interactions. We touch on how we think Claudia and Janine are handling being quarantined together (likely exactly how they have in the two books where their relationship has been a focus – conflicts initially, but coming around to understanding). We discuss whether Claudia is on the front lines of mask-making, either actually making them or possibly finding ways to decorate the masks, especially to make them more fun and less scary for kids. Knowing Claudia’s love of junk food and Nancy Drews, we discuss how we think Claudia is getting more of these things to satisfy her needs and whether her parents have maybe softened their position on these items given what’s going on in the world. Lauryn pretends that Amazon doesn’t exist in the version of 2020 that the BSC is in for purposes of our discussion and Kate questions whether Claudia would even use it if it was available. We definitely agree Claudia is using her time at home to focus on her art (and exploring new media) and on fashion and creating amazing outfits, potentially creating (or expanding) a fashion Instagram or blog. We again end with a quick check-in on how we’re feeling and getting through self-isolation this week.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!!

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Kate and Lauryn continue with their emergency meetings to check in with each of the girls and discuss what we think Claudia is doing during her COVID-induced quarantine. We disagree initially about how Claudia reacts to school being cancelled, with Lauryn focusing on the schoolwork aspect and Kate focusing on the interpersonal face-to-face interactions. We touch on how we think Claudia and Janine are handling being quarantined together (likely exactly how they have in the two books where their relationship has been a focus – conflicts initially, but coming around to understanding). We discuss whether Claudia is on the front lines of mask-making, either actually making them or possibly finding ways to decorate the masks, especially to make them more fun and less scary for kids. Knowing Claudia’s love of junk food and Nancy Drews, we discuss how we think Claudia is getting more of these things to satisfy her needs and whether her parents have maybe softened their position on these items given what’s going on in the world. Lauryn pretends that Amazon doesn’t exist in the version of 2020 that the BSC is in for purposes of our discussion and Kate questions whether Claudia would even use it if it was available. We definitely agree Claudia is using her time at home to focus on her art (and exploring new media) and on fashion and creating amazing outfits, potentially creating (or expanding) a fashion Instagram or blog. We again end with a quick check-in on how we’re feeling and getting through self-isolation this week.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!!

