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TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Eight

8 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror Mirror - Day 8

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-008.mp3

Description:

A janitor working nights in a Newark school starts to notice the reflections in the trophy cases behaving strangely. Faces from old team photos seem to move, to follow him across the hall. When he looks closer, he realizes the glass is full of people who shouldn’t be there at all.

This is Episode Eight of Mirror, Mirror, a story cycle of thirty-one monologues on Tales from the Tub. Each stands alone, but together they reveal what happens when reflections stop obeying.

✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss the next voice caught in the glass.

 

 

Episode Cast:

Clay Robeson 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Eight

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-008.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:14 — 3.6MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub Clay RobesonFictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Seven

7 October 2025 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-007.mp3

Description:

Outside Tim (October seventh)
Those Behind the Glass

We have learned your tricks. Draping towels across our faces, turning us to the wall, speaking bravely as you hurry past—none of it matters. We breathe beneath fabric. We listen in darkness. We continue when you believe us still.

 

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Seven

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-007.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:45 — 4.7MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Six

6 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DaySix.mp3

Description:

A Chicago therapist starts hearing the same story from multiple patients: their mirrors move on their own. At first, he diagnoses stress and shared delusion — until the reflection in his waiting room smiles before he does.

This is Episode Six of Mirror, Mirror, a story cycle of thirty-one monologues on Tales from the Tub. Each stands alone, but together they reveal what happens when reflections stop obeying.

✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss the next voice caught in the glass.

 

Episode Cast:

Clay Robeson 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Six

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DaySix.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:34 — 2.5MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub Clay RobesonFictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Five

5 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day5.mp3

Description:

A security guard.
Toronto. Twenty twenty-five. October fifth.

Night shift at the shopping centre is dull, except for the mirrors. I’m supposed to watch the cameras, but it’s the mirrored shopfronts that get me. At three a.m. they reflect nothing but me, me, me, all down the corridor like dominos.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Mark, the Encaffeinated One 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Five

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day5.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:29 — 2.8MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMark the Encaffeinated OneMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Four

4 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayFour.mp3

Description:

Those Behind the Glass
Outside time. October fourth.

We are patient. We have always been patient. We wait at the edge of your vision, still as furniture, harmless as air. You mistake obedience for loyalty. That amuses us.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Four

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayFour.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:56 — 5.0MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Three

3 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayThree.mp3

Description:

Plano, TX. Twenty twenty-five. October third.
Clients trust me with their heads. They sit in the chair, drape the cape, and give me permission to change how they look. But lately I don’t trust my own mirrors.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Nuchtchas

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Three

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayThree.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:48 — 3.6MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesNuchtchas

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Two

2 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayTwo.mp3

Description:

Cambridge. Twenty twenty-five. October second.

I didn’t mention it at first—sounded like the sort of story people put online for clout. But it happened in the gents, brushing my teeth before lecture. My eyes blinked. The reflection blinked after, like it was playing along. I told myself I was knackered. Revision, too much caffeine. Easy excuse.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Thomas Jancis

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Two

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayTwo.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:48 — 3.2MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesThomas Jancis 1 Comment

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day One

1 October 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayOne.mp3

Description:

October First

You remember the rules. Don’t look in a mirror in the dark. Don’t keep a cracked one. Don’t catch your sleeping face in a black screen at three a.m. You learned them from neighbors and grandmothers and the hush that follows a flicker in the hallway. You pretend you don’t believe them. You still keep them.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day One

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-MirrorMirror-DayOne.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:56 — 4.4MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Zero

30 September 2025 by Melissa

Mirror-Mirror-Logo

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-Mirror-Mirror-Day-0-.mp3

Description:

Before the stories begin, here’s a short introduction to Mirror, Mirror — a cycle of thirty-one monologues. Each one is a self-contained tale, but together they create a larger arc. Some are strange, some unsettling, some surprisingly tender, all centered around the ways we see ourselves… and what looks back.

