Best Tangential Banter Podcasts (2025)

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Tangent #99: Red Shift, Rock'n'Roll, and Redesigning Measurements of Student Aptitude 1:07:45

Play Pause

8d ago1:07:45

1:07:45

We finally bring you the AI-generated trailer, courtesy of friend of the show, Matt Johnson, as well as various and sundry other timely topics from our pick list. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 78 - Cheese, Glorious Cheese (Restless) 56:14

3d ago56:14

56:14

In this episode of The Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie dive into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s season four finale, 'Restless.' But before they unpack the surreal dream sequences and cryptic cheese-man prophecies, they take a delicious detour into all things cheese - from grilled cheese perfection and the great white vs. yellow American cheese deba…

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Episode 77 - Gourd in a Duffle Bag (Primeval) 51:48

17d ago51:48

51:48

It’s Finale Eve in Sunnydale, and Melanie and Sean are throwing a Hulu pillow party for Primeval! In this pre-finale chaos, Buffy and the Scoobies have to put their friendship fractures aside and literally merge forces to take down Adam (and his questionable 2001 CGI). Along the way, Sean and Melanie talk about teamwork, communication breakdowns, a…

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Tangent #98: Episodes since Major Recording Loss = 1 1:05:29

24d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

The boys get things off to a wild start with an impersonation of a famous radio personality whose career ended in a cloud of allegations, followed by things done to a chicken which can hardly be spoken aloud, capped - as usual - with musings about the origins of words. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6z…

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Episode 76 - Free Bird!! (The Yoko Factor) 43:27

1M ago43:27

43:27

Melanie and Sean discuss the two Angel crossover episodes that led up to this episode. They then take on the plot of 'The Yoko Factor', where Riley is passive aggressive, Angel's stirring the pot, and everybody is fighting or drunk!By Sean and Melanie

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Episode 75 - Lip Smacking Werewolves (New Moon Rising) 51:37

2M ago51:37

51:37

Join Melanie and Sean in this episode of the Sunnydale Diaries as they dive into 'New Moon Rising' from Season 4, Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brace yourselves for Oz's unexpected reappearance and the love triangle that follows. Melanie recounts her college pet saga and secret relationships, while Sean laments the Scoobies' notorious com…

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Tangent #97: The Flapping Cheek Meat 1:10:52

2M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

This episode is a veritable smorgasbord of topics: Bernie Sanders, Irish Gaelic, the Soviet Union under Stalin, and invitations and how to reject them. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 74 - Inappropriate Ice Cream Truck (Where the Wild Things Are) 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

In this episode of the Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie delve into 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 4, Episode 18, 'Where the Wild Things Are.' Watch as Buffy and Riley's insatiable passion triggers a paranormal frenzy, making things in the frat house extremely... vine-y. Hear about the creepy ice cream truck, Giles' unexpected rock star moment…

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Tangent #96: Corvus, the Little Basket 1:17:57

2M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

The newly married Jack and the slightly-more-tenured Ben explore the etymology of a modern sports car leading back to a Dutch naval past and then make the case for the creation of adult rec league track and field. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 73 - A World without Shrimp (Superstar) 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

Join Melanie and Sean in the latest episode of the Sunnydale Diaries podcast as they delve into the surreal world of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' Season 4, Episode 17: 'Superstar.' Get ready to laugh along as they discuss Jonathan's sudden rise to inexplicable fame, Buffy's lack of self-confidence, and the many bizarre events in this unforgettable ep…

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Tangent #95: Transparency in Marketing w/Kevin Juhl 1:17:38

3M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Jack and Ben are joined by a surprise guest, reprising his participation from 2024. Along the way they ruminate on pharmaceutical advertisements and more. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 72 - Fuffy and Baith (Who Are You) 55:16

3M ago55:16

55:16

Join Melanie and Sean as they dive deep into Season 4, Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer - 'Who Are You?' Melanie ponders the various ways 'Who Are You?' can be intonated, and discusses plot predictions gone wrong. The duo dissects every twist of the body swapping between Buffy and Faith, while also discussing other iconic body swap moments in…

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Episode 71 - Rubber Prop Demon (This Year's Girl) 48:57

3M ago48:57

48:57

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 throu…

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Tangent #94: The Weekends - Last, This, and Next 1:08:09

