The Bluestocking Circle Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Bluestocking Circle Podcast
The lady nerds of The Bluestocking Circle discuss books, movies, television, and more, with an emphasis on fantasy, science fiction, and nostalgia. Join The Bluestocking Circle at thebluestockingcircle.com.
In which we fall in and out of love, put all our feelings out there, and wish we had a little more Bronte in our Austen. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility plus the 1995 adaptation.
Kat cannot dodge an upcoming sequel, Gricel does not forget Margaret, and Bee likes the way our next protagonist thinks. The lady nerds remain in the rabbit hole, continue an annual bluestocking tradition, and prepare for our cozy next pick.
In which we do not believe in the power of love, discuss Trinity Syndrome, and face our doom stoically. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the The Matrix Trilogy.
Kat locates more haunted houses to love, Gricel is too scared to sleep, and Bee teaches us kung fu. The lady nerds trade Sarah Waters favorites, look forward to more spooky stories, and follow the white rabbit.
In which we break down the horrors of solitude, learn that ghosts will improve most stories, and, as always, expect more murder. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book The Haunting of Hill House.
Gricel laments the lack of time, Bee begrudgingly is amazed by a long-awaited trailer, and Kat invites us to a mysterious mansion for a cup of stars. The lady nerds continue discussing Ireland, resurrect the Matrix, and cannot escape Stephen King.
In which we fangirl over a truly cracker friendship, empathize with a genuinely patient partner, and weigh the merits of Derry's Hot Priest. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV show Derry Girls.
Find yourself a shady spot and grab a beverage as the Bluestockings share the works that make them smile and bring happiness to their days.
Gricel does her homework, Bee suffers through a sequel, and Kat experiences the power of uplifting stories. The lady nerds further discuss the Princess Diaries movies, provide extra Recs, and continue their high school nostalgia across the pond.
In which we fail to do the homework, impart a heartfelt lesson on friendship and the sunk cost fallacy, and are annoyed by senseless adaptational changes. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and movie The Princess Diaries.
Kat amps up for a summer of love, Gricel is won over by coffee, and Bee preps us for a princess tale. The lady nerds unearth a forgotten 90s gem, continue to be charmed by Brendan Fraser, and give a millennial classic the royal treatment.
In which we revel in the combined hotness of the cast, give props to strong female leads while also wishing for stronger female supporting characters, and unanimously agree on the high enjoyment levels of the movie. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the 1999 film The Mummy.
Gricel takes a chance on Eternal, Bee is given the Sailor Scout treatment, and Kat readies us for a summer of epic fun. The lady nerds reflect on Sailor Moon, consider the cultural phenomenon of The Mummy gifs, and look forward to a late 90s classic.
In which we recall the dark days of fandom rarity, gush over magical "hairography," and share the Sailor Scout dreams of our heart. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the 1995 anime series Sailor Moon.
Bee is holding out for a hero, Kat reminisces about men in tights, and Gricel is a meatball-head loving trash human. The lady nerds are astounded by the love for Shrek, fail to grasp the concept of time, and uncover the secrets of the Moon Kingdom.
In which we reminisce about kids' meal toys, fail to learn the moral of the story, and discover this tale about an ogre was created for young ladies of quality. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the movies Shrek and Shrek 2.
Gricel watches more Freaks and Geeks, Bee discovers some pop culture gaps, and Kat has little memory of movies from the early 2000s. The lady nerds learn of a murder, are schooled in early 2000s media, and take a trip Far Far Away.
In which we reminisce about our high school days, find little to rant about, and discover one more thing that Venns! All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the 1999 TV series Freaks and Geeks.
Bee shares an original viewer's Star Wars memory, Kat recounts a rediscovered fave, and Gricel gushes about the sans pants lifestyle. The lady nerds share the small changes that made quarantine bearable, sing the praises of closet storage, and are total newbs.
In which we establish the anti-Han Solo club of two, are fascinated by behind-the-scenes trivia, and keep breaking one fangirl's heart. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.
