Neon Clubhouse

Forced social interactions are commonplace for teenagers, especially when your moms meet in the grocery store over a shared love of Tupperware. "Coolest Girl on the Bus" Tilly Masterson joins Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo in the Neon Clubhouse to talk about being tough, piercings, groupies, and moving around a lot. They also work out how to become a double agent. Recording from March 7, 1987. (original improvisation from Tarah Cards as Tilly Masterson, Erica Carrington as Dr. Olivia Brownstone, Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, Hallie Sheck as Virginia Danielle Walker, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

For the first time ever, the Neon Clubhouse welcomes a real woman in Nancy Fay Robinson. She has so much more knowledge than Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo (obviously) when it comes to women's matters. And, by "women's matters," we mean sex. Nancy graciously walks everyone through their experiences to categorize their bases, and you'll never guess who is the closest to being a home run woman. Recording from February 28, 1987. (original improvisation from TK Fairley as Nancy Fay Robinson, Erica Carrington as Dr. Olivia Brownstone, Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, Hallie Sheck as Virginia Danielle Walker, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

Mary Jo finally meets a fellow homeschooler. Sarah May Jackson visits, and the Neon Clubhouse devise a way for the "schools" to be rivals. They land on stand-up comedy competition, which goes ... well, you'll have to listen to find out. They also pray about Mary Jo's pubic hair. Recording from February 21, 1987. (original improvisation from Nita Cherise as Sarah May Jackson, Erica Carrington as Olivia Brownstone, Hallie Sheck as Virginia Danielle Walker, Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

Charlotte Robbins is really good at taking care of animals even though she doesn't have any of her own. Pickles agrees that she is very good at it and approves her "behind the ears" petting technique. Fed up with not being able to do stuff because they are "too young," Susan, Mary Jo, and Jessie advise Charlotte on how she can get away with starting her own veterinarian clinic. The Clubhouse also talks about naming their tonsils, Days of Our Lives, evil twins, word problems, sleeping on the bus, and the proper disposal of boogers. Recording from September 27, 1986 (original improvisation from Liz Horn as Charlotte Robbins, Hallie Sheck as GD Walker, Erica Carrington as Jessie Mercedes Lane , Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

Carol-Anne Silver is the amazing "Queen of Clubs" and inspires the Neon Clubhouse to talk saints, activities and "peer reviews." She brings a Lost & Found box, and everyone gets a fun gift. While Virginia's entire family is sick, Jessie Mercedes Lane steps in for the fun. Recorded from September 20, 1986 (original improvisation from Cheryl Manley as Carol-Anne Silver, Hallie Sheck as GD Walker, Erica Carrington as Jessie Mercedes Lane , Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

While chatting with their guest, budding pop star Vicki Bee, the Neon Clubhouse gets deep into past lives. Vicki is incredibly breathy and talented but also envisions things she's never seen before. Susan gets to use her new encyclopedia to investigate. Mary Jo jumps to all the conclusions. And, Virginia says this is the worst Disney movie ever. Original recording from September 20, 1986 (original improvisation from Cat Wilkinson as Vicki Bee, Erica Carrington as Olivia Brownstone, Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, Hallie Sheck as Virginia Danielle Walker, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen)

Neon Clubhouse is pleased to welcome a guest who is on the crux of the future - Blockbuster employee Ashley Samuels. Aspiring quadruple threat Virginia is so curious because it puts her one step closer to Hollywood. Susan is interested in acquiring a cardboard cutout of Michael J. Fox. And, Mary Jo is so into "Teeth Wars."

When Lieutenant Susan Beth Handler returns from space, her daughter – actual Dr. Olivia Brownstone – throws her a party that becomes a Neon Clubhouse reunion. Mary Joseph Owen (now going by Jo or jowen on tumblr) and Virginia Danielle Walker (now going by GD Walker from NCIS: Omaha) share the fun in this episode recorded live at Southern Rep Theatre in New Orleans. Catch up with several past guests in the here-and-now, including Marjorie Crocker, Kennedy Faye, Heather Magyar, Jessica Rabbinowitz, Deborah Wallace, Rachel Passant, Hex Bellman, X, Maddie Nix, and Ashley Samuels.

When Lieutenant Susan Beth Handler returns from space, her daughter - actual Dr. Olivia Brownstone - throws her a party that becomes a Neon Clubhouse reunion. Mary Joseph Owen (now going by Jo or jown on tumblr) and Virginia Danielle Walker (now going by GD Walker from NCIS: Omaha) share the fun in this episode recorded live at Southern Rep Theatre in New Orleans. Catch up with several past guests in the here-and-now, including Skylar, Jodie Manson, Lisa Michaels O'donegal, Moonsister, Laura-Allen Weinberg, and for the first time away from a television, Cheryl Handler (Susan's mom).

Because her dad is generous and into the trendy things of the 1980s, Neon Clubhouse enjoys Susan’s early birthday present of the brand new totally awesome Trivia Pursuit. This is the second half of their game after taking a break for pizza. Unfortunately, Mary Jo has to leave when it turns after dark, but Susan, Virginia, and Jessie finish without her. Listen to see who wins! It's Susan. Susan wins. Duh.