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 012: Claudia and the New Girl! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/012 22aa1063-9035-4b1c-8fb2-903bcadbbcfd Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:00:00 -0500 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Claudia’s got a new friend, despite our insistence on no new friends. Ashley Wyeth moves to town and is a Serious Artist. Claudia is immediately enamored of her and starts spending all of her time with Ashley, completely ignoring the BSC, her babysitting charges, and Stacey, in particular. Lauryn initially gets excited about the first non-straight "romantic" crush in the series, which leads to a conversation and re-evaluation regarding crushes and friendships at that age and their emotional complexities. Kate redeems her memory when her prediction of this book was spot-on (but she doubles down that Eddie from her Ghost at Dawn’s House prediction will for sure be in Beware, Dawn!, Mystery #2). As always, we touch on plenty of TV references – this time including, but not limited to, The Good Place, Project Runway, and Buffy. Newbury Award winners that we know and love are discussed in an actually on-topic tangent and we sort of make predictions for the next two books. Clearly, we’re figuring out how Super Specials actually fit in! We touch on Benedict Arnold (with Lauryn being a supporter? maybe?), Banksy, what art is anyway, early 2000s fashion, possibly and definitely problematic descriptive words, and reaffirm #nonewpeeps. 1:09:51 yes Claudia’s got a new friend, despite our insistence on no new friends. Ashley Wyeth moves to town and is a Serious Artist. Claudia is immediately enamored of her and starts spending all of her time with Ashley, completely ignoring the BSC, her babysitting charges, and Stacey, in particular. Lauryn initially gets excited about the first non-straight "romantic" crush in the series, which leads to a conversation and re-evaluation regarding crushes and friendships at that age and their emotional complexities. Kate redeems her memory when her prediction of this book was spot-on (but she doubles down that Eddie from her Ghost at Dawn’s House prediction will for sure be in Beware, Dawn!, Mystery #2). As always, we touch on plenty of TV references – this time including, but not limited to, The Good Place, Project Runway, and Buffy. Newbury Award winners that we know and love are discussed in an actually on-topic tangent and we sort of make predictions for the next two books. Clearly, we’re figuring out how Super Specials actually fit in! We touch on Benedict Arnold (with Lauryn being a supporter? maybe?), Banksy, what art is anyway, early 2000s fashion, possibly and definitely problematic descriptive words, and reaffirm #nonewpeeps. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the New Girl Claudia’s got a new friend, despite our insistence on no new friends. Ashley Wyeth moves to town and is a Serious Artist. Claudia is immediately enamored of her and starts spending all of her time with Ashley, completely ignoring the BSC, her babysitting charges, and Stacey, in particular. Lauryn initially gets excited about the first non-straight "romantic" crush in the series, which leads to a conversation and re-evaluation regarding crushes and friendships at that age and their emotional complexities. Kate redeems her memory when her prediction of this book was spot-on (but she doubles down that Eddie from her Ghost at Dawn’s House prediction will for sure be in Beware, Dawn!, Mystery #2). As always, we touch on plenty of TV references – this time including, but not limited to, The Good Place, Project Runway, and Buffy. Newbury Award winners that we know and love are discussed in an actually on-topic tangent and we sort of make predictions for the next two books. Clearly, we’re figuring out how Super Specials actually fit in! We touch on Benedict Arnold (with Lauryn being a supporter? maybe?), Banksy, what art is anyway, early 2000s fashion, possibly and definitely problematic descriptive words, and reaffirm #nonewpeeps.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Claudia’s got a new friend, despite our insistence on no new friends. Ashley Wyeth moves to town and is a Serious Artist. Claudia is immediately enamored of her and starts spending all of her time with Ashley, completely ignoring the BSC, her babysitting charges, and Stacey, in particular. Lauryn initially gets excited about the first non-straight "romantic" crush in the series, which leads to a conversation and re-evaluation regarding crushes and friendships at that age and their emotional complexities. Kate redeems her memory when her prediction of this book was spot-on (but she doubles down that Eddie from her Ghost at Dawn’s House prediction will for sure be in Beware, Dawn!, Mystery #2). As always, we touch on plenty of TV references – this time including, but not limited to, The Good Place, Project Runway, and Buffy. Newbury Award winners that we know and love are discussed in an actually on-topic tangent and we sort of make predictions for the next two books. Clearly, we’re figuring out how Super Specials actually fit in! We touch on Benedict Arnold (with Lauryn being a supporter? maybe?), Banksy, what art is anyway, early 2000s fashion, possibly and definitely problematic descriptive words, and reaffirm #nonewpeeps.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 007: Claudia and Mean Janine! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/007 5d70e412-b3f7-4ce4-84e6-c600339b9794 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 06:00:00 -0500 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Claudia and Janine just don’t seem to get each other after some backsliding since their personal and relationship growth in Phantom Phone Calls. Things come to a head after Mimi has a stroke (completely blindsiding Kate and Lauryn in their reread). We discuss our experiences with siblings and grandparent health issues and spoiler alert, find ourselves unexpectedly, but solidly, on Team Janine (except when it comes to correcting grammar and speaking like a walking thesaurus in certain situations). There is some debate over how best to pronounce Reese’s Pieces and we again find ourselves questioning Stacey’s sartorial choices. Seriously - we clearly just accepted what the other girls said about her while disregarding the outfit descriptions! 1:12:44 yes Claudia and Janine just don’t seem to get each other after some backsliding since their personal and relationship growth in Phantom Phone Calls. Things come to a head after Mimi has a stroke (completely blindsiding Kate and Lauryn in their reread). We discuss our experiences with siblings and grandparent health issues and spoiler alert, find ourselves unexpectedly, but solidly, on Team Janine (except when it comes to correcting grammar and speaking like a walking thesaurus in certain situations). There is some debate over how best to pronounce Reese’s Pieces and we again find ourselves questioning Stacey’s sartorial choices. Seriously - we clearly just accepted what the other girls said about her while disregarding the outfit descriptions! Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and Mean Janine Claudia and Janine just don’t seem to get each other after some backsliding since their personal and relationship growth in Phantom Phone Calls. Things come to a head after Mimi has a stroke (completely blindsiding Kate and Lauryn in their reread). We discuss our experiences with siblings and grandparent health issues and spoiler alert, find ourselves unexpectedly, but solidly, on Team Janine (except when it comes to correcting grammar and speaking like a walking thesaurus in certain situations). There is some debate over how best to pronounce Reese’s Pieces and we again find ourselves questioning Stacey’s sartorial choices. Seriously - we clearly just accepted what the other girls said about her while disregarding the outfit descriptions!

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Claudia and Janine just don’t seem to get each other after some backsliding since their personal and relationship growth in Phantom Phone Calls. Things come to a head after Mimi has a stroke (completely blindsiding Kate and Lauryn in their reread). We discuss our experiences with siblings and grandparent health issues and spoiler alert, find ourselves unexpectedly, but solidly, on Team Janine (except when it comes to correcting grammar and speaking like a walking thesaurus in certain situations). There is some debate over how best to pronounce Reese’s Pieces and we again find ourselves questioning Stacey’s sartorial choices. Seriously - we clearly just accepted what the other girls said about her while disregarding the outfit descriptions!

