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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Melanie and Sean recap the action-packed Season 3 of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," complete with graduation caps, gowns, props, and a flood of nostalgia! From big showdowns with Faith and the Mayor to the use of handcuffs in multiple episodes, join in for a hilarious deep dive into the 22 episodes of Season 3. They debate character growth, discuss memorable moments, and make some interesting predictions for Season 4. Did you love Vampire Willow or hate Xander's antics this season? Share your thoughts by emailing us at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com (or in the comments if you're on Spotify) and stay tuned for more Sunnydale Diaries fun!
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Join Melanie and Sean as they reveal the winner of their Buffy 5 X 7 X 5 Season 3 haiku Contest and read the winning haiku!
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
It's time for graduation! Buffy and friends take on the mayor in the epic season 3 finale! Sean points out a key difference in Buffy's cap and gown setup that is different than the other graduates and tells a Buffy-related story that recently occurred at his local Target. Melanie provides many reactions during the big battle scene and gives her highest rating yet for this episode!
Our season 3 recap will be out soon - stay tuned!
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
It's graduation time! Sean and Melanie discuss their own high school colleges and graduations - Melanie tells a funny tale of sneaking out before the end of the ceremony.
Commencing through the plot of the Buffy episode (Graduation Day Part 1), Melanie performs a deep dive into the fashions of the characters on Buffy and her husband provides some in-depth knowledge of fencing. Sean breaks out the stopwatch for a super quick conversation that Willow has and questions Oz's microscope skills.
Only 1 day left to enter our 5 X 7 X 5 haiku contest! Get those entries submitted to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com before midnight on 12/31/24!
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
It's the prom! Sean and Melanie talk about their own proms, prom dates, prom songs, and prom themes (pictures included if you're watching on YouTube!)
Dancing through the plot of the Buffy episode "The Prom", Sean provides an overview of VCRs and their purpose and compares the music during Buffy's award presentation to the theme of another late 90s show. Melanie points out a dress in the background which was similar to a famous internet trend a few years ago, and expresses her indignancy of Jonathan being allowed to attend the prom.
Only 1 week left to get your 5 X 7 X 5 season 3 Buffy Haikus to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Melanie and Sean open this podcast discussing major choices in their lives. Melanie tells Sean about her high school band and Sean recounts his college application experiences.
While exploring the paths taken (and not taken) in the Buffy episode "Choices", Sean provides his thoughts on several of the Scooby gangs' fashion choices and shares a translation of the spell Willow used on the Box of Gavrok. Melanie points out what may be the first efficient use of a crossbow in the series and questions Willow's decisions while trapped in City Hall.
A little over 2 weeks left to enter our 5 X 7 X 5 Season 3 Haiku contest! Submit those entries to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com by 12/31/24!
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Sean and Melanie dive deep into Season 3, Episode 18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 'Earshot.' They discuss Buffy's new telepathic powers, the hilarious and heartwarming moments, and ponder whether you would want to hear everyone's thoughts all the time. They also touch on the impact of the episode's postponed airing due to real-world events, the significance of Jonathan's big moment, and the prevalence of Jello in cafeterias. Don't forget to submit your entry to the 5 X 7 X 5 haiku contest before 12/31/2024!
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Melanie and Sean dive deep into Season 3, Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 'Enemies'. They share personal stories of their own "enemies", dissect Faith's latest betrayal, and question Angel's past moment of "true happiness."
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
Sean and Melanie start out this episode discussing twins - both in their own lives and in movies and television. They also touch on mentions of Buffy in recent media and provide the details on the 5 X 7 X 5 haiku contest!
While untangling the twin turmoil of the Buffy episode "Dopplegangland", Sean points out some connections between this episode and the movie "Jawbreaker". Melanie describes her first gaming system (including a Pac Man knockoff) and points out a change in the show's opening credits. There's also an interesting discussion on the effectiveness of crosses against non-secular vampires.
Get those season 3 themed haikus in! Only 6 weeks left!
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
Join Melanie and Sean as they dive deep into Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 3, Episode 15 'Consequences.' Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as they discuss Faith's dark turn, surprise plot twists, and the gang's tense (and unsuccessful) interventions. Plus, we're celebrating our 1-year anniversary with a fun "5 by 7 by 5" Haiku contest—get your creative juices flowing and submit your Season 3 Buffy-themed haikus for a chance to win fabulous prizes! 🏆 Email your entries to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com by December 31, 2024 and check out our website, thesunnydalediaries.com for full rules and details!
Check out the video version of this episode!