Welcome to the OC, Bitches!

It’s a special bonus episode! Superfans Ryan Haley and Mike Gravagno, of the OC Disorder podcast join Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke in the clubhouse to discuss the top moments from season 2 of The O.C. Hear what they chose at the top moments of season 2 were and what top out as their favorite, was it Marissa throwing patio furniture in the pool or Spider-Man kiss? Ryan and Mike also discuss their favorite characters, and how much impact The O.C had on pop culture. The tables are turned later on when Ryan and Mike ask Rachel and Melinda some burning O.C. fan questions.

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are back with Michael Cassidy to continue their discussion of Season 2, Episode 23, The O.Sea. Melinda gives us some behind-the-scenes scoop on filming the infamous pool scene and Caleb’s death scene. Michael and Rachel discuss their funniest behind-the-scenes moment from this episode and yes, it’s almost as funny as the vespa scene. They also discuss Coldplay's big hit, “Fix You” and of course, George Lucas! **Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive material containing sexual assault, if want to skip ahead please avoid listening/viewing from 21:00 through 24:45 of the podcast. Help is always available for anyone struggling with the trauma of sexual assault, RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and offers help to survivors, if you need to speak to someone, you can call their hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. ** The O.Sea synopsis: Zach and Seth are faced with a challenging dilemma that falls on the same night, who should take Summer to prom and who should go and meet George Lucas to discuss the publishing of their graphic novel. Ryan, suspicious of Trey and Marissa's odd behavior, tries to piece together what happened to them while he was in Miami. Meanwhile, Sandy takes extreme measures to help a recovering Kirsten. And to avoid going broke, Julie decides to poison Caleb but it takes a surprising turn.

Our favorite golden retriever is back… and he is even sporting red hair! Michael Cassidy returns to the clubhouse with Rachel and Melinda to discuss the very popular season 2, episode 23, The O.Sea. There is a lot to unpack in this episode, so we broke it up into two parts! Hear about Michael’s interesting theory about this episode and it has to do with mermaids and the Flintstones. Also hear about Melinda, Rachel, and Michael’s personal prom experiences. And Michael gives us some behind-the-scenes scoop/coping technique on working with Adam Brody and his hilarious improvs. Tune in next week as they share more memories from the O.Sea as well as never before discussed moments from their time on The O.C. The O.Sea synopsis: Zach and Seth are faced with a challenging dilemma that falls on the same night, who should take Summer to prom and who should go and meet George Lucas to discuss the publishing of their graphic novel. Ryan, suspicious of Trey and Marissa's odd behavior, tries to piece together what happened to them while he was in Miami. Meanwhile, Sandy takes extreme measures to help a recovering Kirsten. And to avoid going broke, Julie decides to poison Caleb but it takes a surprising turn.

This week, Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Marguerite Moreau who played Summer’s rival, Reed Carlson, to discuss season 2, episode 22, “The Showdown.” Marguerite discusses how she got into acting and talks about being in one of Rachel’s favorite films, “Wet Hot American Summer.” Hear about all the O.C. behind-the-scenes fun they had when they shot the graphic novel launch party with Adam and Michael. And Marguerite tells the ladies what it was like to work with *spoiler alert for next episode* George Lucas! And just how vastly different is the OC from Marguerite’s hometown, Newport Beach...she and Melinda discuss! The Showdown Synopsis: Marissa is reeling from being nearly raped by Trey and is refusing to tell Ryan, who is starting to get suspicious about what happened while he was in Miami. Seth and Zach have declared war over Summer’s affections. Meanwhile, Sandy confronts Kirsten about her very apparent drinking problem, and Caleb hands over divorce papers to Julie. **Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive material containing sexual assault, if want to skip ahead please avoid listening/viewing from 37:00 through 47:02 of the podcast. Help is always available for anyone struggling with the trauma of sexual assault, RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and offers help to survivors, if you need to speak to someone, you can call their hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. **