Because her dad is generous and into the trendy things of the 1980s, Neon Clubhouse enjoys Susan's early birthday present of the brand new totally awesome Trivia Pursuit. After they have the best time analyzing the look of the game, they have even better time playing.

Sometimes really creative people have foresight beyond their years and peers. Jodie Manson's film making ideas are certainly well into the future. Every summer, Jodie visits Alabama from Detroit, and back in August 1986, the Neon Clubhouse was happy to have her for a chat about the need for a lady Spielberg in the movie industry.

Susan's older cousin Sarah (aka Velvet) Handler visits the Neon Clubhouse the day after Mary Jo has told her mother that Virginia has died. Being the coolest of cool, Velvet takes on the role of party planner for Virginia's Resurrection, and they all agree Flashback is an awesome theme.

Rachel Passant takes a break from volunteering at the Nature Center to visit with Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo in the Neon Clubhouse. They chat a lot about animals, going from snakes to squirrels, and give birth to a joke they think will become their legacy.

Sometimes the Neon Clubhouse can be all over the place with what they discuss and discover. When their friend Heidi visits to talk "get rich" schemes, they have no limits as to what might make them a whole ton of money. We hope, though, that they didn't send those flyers about how to cure world hunger. That's definitely not their best idea.

The Neon Clubhouse discovers that Sesame Street is dominated by boys. Prompted by this week's guest, Margie Prince, teenage ornithologist, Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo come up with their own female muppet. They seem, however, to get Sesame Street confused with Hill Street Blues.

When Bobbie Billie (BB) Jones comes to the Neon Clubhouse, she reveals that the entire school is talking about the Neon Clubhouse mystery. Virginia is delighted to learn that mysteries are cool after she recovers from the word "ghost," and BB joins Susan and Mary Jo in asking the "hard-hitting questions" of the investigative reporters.

Everyone is a new person in California. Jessie lives a charmed life. Susan wants to be a penguin. Virginia finds her true home. Mary Jo becomes less indoctrinated. It was overall a very successful trip. Special thanks to Sacramento Podcast Festival for hosting us in front of a live audience. We had such an awesome time!

Gymnastic phenom Jessica Rabinowitz visits the Neon Clubhouse to talk about how she can use gymnastics in the real world. Susan, Mary Jo, and Virginia are extra-supportive of Jessica's new haircut and her future aspirations that potentially include horse jumps.

Inspired by her older sister who is home after her first year at Barnard College, Ellie McDonald has changed her name to Moonsister and brings talk of feminism to the Neon Clubhouse. Susan, Mary Jo, and Virginia get totally stoked brainstorming ideas with Moonsister on how to bring down the patriarchy.

Susan, Virginia, and Jessie have launched a plan to fly Mary Jo on their school trip to California, and each of the Neon Clubhousers is excited about a very different aspect of their trip.

Mallory Jane Porter brings her love of cats and Cats to the Neon Clubhouse. Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo encourage her to write her own musical, especially if she makes it about sandwiches.

When Tammy Picker moved to town, she immediately started setting trends in hairstyles, fashion, and manners. Her chat with the Neon Clubhouse girls brings a lot of innovation to a bag of old clothes, but it takes a bit of a turn when Susan comments about Virginia's hormonal stupidity.

Although she is very new to town and not particularly comfortable sharing where she's been and who her father is, this week's Neon Clubhouse guest, X, joins Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo to talk a lot about Russia. The girls express a lot of fears but take a turn toward peace when they decide writing letters could make friends of the whole world.

Because Neon Clubhouse is like the "Cosmo of Teen Shows," this episode touches on some rather adult material. The girls, however, may not 100% understand what they are talking about. So, yeah, they're totally like Cosmopolitan magazine - grown and clueless. With their guest Kennedy Fay, they ask some tough questions, like "Are bras for men?" and "Can you put a bone in the dishwasher?" The Neon Clubhouse tapes are totally rad 1980s-set coming-of-age improvised recordings featuring funny female friends. This episode features special guest comedian Rochelle McConico as Kennedy Fay, along with the regular cast of Erica Carrington as (almost) Dr. Olivia Brownstone, Carrie Moulder as Susan Beth Handler, Hallie Sheck as Virginia Danielle "Gina" Walker, and Maggie White as Mary Joseph Owen.

Having met in biology during fish dissection, Susan invites Anne Louise Fisher (or just Fisher) to the Neon Clubhouse. She and the of the Clubhouse crew (Virginia and Mary Jo) talk about embracing dirt's versatility, pets' emotions, and spa building.

The teasing has gone on long enough. The first mini-sode is here! Here's a present day recording - well, not really present day because this is from December 2018 - of (almost) Dr. Olivia Brownstone and her Aunt Gin, previously known as Virginia Danielle Walker of the Neon Clubhouse and presently known as GD Walker, star of NCIS: Omaha. They chat about fame, being a tourist, and philanthropy.

