Stuck in Stoneybrook: A Baby-Sitters Club Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Pop culture, gender politics, and developmental psychology in the “Baby-sitters Club”—you didn’t know you needed it.
Episodes
- Dawn and Too Many Sitters: “Rebellutionary War”
This episode covers Dawn's return from California and the involvement of the Pike triplets as junior sitters. Esme discusses gender differences in development and disgust tolerance, while Anne and Em debate the 1996 fundraising goal of $50…
- M25 - Kristy and the Middle School Vandal: “Low Profile”
This episode covers 'Kristy and the Middle School Vandal: Low Profile,' with hosts discussing Cary Retlin's actions and moral code, color blindness, teacher's strikes, Kristy's role, and scavenger hunts.
- Portrait Collection: Peter’s Episode
Peter Lerangis, a notable ghostwriter for The Baby-Sitters Club series, is the special guest on Stuck in Stoneybrook. He discusses his experiences with the BSC, author Ann M. Martin, his favorite characters, the start of his writing career…
- Claudia and the World’s Cutest Baby: “Relaxationally Challenged”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook reviews "Claudia and the World’s Cutest Baby." The discussion includes the birth of Lynn, Claudia's strong reaction, Esme's memories of Emily's birth, and Emily's commentary on gender.
- M24-Mary Anne and the Silent Witness: “Why, Beau? Why?”
This episode discusses the Stoneybrook development plotline from Mary Anne and the Silent Witness, questioning the trauma of Luke Martinez and examining the roles of Cary Retlin and his brothers.
- Abby’s Lucky Thirteen: “I’d Torahed, I’d mitzvahed” (ft. Becky Albertalli!)
Stuck in Stoneybrook features author Becky Albertalli discussing Abby’s Bat Mitzvah, her own experience, and Jewish representation within the Baby-Sitters Club series. The conversation also touches on future storylines and Albertalli's inv…
- Portrait Collection - Mary Anne’s Book: “Beer on the job”
The hosts of Stuck in Stoneybrook discuss Mary Anne's book, noting its anecdotes, social anxiety, and interactions between characters. They also touch upon a detail concerning Alma Baker.
- Kristy + Bart = ?: “No gnus is good news”
The hosts discuss a Baby-Sitters Club book focusing on Kristy’s romantic indecision and a minor plot about record books, preferring to talk about Cap’n Crunch.
- M23-Abby and the Secret Society: “Look at those stilts!”
This episode discusses Abby's investigation into a cold case murder connected to secret societies in Connecticut. The conversation covers themes of being biracial and analyzing plots from The Baby-Sitters Club.
- Stacey McGill, Super Sitter: “I’m not a rat and I’m not insane”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses the Baby-Sitters Club character Stacey McGill, her work ethic, and relates it to the gig economy. It also touches on Vulcan powers and bowling.
- Mary Anne and the Memory Garden: “I told You I Was Shy”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses themes of grief and introduces Dr. Reese. It also touches on the SADD organization, Kristy's opinions on law enforcement, and Rube Goldberg concepts.
- Super Mystery 2 - Baby-sitters Beware: “Agatha Kristy”
This episode of "Stuck in Stoneybrook" covers "Baby-sitters Beware: Agatha Kristy," where the BSC confronts a past criminal. Topics include the carceral state, validation, and reflections on interpersonal dynamics.
- Mallory’s Christmas Wish: “Jezebel Cassoulet”
The hosts discuss the Baby-Sitters Club book
- Claudia and the First Thanksgiving: “Potato Chiplets”
This episode examines media literacy, historical viewpoints on colonialism, and issues of censorship and the First Amendment. The discussion also includes references to candy corn.
- Bonus Episode: Hot Takes! Parent Traps 1961 and 1998
In this bonus episode, hosts discuss the 1961 and 1998 film adaptations of The Parent Trap, referencing foundational elements of the Baby-Sitters Club series.
- M22-Stacey and the Haunted Masquerade: “Teens Cavorting”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses "Stacey and the Haunted Masquerade: Teense Cavorting." Topics include a maniac woman, Dale Carnegie, feminism in the movie Carrie, and Ray Parker, Jr.
