Exciting things are happening at the Stoneybrook Wine Club! Sound is getting better (we got a mic!), jokes are getting funnier (we got a guest!) and subplots are getting lesbian-er (we got a new BSC member!). We welcome actor, comedian and activist Jes Bedwinek on the show and discuss Sapphic undertones (and overtones and around tones), the proper way to wear scrunch socks, the early days of American Girl Dolls and Nikki’s strident opinion that bangs are never a good choice. Highlights include Jes’s audition for Mallory in the 1995 Babysitters Club movie and the early days of the internet with a Prodigy BSC tie in.

Beverages consumed:Three Wisemen Shot (We highly suggest you use better whiskey than we did. Recipe here: https://www.thespruce.com/three-wise-men-shot-recipe-761509 )

Book discussed: #5 Dawn and the Impossible Three

Guest: Jes Bedwinek

In a bold and unprecedented move, Kevin and Nikki decide to go non-alcoholic for this one, and a world of sober hilarity and loudly clinking ice cubes ensues. Topics discussed include the proper ‘shipping of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters, Kevin’s affinity for the game “Pretty Pretty Princess,” and exactly how little Nikki knows about the difference between Mary Worth and Sally Forth. In a shocking turn of events, our hosts decide this is an actual BOOK with connected plots and motivated actions, and even find some excitement at meeting an entirely new human character in the process.

Beverages consumed: Unsweetened Ice Tea (I have no idea what brand, but you get the jist. It was probably something like this: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/perfect-iced-tea-recipe-2105628)

 Book Discussed: #4 Mary Anne Saves the Day

In our third episode, our heroes explore the wide world of Type 1 Diabetes (as viewed through an 80’s AIDS metaphor?), debate which is the most warp-whistle-out-able Super Mario 3 world and lament the grossness of grandma-purse-candy. Highlights include mapping out the plot of the fictional Broadway musical “Paris Magic,” Stacey’s choice of beret pins, and our OG BSC members’ excitement at getting to touch a baby.

Beverages consumed:

Manhattans (we made a very janky version of this: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/manhattan )

Book Discussed: #3 The Truth About Stacey