It’s a Hart of Dixie Reunion, Jaime King joins Rachel Bilson in the clubhouse and Melinda Clarke from Puerto Rico to discuss season 2, episode 21, The Return of The Nana. Hear about Melinda’s love for Lindsay Wagner and how it connects to Jaime King’s name. The ladies also discuss motherhood while working and how much Jaime loves doing southern accents. For you Hart of Dixie fans, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! The Return of the Nana Synopsis: Sandy, Seth, and Ryan travel to Miami, Florida to visit Sandy's mother, Nana, after she tells Sandy she is engaged to a much younger man. Back in Newport, Marissa helps Trey find work and Trey misinterprets Marissa’s friendly gestures as a sexual advance. Zach invites Summer over for an Italian-themed dinner and Kirsten, unable to go to Miami with Sandy, is left on her own to deal with her feelings for Carter. **Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive material containing sexual assault, if you want to skip ahead please avoid listening/viewing from 41:49 through 46:02 of the podcast. Help is always available for anyone struggling with the trauma of sexual assault, RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and offers help to survivors, if you need to speak to someone, you can call their hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. **

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Mr. Rocketeer himself, Billy Campbell, all the way from Norway! Billy talks about his passion for sailing, his favorite scenes from the episode, and how he talked his way into letting the character, Carter Buckely, have a beard. The O.C Confidential Synopsis: Sandy, Ryan, and Seth devise a plan to save Trey from going to jail after he took the fall for supplying drugs at his birthday party. Kirsten and Carter grow closer as they take a trip to Featherbrook’s winery for a wine tasting party. Seth, Summer, and Zach attend a party to discuss their upcoming graphic novel and Caleb returns from his trip questioning his marriage to Julie.

It’s just Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke, hanging at the pool house this week discussing S2 Episode 19, “The Rager.” The hosts break down the episode, discussing lava lamps, Seth's unfavorable behavior and a "Julie" style firearm. Melinda shares the story behind Julie’s porn name. Rachel quizzes Melinda on her favorite 80's ballads in a very funny, “Name That Tune” segment. And lastly, they discuss their high school ragers while growing up. What were your high school parties like? Sound off in the comments below! The Rager Synopsis: Marissa, is determined to help Trey and Ryan repair their relationship and offers to throw a birthday party for Trey at the Cooper-Nichol mansion that turns out to be a rager with one girl OD'ing and almost drowning. Seth and Zach meet their new potential editor, Reed, for the graphic novel and are both smitten which gets Seth in trouble from both Summer and Zach. Sandy is enjoying his friendship with Carter and wants to set him up on a date with a friend, leaving a confused Kirsten. Also, Julie returns from her trip early and is on edge. She meets up with her blackmailer Lance and they reconnect over some memories and gain a new perspective on the future of her marriage to Caleb.

Norman Buckley returns with Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke to discuss his directorial debut on The O.C, season 2, episode 18, “The Risky Business”. Norman gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how he directed the episode. Hear about all the Risky Business throwbacks in the episode and how they shot the iconic “egg” throwing scene. And the trio also discusses their favorite character arcs for season two and just how many bedrooms does the Cohen house have? The Risky Business Synopsis: Sandy reluctantly agrees to serve as a host at an OC hybrid yard sale to help out Kirsten. Marissa moves in with the Cohens for a week while Julie and Caleb are traveling which makes for some awkward encounters for her and Ryan. Trey, with the help of Marissa, wants to move into Alex’s old apartment but can’t come up with the money. To prove that he is self-dependent, Trey decides to steal a very risky exhibit, when Ryan finds out he and Seth go on a mission to recover it before anyone finds out. Carter renews Seth and Zach's comic book dream, much to the annoyance of Summer.