Kat is delighted by new fans of 9 to 5, Bee shares a most appropriate Reading Rec, and Gricel spots Howell in Wales. The lady nerds shake their fists at Henry Ford, discuss what makes for good quarantimes watching, and are impressed by what you can learn just through cultural osmosis.
In which we fawn over female friendships, lament the lack of changes in the workplace, and wonder why Hollywood still hasn’t learned from its past successes. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the film 9 to 5.
Curl up with your fuzziest socks and beverage of choice as the Bluestockings share the works that bring them comfort and joy during the best of times and the worst of times.
Gricel opines the new Emma movie should have been more murdery, Kat shares some fashionable recommendations, and Bee proclaims the savior of humanity. The lady nerds discuss the new Emma adaptation, appreciate the accuracy of Regency ringlets, and tamp down murdery expectations for our next work.
In which we find much to love, agree on matters of fashion, and disagree on matters of the heart. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Jane Austen's Emma and the film Clueless.
Kat serves as the unofficial Official Stephen King Ambassador, Bee is the real-life Lisa Simpson, and Gricel issues an overdue apology. The lady nerds share fan and former guest feedback, provide enchanting bonus content, and get ready for some unsolicited matchmaking.
In which we are flabbergasted by a fairytale retelling, discover an unexpected offscreen romance, and don’t even know who we are anymore. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and movie Ella Enchanted.
Gricel reveals a heart-exploding link between our last episode and a recommended author, Bee’s expectations are exceeded, and Kat is dragged kicking and screaming back into the 10th Kingdom. The lady nerds discuss fairytale retellings, speculate about potential princesses who may or may not be enchanted, and share a surprising confession about an old problematic fave.
In which we may or may not have incriminated ourselves, rejoice over an Anne of Green Gables connection, and are troubled by the stereotypical male author. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and movie Misery.
Gricel reveals a horrifying fact about her bookshelves, Kat brings forward another suggestion for the Venn Diagram, and Bee finds a new charming series. The lady nerds discuss their recent reading habits, organize their books, and dive into the dark and disturbing areas of their past.
In which we discover a shared love of music boxes, admire the many talents of a young Jodie Foster, and find a work that “Venn diagrams” in all the right places. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the classic Disney movie Candleshoe.
Bee resorts to trickery, Kat is traumatized by Paper Mario, and Gricel is a tiny bit hopeful she found something for our Venn diagram. The lady nerds celebrate their third anniversary, discuss the perfect ending of Gravity Falls, and embrace orphancore.
In which we collectively sigh about boy-crazy phases, confess a childhood dream to become a paranormal investigator, and neglect to warn you this episode may be a fun hazard. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Gravity Falls.
Kat is still finding joy in Stoneybrook, Gricel holds back on ranting, and Bee reminisces about the averted 2012 apocalypse. The lady nerds continue embracing nostalgia, share enthusiasm for modern book adaptations, and will watch anything described as Simpsons-meets-Twin Peaks.
In which we reveal our BSC signs, wax nostalgic about book buying in the 90s, and debate the merits of updating classics. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss The Baby-Sitters Club.
Bee gives a small updated recommendation, Kat shares a Star Trek connection, and the cockles of Gricel's heart are warmed. The lady nerds continue their journey through pop culture comforts, decide all nice guy tropes should be left in the 90s, and say hello to their new friends.
In which we welcome a newbie to the fold, crown a lady nerd fashion icon, and fall in love with the nostalgia of a (nearly) perfect 90s favorite. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Gricel teases a possible future episode, Bee discovers the pleasures of audiobooks, and Kat lowers her expectations, much to her delight. The lady nerds share a collective squee, discuss the results of the book vs. movie debate, and stake their claim on a major fandom.
In which we begrudgingly appreciate an inconceivably convincing metafictional frame, discuss whether the movie is sometimes better than the book after all, and wound one of our own so deeply she is mostly dead by the end of the episode. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and film The Princess Bride.
Kat longs for the magical doors of Howl’s Moving Castle, Bee reaches for some pop culture comfort food, and Gricel returns! The lady nerds share feedback about Hairspray, discuss being kooky old ladies, and prepare for their battle of wits.