With political aspirations and a passion for pink, Catherine Howard visits the Neon Clubhouse to tell Susan, Mary Jo, and Virginia that she's running for Class President. Of course, the girls are supportive, especially when the discussion of platform turns to anti-bullying, an extended lunch, and beating their nemesis - Helen.

Alabama's youngest activist, Maddie Nix, recruits the Neon Clubhouse to support her efforts to make the world a better place for every living thing, from lobsters to the women of Nepal.

Known for her rhythmic poems and jacket collection, the well-respected loner Thomasita Jenkins visits the Neon Clubhouse and gains three best friends in her gang.

The Neon Clubhouse experiences two monumental occasions in the same night. 1. They get a glimpse of Halley's Comet. AND, 2. Mary Jo gets her period! Listen as Virginia (Danielle), Susan, and Jessie celebrate the Womanhood of Jo.

The charming Cindie Smith (future First Lady) and the Neon Clubhouse girls talk beauty, the mall, pageants, and having sex with the President.

Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo discover the fierceness that is Samantha "HEX" Bellman when they invite her into the Neon Clubhouse. The intensely creative HEX shares her spells and plays and poems and inspires some interesting conversations about name changes and the grandmother of Stevie Nicks.

With Mary Jo on a silent retreat, the Neon Clubhouse has the talented musician Deborah Wallace join them to talk about trumpeting, maternal relationships, and crushes. Virginia gains some personal development when Susan and Deborah role-play as "The Twins."

Foreign exchange student Natasha "Natty" Versmith visits the Neon Clubhouse to talk about bullies, Ronald Reagan, and life in her home country, which is allegedly Canada.

In the words of Sean Connery, "farting is normal." Though with most teenage girls, life isn't that normal, and this tape's guest - Laura-Allen Weinberg - is far more reserved than one would expect of someone her age. She, along with Susan, Mary Jo, and Virginia, try to do a little psychoanalysis but end up getting sidetracked talking about bodily functions.

Schoolchildren around the country witnessed the space shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. Two days later, the Neon Clubhouse girls attempt to cheer each other up with talks of dreams and purple jumpsuits.

Heather Magyar, aspiring Olympian, join Susan, Mary Jo, and Virginia in the clubhouse to talk swimming, shaving, sinuses, and crushes on coaches. Emotions flare when Heather and Mary Jo are faced with figuring out who loves the Chicago Bulls more.

Being the new girl in school is always difficult, but Neon Clubhouse pals Susan, Ginny, and Mary Jo try to make California transplant Marcie Mayfield comfortable in her new state. They get a little out of hand, though, when Marcie reveals who her godfather is.

Secret "bad girl" Whitney Weidemeyer joins Susan, Virginia, and Mary Jo to talk about doing whatever you want and how to make fun of people, and we hear a startling revelation from Susan about her future.

Budding ceramics artist Amy Flanning joins Susan, Ginny (going by "V" now), and Mary Jo in the Neon Clubhouse to chat about bowls, books, boys, and being yourself.

This week's Neon Clubhouse tape features Marjorie Crocker, super-fan of romantic historical fiction and Ginny's latest "project." They chat about construction-themed parties, what time period would they travel to, the European Vacation movie, and ghosts.

The 1980s version of a Renaissance teen - Dot Buchanan - chats with Susan, "Verge," and Mary Jo about motorcycles, the cello, and being true to who you are and whatever makes you happiest.

The delightfully intelligent, kind, and creative Jennifer Gray joins this Neon Clubhouse tape to talk about the intertwining of ribbon dancing, Christ, and The Goonies, but the conversation gets a little derailed when Susan shows the girls her new anatomy book.

After a parental deal, Neon Clubhouse gets a visit from Tiffani Topps, who really wants to be lifelong friends. She's really sweet and creative, but something may be just a tad off about her.

The Neon Clubhouse gratefully welcomes the school's poet laureate Patricia "Spirit" Harte to talk about life's finer things like literature, art, beavers, and spoons.

In a very special episode, the Neon Clubhouse talks about being a girl, not getting called on in algebra, how friends need to be nicer to each other, and reclaiming the "b-word," all while hearing about that time Lisa Michaels O'Donegal tried alcohol for the first time.

The Neon Clubhouse proudly welcomes aspiring actress Skylar, who shared some of her audition and acting experiences. She sings! She screams! She even made up a Neon Clubhouse theme song.

This episode gets surprisingly deep as the girls talk with their friend Tina - a budding artist - about the Miracle of Life video and the embarrassing ritual that follows when you wear the same outfit as another person to school.

Susan, Mary Jo, and Ginny chat with their very talented and soon-to-be very successful friend Karen Bates about moms, show choir, and six-pack abs.

Boys!! Susan, Mary Jo, and Ginny talk with their friend Audrey Costello about their crushes - mostly. Eventually get they cover the discovery of the Titanic, make some solemn vows, talk about smoking, and gross out over their parents "getting busy."