The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast
Join hosts Sean and Melanie on their weekly journey into the captivating and supernatural world of the cult classic TV show, ”Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” In ”The Sunnydale Diaries”, these two friends come together from opposite ends of the Buffyverse, resulting in an entertaining and thought-provoking podcast that delves into the show’s themes, characters, and episodes. On one side of the debate, you have Sean, the seasoned viewer and die-hard Buffy aficionado. His love for the show runs so deep that he’s proudly inked an iconic episode quote on his arm, a testament to the enduring influence of this 90’s gem. Sean’s passion for Buffy is infectious, and his encyclopedic knowledge of the series adds depth to each episode as he navigates the highs, lows, and iconic moments that have kept fans enchanted for decades. On the other side of the spectrum, we have Melanie, the uninitiated skeptic who’s never seen an episode of ”Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” With a steadfast belief that it’s a cheesy 90’s relic that can’t possibly withstand the test of time, she brings a fresh, modern perspective to the conversation. Melanie’s skepticism is often met with disbelief and amusement by Sean, as she questions whether Buffy can truly deliver on the hype that has surrounded it for so many years. Together, Sean and Melanie dissect the general themes and overarching plotlines of the show, exploring its cultural significance, strong character development, and feminist undertones. They dive into the individual episodes, examining the monsters of the week, character dynamics, and how well the show has aged (or hasn’t) in the 21st century. But ”The Sunnydale Diaries” isn’t just a serious analysis of the show. Sean and Melanie’s chemistry and friendship shine through in their humorous, tangential chit-chat. Their witty banter and playful disagreements make each episode of the podcast feel like a lively conversation between two friends catching up over coffee (or, perhaps, a stake and garlic-infused latte). Whether you’re a lifelong Buffy fan, a curious newbie, or simply looking for an engaging and hilarious discussion about a beloved TV classic, ”The Sunnydale Diaries” has something for everyone. Join Sean and Melanie on this supernatural journey as they slay their way through the Buffyverse, one episode at a time.
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Episodes
Monday Jan 22, 2024
Monday Jan 22, 2024
In this episode, Melanie and Sean share their views on fate and prophecy, and describe their experiences with earthquakes. There's a short discussion of some apocalyptic movies and books, including The Day After, The Stand, and Resident Evil.
Melanie was so pulled into the Season 1 Buffy finale episode, "Prophecy Girl" that she had to stop taking notes and just watch! Sean provides the definition of what a "fatling" is and shares his annoyance with Angel panting over an unconscious Buffy while also saying "I have no breath".
We're looking forward to starting season 2 of Buffy but will have one more episode where we'll discuss season 1 overall. Want to discuss the podcast with other fans? Join us on our discord server: https://discord.com/invite/UakKS4rYJk
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Sean and Melanie start off this episode by describing their own prom experiences and some other fun high school highlights including class rings (a scam!) and yearbooks. They review the impressive filmography of Clea DuVall (who played Marcie in this episode) and discuss a few times in their own lives when they felt invisible.
During discussion of the Buffy Episode "Out of Mind, Out of Sight", Sean points out what early 90s movie people may know Mercedes McNab (Harmony) from. Melanie drops some knowledge on what the "Twinkie Defense" is and they acknowledge that Cordelia may be turning over a new leaf (not to be confused with the cabbage leaf toupee also discussed.) Be on the lookout for flying baseball bats and check us out on Instagram at @thesunnydalediaries!
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
We're 10 episodes in! In this one, Melanie and Sean explore their childhood nightmares (one of Sean's continues the puppet theme from last episodes) and discuss common fears and phobias. There's several good tidbits that will be useful at your next trivia game!
During discussion of the Buffy episode "Nightmares", Melanie asks who is responsible for lighting all the candles in the master's lair, and fondly reminisces when Buffy's father played a different role on the prairie. Sean questions the absence of Mr. Snyder and points out how Melanie is forming a bond with the characters on Buffy.
Do you have a recurring dream/nightmare you'd like to share with us? Send us the details at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
In this episode, Sean and Melanie discuss their own talent show experiences and moments on stage, including tap dancing to Wham and playing commercial jingles live. There's discussions about their favorite puppets (spanning decades from the 50s to today) and a lot of random bursting into song.
While walking through the Buffy episode "The Puppet Show", Sean compares Sid the Dummy to Mr. Game Show, an electronic toy from the late 80s. Melanie shares her thoughts on seeing Principal Snyder for the first time, and they both question the organization of the Sunnydale High Library. Sean also points out something unique in this episode that does not occur in any other Buffy episode. Watch out for the pitter-patter of little puppet feet and enjoy the episode!
