Cynthia rides home with Senora Córdova-Smith and her bold pink outfit, confronts a picture of a bully, and recounts how Mimi slapped him in behaving well. At home, family tensions rise over freedom, babysitting, and a trip to Boston.

The episode follows preparations for the first football game, friendships and fashion-club chatter, and ends with a shocker concerning Clay.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Join The Class of '74 Podcast Detention Club and meet the nicest people in America

Ending Music: "Bubblegum" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bubblegum

License code: EDW3EEZ3FBYQITB1

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RKK

#Classof74Podcast

Friday night before the big game, Cynthia and her friends are swept into a chaotic driveway scene when a borrowed Saab is found hotwired and a set of metric tools is missing. The Senora Córdova-Smith brings charm, surprising backstory and a mysterious photograph, while parents, teachers, and students trade gossip, jokes, and hints of deeper tensions.

Between car trouble, club plans, and a tender conversation about safety and reputation, the episode balances humor, small-town mystery, and the bonds of friendship as it sets up new questions for the coming days.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Join The Class of '74 Podcast Detention Club and meet the nicest people in America

Ending Music: “Sunlight” by Aaron Paul

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/sunlight

License code: 5MRLA4BHTILI3MJU

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RKK

#Classof74Podcast

Laura shares an emotional "Bad Kid Edition" episode reflecting on Mother's Day and recent memorials, then reads an excerpt from her booklet "How to Listen to a Podcast."

She recounts the 2015 accident that halted her novel writing, how discovering podcasts helped her recovery, and how that led to creating the Class of '74 podcast.

Laura explains her wish to help older readers discover podcasts, notes the booklet is available on Amazon, and closes with a warm sign-off and a reminder not to drink and drive.