Last Shift at The Dot

It's 420 somewhere! We needed a bit of a smoke break on today's shift so we decided to give our Degrassholes a little rundown of some of our favorite storylines that involve Jake Martin's favorite pastime, smoking weed.

Along the way, we ask some burning questions such as,

• With all the opportunities Clare had to get stoned (and if there was ever a character that needed to, it was Clare Edwards), why didn't she?
• Was Eli's marijuana fueled short film LIFE really that bad?
• How does Emma manage to make everything so cringe?
• And most importantly, who do we want in our dream Degrassi blunt rotations (because it'd be redundant to talk about our nightmare rotations when Clare, Ashley, and Emma exist...)?

So enjoy some of the Devil's Lettuce, don a pair of rollerblades, and remember, you should absolutely not trust our knowledge of Canadian law. Ever.

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Happy Friday and Ramadan Mubarak, Degrassholes! We're taking a little lunch break here at The Dot (even though two of your hosts were fasting during the recording and thus there are several mentions of tacos and pizza throughout the episode, bear with us please...) to bring you a new surprise minisode! To celebrate the new musical Mean Girls movie released earlier this year, we're talking favorite Queen Bees of Degrassi! Because who doesn't want an excuse to talk about our favorite instances of bad bitch behavior?

What makes someone a "Queen Bee" à la Regina George? And who in Degrassi: TNG/Next Class lore is the ultimate one? Is it Paige Michalchuk because of her ability to destroy someone, their family, and their ancestors with a devastating one liner? Holly J. Sinclair because she's not only the meanest in the room but also the smartest (and most likely to be more successful than you'll ever be)? Or is it our dark horse, Zoe Rivas, who has the uncanny ability to manage to be something so many people desperately long to achieve in the age of social media - the main character of EVERYONE'S lives even after getting fired from a tv show...? Listen to find out who we choose!

And don't worry, we don't forget to talk about each of our Degrassi Queens' sidekicks, the Gretchen Wieners' and Karen Smiths of Degrassi Community School. Never forget your backup singers. They're there to make you look better.

Finally, we discuss the "failed Queen Bees" of Degrassi, who are cringeworthy at best and the reason the show was canceled at worst (Frankie Hollingsworth, we're looking at you).

So, grab a taco, a slice of pizza, and pour one out for Angie "Big Ange" Jeremiah, who just may be the meanest of them all...

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Well, hello there, Degrassholes! We are back with Season 3 of the podcast covering - what else? - Season 3 of Degrassi: The Next Generation. But if you’ve been with us for a while you know there’s an “unfortunately” coming. Unfortunately, Season 3 starts with an Emma-centric two-parter titled “Father Figure”. Don’t look at us, it was a choice on the writers and producers to start one of the best TNG (if not THE best) seasons with this stinker. 

But you know what? We made it through! As in, we recorded this (a year ago) and finally edited it (last night). So let’s get to it: 

Spike is about to give birth to another baby, which is quite surprising because after spawning Emma, one would think the great nation of Canada would unanimously and resolutely ban this woman from ever procreating again. Alas, they didn’t. But the changing family dynamic has Emma asking questions about her biological father that Spike and Snake aren’t ready to answer… 

Our B-plot (which is somehow stretched over the course of two episodes) involves Paige needing a new locker and Spinner being the person who has to secure that for her because…reasons. Really, that’s it. 

Along the way, we stumble our way through this episode and discuss things way more important than the subject matter of this episode such as: 

-Skipping school and surviving college

-Craig impressively tiptoeing around the minefield that is a conversation that involves both Ashley AND Emma

-Speaking of toes, the directorial choice to pan to Spike’s feet as she gives birth (why tho)

-And, of course, what would Reba McEntire wear if she were to attend a Ramones concert? Watch this episode and find out!

So grab a half-priced app at Applebee’s, a “spike”d drink (you see what we did there?) and remember, NEVER wear a toe ring but ALWAYS wear a condom.

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Happy Valentine's Day, Degrassholes! Before we dive into Season 3 of Degrassi: The Next Generation, we're dropping a brand new "minisode" to celebrate Valentine's Day with a discussion on some of our favorite Degrassi love stories!

And no, none of us chose Eli and Clare as a favorite so if you're looking for that content, look elsewhere. Icons only: Paige and Alex, Manny and Craig, Manny and Jay, Imogen and Fiona...all the couples that brought the feels, the laughs, and of course, the drama.

Along the way, we discuss some of our dream ships that never came to be (Would Perino date Ms. Kwan or Ms. Hotsauce?), Sean Cameron's drag career (Wasaga Bitch!), and which couples have us looking for that switch to flip to erase them from our memory.

So grab a box of candy, a yummy pink drink, and if no one's celebrating you today in the way you deserve, know that we here at Last Shift love you so treat yourself!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a storyline about child abuse. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and we advise they skip these episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation as well as this episode of the podcast. 

Hello and happy holidays, Degrassholes! For our last episode of the year, we present to you the last episode of Season 2 of Degrassi: The Next Generation, Tears Are Not Enough Parts 1 and 2. Can you believe we actually recorded this on NYE of 2022? Probably. Well, it’s edited and here for your listening pleasure if you need an escape from family time this holiday season. Or maybe you were more naughty than nice this year and this is your consolation prize - an episode chock full of Angie Jeremiah and Ashley Kerwin. You’re welcome. Be better next time. 