- Welcome to the BSC, Abby!:“Domestic Attack”
In this episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook, hosts welcome Abby to the Baby-Sitters Club and discuss themes including unpaid labor, environmentalism, regional comparisons, and trauma, alongside a mention of I Love Lucy.
- Portrait Collection - Dawn’s Book: “I’ll Tie Dye Some Other Time”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses Dawn’s origins and personality. Topics include her fear of fire, observed couple interactions, and Mrs. Winslow's food.
- Kristy and the Dirty Diapers: “Nothing’s Better for Bottoms”
Esme and Emily discuss Abby's arrival on Kristy and the Dirty Diapers, covering themes of selling out, money, class, and the introduction of new characters in Stoneybrook.
- Farewell, Dawn: “Oversensitive Fool”
The hosts of "Stuck in Stoneybrook" discuss Dawn's permanent departure, her argument with Mary Anne, and the characters' reactions to loss as eighth grade summer concludes. The episode also touches on Tetris composer Hirokazu Tanaka.
- M21-Claudia and the Recipe for Danger (ft. Rachel Belle!): “I’d Love to be a Cake Cop”
Journalist Rachel Belle discusses The Baby-Sitters Club, food, and baking with the hosts of Stuck in Stoneybrook. They analyze Claudia's baking attempts, Mary Anne's mother's surprising contribution, character ages, and the impact of a cha…
- The Baby-Sitters Club (1995 Movie): “Very Nationalistic”
Emily and Anne review the 1995 Baby-Sitters Club movie, discussing plot elements, characters, and perceived accuracy.
- 5th Anniversary Special: “Moms for Dukakis”
The Stuck in Stoneybrook podcast celebrates its fifth anniversary. The hosts discuss listener questions, questions for each other, and play games.
- Stacey and the Bad Girls: “Rememberfication”
This episode reviews Stacey's experience with unwelcome friends and her return to the Baby-Sitters Club. It also touches on inquiries about U4Me and Skyllo, and includes a segment on concert preparation.
- Super Mystery 1: “A Candelabra”
In this episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook, the hosts discuss "A Candelabra," the longest Baby-Sitters Club book they've read. They explore modern conceptions of hysteria, how old money is accumulated through scandals, and a connection betwee…
- Portrait Collection: Claudia’s Book: “All My Tarps”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook covers Claudia’s book “All My Tarps,” touching on themes of childhood depression, disability justice, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and concrete. The discussion includes humor and serious topics.
- WTF Spring Break 2025
The Stuck in Stoneybrook podcast is pausing for an extended Spring Break. Host Anne is recovering from a loss of possessions, and host Emily is traveling to Japan. The show plans to return in May.
- Mary Anne and Camp BSC: “Do Hawks Laugh?”
Esme and Emily discuss the Baby-Sitters Club book "Mary Anne and Camp BSC," focusing on the girls putting on a camp. Topics include the intersectional nature of the circus, the impact of family travel on children, and parenting expectation…
- Claudia Kishi, Live from WSTO!: “Oswald McBelch” (ft. Rob Harvilla!)
Rob Harvilla discusses Claudia Kishi's radio debut on WSTO with the hosts of Stuck in Stoneybrook. The conversation touches on 90s nostalgia and radio.
- M20-Mary Anne and the Zoo Mystery: “Gorilla My Dreams”
This episode discusses the Baby-Sitters Club book "Mary Anne and the Zoo Mystery", also known as "Gorilla My Dreams".
- Dawn and the School Spirit War: “Go Back to California, You Weirdo” (ft. Dr. Yoel Inbar!)
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses the book 'Dawn and the School Spirit War' with guest Yoel Inbar, a social psychologist. They explore themes of political division and social psychology, noting overlaps in academic interests.
- Stacey vs. the BSC: “Miss Your Chips”
In "Miss Your Chips," the hosts delve into Stacey McGill's dissatisfaction with the Baby-Sitters Club, contrasting her desire for mature topics with the group's focus on younger themes. The episode examines teenage impulsivity, potential p…
- M19 - Kristy and the Missing Fortune: “This is a Stakeout Not a Fashion Show”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook covers "Kristy and the Missing Fortune," discussing real estate, gender performance, and a squirrel-themed arboretum. It also includes listener mail and nostalgic reflections.