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Johnny Messner who played our favorite villainous porn producer, Lance Baldwin, to discuss season 2, episode 17, “The Brothers Grimm.” Hear about how Johnny and Melinda both got their acting starts in soap operas. Johnny also discusses his experience with Ayahuasca, how it changed his life for the better, and his newfound love for acting and producing. Rachel talks about an iconic scene from this episode that she could not stop laughing at. The Brothers Grimm synopsis: Ryan’s brother, Trey, gets out of jail and calls him to reconnect. The Cohens give Trey a warm welcome and Ryan grows concerned that nothing good can come from it. Zach returns from Italy happy, refreshed, and has a new girlfriend which makes Summer curious and Seth confused about what to think. Julie tells Kirsten about her erotica tape and the blackmail scheme from Lance, Kirsten urges her to speak to Caleb about it. Caleb agrees to help but has ulterior motives. The Newport Living Magazine officially launches, but to Julie’s surprise, Lance makes an appearance after the deal with Caleb goes sour.

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Cindy Miguens and Troy Zestos who did make-up and hair on The OC to discuss Season 2 Episode 16, “Blaze of Glory.” Cindy and Troy are twenty-year veterans in their field. They discuss how they got started in the hair and make-up business, from working on Silk Stalkings to the Dixie Chicks! Hear about their favorite products they recommend and their most memorable moments on The OC. Rachel and Melinda discuss Summer’s bang debacle from season 2, where did those bangs go? They also discuss their favorite memories from photoshoots to the hair and make-up trailer bonding sessions. The Blaze of Glory Synopsis: Was last year really better? Now that Seth is back with Summer, he can’t help but meddle in an attempt to push Marissa and Ryan back together. The opportunity presents itself when Marissa needs help building the bonfire for the Spring Pep Rally and Seth suggests she ask Ryan. Alex picks up on the lingering feelings Marissa has for Ryan, and when Seth accidentally spills that they shared a tent at the mall together, Alex threatens Ryan to stay away from her girlfriend.

Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke are joined by Costume Designer, Karla Stevens Flanigan to discuss Season 2 Episode 15, “The Mallpisode.” Karla gives insight into how she became a costume designer and how Warner Brothers approached her to create a line of clothing inspired by The OC. She discusses what details she put into dressing certain characters and how the explosions of the Ugg boots came about, thanks to The OC. Rachel talks about her one memory from filming this episode and it may involve Brad Pitt. Hear about their deep love for McDonald’s Breakfast. Melinda discusses how she really felt about the Porn Identity and of course Julie’s iconic style. What happens in the mall, stays at the mall! The Mallpisode Synopsis: Ryan is heartbroken over Lindsay and Seth convinces him to join Summer and Marissa at the mall as a way to distract himself. But when the “Fantastic Foursome” gets locked in the mall, old feelings emerge for Marissa as she and Ryan spend time together after a long time apart. Seth and Summer bicker over a postcard sent by Zach. Meanwhile, we meet Carter, a publisher sent to help work on Newport Living. Julie is blackmailed when a blast from her past, Lance, shows up asking for money or he releases a porno she was in! Sandy and Caleb team up to help find a symbolic ring for Kirsten after hers is lost. Or so we thought.

Josh Schwartz returns to join Rachel Bilson and Melinda Clarke to discuss “one of the greatest episodes ever,” The Rainy Day Woman, S2 Episode 14. Josh discusses how the Rainy Day woman idea came about and how they created all that rain for the episode. We get the real lowdown on how the Spider-Man kiss was shot, was it truly romantic? Insights into the Alex and Marissa relationship, Seth’s reaction, and what was Sherman Oaks The Real Valley in reference to… Hear about the ads the cast turned down and that infamous super bowl commercial that Josh will not let Rachel forget. Also, hear about Melinda’s love for cigars, rapid fire questions with Josh, and cassette tapes are making a comeback! The Rainy Day Woman Best Synopsis: Summer can’t fight it anymore, Seth is the one. Ryan is surprised when Lindsay finds out she’s Caleb’s daughter yet makes a difficult decision. Marissa’s relationship changes its course when she moves in with Alex.

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.

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.”

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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.

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.