Day Zero sets the stage. Think of it as a prologue, a quick welcome before we step into the glass.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Other Voices:

N/A

Links and References

Transcript

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM-Mirror-Mirror-Day-0-.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:57 — 2.1MB)

Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologues

TBM-2509.26 – Mermaid Minute: Pearls and Pressure

26 September 2025 by Melissa

MeMe Orange Swimming

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM250926-MermaidMinuteFull-PearlsandPressure.mp3

Description:

Hello and Ciao, my awesome abalones 🐚💎
Today, MeMe del Mare dives into how pearls are really made—not from perfection, but from grit, irritation, and transformation. Just like us.

💬 “Every time someone calls you too much, too loud, too strange—that’s just the grain of sand. What you build around it? That’s your shine.”

🎧 Listen now to hear how mermaids turn trouble into treasure.

#MermaidMinute #KeepSwimmingAndResist #PearlsOfWisdom #PodcastClip #MermaidLife

 

Links and References:

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub and Mermaid Minutes are written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • BathtubMermaid.com header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music clip for this episode is Jolly Roger from Studio Kolumna via Uppbeat (License code: TJPGJXYBWHI7FCUG)

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TBM250926-MermaidMinuteFull-PearlsandPressure.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:47 — 3.0MB)

Mermaid Minute Mermaid Monday Tales from the Tub kep swimmin and resistMe-Me del MareMermaid MinutePearlspearls of wisdom

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The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub © 2013 by Melissa A. Bartell is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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  • 2610.23 – Mermaid Minute – Throwing Horseshoes 23 October 2026
  • TBM-2608.20 – DDOP-02 – Meles obstinatus and Camelus latimeria 20 August 2026
  • TBM-2608.12 – DDOP-01 – Aukiris Frigidorum 12 August 2026
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  • 2604.05 – Mermaid Minute: Happy Easter 5 April 2026
  • TBM-260315-Salt, Coffee, Showtime 14 March 2026
  • TBM-2512.24 – Dog Days of Advent: Midnight 24 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Sled 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Gift and Train 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.22 – Dog Days of Advent: Ritual, Thread, and Magic 22 December 2025

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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

Profile Completion: 99%

The applications are always due at midnight, which is when the house is finally quiet and the only one awake to witness your professional ambitions is the dog, who has seen you cry in three different lighting scenarios and still believes you are the best thing in the world.

Aquatopia Amphigory of Lost Creatures: Featherfox and Glasshart

Aquatopia Amphigory of Lost Creatures: Featherfox and Glasshart

Today’s species both know how to make an impression. The Featherfox does it with a flourish, while the Glasshart simply waits for the sun to go down.

Aquatopia Amphigory of Lost Creatures: Driftneck and Eavenspike

Aquatopia Amphigory of Lost Creatures: Driftneck and Eavenspike

This pair makes the same argument for stubbornness from two opposite directions. One needs no water at all. The other needed almost none to begin with. Judge for yourselves which of them made the wiser bargain.

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

New Cover Reveal: UNBREAKABLE TEXAS WOMEN by Joanne Kukanza Easley

New Cover Reveal: UNBREAKABLE TEXAS WOMEN by Joanne Kukanza Easley

I’m so excited to be sharing the new covers for this book series.  Take a look, consider buying one or all, and be sure to scroll down to enter the giveaway. 

Book Review: The New Year’s Man by Michael Scott Clifton

Book Review: The New Year’s Man by Michael Scott Clifton

It’s not easy to combine a compelling legal drama with a rom-com and not have it feel like all the worst stereotypes of a Hallmark movie, but Michael Scott Clifton does it with style and a little bit of actual wand-waving in The New Year’s Man.

Book Review: Lift and Let Die by Helen Golden

Book Review: Lift and Let Die by Helen Golden

There’s something bittersweet about discovering a series just as it’s coming to an end. Lift and Let Die is the sixteenth and final installment in Helen Golden’s A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, and while I had no trouble following the mystery as a newcomer, I couldn’t help feeling that I’d arrived rather late to a very entertaining party.

Previously

  • October 2026
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