The A plot of this episode finds Craig cramming for finals, which is downright impossible when living with Hurricane Angie. As such, he finds an unexpected getaway from all of the chaos with his father, Dr. Manning. But has Albert truly changed for the better?

The garbage B plots of this two parter center around the upcoming year end luau dance. We’ll let you decide which one is worse: Liberty holding JT hostage for a date to the dance or Spinner and Jimmy continuing whatever this frenemy-ship is over who can get their respective couple crowned luau king and queen. Hey, at least there’s no Emma? 

Along the way we tackle the burning topics and questions such as:

• How we all apparently wanted to go to boarding school (“A sleepover with your friends every day!”).

• Again, why weren’t Paige and JT a thing for real? 

• Julia Jeremiah’s (RIP) absolute chokehold on the men in her life. 

• Why was Simpson giving the entire school every lurid detail about Craig’s dad’s death? 

And much much more. So pull up a seat, a hearty glass of eggnog (or just plain whiskey, whatever), and remember that the ultimate Christmas miracle may just be Season 2 finally ending so we can get to the truly good stuff (MANNY’S REIGN COMING FOR US ALL IN 2024)!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hey all! Before the release of our Season 2 Finale, we found ourselves with the rare lunch break and thought we'd switch things up a bit with a "minisode" of sorts discussing the new memoir by our very own Princess of Pop, Britney Spears. Your hosts all read or listened to the book and found ourselves talking about it almost as much as we talk about Degrassi so here we are.

To tie it all together, we explore some of the similarities we noticed between Britney and the Princess of Degrassi, Manny Santos. Along the way we explore topics such as their families, love lives, and most importantly, THAT clip of Michelle Williams from the audiobook.

So grab a drink, some PROP knives to twirl around your room with because it's iconic and freeing, and never forget that Diane Sawyer is the worst.

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a storyline about sexual assault and rape. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and we advise they skip these episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation as well as this episode of the podcast. 

Hello Degrassholes and happy spooky season! In the spirit of spooky...BOO! Dean's back! SO sorry about that but unfortunately our A plot for Season 2, Episode 20, "How Soon Is Now" involves the return of those rich assholes from Bardell High to Degrassi's hallowed halls for some basketball tournament. Paige is making progress with her healing journey by attending counseling sessions at school until she learns that she may have to come face to face yet again with Dean. Poor girl can’t catch a break this season.

Our not-much-happier B plot finds Ellie and Marco working on a group project together involving a perfume ad? Whatever, Media Immersion is a fake class. If you don’t recall (because Marco certainly doesn’t), he and Ellie are “dating” as he navigates his sexuality and how and if he wants to come out to his other friends. Unfortunately, as usual, Ellie can’t take a damn hint and the group project is thrown into chaos when she decides (quite wrongly and to the detriment of their grades and our viewing pleasure) that a Bollywood themed perfume ad starring Heather Sinclair was too much of a gay agenda for the Nash family. 

Along the way, we tackle some discussions that maybe should have been left on the cutting room floor (but where’s the fun in that?) such as, 

-Awkward group projects in school. Was it our teachers’ way of trolling by always pairing us with someone who was the absolute worst match for us in the classroom? Just wondering all these years later…

-How amazing a power couple would Paige and Jimmy have been? Why was this never explored? 

-Speaking of interesting couples the writers didn’t explore and thus could have spared us from the interminable Spinner-Paige pairing, why do JT and Paige have so much chemistry though? Wouldn’t that have been fun? Just us? 

-We ask this every episode she makes an appearance in this season but what in The Crow rejected costumes hell was Ashley wearing? 

So grab a pumpkin spice latte (maybe with a dash of cinnamon whiskey? Try it - have we ever led you astray?), your best carving knife for the pumpkin you’ll need to angrily decimate every time this show insists on giving Ashley unwarranted screentime, and enjoy the episode! 

xoxo, 

Your friendly neighborhood Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino 

We're baaaaaaaaaaaaack! But so is an Emma A plot. Yep, not going to sugarcoat shit. And it is by far one of the worst Emma A plots in history as one could tell if they somehow managed to get through this whole episode. All you need to know is Emma is on her soapbox this week pontificating on something that she, once again, actually knows nothing about.

Snake is watching Emma for the week while Spike pretends she's not on a girls holiday. “Their relationship is weird in this episode and I don’t like it.” declares Perino and thus begins our journey into the A plot of Emma protesting genetically modified foods which sure, sure, sure a pressing issue...but is it as important as dissecting the weird vibes between Emma and Snake this episode? Surely not!

The B plot manages to be more interesting and less uncomfortable, cementing this episode as one of those instances where the A plot remains largely forgotten whilst the B plot has implications that carry on into future seasons. Jimmy's dad just bought him a bunch of new expensive shit and Spinner is jealous. These two "best friends" then proceed to have yet another fight that makes us wonder if there ever was a time they actually liked one another.

Along the way we have extensive discussions on a myriad of topics (such as 90s baby doll toys and how no one ever gifted us a Baby Alive for better or for worse) and ask the hard hitting questions Ellie would never dream of tackling in her budding journalism career such as:

• Does anyone actually believe Spike's at a hair stylist convention? I mean, we’ve seen her work in other episodes of this show. Is she even licensed?
• We've definitely led you astray before but is this ACTUALLY Nadia's last appearance on the show?
• How many of Jimmy's birthdays has Mr. Brooks missed?