3M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Jack and Ben answer the questions of latrine-dwelling sophists before going fully into the weeds to understand why there can be such ambiguity surrounding discussions about weekends. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 70 - Adam = Lenny and Squiggy (Goodbye Iowa) 46:28

3M ago46:28

46:28

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…

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Tangent #93: If I were in charge w/Seth Chadwick 1:41:10

4M ago1:41:10

1:41:10

Friend of the program, Seth Chadwick, joins the hooligans to enlighten the world about just which things would be different if they ran the place. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Bonus Episode - Meeting More of the Buffy Cast at Fanboy Expo Knoxville 4:24

4M ago4:24

4:24

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 celebratio…

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Episode 69 - Floatin' Roses and Makin' Smores (The I in Team) 54:08

4M ago54:08

54:08

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…

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Tangent #92: Baboons, Borrowed Language, & Blackstone's Ratio 1:17:18

4M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

This tangent brings a millennia-old mystery and intrigue to the fore as Dirty Jack poses a question and the Ben attempts to deduce the answer. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 68 - Unlimited Cake! (A New Man) 50:19

4M ago50:19

50:19

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 crise…

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Tangent #91: The Person Holding some Papers 1:19:39

5M ago1:19:39

1:19:39

From condiments to the purge and Michael Myers to Mike Myers, this episodes tangents run the gamut. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: https://forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

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Episode 67 - Alpha Code Blue (Doomed) 49:33

5M ago49:33

49:33

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…

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Tangent #90: Minced Meat Meat Pie 2:01:09

5M ago2:01:09

2:01:09

Fangorn, the intermarriage of humans and elves, why fish suck, and a recruiter's guide inside interviewing. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9…

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Episode 66 - Babblefest at Babylonia (Hush) 43:34

5M ago43:34

43:34

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 the…

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Tangent #89: Claustrophilia & Suspended Animation 1:24:18

5M ago1:24:18

1:24:18

Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9 Links about suspended animation surgery: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/nov/20/humans-put-into-suspended-animation-for-first-time https://www.smith…

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Episode 65 - Donuts and Motherwort (Something Blue) 54:52

6M ago54:52

54:52

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 magne…

1
Tangent #88: Caput & Coffins 49:21

6M ago49:21

49:21

The Jack & Bentatious explore the supernatural as they muse on the relationship between vampires and coffins in this, unfortunately, abbreviated episode. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9…

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Episode 64 - Pies and Polls (Pangs) 55:53

6M ago55:53

55:53

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 remin…

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Tangent #87: The Ends Justify the Means 1:20:02

6M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

"RCS, MMS, and SMS, a comparison we see, Milo and squirrel, a playful decree, Hot dog or hot cat, which one shall reign? Peas with water chestnut, a culinary gain, The tale of marshmallow, its roots to explore, Toppings on pizza, a feast to adore." - Microsoft Copilot (for Notepad) Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode he…

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Episode 63 - No Good Way to Drink Blood (The Initiative) 58:19

7M ago58:19

58:19

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 predicti…

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Tangent #86: Why does coffee make you poop? & farm machine go vroom 56:17

7M ago56:17

56:17

It's all in the name this week, with a discussion based on the every-popular mechanics of the BM and shareholder-owned companies. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9…

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Episode 62 - All Geminis to the Raspberry Hats! (Wild at Heart) 1:04:30

7M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Melanie and Sean dive into Season 4, Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Wild at Heart"! In this episode, they tackle betrayal, heartbreak, and some serious wolf drama. Listen in as Sean shares his cheating accusation story, while Melanie recounts her own cheating regrets and heartbreaks. You'll hear all about Oz, Verruca, Willow's devastating …

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Tangent #85: Lucid Dreams & Fascia Tissue w/Maggie Bowman 2:06:59

7M ago2:06:59

2:06:59

In the longest episode to date, Jack and Ben are joined by the first female guest who helps them explore the complex interplay between consciousness, the sub-conscious, unconsciousness, sleep, and the nervous system. Theories and opinions abound, while facts are hard to come by. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here:…

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Bonus Episode - The Florida Bjorkestra on Buffyfest: The Magic Behind the Music 28:14

8M ago28:14

28:14

In this bonus episode, Sean is joined by members of the Florida Bjorkestra as we dive deep into their upcoming performance at Buffyfest. This live concert event features music from the iconic Once More, With Feeling episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Learn about the origins of this unique event, the meti…