In which we wonder about what exactly they sell at the joke shop, long for the fashions of the 60s, and discover some timely social distancing dance moves. All this and more as we discuss the 1988 movie Hairspray.
Gricel crawls out of her hobbit hole, Bee recruits yet another member into the Pushing Daisies cult, and Kat announces it's Madison Time. The lady nerds share some Secret Garden feedback, discuss previous recommendations, and dance in joy over their next pick.
In which we discuss how children's literature has the power to shape our entire lives, rhapsodize about the romantic yet melancholic beauty of the moors, and wonder why west wings are forbidden. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and 1993 film The Secret Garden.
Kat explores the next, next generation and Bee finally finds her Austen hero. The lady nerds catch up and hear someone crying (or is it just the wind?).
In which we reveal our holodeck programs, do some feminist fawning, and wonder if Riker has been from the mirror universe this whole time. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The lady nerds look back on the works they discussed in 2019 and once again, in the spirit of the season, mercilessly pit them against each other to award “Sockies” in 10 categories. Happy Holidays!
Gricel makes an announcement, Bee tries her hand at extroverting, and Kat steps into her permanent, Permanent Host duties. The lady nerds discuss a new direction for the show, make some excellent recommendations, and invite you to take some tea... Earl Grey, hot.
In which we try to make sense of Regency fashions, consider why Darcy is a more appealing Mr. Collins (hint: it's the house), and reveal all our catnip. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice plus the 1995 and 2005 adaptations.
Gricel becomes a Christie convert, Bee saves her draft with Save the Cat, and Kat gives her extremely apropos First Impressions. The lady nerds follow up on their Agatha Christie reading and viewing, talk NaNoWriMo, and announce their most anticipated episode ever.
In which we are delighted by the world's cutest detectives, discuss the original cosplay couple, and identify our later life goals. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Agatha Christie's Tommy & Tuppence: The Secret Adversary and Partners in Crime.
Gricel shares some “delightful” feedback, Kat responds to listener nostalgia, and Bee finds an elusive meeting of our favorite tropes. The lady nerds discuss your follow-up and make a case for their secret next work.
In which we discuss the questionable merits of 90s teen romance tropes, establish the Threshold of Bad™ in Shakespeare’s plays, and explain why we love this movie despite its flaws. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You.
Note: In the keynote, Gricel says 10 Things was released in May 1999 - she meant to say March 1999.
Gricel finds her own Good Place and Bee is a willing buccaneer. The lady nerds discuss the current media exciting them and want you to want their next work in the most mini of minisodes.
In which we talk about constants of all kinds, rant about how they were not dead the whole time, and wax nostalgic about ABC, TGIF, UPN, VCR, VHS, and other acronyms. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Lost.
Bee updates the Dead Parent Tally and Gricel qualifies the "feeling" of I Capture the Castle. The lady nerds examine self-indulgence and announce their next cult favorite on their second anniversary.
In which we stan a devoted dreamboat (#JusticeforStephen), discuss the merits (or not) of being an Austen vs. Bronte girl, and bemoan the lack of murder. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and film I Capture the Castle.
Gricel cries yet again thanks to Randy Newman and Bee continues to be disillusioned about sequels. The lady nerds wonder what happened to The Legend of Zorro and announce their captivating next work.
In which we swoon over very vigorous swashbucklers, discuss the prevalence of machismo and marianismo in Latinx culture, and release the Spanglish. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the books The Curse of Capistrano and Zorro plus the movie The Mask of Zorro.
Gricel declares Labyrinth the perfect film and Bee explains the non-Twilight meaning of imprinting. The lady nerds follow up on their very official Sensitive Period of Media Consumption Hypothesis and announce un episodio muy especial.
In which we experience a cult classic, have mixed feelings about Goblin Kings, and generally fangirl over the positive message about growing up without having to abandon childish things. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the film Labyrinth.
Bee catches up on Viewing Recs and Gricel introduces the work that made her the fangirl she is today. The lady nerds share their recent movie viewing experiences and announce the next seminal work in the Bluestocking Circle Canon.