And somehow...this leads to a discussion on cannibalism. Just go with it. Maybe not the content you came for but the content you stay for.

So as Stephan would say, "Give me a wolf! Give me a puffin!" Hell, give us some Sheila Sauce because we were so hungry this recording session we'd probably eat it, and enjoy the ride!

Affectionally, your favorite bitches,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Happy Summer, Degrassholes! We hope it's been a sunny and fun one thus far because we're back with a new episode about the one thing sadder than it raining on the beach day you played hooky for: Ashley Kerwin.

Nina hosts Season 2, Episode 18, "Dressed in Black", this week and we wish we could tell you it was a treat and that despite an Ashley A plot, this episode was a lot of fun.

But we can't. Because the B plot involves Toby Isaacs and condoms.

Ashley and Jimmy are back together! Yay, right? LOL JK. She wouldn't be Ashley if she didn't immediately ruin something positive in her life (beginning to think she and Craig really did deserve one another) with constant unwarranted criticism and a profound lack of self-awareness. Despite their rekindled romance, Ashley and Jimmy are having a hard time seeing eye to eye on her new look and even more aggressive nagging. Will Jimmy finally tame this shrew? And if not Jimmy, can someone else put us out of our misery and do it? Anyone? I suppose Season 3 Craig does but I digress...

Meanwhile, Dr. Sally decides to fake her death because she didn't want to deal with JT and Toby finally getting a sex talk from a professional. Smart woman! The two aforementioned dweebs then decide to buy condoms despite their chances of getting laid being even more remote than Anchor/SpotifyforPodcasters finally giving us our promised advertisements. Hilarity doesn't ensue as it should because again, this plot involves Toby Isaacs and condoms.

Along the way, we sprinkle in discussions and questions to allow us to deal with both these annoying storylines:

• Songs we hate even more than the Ashley one that opens this episode
• The introduction of Sully aka "Great Value Peter" in the words of Morgan
• Finding the good...in Spinner? (We surprise even ourselves sometimes!)
• And most importantly, did Toby graduate a virgin?

So grab a drink, a bowl of Jeff Isaacs' lukewarm Kraft dinner, and remember, in the words of Stephan, THERE ARE ALWAYS FREE CONDOMS. Stay safe, Degrassholes!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Happy MDW Degrassholes! We're back (did you think you had gotten rid of us so easily?) with a new episode just in time for the long weekend! Unfortunately, all of the build up and anticipation and bated breath over the last month has only led to... Season 2, Episode 7 of Degrassi: The Next Generation aka "Relax" aka "The one where we all realize we don't know anything about Napoleon, the French Revolution, or really any history at all." Thank you, US education system.

In this very, very, stupid episode (many thanks to Morgan for hosting this hot mess), our A plot involves Liberty overcompensating for failing to make the floor hockey team by emulating a dictator, in which the only silver lining are some peak Kendra moments (we miss you, girl). Our B plot somehow manages to be even dumber as it recycles the "Terri isn't a professional tarot card/palm reader" plot from last season.

Along the way, we tackle only the most pressing questions such as:

• Was there no other business in the greater Toronto metropolitan area that could sponsor the floor hockey team? Surely, Mr. Brooks or Dr. Manning (may his soul not rest in peace) could have spared 1/3 of their hourly rate for this shit.
• Who asked you, Ashley?
• Could this episode have been better if the B plot turned out to be both Paige AND Terri faking their belief in the former's imminent demise?
• And lastly, would it be correct to assume that Natasha's summary of Napoleon's significance in history comes down to him "trying to start some drama and stir up some shit."? Because again, that's the extent of our understanding. Don't come for us, France.

So grab your finest cape, a 7th grade World History textbook, and never forget to "do a 360 before you tell the goss." You just never know if Emma or Ashley is around eavesdropping.

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hey Degrassholes! It's been a minute but we're back with Season 2, Episode 16, "Message in a Bottle". Your host, Natasha, guides us through the rare Sean-centric episode, made even rarer by the fact that Emma isn't the biggest asshole for once. That'd be Spike, so...close enough.

Our A plot concerns Sean going to Emma's house for dinner with the parents and things colossally going downhill for him anytime Spike says something more inane than the last thing she's said. Our B plot is unfortunately about Jimmy and Ashley and the possibility of them reconciling. Ew. But hey, in the words of Jay Hogart, "At least there's a party." And nothing's better than a Degrassi house party where our A and B plots collide.

Except for maybe episodes without Ashley. Yeah. Those are definitely better...But I digress.

Along the way we ask the big questions that must be on everyone's minds:

• Was this Sean's first time getting drunk?
• How twisted was Snake at this dinner and was that his way of coping with Spike too?
• Is Tracker played by Isaac Hanson? (We thought so in 2002 and we are standing by that theory in 2023. )
• Of Degrassi's house party episodes, which party seemed the funnest?
• Are Spinner's only insightful moments throughout the run of this series the instances where he warns Jimmy about how godawful Ashley is to be around?
• Is it possible Sean was throwing up because the sushi was made by Christine and Archie (Gotta use their real names for this question to drive the point home)? Yeah, half a bottle of tequila is bad and all but...could it be worse than Spike in the kitchen?

So grab a drink (a white wine or Sprite bottle full of stolen Casamigos pair nicely with this episode), a pillow to scream in whenever Spike says something stupid, and for the love of God, just order a pizza if introducing someone you're dating to the fam. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hello Degrassholes! We're back with Season 2, Episode 15 of Degrassi: The Next Generation, "Hot for Teacher" hosted by the one and only Morgan! Unfortunately, this episode (like so many others this season) is a steaming pile of garbage but as Stephan so aptly commented during a recent discussion about this recording, "We really do turn a turd into a gold brick."

The A Plot is about JT. More specially, about JT being super horny for his science teacher, Ms. Hatzilakos aka Ms. HotSauce aka Get This Poor Woman A Drink and a Restraining Order Against All Teenage Boys Stat.

The B Plot is about how Spinner smells. Well, not really, but that's the most memorable part about it. The B plot is actually about Spinner and Jimmy's TOXIC friendship. More toxic than Ashley’s poetry. More toxic than Ellie’s godawful bangs in this episode.

But not more toxic than Toby motorboating JT. 

Has this moment replaced Toby wearing a training bra as the most disturbing moment in Degrassi history? Mull that one over.

Along the way we ask even more important questions such as:

• Who knocked up Isabella the guinea pig?
• Why is there a class pet in high school?
• Was Peter Stone conceived on the back of a motorcycle during Ms. HotSauce’s young, wild, and free days?
• Can everyone stop looking at everyone else’s computer screens in this episode? Privacy, people!
• And how cool would it have been to see a scene of a wine drunk Ms. Kwan and Ms. Hatzilakos bitch about how unfair it is that they’re stuck working in this shitty school system?

You know the drill! Grab a drink (or 5, to rid your memory of that Toby moment), your strongest clinical strength deodorant, a book of Maya Angelou poems to throw at Ashley, and enjoy!

Xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hey Degrassholes! We’re back with our first episode of 2023 and even though we’re down three hosts this week, we are still here to give you everything you came for! And we’re really hoping you’re here for an A-plot about Marco that is unfortunately overshadowed by how awful every other character is in this episode (minus Kendra. Kendra never disappoints.) If that’s not what you’re here for…well, that’s what you’re getting anyway.

Stephan guides us this week through Season 2, Episode 14 “Careless Whisper” which also gives us our first Marco Del Rossi A-plot! It’s been a while since Ellie and Marco told each other they like one another and Ellie wants to take their friendship to the next level. However, Marco has a secret and his friends and Ellie are damn well making sure he doesn’t have the space and time to come to terms with it in peace.

That said, THIS IS AN EMMA-FREE EPISODE. We repeat: THIS IS AN EMMA-FREE EPISODE. Yes, there’s still Toby but we can’t have it all and a small win is still a win. Speaking of small wins, how nice was it to see Kendra completely destroy any shred of self-esteem Toby may ever have had with just an eye-roll? #JusticeForKendra #WhereIsKendra

Along the way we discuss a myriad of topics that mostly have nothing to do with the episode:

• Our worst crash and burn relationships.
• Do you really need to play shirts and skins when there’s only 4 people playing?
• How did the Gulf War end? Are we smarter when we’re drinking?
• Would an air fryer change Kate Kerwin’s life? We think so.
• Do we talk at length about our favorite Degrassi mom (hence the episode title) despite her not being in the episode? Yes, and we have nothing to apologize for!
• Oh hey, nice to see you again, Dr. Sally!

And yes, we still found a way to drag Emma in an Emma-free episode. Old habits die hard.

So grab a glass of water from the upstairs kitchen at Ashley’s house, decorate your crush’s locker to their dismay (quite the theme this season!), and never forget that we don’t need an excuse to name an episode after Kate Kerwin.

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Ho Ho Ho and Merry December! It's been a while but if you're familiar with Degrassi: The Next Generation's Season 2, Episodes 12 and 13, "White Wedding" then you already know that this episode is packed to the brim with bullshit to drag these characters for...which meant editing took the better part of one of our lives as a result. You're welcome. 

Your host this week, Nina, guides us through the shit show that is Spike's bad planning. And we're not even referring to the surprise pregnancy (too easy). Who makes a 13 year old their wedding planner? Isn't this woman supposed to be a professional hairdresser? Why is Emma the only person you'd confide your big secret to if you were set on your groom not finding out about it? It's one thing to have to digest all of the stupid decisions teenagers make week after week but it's another to have to find patience in our hearts for some of these adults (with the exception of Lucy Fernandez, who can do no wrong). 

Along the way, we share our experiences with strippers, our stories of trying to dye our hair by ourselves (what else did a person do when they were bored and broke and living in a dorm?), muse on all of the things we would trade Emma for (Consensus: a Black Cherry White Claw i.e. the worst White Claw), and really, REALLY, we need to know and we need Archie to tell us - what in the world does Spike have that you can't find elsewhere and sans Emma? 

So say yes to the mess (Archie certainly did), open up a can of that Black Cherry White Claw, and never forget that Wasaga Beach is the Florida of Canada! 

Happy Holidays, Degrassholes!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hello friends! We come to you with a new episode covering the ONLY time Hazel will ever get an A plot, Season 2's Episode 11, "Don't Believe the Hype". Natasha serves as host for the hour and navigates us through this poorly thought out A plot that takes place on International Day at Degrassi Community School, in which Hazel pretends to be Jamaican to avoid telling her friends and classmates that she is, in fact, Muslim. This episode came out in 2002 so rampant Islamophobia is front and center of the conversation the Degrassi writers are attempting to depict, albeit poorly. 

Our B plot is also about hiding something about yourself except it's even more stupid because it's about JT pretending he doesn't know how to sew because it's not masculine or something dumb along those lines. Gender stereotypes of the early aughts, how oh how did we all make it through? 

Along the way, we discuss Jesse Williams' "Don't Believe the Hype" denim jacket because Natasha would be remiss to let any of us forget it, speculate on who really destroyed Fareeza's project (completely ignoring that they do figure it out in the episode), and wait....hold up...is Ashley not being insufferable for once?

As our episode title very clearly states, hate some of these kids not because they may be Jamaican, Somalian, Muslim, or a secret seamstress - hate these kids because they're awful. Seriously, you know there's a problem if Emma "Ear Hustler" Nelson and Ashley "Hurt People Hurt People" Kerwin came out of this episode looking the best. 

So claim the D (as Liberty says *wink*), fry up some jerk chicken, and enjoy the episode! 

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hello Degrassholes - we've missed you! We're back with one of our favorite episodes of Season 2 (which also happens to be one of the few good ones this season), "Take My Breath Away", hosted by our very own Morgan! Sweet little Manny Santos is going on her first date with Craig Manning but things take a turn when after the date, both of them have a different version of how well it went. Meanwhile, our B plot involves Ellie cryptically trying to convey (in a way only a mall goth can) to Marco that she has a crush on him. But Stephan's favorite, Hazel, may throw a wrench into Ellie's plan.

This episode brings about a lot of different opinions amongst our hosts as we discuss topics such as: 

Was Marco just really dumb or did he know it was Ellie the whole time? 

Perino finally repenting for ever thinking there was a "Cool Toby". But is it enough? Is it?

Speaking of, this episode is also the decline of any notion of "Cool Ellie".

Aren't baboons always naked? 

Our armchair psychologists analyses of Craig Manning's mommy issues.

Our most debated "Who was the Clare?" yet.

And oh hey, Emma isn't the biggest cockblock of an episode! That honor goes to none other than Angie. 

So grab an Edward Gorey book, decorate a locker of someone you're obsessed with, and enjoy this episode!

P.S. Forgive us for the audio quality, it's Anchor's fault. 

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a storyline about eating disorders. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and we advise they skip this episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation as well as this episode of the podcast.

We're baaaaaaaaack! Unfortunately, we're back with Season 2, Episode 9 of Degrassi: The Next Generation, "Mirror in the Bathroom". There's a reason this episode of the podcast took the longest to edit and it's not because we decided to improve audio quality or upgrade our editing software (Your move, Anchor). And it's certainly not because your dear hosts have been trying to hold on to the last days of summer by traveling anywhere and everywhere throughout September. 

No, it's because this episode is about Toby. And...wrestling. 

Our dear resident Toby correspondent, Perino, guides us through this train wreck, and if all other episodes prior to this one weren't already enough to dispel the myth of a "Cool Toby" (a rumor created and perpetuated by Perino and no one else), this is the episode that vanquishes that myth once and for all. 

Along the way we discuss important topics such as: 

• MVP side characters and our love for Andrews (What's HIS backstory? Give us more of Andrews and less of Toby FOR THE LOVE OF GOD).
• Our continued fascination with the deterioration of Jeff and Ann Marie Isaacs' marriage.
• An extended rant about Craig Manning even though he has nothing to do with this episode (because we will do anything and everything in our power to not discuss the A plot at hand).
• But for real though, how did Toby NOT shit himself this episode? And would that have been enough to make this episode a good one? 

Oh, and unlike the writers of this episode, we did not forget there was a B plot, in which #QueenBeeTerri is unjustifiably given two minutes of screen time for the rare storyline she's featured in.

So grab a drink, smother a burger in the mystery that is Sheila Sauce, and pour one out for our girl Nadia, because we will probably never see her again. 

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino 

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a storyline about sexual assault and rape. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and we advise they skip these episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation as well as this episode of the podcast. 

Hello Degrassholes! We're back with a doozy of an episode, covering Season 2 of Degrassi: The Next Generation, "Shout" parts 1 and 2 (hosted by our dear Stephan)! These episodes begin with Paige (Spirt Squad Captain!) ready to pursue her crush, Dean, the soccer superstar of Degrassi's rival school, Bardell. But things take a turn when Dean reveals himself to be a complete monster who refuses to slow things down with Paige at a weekend house party. Any avid Degrassi fan knows that what follows makes these not the easiest of episodes to cover but we do our best. And despite the heavy subject matter at hand, we wouldn't be the podcasters you know and love if we also didn't discuss at length: 

• Which Degrassi character we would want to share a locker with in high school (shoutout to the godawful B plot of Part 1).
• Our go-to selections at Blockbuster, which we've definitely brought up before and definitely will bring up again.
• Ashley somehow making this all about her.
• Speaking of people that make things all about them, we also rag on theater kids quite a bit, despite 3/5 of your hosts having been art majors in college. 
• Did Natasha somehow find a way to draw a likeness between Clare Edwards and Dean? 
• How did Grandma Michalchuk end up in jail? We have so many questions! Even though we completely invented the scenario up! 
• Also, RIP to Nina, who died of secondhand embarrassment while discussing the complete messes that were Terri and Liberty in Part 2 of Shout, may she never have to hear Hazel try to sing "Amazing Grace" again.  

