The First Lady of the Basement, writer, editor, and cider connoisseur, Maddie Anthes joins the dudes for episode 7. The episode has since been dubbed Maddie-Cast as Maddie chose the book, Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," record, Bruce Springsteen's "Tunnel of Love," and beer, Downeast Brewery's "Original Blend Craft Cider." Dubbed by the author as "speculative fiction," Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale," takes place in the possible, not-so-distant future wherein the religious right has taken over America. This is accepted and fueled by the fact that in Atwood's dystopia the ability to conceive has all but abandoned humanity. Faced with the challenge of a dying race, and using fundamentalist doctrine, the men in power enslave the remaining fertile women, attempt to brainwash them, and scatter them as concubines to the highest ranking men. Atwood's world-building and attention to detail create a terrifying, yet highly plausible world wherein the reader cannot help but draw similarities to the America of 2017. Time traveling to, at times, a terrifying time for music, the 1980's, we have Springsteen's solo offering "Tunnel of Love." We cover "Brilliant Disguise," and frankly do a damn good job with Maddie on lead vocals and harmonies, something sorely lacking from the boss' straight-ahead version. The cider was a refreshing change from New England's Downeast Brewery. While the novel is based in a fictional New England, we are glad this one exists as the cider was not only different, but crisp and tasty.