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Episode 61 - Hair: Emmy-Worthy and Burning (Beer Bad) Featuring Tony from the All Bronze No Brains Podcast 1:03:49

8M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Sean and Melanie are joined by Tony from the "All Bronze No Brains" podcast to discuss the Buffy episode "Beer Bad". Tony shares his Buffy story starting with the 1992 film, while Sean and Melanie dive into their own early drinking experiences. They dissect the episode's themes, including Buffy's struggles with Parker, the impact of beer, and the a…

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Tangent #84: Bond, Jim Bond 1:04:53

8M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

What is the difference between a cattle prod and a taser? The answer will shock you! In the realm of conducted energy devices nothing is off limits. What is the difference between a protagonist and an anti-hero? The answer is at least some spelling variations. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Episode 60 - The Butternut Squash Incident (Fear Itself) 54:18

8M ago54:18

54:18

In this episode of The Sunnydale Diaries, Sean and Melanie dive into Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4, Episode 4 - "Fear, Itself." The duo start by sharing their personal experiences with haunted houses before jumping into the episode's plot. Highlights include Giles' bowl of candy, Buffy's melancholy post-Parker, and Xander's visible invisibility…

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Tangent #83: First Responders & Law Enforcement w/Jesse Bowman 1:45:24

8M ago1:45:24

1:45:24

A last-minute discovery leads to a surprise guest as the mad lads query him about his work experience as an EMT, firefighter, and jail guard. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9…

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Episode 59 - Chaos and Fungus Attorneys at Law (The Harsh Light of the Day) 56:57

9M ago56:57

56:57

Melanie and Sean dive into "The Harsh Light of Day'" from Season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Both hosts discuss their own poor decisions made in college as they navigate through Buffy's current love interest Parker (gross), the return of Spike, and some memorable stunt double moments. Don't forget to leave your comments and reviews. Enjoy the ri…

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Tangent #82: Viscoelastic Fluids & Other Nonsense 1:16:06

9M ago1:16:06

1:16:06

Crikey! There sure is a lot of beef jerky in my yard. I wonder what impact it will have on climate change -- or paintball? Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9

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An Update from Mel and Sean 1:51

9M ago1:51

1:51

Melanie and Sean have a quick update for you regarding The Sunnydale Diaries - thanks as always for listening and please reach out to [email protected] with any comments or questions.By Sean and Melanie

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Episode 58 - A Quad, a Lounge, and a Courtyard (Living Conditions) 45:58

9M ago45:58

45:58

Melanie and Sean open this episode discussing the rumored Buffy reboot! Could it actually be happening? What would work and what shouldn't be included? Who should come back and who will be left out? Diving into the Buffy episode "Living Conditions", dorm room drama reaches epic proportions as Buffy suspects her roommate, Kathy, is a demon. Is she r…

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Tangent #81: OUGH the Usual Duration 1:11:22

9M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

You've heard of capsaicin levels in peppers being measured in Scoville heat Units, but how do we quantify the potency of onions? What do buying a car at a dealership and an encounter with a public flasher have in common? You'll want to gouge your eyes out. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Episode 57 - The Renaissance of Oberyn Martell (The Freshman) 1:05:39

9M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Get ready to matriculate at UC Sunnydale as Sean and Melanie, along with special guest Maria (aka Trixie Stix), dive into Season 4's premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "'The Freshmen"' Listen in as they reminisce about their college days, debate dorm room quirks, and dissect Buffy’s crazy first week at UC Sunnydale. From surprise encounters with…

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Tangent #80: The Florgensderf Case 1:53:54

10M ago1:53:54

1:53:54

In our longest episode ever recorded, we really went places -- and got nowhere. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9

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Bonus Episode - Buffy Season 3 Recap! 1:07:31

10M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

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 me…

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Bonus Episode - 5 X 7 X 5 Season 3 Haiku Contest Winner! 3:28

10M ago3:28

3:28

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!By Sean and Melanie

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Jack's Rants #1: Man Yells at Cloud 27:14

10M ago27:14

27:14

And now for something completely different... This episode is unlike anything which has preceded it. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9

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Episode 56 - The Hummus Attack! (Graduation Day Part 2) 35:56

10M ago35:56

35:56

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 hig…

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Episode 55 - Swangel and the Barfy Feelings (Graduation Day Part 1) 1:09:25

10M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

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 i…