The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast

Watching Buffy with fresh eyes...and 25 years of baggage.

The Sunnydale Diaries is a rewatch podcast with a twist: one host has loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer since the 90s, and the other is watching it for the very first time.

Each week, Sean (the lifelong fan) and Melanie (the first-time viewer) revisit an episode and start by connecting its theme, or even a single scene, to their own lives, whether that’s family, relationships, eggs (yes, eggs), or the weird emotional baggage we all carry.

From there, they break down what holds up, what doesn’t, and why this show still resonates decades later. Part recap, part personal reflection, and part “wait, did that really happen?”, The Sunnydale Diaries is for longtime fans, curious newcomers, and anyone who likes their pop culture discussions grounded in real life.

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Episodes

Monday Aug 11, 2025

Welcome back, Buffy fans! In this episode of The Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie dive into Season 4, Episode 15: 'This Year's Girl'. They break down the return of Faith, her quest for revenge on Buffy, and the themes of comparison and self-worth. What does Buffy's eyeliner have to do with Faith's comeback? Why are Xander and Buffy picking through Riley's hair?? And what's up with those bushes? Get ready for deep dives, random side notes, and some serious Buffy action. 
 
 

Monday Jul 28, 2025

Melanie and Sean dive into 'Goodbye Iowa' (S4E14) of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and also mention some big news: The Sunnydale Diaries merch is now available on Zazzle (yay, t-shirts)! Sean shares a personal life twist about moving to Florida, while Melanie dishes on her Goodbye Iowa moments. They recap Riley's meltdown and Adam's dramatic debut. Plus, they laugh at the small details like Xander's 'I Love Dirt' shirt and Buffy's fierce scientist disguise. Why did Tara sabotage Willow's spell? And what did Adam do with those floppy disks? Tune in for the scoop and some Buffy fun! 

Friday Jul 18, 2025

On Saturday, 7/12, we had an epic day at Fanboy Expo in Knoxville, TN with 19,000 steps and tons of fun! We met some legendary Buffy stars like Clare Kramer, James Marsters, and Juliet Landau (who remembered us!). Plus, we got to connect with awesome fans like Micha the Slayer and author Celia Cleaveland. Join us for a heartfelt birthday celebration for Sean, complete with a Buffy surprise at dinner, and stay tuned for our upcoming contest! If you ever get a chance, Fanboy Expo gets all the thumbs up! 👍

Monday Jul 14, 2025

Join Melanie and Sean in the latest episode of The Sunnydale Diaries as they dive into Season 4, Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - 'The I in Team'. They explore Buffy's new role within the Initiative, Willow's friendship struggles, and some hilariously awkward moments. The duo ponders the deeper implications of government-issued pagers, have a lot to say about THAT scene (you know the one) and react to Professor Walsh's unexpected demise. End your listening experience with some predictions for Episode 14, 'Goodbye Iowa', where Melanie speculates on Riley's potential rogue journey. Don't forget to leave a review and follow on social media @thesunnydalediaries.

Monday Jun 30, 2025

Buckle up as Melanie and Sean dive into Season 4, Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 'A New Man.' Melanie's predictions were way off (sorry, no Spike-centric episode this time), but we got something even wilder—Giles turns into a demon! IN addition to questioning the never ending pieces of bierthday cake, Melanie and Sean tackle identity crises, imposter syndrome, and a panckage vs. waffles discussion. And hey, if you're near Knoxville, TN on July 12th, say hi to Melanie and Sean at Fanboy Expo!

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025

We have reached the halfway point of the series! Melanie and Sean discuss some themes of the Buffy episode 'Doomed': earthquakes and going back to high school. 
Reminiscing through the plot of 'Doomed', Sean points out the intricacies of one of this episode's props and Melanie questions the plausibility of Giles shopping at mystical estate sales and questions the lack of dirt and dust in the Sunnydale High remnants. 
Don't forget to leave a rating or review wherever you listen to us! 

Monday Jun 02, 2025

Welcome to this spine-chilling episode of the Sunnydale Diaries! Melanie and Sean dive into the eeriest Buffy episode yet, 'Hush' (S4E10), where everyone's voices mysteriously vanish. While Sean shares his insights from seeing this episode many times before, Melanie experiences 'Hush' for the very first time – and guys, it's spooky! 😱 Listen as they break down the floating Gentlemen, the hilarious overhead projector scene, and some unexpected heartfelt moments between Xander and Anya. Plus, will Buffy and Riley FINALLY come clean about their double lives? Tune in as they also chat about creepy dream sequences, their favorite scenes, and, yes, UNDEFINABLE WIGGLY GUYS! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit up our socials - @TheSunnydaleDiaries or email us at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com.

Friday May 23, 2025

Hey guys! Join Melanie and Sean in another episode of The Sunnydale Diaries as they dive deep into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Season 4, Episode 9: ‘Something Blue’. Starting off talking about their own weddings they then dive into Willow's spell going awry and the havoc it causes. Giles can't see, Spike and Buffy are engaged, Xander's a demon magnet and Riley is thoroughly confused. Hit play and don’t forget to share your Buffy thoughts and wedding tales with us!

Monday May 05, 2025

Welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of The Sunnydale Diaries! Sean and Melanie dive into Buffy Season 4, Episode 8, "Pangs." From cringy cowboy hats to swirling green mist, there's no shortage of chaos and laughs. Join them as they discuss Buffy hosting Thanksgiving, Angel’s stealthy return, and a surprisingly epic bear fight. They also reminisce about their own memorable (and sometimes disastrous) Thanksgivings. Got opinions on canned vs. homemade cranberry sauce? Leave us a review and let us know! Email us at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com, and don't forget to follow us everywhere @thesunnydalediaries.

Monday Apr 21, 2025

In this episode of the Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie dive into Season 4, Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "The Initiative." They discuss how the peculiar Buffy catches Riley's attention and the hilariously awkward moments that follow. Willow faces heartbreak while Spike finds himself in a mysterious lab.  Melanie makes some wild predictions, and the duo discusses grilled cheese sandwiches and their favorite types of cheese. Don't miss the epic battle between Harmony and Xander and be sure to leave a rating or review and join us on our social media channels!
 

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