In which we revisit a childhood favorite with adult eyes, explore how stories evolve over adaptations, and willfully ignore new additions to the Harry Potter oeuvre. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book, movie, and musical Matilda.
Gricel refuses to share her real OTP, Bee reveals the work she will never cover on the podcast, and Ashley sails into the West. The lady nerds reminisce, take a Pop Culture Pop Quiz, and say goodbye to a Bluestocking.
In which we discuss the socioeconomics of disaster films, wonder about “bad feminism,” and fangirl over Mako Mori. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the film Pacific Rim.
Gricel devises a ploy, Ashley fans herself, and Bee seizes el momento. The lady nerds share some final(?) thoughts on Star Trek, pay homage to their favorite fictional captains, and exhibit exemplary self-awareness.
In which we boldly discuss the charm (or lack thereof) of Captain Kirk, learn about Star Trek's contribution to fandom, and consider the treatment of women in space operas, all while questioning the application of poorly blended eyeshadow. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Star Trek and the film Galaxy Quest.
Bee holds a science class, Ashley receives the best gift ever, and Gricel boldly takes us where many fans have gone before. The lady nerds are technically correct, share their favorite musical moments in non-musical works, and announce the final selections in their Spring Into Space series.
In which we share how perceptions of stories change with age, discuss the dimensionality (or lack thereof) of female characters in science fiction, and bask in ultimate nerdness. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Futurama.
Gricel is happy her recommendations are well-received, Bee enthuses over a last-minute pick for best media of 2018, and Ashley praises the physics of underwater hair. The lady nerds award the “Best Heroine” Sockie, gush over winter 2018's new superhero movies, and share their 2019 reading resolutions.
In which we examine the emotions and motivations of AI, debate what constitutes a "slow burn," and discuss how perception of gender affects characterization. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie.
The lady nerds look back on the works they discussed in 2018 and once again, in the spirit of the season, mercilessly pit them against each other to award “Sockies” in 10 categories. Happy Holidays!
Gricel tries to rationalize the appeal of While You Were Sleeping, Ashley watches everything Netflix has to offer, and Bee is charmed by a little bear from Darkest Peru. The lady nerds list their 2018 favorites, try to make connections between unconnected works, and announce their Spring Into Space.
In which we discuss the relatability (or not) of Bridget Jones, consider depictions of women in the media and the “not like other girls” trope, and go off the rails at the sight of Colin "Pornstache" Firth. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding.
Bee demonstrates a sense of poise and rationality, Gricel does her best Ashley impression, and Ashley provides legal counsel. The lady nerds reminisce about the roots of their love of Queen, share their favorite children’s works discovered as adults, and debate whether their next selection constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
In which we have a jolly holiday scrutinizing Mary and Bert's relationship, learn about the suffragettes' strategic use of kites in the fight for political equality, and discuss the Edwardian nanny's nebulous position in the household. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book and film (and musical) Mary Poppins.
Bee is amused by the predictive powers of Sherlock, Ashley reveals her shower song, and Gricel makes a case for an upcoming episode. The lady nerds belatedly discuss Moriarty, ponder the power of fanfiction, and compare their favorite book adaptations.
In which we examine notions of the “other” in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's era, share Sherlock trivia, and discuss the re-readability of mystery stories. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Sherlock Holmes.
Ashley is defiant to the end, Bee shares “Incredible”-y exciting news, and Gricel reads a glowing iTunes review. The lady nerds share their Fall Favorites, get in the Halloween mood, and consider the “detectorial” merits of Sherlock vs. Batman.
In which we gush over an excellent depiction of young womanhood, consider the undead, and tally the number of dead parents to date. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the book Sabriel by Garth Nix, part of the Abhorsen/Old Kingdom series.
Ashley delves deeper into the Batman universe, Bee reveals she is made of sterner stuff, and Gricel is pleasantly surprised by the Flash fandom (or "Flashdom").The lady nerds wrap up their Summer of Superheroes, reminisce about their first year as Bluestockings and podcasters, and announce the next work in the Bluestocking Circle lineup. Additionally, to celebrate their first anniversary, the Bluestockings provide a glimpse of how many bloopers it takes to complete an episode.