You know the drill! Get a drink (just not whatever concoction JT was creating in Part 1, unless you enjoy food poisoning), remember that Ellie's opinion never matters, and get upset that unlike the Pro-Voice songwriting contest, we aren't sponsored by Pantene (but we gladly would be)!

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

So we made it to lucky number 13! And you know what? We kinda are feeling lucky because this episode features the least amount of Emma we can possibly hope for (yet she still manages to piss us off this week!). Season 2, Episode 6 is titled "Drive" and your host Nina leads us through an episode most remembered for the Spinner fart that dear Marco had to unjustifiably sit in the backseat with. At least that's what your hosts most remember about this useless episode. 

And if that weren't enticing enough, the B plot is an Ashley one, where she continues to find novel ways to rival Emma in being the absolute worst. 

Along the way, we discuss everything we can only assume you pressed play on this episode for:

1. Memories of our childhood sleepovers

2. Our apparently collective "10th grade Wiccan phase" where the majority of our weekends were spent in the New Age section of Borders Books and Music (you know exactly what we're talking about if you're someone listening to this podcast)

3. Kate Kerwin's secret piercings (this is not speculation, we all know Kate is that bitch)

4. Falling into a Pat Mastroianni hole (against our better judgement)

5. George Buza's (Atilla!) prolific career

6. Ashley Kerwin is definitely an anti-vaxxer, y/y?

and much, much more!

So grab a can of Easy Cheese spray cheese (or don't, because you deserve better), your Kid Elrick tickets, and enjoy the drive (in your hopefully non-Jeremiah Motors vehicle!)

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Happy Saturday everyone! Yeah, we're late on this release but your hosts got a little bit lit together in person last week. And honestly, maybe we spared you. 

Because this is an Emma episode. 

Season 2, Episode 5 is titled "Weird Science" and our lovely host Natasha guides us through the absolute shit show that is the Grade 8 science fair. We discuss our own science fair experiences, remember the character that was Nadia, ask why JT's tortilla tit project was OK'd at this school, and damn it Emma, NOT EVERYONE LIKES GRANOLA AS MUCH AS YOU DO. 

By the way, the B plot this episode is not for the faint-hearted as it involves Spinner...and his boner. 

A classic Degrassi episode such as this can only mean a classic Last Shift episode: 

1. Do we talk (at length) about Snake and Spike's sex life? Check. 

2. Do we talk about different flavors of chicken wings at the very end of an episode where it is, once again, completely irrelevant? Check. 

3. Do we talk about Swimfan even though 3/5 of us haven't even watched that movie? Absolutely. 

You know the drill: Grab a drink, a Nature Valley granola bar (or any food that tastes like happy!), and remember that there is no sex good enough for dealing with Emma. 

Live, Laugh, and Liberty Van Zandt (Agent of Chaos), 

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Get ready folks! This week on the podcast, if it isn't the consequences of Ashley's actions (coming back to haunt her whiny ass). 

Your host, Perino (our resident Toby correspondent), guides us through Season 2, Episode 4, "Karma Chameleon" in which Ashley embarks on an ill-fated apology tour after her disastrous experimentation with ecstasy last season. Did you think any of us, let alone Paige "Definitely a Scorpio" Michalchuk, would forget about Ashley "Hurt People Hurt People" Kerwin calling her a hag? Along the way, we meet "Cool Ellie" (another one of Perino's fabrications?) as well as Kendra, one of only two girls we ever see fall under the spell of the equally fictional "Cool Toby." 

Oh yeah, by the way, if an Ashley A-plot weren't bad enough, you've just been warned that this episode contains a Toby B-plot - so pour your drinks accordingly for this one.

Throughout this episode, we discuss important topics such as bathroom etiquette, the earth-shattering and reputation-ruining power of a Terri MacGregor eye roll (#QueenBeeTerri), our continued speculation of what exactly happened between Sean and Ashley when they hooked up (Like Craig, we're gossips and nosey, let us live!), and...The Human Centipede? 

Also, side note: Shut up, Jimmy. 

As always, grab a sweet cocktail to pair with this episode (because witnessing Ashley's downfall is downright delicious), hide your hentai, and never forget that everything is always Ashley's fault (if it's not Emma's). 

xoxo, 

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hello Degrassholes! This episode starts with an explosion of hemp. Weirdly enough, we aren't referring to Emma though it seems like an apt way to begin an episode where Emma's life deliciously combusts over the course of 21 minutes. This week, Morgan walks us through Season 2, Episode 3, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Our favorite episodes are school dance episodes and this one doesn't disappoint as we discuss the following and more: 

• Jimmy and Spinner embarrassing themselves and exclusive information from our very own Stephan on Miss Kwan's whereabouts at that exact moment. 
• Ashley (deservedly) getting paid dust by the rest of the girls. 
• Your hosts' collective schadenfreude as we watch Emma realize the world doesn't revolve around her. 
• Middle school nicknames and high school boiler rooms. 
• And another week, another episode we spend an inordinate amount of time speculating about Spike and Snake's bedroom shenanigans. 

You know the drill! Grab a cozy seat, grab a drink, and if you're Emma "Hurt People Hurt People" Nelson, grab some tissues to cry into because nobody likes you. 

xoxo, 

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Trigger Warning: This episode deals with a storyline about child abuse. Some listeners may find this content disturbing and we advise they skip these episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation as well as this episode of the podcast. 

