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 Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Since Willow, Oz, Xander and Cordelia planned on a bowling double date, Sean and Melanie start off discussing bowling! Sean recants a tale of his bowling injury, including the ambulance being sent to the wrong bowling alley! Melanie reviews her bowling career (she bowled a lot in her youth!) and her Fred Flintstonesque bowling style.
In our walk through the wreckage of relationships in Sean question's why everyone is willing to let Faith take over slaying so Buffy could go to college. Melanie expresses her disbelief with Joyce having the direct number of the Sunnydale High library where she can call Buffy after hours. There's also a discussion about whether vampires can actually get intoxicated.
For some late 90s nostalgia, check out the Buffy Cast on MTV hosting Videos that Don't Suck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu8eYFxC1hMCheck out the video version of this episode!
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Monday Sep 16, 2024
Sean and Melanie have been busy attending conventions! Melanie describes her experience at Dragon Con (where she met Seth Green) and they both review the events of Fanboy Expo where they met several Buffy cast members!
Revealing the shocking secrets of the Buffy episode "Revelations", Melanie and Sean express their distaste with Faith's new watcher, Mrs. Gwendolyn Post. Sean points out how bright and sunny the Tai Chi scene is and Melanie makes a connection between Buffy and Ghostbusters.
Which Buffy actor should we try to meet next? Let us know at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com.
Check out the video version of this episode - lots of screenshots from our convention trips!
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
After Willow mentioned the swim team was "split open like an Oreo" during the Buffy episode "Go Fish", we had to do an Oreo tasting! We tried several different flavors/varieties of Oreos and you'll be surprised which one was our favorite!
What other Buffy themed snacks should we try? Email us at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
Check out the video version of this tasting!
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Sean and Melanie start this episode off remembering their times as teenagers - heading to the mall on Friday night to check out the posters, playing with the plasma ball at Spencer's, and fiddling with the gadgets at Brookstone.
Indulging in the sweet chaos of the Buffy episode "Band Candy" Sean points out how Joyce and Giles were wolfing down the chocolate in their confrontation scene with Buffy. Melanie questions the point of Angel in this episode, expresses her distaste with the Willow/Xander story arc, and wonders if the Bronze actually serves alcohol.
Be on the lookout for us at Fanboy Expo in Orlando, September 7th and 8th, 2024!
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Get ready to relive the craziest Homecoming ever! Sean and Melanie discuss their own experiences with Homecoming and other competitions in high school. Sean reveals his winning spelling bee word and Melanie describes a history poster than won her first prize.
Diving into the high stakes (get it?) competition of the Buffy episode "Homecoming," Melanie expresses her distastes in a Willow and Xander plotline. Sean questions the feasibility of an orchid corsage, and they both go down IMDB rabbit holes for the several guest stars in this episode.
Melanie will be at Dragon Con the weekend of 9/1 and Sean and Melanie will be at Fanboy Expo in Orlando 9/7 and 9/8. Say hello if you see us!
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Monday Aug 19, 2024
Sean and Melanie start off this week discussing movies, books, and shows with a "Beauty and the Beast" type theme (Shrek, A Court of Thorns and Roses and Phantom of the Opera.)
Bounding through the Buffy episode "Beauty and the Beasts", Melanie points out the resourcefulness of the library cage and comments on Mr. Platt's approach. Sean tells a work-related muffin anecdote and sticks up for Buffy when Giles insults her card catalog skills.
Some of the 80s shows referenced in this episode:
Hello Kitty Fairy Tale Theater
Manimal
Beauty and the Beast (80s show)
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Sean and Melanie start this episode with a conversation about jealousy and envy - both in their personal lives, and at work. Melanie recounts a time when they worked together and she thought they would grow apart because Sean took a leadership position (spoiler, they didnt!)
As they explore the new players in the Buffy episode "Faith, Hope, and Trick" (Melanie doesn't like that title) Sean points out a scary looking fast food mascot and a very large stake. Melanie comments on Buffy's zig-zag part, Kakistos' hooves, and Faith's tattoo.
Watch out for us at Fanboy Expo in Orlando - we'll be there September 7th and 8th!
Check out the video version of this week's episode!
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
This episode starts with Melanie and Sean discussing their favorite zombie movies and shows, touching on curious culinary adventures, and debating the authenticity of different zombie genres (do you like your zombies fast or slow?)
Lumbering through the plot of the Buffy episode "Dead Man's Party", Buffy, Joyce, and the gang face a wild hootenanny that turns chaotic with a zombie invasion. Don't miss Sean and Melanie's thoughts on Joyce's parenting, Book-Club Pat, and Jonathan by the dip. Leave your thoughts and feedback at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube!
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Melanie and Sean kickoff Season 3 with discussions about the first day of school - they recall their first days of college, shopping for back to school clothes, and the anxiety of starting a new school. There's also a quick conversation about runaways.
Exploring the fresh start in the Buffy episode "Anne", Sean points out a t-shirt that Oz and Xander apparently share and lets out some rage during the scene in the "blood bank". Melanie ponders the type of financial fraud Joyce is committing while writing out a check. Giles breaks out his light pen again in the library for the first day of school.
What do you think of Melanie's predictions for "Dead Man's Party"? Let us know at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
Check out the video version of this episode!
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Join Melanie and Sean as they review the events of Buffy season 2! They touch on the plot of each episode and discuss their favorite (and least favorite) episodes and characters. There's also several bloopers and outtakes spread throughout the discussion. Towards the end, Sean asks Melanie for her predictions for season 3. Stick with us when we start Buffy season 3 in the next episode!
There's also a video version of this episode on YouTube!