Beyond the OC (Welcome to the OC)

It’s just Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke this week hanging by the pool house, as they discuss S2 Ep13, “Father Knows Best,” or as Mindy shares, “aka The Test.” The hosts break down this episode. Poking fun at dated references from the episode like MTV2 and VH1, finding holes in the whole “adoption storyline” and let’s talk about Seth’s crazy hair in this episode. Hear stories from Rachel’s high school days in the drama club (with other celebs you may have heard of like Rami Malek and Kirsten Dunst.) Melinda shares a story of a pillow fight gone bad!  And of course, favorite memories from this episode, like the trouble with throwing Max’s ashes off the pier and Julie’s acting choice during the balcony scene at the adoption party. What do you think – should Caleb take the paternity test? Let us know in the comments below! Father Knows Best Synopsis: When Caleb announces he is going to adopt Lindsay, Julie has strong feelings against it. She raises doubts, asking if he ever took a paternity test. Did Seth and Summer have sex in San Diego? Seth is strung out thinking about it and crosses boundaries to find out. Kirsten pays Rebecca a visit while Sandy takes her case back on. Marissa tells Summer about her new relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Cory Martin, the writer who began as Stephanie Savage’s assistant, moved her way up, and penned the novelizations of The OC! They are discussing S2 Ep12, “The Lonely Hearts Clubs.” Happy Valentine’s Day… Before diving into the episode that had the hosts yelling at their screens, they hear all about Cory’s OC experience – from pulling an all-nighter preparing the pilot presentation to writing the episode that Tate Donovan directed. Did you know there was a potential spin-off about The OC that Cory was going to write on? Listen to find out which OC character it was about! Cory discusses her new book: The Yoga Prescription: A Chronic Illness Survival Guide, in which she discusses using philosophies of yoga to cope with her MS.  Then, they dive into the episode! They’re talking nose-humping, the sad-looking bus Seth travels home on, and Peter Gallagher’s performance making or breaking the viewers’ love of Sandy! Cory shares which storyline wasn’t in the original episode outline and they all discuss how the network dictated the outcome of the famous Alex and Marissa kiss. Stay until the end for story time when Melinda and Rachel read an excerpt from one of Cory’s OC novelizations, “The Summer Bummer.” The Lonely Hearts Club Synopsis:  It’s Valentine’s Day in the OC but is anyone excited? Sandy attempts to make it up to Kirsten for lying about Rebecca. But, Sandy makes a choice to see Rebecca on Valentine’s Day, putting his marriage in jeopardy. Zach, Seth, and Summer head to San Diego to pitch their comic-book idea, but Seth can’t handle Summer and Zach being together. Ryan tries to make peace with Caleb for the sake of Lindsay. Marissa and Alex take their relationship to the next step as “the tide turns.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by First Assistant Director (AD) on The OC, Jen Anderson. Not only do they discuss S2 Ep11, “The Second Chance,” but also, highlight what it’s like to work behind the camera.As a First AD, Jen was charged with holding it all together, and she saw it all! Hear about what that role entails, how Jen became a first AD, and a secret from when she first started working on The OC. Don’t worry, Rachel is there to help define all the industry terms and acronyms. Jen worked closely with the cast – hear who was most likely to… show up late? Break character? Make her laugh? Listen to find out! She also discusses what it was like shooting this episode – from having to use the public pier to shooting the dinner scene. Also, hear a hilarious Tate Donovan story and Mindy’s deep dive into Patrón Tequila (just listen, you’ll see why). The Second Chance Synopsis: Summer takes an active role in the making of the comic book, which worries Seth. And for good reason, as old feelings emerge. Sandy takes on Rebecca’s case but continues to keep it a secret from Kirsten that she’s alive. Lindsay gives it another try at forming a relationship with Caleb and after a near-death experience, she believes he’s ready to be her father.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are discussing “The Accomplice” (S2 Ep10). But first, a surprise call from Emmanuelle Chriqui, who played Jodi on The OC. Then, they dive into this episode, crediting Ryan for having adult balls, discussing the storyline Peter Gallagher was so excited about, and explaining why Julie wasn’t there!This episode of the show has the birth of Atomic County. Find out who really drew those photos. And, did you know there is a Melinda Clarke character-based action figure out there? Do you remember how Lindsay searched for Caleb? And we meet Rebecca, Sandy’s first love. Do you like this storyline? Let us know!Later, the hosts meet two superfans! Both have crazy OC stories you won’t believe!The Accomplice Synopsis: Sandy’s law school professor and mentor, Max Bloom, shows up, requesting Sandy’s help in finding his daughter, Rebecca, Sandy’s first love. With the help of Zach, Seth embarks on creating a comic book based on his friends in Orange County. Lindsay seeks a relationship with Caleb. Marissa and Alex grow closer. (Aw man, no Julie in this episode!)Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are discussing “The Ex-Factor” (S2 Ep9). Join them as they break down all the questionable moments, like Ryan leaving a drunk Lindsay on the beach, and comment on all the hilarious moments, like when Ryan reveals Alex’s ex is a she!But first, the hosts are joined by the co-founders of the Neon Coven – Shira Milikowsky, Mark Mauriello, and Andrew Barret Cox. These three produced “OSCAR at the Crown,” an immersive nightclub show that features Julie Cooper as the prophet who predicted the downfall of civilization! Stay until the end to hear the song JULIE from their show and get ready to sing along: Julie, how did you know? The Ex-Factor Synopsis: Alex’s ex is in town, which sends Seth into a tizzy. And even more so, when Ryan reveals her ex is a girl. Lindsay, Marissa, and Summer want a break from guy-drama and go for a Girl’s Night Out. Seth, Ryan, and Seth aim to have a Boy’s Night In yet end up crashing Girl’s Night at the Bait Shop. Julie has an unconventional idea to help the Newport Group’s image.