In this special 1-hour season finale, Cynthia navigates rumors, tensions, and uneasy alliances after a chaotic weekend—Teddy begs her to intervene in the prosecution of Victor Wronski, Betsy’s behavior sparks gossip, while Didi and others tease out uncomfortable details. A mysterious new student, Lincoln, causes a stir at school, while a late, shaky call from Clay leaves Cynthia reeling. There are multiple cliffhangers setting up Season Two, which begins on Valentine's Day, 2026.    Written & Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Join Laura's Detention Clubhouse at Patreon! The cover photo of the Shah and Empress of Iran in 1971 was taken by by Carlo Bavagnoli.   Ending Music: "Existence" is by Simon Folwar @ #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/existence License code: SEPAUB0NLVSNS17Y   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74Podcast  

Cynthia sees Mimi off on her first day of school, learns Not-Fred's real name, hears rumors about a drug dealer, juggles questions about her fractured friendship with Betsey Satterfield, tries not to reveal anything about Clay's situation, learns about the gold standard in such a way as to put her asleep, and is celebrated in Spanish for her ham radio adventure reporting on Attica. Going into the season finale, attractions, budding romances and mysteries abound.     Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Assisted by Ryann Robinson   Ending Music: "Fiesta Barcelona" by Christian Larssen @ #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/christian-larssen/fiesta-barcelona License code: TEZ4ZOF8ORBOBMTO   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74Podcast

After learning that Victor Wronski  — the steroid-fueled attacker — has left the hospital, Cynthia worries about Evan's safety while trying to follow the detective's plea to keep quiet. Meanwhile Mimi embraces a bold new persona with dramatic flair, winning attention at school, and Cynthia navigates friendships, family moments, and the tension between grown-up investigations and teenage life. The episode mixes suspense about Wronki's freedom, tender family scenes, and Mimi's surprising transformation into a confident, theatrical presence.     Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Assisted by Ryann Robinson   Ending Music: "Misstep” by Illya Kuznetsov @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/track/ilya-kuznetsov/misstep License code: B29E7GIIPIYSLTXD Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #Classof74Podcast

Cynthia panics after learning Clay was rushed to Mass General in an effort to save his hand. As she searches for answers and updates on his condition, the episode shifts between tense phone calls, town gossip, grim national news about Attica Prison, and the latest on the local front - that a psycho may be on the loose in Brighton.   Ending Music: "Haunted Lullabies” by Tomas Herudek @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/sfx/haunted-lullabies-creepy-music-box-piano-music/167345/58692    Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Assisted by Ryann Robinson   #Classof74podcast

In this episode Cynthia struggles with worry and exhaustion as she searches for  books and answers. Cynthia confides in a guidance counselor about Betsey Satterfield’s weight loss, drinking, and risky behavior; the counselor promises confidentiality and to handle the situation. While the police launch an investigation into the kidnapping of Clay Seton, Cynthia waits at home with her mother and Mimi for news of his condition.   Written & Narrated by Laura Van Wormer Assisted by Ryann Robinson         Ending Music: “Blue Planets" by All Good Folks @ Uppbeat.io  https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/blue-planets License code: 5DTAQMTJRVBWPCUY   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK    

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.   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

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.     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

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.       Ending Music:  Moonlight Hall by Kevin Macleodhttps://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/moonlight-hallLicense code: JFLICPHYSXGAOBZQ   Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK   #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.   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

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.   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  

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.       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

Cynthia leaves the bullies behind to watch tennis at Evan's house, meets gay Dr. Reynolds, is thrown together with members of the Morristown Historical Society and has a deeply emotional exchange with Mrs. Whittaker.   The episode shifts to a very unsettling ride after Cynthia's talked into hitchhiking. Phil O'Brian no longer has to feel alone. And Evan's whole life is left on a cliffhanger.        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

To finish building the machine of the podcast (so episodes can be reliably delivered for years to come) "The Class of '74" is on a brief hiatus.  New episodes resume  Friday, August 15th.

Cynthia and Clay’s date at the Norwalk Drive-In hits rocky terrain after Cynthia tries Henry's Magic Pisser Elixer.       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

Cynthia and her friends borrow the Schyler's Country Squire wagon for a memorable night at the Norwalk Drive-In.           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 plays air traffic controller as the Schylers' house reels from mood altering substances, confessions and would-be lovers.         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

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.     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 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.      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

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.   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'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 closet adventure.      ending music: "Epic Angel Choir Intro" by Tomas Herudek @ uppbeat.iobumper music:   "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ uppbeat.io