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

]]> Episode 002: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls! https://generationbsc.fireside.fm/002 e3601fe5-b7a3-490d-bc19-29bc2533a261 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 06:00:00 -0400 Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter full Kate Vlasek and Lauryn Hunter Before there were actual BSC Mysteries, there was the original - Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls. Are the girls being stalked by the actual Phantom Caller (who wants to steal… their hair ribbons…)? Or is there something else to this mystery? Kate and Lauryn’s Great Ideas touch on growing pains related to varying levels of maturity, sibling rivalry, what it means to be “smart,” imagination, and the ability of pre-teen girls to escalate to dramatics quickly. Lauryn can’t wait to discuss a certain Core Four member’s sexuality as she continues to explore her own, and Kate breaks down the ins and outs of IQs. 1:00:54 yes Before there were actual BSC Mysteries, there was the original - Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls. Are the girls being stalked by the actual Phantom Caller (who wants to steal… their hair ribbons…)? Or is there something else to this mystery? Kate and Lauryn’s Great Ideas touch on growing pains related to varying levels of maturity, sibling rivalry, what it means to be “smart,” imagination, and the ability of pre-teen girls to escalate to dramatics quickly. Lauryn can’t wait to discuss a certain Core Four member’s sexuality as she continues to explore her own, and Kate breaks down the ins and outs of IQs. Follow us! Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc Contact us! E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter. OUR SUMMARY! (We'll include this in the actual episode going forward!) Claudia-Specific: Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne, a poet in her class, and wants to go to the Halloween dance with him. She doesn’t think he knows her, but she continues to pine throughout the book. Claudia and Kristy both get hang up phone calls at multiple babysitting jobs and eventually catch Alan Gray in the act! He’d been looking at the club appointment book and noting where they were both babysitting so he and Trevor Sandbourne could call them to ask them to the Halloween dance. Despite Kristy hating Alan, she goes with him, and they all have a great time. Except Mary Anne who stays home. BSC Generally: There is a burglar on the loose whose MO is to call the houses to see if anyone is home and then break in later to steal their fine jewels. He’s hitting homes far from Stoneybrook, but the Core Four jumps to conclusions and thinks they’re at risk of running into him. They come up with codes and ideas for alarm systems to prevent catastrophe. There’s a copycat nextdoor to Claudia and eventually the real Phantom Caller is caught and there’s nothing else to worry about in Stoneybrook. Baby-Sitters Club, Babysitters Club, BSC, Ann M. Martin, Generation BSC, Generation Baby-Sitters Club, millennials, Xennials, books, reread, episodic, Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Before there were actual BSC Mysteries, there was the original - Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls. Are the girls being stalked by the actual Phantom Caller (who wants to steal… their hair ribbons…)? Or is there something else to this mystery? Kate and Lauryn’s Great Ideas touch on growing pains related to varying levels of maturity, sibling rivalry, what it means to be “smart,” imagination, and the ability of pre-teen girls to escalate to dramatics quickly. Lauryn can’t wait to discuss a certain Core Four member’s sexuality as she continues to explore her own, and Kate breaks down the ins and outs of IQs.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

OUR SUMMARY!
(We'll include this in the actual episode going forward!)

Claudia-Specific: Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne, a poet in her class, and wants to go to the Halloween dance with him. She doesn’t think he knows her, but she continues to pine throughout the book. Claudia and Kristy both get hang up phone calls at multiple babysitting jobs and eventually catch Alan Gray in the act! He’d been looking at the club appointment book and noting where they were both babysitting so he and Trevor Sandbourne could call them to ask them to the Halloween dance. Despite Kristy hating Alan, she goes with him, and they all have a great time. Except Mary Anne who stays home.

BSC Generally: There is a burglar on the loose whose MO is to call the houses to see if anyone is home and then break in later to steal their fine jewels. He’s hitting homes far from Stoneybrook, but the Core Four jumps to conclusions and thinks they’re at risk of running into him. They come up with codes and ideas for alarm systems to prevent catastrophe. There’s a copycat nextdoor to Claudia and eventually the real Phantom Caller is caught and there’s nothing else to worry about in Stoneybrook.

]]> Before there were actual BSC Mysteries, there was the original - Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls. Are the girls being stalked by the actual Phantom Caller (who wants to steal… their hair ribbons…)? Or is there something else to this mystery? Kate and Lauryn’s Great Ideas touch on growing pains related to varying levels of maturity, sibling rivalry, what it means to be “smart,” imagination, and the ability of pre-teen girls to escalate to dramatics quickly. Lauryn can’t wait to discuss a certain Core Four member’s sexuality as she continues to explore her own, and Kate breaks down the ins and outs of IQs.

Follow us!
Instagram and Twitter: @generationbsc

Contact us!
E-mail: generationbsc@gmail.com

Generation BSC logo created by Jordyn Hunter.

OUR SUMMARY!
(We'll include this in the actual episode going forward!)

Claudia-Specific: Claudia has a crush on Trevor Sandbourne, a poet in her class, and wants to go to the Halloween dance with him. She doesn’t think he knows her, but she continues to pine throughout the book. Claudia and Kristy both get hang up phone calls at multiple babysitting jobs and eventually catch Alan Gray in the act! He’d been looking at the club appointment book and noting where they were both babysitting so he and Trevor Sandbourne could call them to ask them to the Halloween dance. Despite Kristy hating Alan, she goes with him, and they all have a great time. Except Mary Anne who stays home.

BSC Generally: There is a burglar on the loose whose MO is to call the houses to see if anyone is home and then break in later to steal their fine jewels. He’s hitting homes far from Stoneybrook, but the Core Four jumps to conclusions and thinks they’re at risk of running into him. They come up with codes and ideas for alarm systems to prevent catastrophe. There’s a copycat nextdoor to Claudia and eventually the real Phantom Caller is caught and there’s nothing else to worry about in Stoneybrook.

]]>