In which we righteously rage against poorly written (and/or dead) female characters, discuss the academic standings of fictional students, and explore how high school expectations are set by high school dramas. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the CW’s superhero TV show The Flash.
Bee sets a trap, Ashley plays prosecutor, and Gricel presents her TED Talk. The lady nerds are elated to receive author feedback, talk about their favorite sequels, and announce the fourth and final work in their Summer of Superheroes.
In which we play marriage counselor to an imaginary family, have a spirited debate about all the masculinities, and fret over fictional babies getting fictional rabies from fictional raccoons. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the Pixar films The Incredibles and Incredibles 2.
In which Lady Bee chooses a life of mystery, Gricel goes in for violence and scandal, and Ashley admits she lacks the temperament to be a spy. All this and more as the ladies embark on a series of increasingly zany romantic adventures thanks to the novel My Lady's Choosing.
Ashley remedies her wrong, Bee reads some unforgivable Superman stories, and Gricel puts her lit degree to use while following up on her idea of Batman as a Victorian (highly Romantic) hero. The lady nerds wrap up their discussion on Batman, share some favorite comics, and announce the next work in the Summer of Superheroes.
In which we travel to Victorian Gotham, pay homage to the London Detective, and consider the merits of Bruce Wayne as a Brontë hero. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss Gotham by Gaslight and a selection of BatCat works.
Gricel exposes a dark side, Ashley reveals a blue (hair) streak, and Bee explains how a children's book cover kicked off her career. The lady nerds continue talking comics, discuss their greatest fictional influences, and announce their next work in the miniest minisode yet.
In which we acknowledge the one true ship, look up to Lois Lane, and lament the loss of obligatory musical numbers in superhero films. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss a selection of Superman stories.
Bee comes back to the fold, Gricel jumps in on the the trivia-sharing action, and Ashley demonstrates the importance of being plugged into the cultural zeitgeist. The lady nerds follow up on their viewing of Star Wars and Spaceballs, share their surprising faves, and announce a super new topic.
In which we find surprising links to other popular franchises, examine the value of “children’s works,” and discuss the importance of developing your story’s plot arcs in a timely fashion. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the films Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope and Spaceballs.
Bee shares thought-provoking misgivings, Gricel tries to plead on behalf of Diana Wynne Jones, and Ashley can’t remember if she ever really read the sequels to Howl. The lady nerds follow up on their reading/viewing of Howl’s Moving Castle, confess their nostalgic faves, and announce a ludicrous hope.
In which we gush over the magic of Diana Wynne Jones, examine the tropes of Japanese storytelling, and beam over the varied roles of female characters. All this and more as the Bluestockings share their thoughts on the novel and film Howl’s Moving Castle.
Ashley is overcome with emotion, Gricel refuses to acknowledge canon, and Bee reads a salacious diary entry from an unexpected source. The lady nerds share news about works covered in previous episodes, squee over their OTPs, and play an off-the-mark First Impressions.
In which we discuss the right balance between fantasy and realism in romance, the rise and fall of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and the legal and ethical ramifications of drugged pies. All this and more as the Bluestockings discuss the TV series Pushing Daisies.
Ashley reshapes the narrative to give lady mice agency, Gricel reveals a surprising role model, and Bee finally forces the others to watch one of her favorite shows of all time. The lady nerds confirm the book is always better than the movie, talk about the works that have inspired them, and play First Impressions.
In which we discuss gender and personality traits, defend the importance of real science, and contrast modern romantic and medieval courtly love. All this and more as the Bluestockings share their thoughts on the film The Secret of NIMH.
Fueled by egg nog, holiday cookies, and candy canes, the lady nerds look back on the works they discussed in 2017 and, in the spirit of the season, mercilessly pit them against each other to award “Sockies” in 10 categories. Happy Holidays!
Ashley wants Jane Austen fanfic from the gents’ perspective, Gricel gets all the feels thanks to Pixar and Batman, and Bee has something in common with Mary Lennox. The lady nerds respond to your astute Persuasion feedback, discuss the works that hit them in the heartstrings this year, and play First Impressions.