The Class of ’74

The premiere episode of a period dramedy, depicting the ups and downs of teenage life in a wealthy suburb of New York City, 1971-1974. The town of Brighton, CT is fictional, but emblematic of several charming Fairfield County commuter towns. This episode paints a vivid portrait of how the town of Brighton came to be, from its rustic beginnings in the 17th century through its transformation into a thriving bedroom community for top-flight Manhattan business executives. Amidst this backdrop, we meet the Schyler family, and accompany their 15-year-old daughter, Cynthia, on her first day of high school, where the listener begins observing what teenage life was like before cell phones, the Internet and social media. The adventures and misadventures of teenagers in this extraordinary town of privilege are alternately hilarious and subliminally frightening (as every baby boomer you know will attest) but the emotional complexities and social dynamics of teenage insecurities and relationship challenges still ring true today. Novelist Laura Van Wormer is writing this serial specifically for podcasting, to share an all-new story with listeners in a closer, more intimate way and have lots of fun doing it!    Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #Classof74Podcast

The halls of Brighton High quickly fill with mystery, intrigue, adventure, romance and chaos, to say nothing of baffling new acquaintances, bullies and a creepy vice principal. Watch Cynthia navigate the labyrinth of social dynamics and school bureaucracy with great flair, wit and charm. Teenage rebellion has never been so funny and entertaining.  Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   #Classof74Podcast bumper music:  “Bring The Energy” by Soundroll, from Uppbeat.io end of episode music: “Hollowed Night” by Morning Mist, from Uppbeat.io

We're STILL on the first tumultuous day of school at Brighton High, September 8, 1971. It is another rock and roll episode of colliding good kids and bad kids, students, falculty, police, and mysterious neighbors.  Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #Classof74Podcast Bumper Music Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io Ending Music  "House on the Hill" by Weary Pines @ uppbeat.io

Join novelist Laura Van Wormer as she introduces THE CLASS OF ’74, a serialized story inspired by her 50th high school reunion. The story begins in 1971 and follows the misadventures of teenagers in high school, ending with their graduation in 1974. In this debut hello to listeners, Laura explains how seeing her baby-boomer classmates triggered the desire to entertain them with a fun,  ongoing story set in the time of their younger lives.  "Everyone needs a little gratitude in their lives," Van Wormer says, "and what better trigger is there than to remember being in trouble in high school? It's amazing how quickly you're grateful to be exactly the age you are now."   Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #ClassOf74Podcast  

This week, we dive into the 1971 mysteries surrounding Mrs. Watson's behavior, Victor Wronski's attack on Evan Whittaker, and Mrs. Schyler's devotion to her electric skillet. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #Classof74Podcast Bumper Music:   "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io Ending Music  "Levitation" by Floor Model @ uppbeat.io

Cynthia and Mimi secretly watch The Dick Cavett Show; Cynthia's triumphant arrival at the second day of school is marred by suspicion and the alphabetizing of home room situates her between the “Black Cloud of the Family" (beautiful cheerleader Betsey Satterfield) and blonde Adonis, Clay Seton.  Note: This is the complete version of Episode #5 which a technology glitch prevented  from fully loading.  Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.                                         #Classof74Podcast   Bumper Music:   "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io Ending Music:  “Good Lookin’” by All Good Folks @uppbeat.io

Cynthia's collection of admirers is growing by leaps and bounds, but she can't stand two of them, one is being investigated by the cops, the gorgeous guy she scarcely knows is of course her favorite, while the guy who is supposed to be her boyfriend is all beat up. What else is going on? A locker goes missing; the curse of the Vietnam War,  Nixon's price controls, the 27 Club, Borgnine's Bar and Ashette's amazing front-hall closet adventure. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   #Classof74Podcast      ending music: "Epic Angel Choir Intro" by Tomas Herudek @ uppbeat.io bumper music:   "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io

In latest episode of The Class of 74, 16-year-old Chrissie Evert's doing great at Forest Hills, Evan's caught in a medical nightmare; Cynthia and Annabel get annoyed with each other's behavior; a medical summit is held in the Schyler's vegetable garden; inmates take hostages at Attica Prison; Professor Allerton turns on Clarke; the charm of Clay Seton continues; Katey thinks something very fishy is going on; and Cynthia is stunned by the enormity of what Evan confides in her.   Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   #Classof74Podcast Author & Narrator:  Laura Van Wormer Producer: Ryann Robinson ending music:  "Love Hurts" by  Iros Young @ uppbeat.io bumper music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io

Cynthia is deeply shaken when she learns the scandalous past of a middleaged couple she enormously admired and feels isolated by her vow to keep their secrets.  Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   #Classof74Podcast Written & Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson ending music "Satanic Panic" by Weary Pines @ #Uppbeat.io front & back bumper music "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ #Uppbeat.io Episode Illustration is a 1956 photograph by Vivian Maier

Secrets unravel on Glen River Road after the Watsons' marriage blows up. The Schylers try to protect Mimi and Cynthia ends up being the most responsible adult. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #Classof74Podcast   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music: "Circle of Ghosts" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.oi Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @Uppbeat.oi  