Clip of the Beautiful Day Monster that terrified a young Melanie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUz13ywddqU
Commercial for Mr. Game Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My5d7i5SMAE
The Muppet Yule Log: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Dr9gjEiaOU
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
This episode deals with several technological firsts - the first computers Melanie and Sean ever owned, first times on the internet, and first email addresses. It's also the first time a scene in Buffy made Melanie pause the show and walk away for 5 minutes!
While analyzing the Buffy episode "I Robot, You Jane" Sean and Melanie question the sudden appearances of Dave, Fritz, and Jenny Calendar. Melanie provides some historical info about Moloch (come for the Buffy but stay for the knowledge) and Sean shares his issues with the acronym CRD. Stay safe on the internet and email us at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com.
Thanks to Kyle Shaw from The Shaw Design Group for helping us update our logo!
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
This episode of The Sunnydale Diaries has it all! Sean and Melanie discuss their first loves, then jump into Buffy episode 7 - "Angel". There's dodging, there's parrying, there's fumigation parties, there's barbecue forks and there's a very emotionally vulnerable Master. Sean struggles with the inaccuracy of the medical aspects of this episode, and Melanie catches us up on what Todd Oldham has been doing since the 90s.
Bonus points if you get the reference in our episode title!
Here's a clip of the Daffy Duck/Porky Pig cartoon that we referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBYfZOwKu4k
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Melanie and Sean start this episode off on a serious note, discussing the xenophobia in the portrayal of African and Maori mythology present in the Buffy episode "The Pack". They share their experience with bullying in middle and high school before moving on to the more lighthearted topic of school spirit (which involves Melanie in a penguin costume.)
As they get further into "The Pack" they touch on a variety of topics including geometry, croissants at the bronze (seriously what kind of club is this?) and how much of a jerk hyena-Xander was. There's also mourning of Prinicpal Flutie and Herbert, the Sunnydale High pig mascot. Although this episode starts with a significant topic, there's also a lot of laughter throughout. We're halfway through Season 1!
Here is the link to the "Joss Whedon and Race: Critical Essays" book that was discussed in this episode: https://www.amazon.com/Joss-Whedon-Race-Critical-Essays/dp/0786470100
Monday Nov 27, 2023
Monday Nov 27, 2023
It's always fun when Melanie gets to do her "It was the 90s!" jingle more than once and that happens in this week's episode! Melanie and Sean describe their first dates (both memorable and not so memorable) then review the Buffy episode "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date."
Melanie questions if the Master is really a threat to Sunnydale and what kind of club the Bronze actually is, considering they've had tea and muffins on hand recently. Sean compares a vampire getting thrown into a creamator to a cookie baking mishap he experienced, and asks why people in their mid 20s keep getting casted to play high school students.
Do you know why that one vampire kept yelling "pork and beans" in this episode? Have an interesting first date story to share? Send it over to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Since the Buffy episode "Teacher's Pet" focuses on a new teacher at Sunnydale High, Melanie and Sean discuss teachers from their past: teachers who had an impact, teachers they had a crush on, and for which teachers they still hold a grudge. They also question the existence of school permanent records (has anyone actually seen theirs?)
Examination of "Teacher's Pet" leaves us with some unanswered questions:
What was in Cordelia's medically prescribed lunch?
Can a praying mantis actually tie a knot?
In the last scene, where in the classroom were those eggs?
Were you a teacher's pet? Did you have a teacher that turned into an abnormally large insect? Let us know at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com!
P.S. We're aware of a slight issue with the audio in this episode, and apologize. Bear with us as, like Buffy in the biology class of this episode, we are learning!
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Episode 3 of "The Sunnydale Diaries" is here and all about witches! Melanie and Sean review the infamous cherries scene from "The Witches of Eastwick," the unforgettable "Top That" rap from "Teen Witch," and the eerie room of heads in "Return to Oz."
While examining the Buffy episode "The Witch", Melanie shares her not-so-fond memories of driver's ed, Sean analyzes a chemical reaction, and the correct pronunciation of hyperbole, mitochondria, and subterfuge are discussed (hint, the last one involves fudge!)
Melanie's opinion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer seems to be shifting after watching "The Witch". Will the next few convince her how amazing Buffy is? Let us know at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram and Threads (@thesunnydalediaries).