Dear listeners, today we begin our journey through Season 2 of Degrassi: The Next Generation with the episodes "When Doves Cry" parts 1 and 2 (hosted by Natasha)! We are introduced to the character of Craig Manning, a student at the school with an abusive father. Despite the heavy subject matter (which we discuss at length, so please heed the trigger warning above) and these episodes ostensibly being about Craig, we wouldn't be us if we didn't spend an inordinate amount of time on the following subjects: 

• The pot roast Dr. Manning serves for dinner and his use of an electric carver. 
• Our very likely theory of how Joey Jeremiah and Julia Manning met. 
• The trifecta of creepy places Craig goes to photograph a child: the playground, their preschool, and the graveyard where their mother is buried. 
• Whether or not Chantay was actually an undercover agent at Degrassi (Is that why she was there for so long? Wait, why are we talking about Chantay again?). 
• The adults of this saga and namely, their sex lives. 
• And of course, our problematic crush on Dr. Manning. Don't @ us. Or do. And while you're at it, please rate and review the podcast and tell us which Degrassi parent you inexplicably have the hots for so we feel less alone. 

So grab a drink, be mindful of the fact that we definitely kept forgetting there was a B plot in these episodes, and we wouldn't be the concerned and attentive hosts we are if we didn't remind you to watch your fucking ears around Sean Cameron. 

xoxo,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

We did it, kids! We made it to the last episode of the season and if you took a glance at the length of this episode you must already know it's a doozy! This week your host Stephan leads the gang (along with special guest TéQuan!) on the absolutely bonkers journey that is Ashley "hurt people hurt people" Kerwin's first (and possibly last) ecstasy trip in the season 1 finale, "Jagged Little Pill". It's the end of the school year and you know what that means: an episode where all the characters on the show come together inexplicably at one kid's house for a party bound to end badly (our favorite kind of episode!). 

Having so many characters in a room together gives us a lot to discuss but this episode has left us with more questions than answers in the way only a Degrassi episode can: 

Where did Jeff Isaacs and Kate Kerwin run off to for the weekend and why is it a marital therapy retreat? 

Why did Spinner bring a watermelon to a party and more importantly, why did he leave the party with it intact? 

Are prank phone calls a lost art form? 

Is "hag" really the worst thing Paige has ever been called?

Why is Toby? 

So cheers to the summer, our wonderful special guest TéQuan (@nrmlyoga), the end of Season 1, as well as the end of Ashley Kerwin's unjustifiable reign as Queen Bee at Degrassi (Rise #QueenBeeTerri)! And always remember to BYOTP to any parties from now on! 

A B C D E FU Ashley Kerwin,

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Hey Degrassholes! We're here bringing you two more episodes from Season 1 of Degrassi: The Next Generation. Natasha begins our episode this week with a discussion of "Cabaret", which literally starts with the "funeral dirge" that is Ashley's song for the upcoming talent show. How does anyone put up with her? Do panthers actually exist? And most importantly, is that motherfucking Chantay Black in the background of one scene? How long has this woman really been at Degrassi? We talk about Sean Cameron having to do the absolute least to make Emma swoon, #QueenBeeTerri having to resort to communication through tarot cards to deal with a toxic friend, and OMG TOBY SHE IS NEVER GOING TO LIKE YOU BACK. 

Next up, Nina guides us through the murky waters of "Under Pressure", one of the rare episodes where a clear "Clare of the Week" can not be agreed upon. Remember that kid who would want to talk about the answers on the exam immediately after the test was over? You do, don't you? The image of their face just flashed clearly into your mind even if your last day of school has been 10+ years ago. You're welcome. We talk through the trauma of exams (and having to deal with that kid), welcome Miss Kwan back from her much needed leave of absence ("New Year, New Look, New Kwan"), and once again feel the need to scream at the top of our lungs "STAY OUT OF IT EMMA!" 

So cheers to the weekend, to panthers, to Miss Kwan, and to the specter of Chantay Black! And remember everyone, as Morgan and #QueenBeeTerri (if they gave her enough screentime) would say: You can't pour sherry from an empty cup. Take care of yourselves!

xoxo, 

Stephan, Morgan, Natasha, Nina, and Perino

Oh boy! We made it to two Emma-centric episodes, one of which where Emma shouldn't even really be the main character (because that should ALWAYS be Manny Santos) but she's Emma so she will make this about her. First up is "Friday Night" where Perino guides us through the absolute disaster that is Emma and Sean's first date as well as the infuriating B plot where Spinner and Jimmy get "revenge" on a woman juggling multiple jobs, a sick husband, and at least 30 or so piece of shit kids each day in class. Are we older than Miss Kwan? And more importantly, is it ESL, ASL, or "Eh"-SL? Also Rule #1: You gotta let your co-hosts know if you're about to improv!

Next up is probably one of the worst episodes of the season/series due mostly to a B plot involving Spinner, Toby, JT, and Liberty all getting basic math wrong and eating way too much chips. We also get a lot of Manny being adorable and Emma seething about it in her green with jealousy Shakespearean villain turtleneck. How much do we love Cassie Steele? Enough that one of us had a Manny Santos blue thong birthday cake last year. Enough that several of us may or may not have purchased Ms. Steele's Hot Lava (this is not spon but we're open to it!) thong collection. Enough to get through this episode. 