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Gallagher, aka Sandy Cohen, aka everyone’s favorite dad – is back! This time, he’s in the studio with his OC co-stars, Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke, to discuss “The Power of Love” (S2 Ep 8).In this episode of the show, Sandy sings to Kirsten, “Don’t Give Up on Me.” Hear Peter’s story about how that song came to be part of The OC. And, all that it led to afterward: a lifelong friendship with Solomon Burke, a record deal, and the making of Peter’s album “7 Days in Memphis.” Stay tuned to the very end to hear Peter sing live in the studio!Peter shares what he would have done differently in this episode. Melinda remembers a story about the wardrobe choice that was originally made for the Riviera Magazine shoot. And, they all have some thoughts on Lindsay’s outfit in this episode! The Power of Love Synopsis: When Sandy seemingly forgot their 20th anniversary, he tries everything to make it up to Kirsten. But with Seth acting out to try and be with Alex, and Ryan lying on his behalf, Kirsten fears leaving the boys alone and their anniversary may be doomed. DJ calls it off with Marissa after seeing her true motivations for dating him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson, Melinda Clarke, and Tate Donovan are all discussing (S2 Ep7) “The Family Ties,” and it’s FANTASTIC! There are always laughs when Tate is around, and in this episode, the three of them crack up when they chat about all of Jimmy and Julie’s makeout scenes! Melinda even has a theory on why their makeouts just work. In this episode, where we say goodbye to Jimmy, Tate has some commentary and thoughts on his performance. He also highlights a “classic OC moment,” when the show glosses over some serious stuff with Summer’s mom. And, he chimes in about that sweatshirt he wears in his emotional beach scene with Marissa. Hear about what it took to dress Adam Brody as a “bad boy,” and the quote from this episode that Melinda uses in her everyday life. Stay until the end to learn more about Tate Donovan when the hosts throw some rapid-fire questions his way! The Family Ties Synopsis: Now that Lindsay is Kirsten’s sister, can she also be Ryan’s girlfriend? And can Seth become a bad boy so that he can impress Alex? Jimmy decides to leave for Maui, after realizing his relationship with Julie, and his time in Newport has not been good for him or his family. Marissa doesn’t take the news well. Zach confides in Seth, yet Seth blows his cover, causing trouble between Zach and Summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Kathleen York, who played Renee Wheeler on The OC. It’s already that time: Chrismukkah! Yet this year, it’s “The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn't” (S2 Ep6).Kathleen's story can be inspirational for aspiring actors; listen and hear how Kathleen found her success. She talks about a guest spot on a show she wasn’t interested in, leading to a singing appearance at the Oscars! And, she shares her experience playing a masseuse on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” (which stars Larry David, Rachel’s celebrity crush!).They dive into the Julie and Jimmy sex scene, making Melinda blush and “plead the Bilson.” The hosts surmise how Renee explained to Lindsay where her dad was. And, they share memories from filming those giant kitchen scenes with the entire cast in them. Of course, this episode notes all of the Chrismukkah charm: Seth’s job wheel, the yamaclaus, and the band Guster’s "Carol of the Meows" that plays throughout!The Chrismukkah That Almost Wasn’t Synopsis: The whole gang is invited to Chrismukkah at the Cohens' house, but Seth's favorite holiday is nearly ruined as secrets are revealed that will change the Cohen family forever. Jimmy and Julie are more than friendly and Seth, Summer, Marissa and Ryan make a plan to save Chrismukkah.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Michael Cassidy, who played Zach Stevens on The OC! The anti-Seth, Zach is both lovable and, as they all agree, so mature! This week they’re discussing “The SnO.C.” (S2 Ep5) – remembering Zach’s bad-boy-Yoo-hoo drinking moment. And, Alex makes them all question the importance of a kiss.Find out Michael’s favorite scene, his worst memory on set, and what it was like kissing Rachel right in front of Adam Brody. Hear Melinda’s theory on Ryan and Marissa, and what the three of them think on why Lindsay initially said no to the big dance!The Sn.O.C. Synopsis: The winter dance is near and a Ryan-Lindsay hook-up is off, on, off, on, off like a light switch. But all will be smoothed over by the time of the big Newport social event. Or not. Plus: Caleb's secret is revealed.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke catch up with Shannon Lucio, who played Lindsay Gardner on The OC, and discuss the episode where we meet her character,” The New Era” (S2 Ep4). Both hosts are in awe of Shannon’s latest project, “Sissy,” a short film based on her unbelievable real-life experience and relationship with her developmentally disabled sister. Find out the story of Shannon getting cast on The OC, which she said was “the biggest celebration for receiving a role I ever had!”Learn which scene Shannon was most nervous to shoot, and hear Melinda’s memories from the Julie and Jimmy lobster roll scene. They’re talking “group hangs,” Julie Cooper as CEO, and the storyline Rachel wasn’t so happy about! And who can forget “Duckie!,” The Killer’s performance, the U2 song that debuted on this episode, and Marissa’s infamous beret?The New Era Synopsis: It’s a new era! Seth is ready (or so he says) for a new girlfriend. Ryan claims he’s not dating. Marissa too. Sandy and Caleb are working together on his case, yet Caleb is giving Sandy the runaround. Seth and Ryan go on a group hang with Lindsay and Alex to The Killers concert at the Bait Shop but they find they’re both with the wrong girl. Julie proves to Kirsten that she can help the Newport Group succeed, she just has to do it the Julie Cooper way, which involves a party and lots of cocktails.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices