The Sunnydale Diaries - A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast

Episode 24 - Melanie and Sean Won't Stand for Your Malarkey! (Ted)

Mark the date - Melanie stated "This episode's amazing!"
Sean and Melanie begin this one by discussing their experiences with single parents dating, since they both are children of separated parents - hear how they dealt with meeting the significant others of each of their fathers.
In the circuit of conversation surrounding the Buffy episode "Ted", Melanie provides an OUTSTANDING rendition of Captain and Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together" and they recall watching Three's Company in their younger days. Sean reveals his theory of what causes a stake to either dissolve into ash or stay whole and highlights the inaccuracies of Joyce attempting to take Ted's pulse after his tumble. Melanie comments on the unfortunate victim shaming that occurs at the police station, and there's a lot of Joyce-bashing (she's pretty horrible to Buffy in this episode.) 
Have you left us a review yet? Let us know how we are doing and drop a review in your favorite podcast platform! Email us your thoughts at thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com. 

Episode 23 - Kendry and Buffa: What's the Flum? (What's My Line Part 2)

Inspired by Kendra's intriguing accent, Melanie and Sean discuss their experiences in Jamaica, the Caribbean and on cruises - favorite excursions, pier runners, and rum punch are some of the highlights.
Reviewing the plot of the Buffy episode "What's My Line Part 2" Melanie schools Sean on the existence of the "raisin" color in cosmetics (which led to a tangent about raisins). Melanie expresses how Drusilla is quickly becoming her favorite character. Sean runs through the filmography of Bianca Lawson (who played Kendra) and since they always enjoy discussing snacks, there's a quick conversation about animal crackers. Before wrapping up, Melanie asks about the concept of potential slayers and how they become "activated", which is more proof that she is getting hooked into this show!
 

Episode 22 - Don't Warn the Tadpoles! (What's my Line Part 1)

Melanie and Sean discuss their careers - what they wanted to be as kids, what jobs they've had, and where they are at now. The jobs they ended up with were very different than what they thought they'd be as kids! 
Analyzing the intricacies of the Buffy episode "What's my Line Part 1", Melanie poses the question of what career Buffy could have along with being the slayer and does a great impression of Drusilla's whimper. Sean compares the Order of Taraka to The Three from Season 1 and also provides an impression, his being a line from Kendra. 
Don't forget about our diorama contest! Visit https://thesunnydalediaries.com/diorama-contest for more info. 

Episode 21 - The Broward County Peephole Thing (The Dark Age)

Sean and Melanie open up this episode by announcing the Sunnydale Shoebox Spectacular - Season 1 and 2 Diorama Derby! Break out the shoeboxes and craft supplies and recreate your favorite season 1 or season 2 scene from Buffy as a diorama. There will a Buffy themed FANTASTIC prize from Etsy as the winner. Snap a photo of your diorama and send it to thesunnydalediaries@gmail.com to enter. Entries are due by 11:59 PM ET on 5/31/2024. 
After a brief interlude to discuss TikTok addiction and Smartfood caramel cheddar popcorn, they reflect on the events of the Buffy Episode "The Dark Age". Melanie fondly remembers step-aerobics in the 90s and Sean points out the numerous inaccuracies during the blood delivery scene in the hospital parking lot. Sean shares the unusual question he'd ask Anthony Stewart Head if he ever gets to meet him and Melanie brings us back to the 70s with an Electra Woman and Dyna Girl reference. 
Looking forward to those diorama pics - be creative and have fun! The STAKES are high!
 
 

Episode 20 - Oreos Dunked in Apple Juice (Lie to Me)

We're headed to the club! Sean and Melanie discuss their clubbing experiences, including goth clubs, 80s-themed clubs, and a club with a rotating dance floor. 
Sinking their teeth into the vampire fan club from the Buffy episode "Lie to Me", Sean provides a rundown of Jason Behr's many WB/CW appearances. Melanie questions the usefulness of a bomb shelter that can only be opened from the outside, and they both express their gratitude that they no longer have to carry a pager or be on-call for work. 
Some pics of us at the club over the years are posted on our Facebook and Instagram - drop us a comment! 

Episode 19 - Leeches in the Pharmacy (Halloween)

Keep an eye out for the Great Pumpkin, because it's Halloween! Melanie and Sean share their own memorable costumes, favorite candy (any chance to discuss snacks), haunted houses, and Halloween parties. 
Cackling over the events of the Buffy episode, "Halloween", Sean comments on Angel's colorful outfit (it's so wrong!) and ponders if, for once, Principal Snyder actually acted like a good principal when he organized the kids' trick-or-treating event. Melanie points out the plethora of back rooms and caverns in Sunnydale homes and businesses (Florida doesn't have basements so we're a little jealous.) 
Keep an eye out for some pics of us in costume on Instagram and Facebook!

Episode 18 - Moonshine, a Sloe Gin Fizz, and Shoes (Reptile Boy)

Sean and Melanie start this one off by describing their first experiences with alcohol and their favorite inebriated interactions. From Melanie having a sloe gin fizz in international waters to Sean's epic holiday party with Maple Crown Royal, there have been many drinks consumed. 
Along with their funny drinking stories, they do discuss some of the more serious topics of the Buffy episode "Reptile Boy". But, they balance the seriousness with humor - Melanie does a great impression of Cordelia's fake laughter and Sean makes a connection between Buffy, Days of our Lives. and Supernatural. 
Check out our recent Facebook post to see Melanie wearing the hat she mentioned in this episode!
If you're like Sean and not aware of the "Shoes" video by Liam Kyle Sullivan that Melanie mentioned, or you just want to watch it again, here's a link: https://youtu.be/c0DVrRw9aGk
Ask Alexa to play "Alcohol" by The Barenaked Ladies and enjoy this episode!
 

Episode 17 - The Snack Limit Does Not Exist (Inca Mummy Girl)

Inspired by Xander and Ampata munching on Twinkies, Sean and Melanie delve into the savory and sweet world of snack foods - what snacks they liked when they were kids (some which don't taste as good as they used to) and what snacks they love today (Sean had Melanie very interested in buttered pop tarts).
After completing the snack food conversation (which could have lasted all episode), they chew over the events of the Buffy episode "Inca Mummy Girl". Sean points out that yet another student was left behind during a field trip and shares his appreciation of the shirt Oz wears in his first scene. Melanie points out a connection between this episode and the Twilight movies and expresses her opinion on Oz's facial hair. 
We are continuing to work on the details of the Buffy diorama contest - more info coming soon!

Episode 16 - Hey Meatpie! (School Hard)

In this episode, Sean and Melanie delve deep into the  third episode of Buffy season two, "School Hard". They unravel Buffy's complex relationship with her mother, Joyce, and discuss how our parents were involved in our own education. Did our elementary schools really have us knocking on neighbors' doors to sell wrapping paper and collect donations for read-a-thons?
Principal Snyder's unconventional approach to school administration is discussed, pondering how he got his job given his questionable motives and decisions. As Spike and Drusilla make their menacing entrance, Sean and Melanie analyze their characters and interactions with the already established cast. From fashion choices to linguistic mishaps, there's a little something for everyone in this episode of The Sunnydale Diaries!

Episode 15 - Scooping up the Egg (Some Assembly Required)

Melanie and Sean take on science fairs in this episode - hear about the projects they created and experiments they took part in (and some of the disasters that ensued.) 
Diving into the events of the Buffy episode "Some Assembly Required", Melanie provides instruction on the proper way to eat a powdered donut. Sean expresses his dissatisfaction with Angel wearing beige, and they both question why so many bad events at Sunnydale High happen in the Science Lab. 
We will be releasing details about the Buffy Diorama contest soon - keep an eye on our social media (@thesunnydalediaries) and website (thesunnydalediaries.com) for more info.