- Jessi and the Troublemaker: “Elephantic”
The episode discusses Danielle's cancer remission and newfound freedom.
- Kristy and Mr. Mom: “I’ve Got My Jazzercise Class Tonight”
This episode discusses the psychological effects of heart attacks and contrasts 1990s CEO salaries with today's. It also touches on the Brementown musicians and features Jazzercise.
- M18 - Stacey and the Mystery at the Empty House: “Total Surveillance”
The Baby-Sitters Club podcast discusses 'Stacey and the Mystery at the Empty House.' Topics include Stacey house-sitting, observations on the two-party system, the history of Mad Libs, and dog-sitting.
- SS12 - Here Come the Bridesmaids!: “Who Says Santa Can’t Be Black?”
Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses the wedding of Jack and Carol, exploring themes like compulsory heterosexuality, Jessi’s role as a mall Santa, and Maggie's hair. The episode touches on the eccentricities of the wedding and characters.
- Portrait Collection - Stacy’s Book: “The Big Ds”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook explores Stacy's book "The Big Ds," featuring discussions on Jeanne Betancourt, Stacey's pre-diabetes experiences, and connections to 'Inside Out 2'.
- Mallory Pike, #1 Fan: “Deflaming Our Characters”
In "Mallory Pike, #1 Fan: “Deflaming Our Characters”," Mallory meets her favorite author and faces consequences for her actions. The hosts explore authorial intent, adolescent egocentrism, and the history of the Skip-It toy.
- M17 - Dawn and the Halloween Mystery: “Early American Ninja Turtle”
This episode discusses the Baby-Sitters Club book Dawn and the Halloween Mystery. Topics include crime, criminal psychology, and the way emotions are presented in the narrative.
- Mary Anne Breaks the Rules: “I Need Sackbut Lessons”
In "Mary Anne Breaks the Rules," Mary Anne enlists Logan to play with Jake secretly. The hosts discuss themes of gender, fatness, and haunted houses.
- Special Edition Reader’s Request: Shannon’s Story: “These Moms are Killers”
This episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook discusses the Baby-Sitters Club book 'Shannon's Story: These Moms are Killers,' focusing on Shannon's feelings of loneliness and her mother's struggles. It also covers the BSC's Mother's Day softball ga…
- Anniversary Super Special 4: “Fruit and Flowers”
The podcast Stuck in Stoneybrook celebrates its fourth anniversary with a special bonus episode featuring listener questions and reflections on the show's future.
- Claudia and Crazy Peaches: “Snort, snort, snort”
The podcast episode 'Claudia and Crazy Peaches' from Stuck in Stoneybrook analyzes the book's message about a career woman's choice to become a mother. It also touches on nesting behavior, peer rejection, and a documentary titled 'The Mira…
- M16 - Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph: “The Scarlet Pimple”
This episode covers Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph, examining changes in photography and the book A Day in the Life of America. The hosts discuss their reactions to the story's resolution and a particular plot point.
- Dawn and Whitney, Friends Forever: “A Smorgaspic!”
The podcast episode 'Dawn and Whitney, Friends Forever: “A Smorgaspic!”' discusses Dawn's experience babysitting Whitney, a 12-year-old with Down syndrome. Topics include myths and facts about Down syndrome, disability justice, and the TV…
- SS11 - The Baby-sitters Remember: “Weird and Old”
In “Weird and Old,” the Baby-Sitters Club members and Logan discuss their most vivid memories. The discussion includes commentary on Claudia and multiple memories involving Mary Anne.
- M15 - Kristy and the Vampires: “Daddy”
In this episode of Stuck in Stoneybrook, hosts discuss Kristy and the Vampires, focusing on Stacey’s time on Fire Island and themes of self-deception, divorce tropes, and pop culture references.
- Stacey’s Lie: “Are You Stupid?”
This episode analyzes Stacey's lie, exploring self-deception in 13-year-olds and examining divorce tropes. It also touches on Johnny Depp in 1994 and a character relationship dynamic.
- Jessi’s Horrible Prank: “Wholesome Foods and Great Literature”
In "Jessi's Horrible Prank: Wholesome Foods and Great Literature," Jessi confronts the boundary between funny and mean. The discussion includes pop culture, the literature of teasing, and the concept of cool versus nerdy.