And if this episode sounds convoluted, it has absolutely nothing to do with us being drunk. That would be irresponsible. It really is all the fault of the episodes. Really. We would never. 

So put on your bluest thong, grab a can of Pringles, and think about how adulthood is essentially summed up in the image of Miss Kwan crying outside her car after working too late and having nothing left to give. 

xoxo, 

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Hello Degrassholes and happy Friday the 13th! Are you feeling superstitious? You should! Because today you will be unluckily subjected to two episodes featuring a lot - A LOT - of Emma "Hurt People Hurt People" Nelson and Ashley "Hurt People Hurt People" Kerwin. First up, Nina covers the 9th episode of Season 1, "Coming of Age" in which Emma gets her period for the first time. There's also an A plot about Ashley but no one cares about it. We're talking shitty birthdays, Sean Cameron's suspected love of shark week, and learn that there is in fact a disrespectful way to eat chicken wings. 

Next, Morgan hosts the frustrating episode that is "Rumors and Reputations." Why does Emma continue to insert herself in situations she's too stupid to understand? And how is Ashley still somehow the worst? Have you ever found an earwig in your food? Mostly, we discuss #BadBitchTerri shutting down Emma in the way only #QueenBeeTerri can.

Can one of your hosts be the Clare of the episode? Did you want a really bare bones lesson regarding the laws surrounding free feminine products in public schools? Listen for all this and more! 

Grab a drink or two or three (because these episodes are trying), some buffalo wings, and we know you can make it through!

xoxo,

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Hey frosh! Welcome back to another week of Degrassi: The Next Generation! Unfortunately, that week includes discussing episodes 7 and 8 of Season 1, "Basketball Diaries" and "Secret and Lies", neither of which deserve any awards. Your hosts Natasha and Stephan do their very best to guide us through these two mediocre episodes. First up is a Jimmy-centric episode, which does nothing to convince us that the writers of this show attempted to give Jimmy Brooks any discernible character traits other than "good at basketball." Listen to us try to talk about sports. No really, it's cute. 

Next up, in "Secrets and Lies", not only do we learn that Ashley's dad is gay, you'll also get a crash course in the (likely in)correct syllable count of haiku. Is the word "idea" two syllables or three? Finally, it wouldn't be a true episode of our show without a digression into the embarrassing fan fiction we all wrote as teenagers (and if you listen to this podcast, it's a safe bet you wrote some too), the ever-present clinking of our wine glasses, and at least 1-2 off-topic conversations about #QueenBeeTerry. 

So grab your drinks, some poutine, and enjoy!

Live, Laugh, and Liberty Van Zandt, 

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Welcome back to another episode of Last Shift at The Dot! This week, our dear hosts, Perino and Morgan, tackle the giant steaming pile of dog shit that is the next two episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation, Season 1, "Parents Day" and "The Mating Game". Again, who thought Toby and Ashley-centric episodes were a good idea? While we do our best to make sense of the ridiculous notion that Ashley should get an agent and put to rest Perino's theory of a "cool Toby", we also address the following questions: 

Did Jeff and Ann Marie Isaacs' marriage end due to infidelity and how did Jeff end up with custody of Toby? 

Did only one of us actually receive Sex-Ed during our schooling? 

Why are Nina, Natasha, and Morgan so eager to learn to pee standing up? 

And finally, is Tim Horton's the best thing to come from Canada, eh? 

So grab a seat, grab a drink, and pour one out for Mama Onu!

xoxo, 

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Hey Degrassholes and welcome to the next episode of Last Shift at the Dot! This week, we're discussing the horrendous "Family Politics" episode (who thought a Toby and Ashley-centric episode so early on, or ever, was a good idea?) followed by season classic, "Eye of the Beholder". We'll talk about early internet family-caught-us-with-porn experiences, whether or not any of us have been classy enough to try sherry, Natasha regales us with a tale of ordering a $9 cup of broth in NYC, and if you make it through all that (we know you can!), the scintillating drama that is Paige's sabotage of Terry and Spinner's burgeoning romance (It.Was.Never.About.The.Notes.) 

So pull up a seat, take a shot every time Jimmy condescendingly mentions Sean having to repeat 7th grade, and enjoy!

xoxo

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Hey Degrassholes and welcome to the very first official episode of Last Shift at the Dot! We're starting from the first episode hard and strong. "Mother and Child Reunion", Parts 1 and 2, in which we play a round of To Catch a Jordan. We'll talk about how nobody except Perino knows the song this episode is titled after, Spike's bad parenting, the unparalleled mess that is Caitlyn Ryan, and judge Emma for the first of a lifetime of truly bad decisions. And is pizza from Toronto truly worth putting your life on the line for? 

So stay tuned, make it through, and put on your paisley jackets!

xoxo

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino

Today, we are releasing a teaser before we get into our deep dive of Season 1 of TNG. So grab a seat, grab a drink, and enjoy a mini episode where we talk about each of our first times....watching Degrassi. Which of course inevitably leads to a discussion on strip club dancer shift hierarchies, getting a WWJD? bracelet from your middle school boyfriend who happened to look like Marco DelRossi, and being made fun of in Starbucks for pronouncing cappuccino the correct way. 

We hope you enjoy and always keep asking yourselves the most important question there is: Where the fuck is Kendra? 

Your hosts, 

Stephan, Natasha, Morgan, Nina, and Perino