Cynthia plays air traffic controller at the Schylers' house as drunk and stoned adult neighbors end up spending the night and dawn brings one teenage admirer of Cynthia's after another at the front door.   Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.     #Classof74Podcast   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Cover Art by chatgpt.com Ending Music: “Homestretch” by Aaron Paul Low @ Uppbeat.oi Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @Uppbeat.oi

Cynthia and her friends borrow the Schyler's Country Squire wagon for a memorable night at the Norwalk Drive-In. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. #Classof74Podcast     Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music: “Circle of Ghosts” by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.oi Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @Uppbeat.oi 1970 Paramount publicity still of Barbra Streisand is from "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" 

Cynthia and Clay’s date at the Norwalk Drive-In hits rocky terrain after Cynthia tries Henry's Magic Pisser Elixer. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   #Classof74Podcast Written and narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music: “Hero’s Time” by Paulo Kalazzi @Uppbeat.oi Bumper Music: “Bring the Energy” by Soundroll @Uppbeat.oi

In Episode 15 of "The Class of '74," tensions rise as Cynthia grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic encounter and the complexities of her relationships. As she navigates the challenges of teenage life, including the harshness of bullies and the weight of family secrets, Cynthia finds herself at the Whittakers' house, where unexpected emotional exchanges take place. Meanwhile, a tennis match provides a backdrop for discussions about ambition, money, and societal expectations, leading to profound realizations about her friendships and family dynamics. With a blend of humor and heart, this episode delves into the intricacies of growing up, the struggles of fitting in, and the importance of support from those we care about. As Cynthia's world becomes increasingly complicated, one question looms large: why do people have to be so mean? Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music : "A Thousand Miles" by Patrick Rundblad @ uppbeat.oi Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.oi

A chaotic teenage night of romance, confusion, suspicion and passion at the Norwalk Drive-In finally ends but many uneasy questions continue. Cynthia and Katey’s new friendship is tested and dropping Katey off at her house the next day reopens another Pandora’s box. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.     Written & Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music: "Lion's Roar" by Yeti Music @ Uppbeat.io Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io Partial photograph is from a fashion shoot by Anthony Barboza for American Girl, October, 1971, p. 24-26   #Classof74podcast

Evan brings Cynthia up to date on the wicked witch of Chicago; Cynthia tries to escape the consequences for skipping a class; Katey attracts a new admirer, attacks Cynthia for being too full of herself, and says Betsey Satterfield is a liar; Mimi wishes she has a boyfriend; Clarke is upset about the dramatic role Mr. Wolfgang Zollner has chosen for him; Jocko Trapazano tries to clean up his act; Clay Seton goes missing; and Betsey Satterfield calls Katey Langston a liar. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club. Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Ending Music: "Light and Easy" by Christian Larssen" @ Uppbeat.io Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io The picture of Thelma Catherine "Pat" Ryan Nixon is from a September 12, 1971 ABC television special, "A Visit with the First Lady"   #Classof74podcast  

In Episode 17, Cynthia navigates a chaotic school day at Brighton High: an economics quiz exposes Cynthia and her classmates as well-meaning but clueless children of privilege; Cynthia introduces straight-arrow junior, Charlie, to Katey; Cynthia employs her best truth-bending skills to avoid punishment from Vice Principal Eagleton; Betsey explodes when Cynthia suggests perhaps she's lost too much weight; and the ever- enchanting Senora Cardova is floored by Cynthia. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson   Ending Music: "Happy Feels" by All Good Folks https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/happy-feels License code: GRNTI8X4ANCVCNEU   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74podcast

Against a background of science, Cynthia navigates the fallout from a shocking Saturday night as friendships fracture and secrets surface  Cynthia meets Señora Cardova's husband when a reporter radios for help to file a story, and the school erupts when the Brighton Police launch a search. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson   Ending Music:  Moonlight Hall by Kevin Macleod https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/moonlight-hall License code: JFLICPHYSXGAOBZQ   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74podcast  

When sophomore football player Clay Seton doesn’t return home after a Sunday practice, rumors spread, police coordinate a campus-wide search, and classmates recount where they last saw him. The episode follows the tense search—from whispers in the library and cafeteria to a rescue—ending on a shocking discovery that leaves more questions than answers. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson Aerial Photograph was taken by Mike Moore in 1970   Ending Music:  "Pulsar" by Sky Cassette @ Uppbeat.io  https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-cassette/pulsar License code: IF3RST3BPVZ5STAL   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74podcast

Clay is discovered bound and gagged in the school stadium snack bar; police, medics, and students rush to free him while Cynthia watches in fear and relief. Despite severe bruising and numbness, Clay walks out and is taken to the hospital, leaving questions about his attackers unanswered. The episode follows the tense rescue, the emotional fallout among classmates and teachers, and the lingering mystery of who tied him up, ending with hope and a call to keep watching. Visit The Class of '74 at Patreon.com to meet the nicest people in America in The Detention Club.   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Produced by Ryann Robinson     Ending Music: “Keep Going” by Ra @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/keep-going License code: NHIJ7KL2FN2Q84RY   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74podcast