A Girl, A Guy & A Buffy Podcast (abuffypodcast)

In part two of dissecting Buffy Summer’s romantic relationships, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint discuss her relationships with Riley Finn and Spike. They continue to explore the ups and downs of Buffy’s primary relationships through a modern lens. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint are joined by a special guest clinical social worker and therapist, Jenna Gould, LMSW. Together, we break down the complex relationships we have been discussing all season long.

Show Notes:

If you or someone you know needs help with a mental health issue or need sexual assault resources please contact:

https://www.claritycounselingatlanta.com/

https://rainn.org/

Book Referenced:

Wired For Love

Attached

Wired For Dating

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

We geek out over the new Buffyverse story from Audible, discussing what we loved, what didn’t work, and how it felt to have a new story involving our favorite television series. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series and Slayers: A Buffyverse Story will be discussed. There are also mentions of events from “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” comics seasons 8-12. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In the first Small Bites episode of season three, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint talk about the impact of queer storylines and characters on the series and pop culture and television in general. They debate what BTVS did well and what the show could have done better. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In the first episode of season 2, hosts Kate Balzer and Charles Swint return to Sunnydale. We explore the deft use of cultural references in the series, and how such a small show made a big impact on pop culture.

Spoiler alert: The entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode, Kate and Charles discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer's music, from the onscreen bands at the Bronze to the haunting melodies of the series' musical score. Don't worry we talk about "Once More With Feeling" too.

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode of Small Bites, we explore 1990's fashion and give you a glimpse of our personal styles.

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

We are so excited to sit down with documentarian and Buffy fan Paige Troxell and host of Slayfest98, Ian Carlos Crawford. In this episode, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of season 3 by discussing plot points that occurred in season 3 that impacted the rest of the season.

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. There are also mentions of events from “Angel” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” comics seasons 8-12. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint discuss what family looks like in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its importance in the series, and how it prioritizes chosen family over biological family. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode of Small Bites, Kate and Charles hit Atlanta Comic Con!

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In the first part of this two-part episode, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint tackle Buffy Summer’s primary romantic relationships through a modern lens and how that might change their perspectives on her relationships. Part one focuses on her relationship with Angel and a brief discussion of Parker Abrams. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In the second part of this two-part discussion, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint continue to delve into William/Spike’s romantic relationships, tackling his relationship with Buffy Summers. This discussion focuses on the relationship primarily from Spike’s perspective. Content warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and toxic relationships.

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

Link to previous episode mentioned: Does Buffy the Vampire Slayer perpetuate rape culture?

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In the first episode of “A Girl, A Guy, and a Buffy Podcast,” hosts Kate Balzer and Charles Swint share how they were introduced to the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” what the show means to them, and the impact and legacy of the series. 

Spoiler alert: The entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode of Small Bites, we get lost in translation and dive into the origins of the use of the word Slayer in pop culture and the many translations of the title Buffy Slayer of the Vampire. 

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode, Kate and Charles discuss the iconic looks of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and how they help tell this timeless tale.

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint break down the major romantic relationships of William/Spike and wonder if he will always be doomed in love. The first part of this two-part discussion focuses primarily on William/Spike’s relationships with Cecily/Halfrek and Drusilla. Content warning: This episode contains discussion of toxic relationships.

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

We discuss the concepts of misogyny, sexism, chauvinism, and patriarchy in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and whether the series used these ideas to bring about change or perpetuate these behaviors and ideas. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

Content warning for a discussion of sensitive topics related to power dynamics, sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please see the resources below:

RAINN: https://www.rainn.org/resources 

RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Click on the link to connect to crisis support services, including telephone and chat hotlines, for sexual assault and harassment and domestic and dating violence. 

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/help 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Click on the link to connect with the NAMI HelpLine and NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine. 

SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

Links mentioned in the episode:

PsychCentral: https://psychcentral.com/blog/whats-a-misogynist

ThoughtCo.: https://www.thoughtco.com/patriarchal-society-feminism-definition-3528978 

Anti-Defamation League: https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/incels-involuntary-celibates 

Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2017/03/08/the-villains-on-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-showed-just-how-pervasive-misogyny-can-be/ 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint discuss the Buffy the Vampire Slayer character Willow Rosenberg, her primary romantic relationships, and whether or not her coming out as gay impacted television storytelling. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode of Small Bites, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint discuss the missed romantic connections in the Buffyverse. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this Small Bites episode, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint continue the conversation about Xander Harris’ romantic relationships and his attraction (and attractiveness) to demons. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode, we introduce the main theme, or “Big Bad,” for the season and discuss if “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is a feminist television show. 

Spoiler alert: The entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams.

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Episode 3

Title: Does Buffy have feminist villains?

We discuss the female villains of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and whether or not they are feminist characters. 

Spoiler alert: The entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode of Small Bites, we list some of our favorite acts to play The Bronze. 

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Welcome to Small Bites. These are discussions we had in the main episode that didn’t fit the overall conversation, but we still wanted to share them with you all.

This week, we nerd out over the Tommy Westphall Universe, a fan theory that connects "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to all your favorite TV shows. One universe to rule them all.

Spoiler alert: The entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

We discuss what is rape culture and examine its many uses in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

Content warning for a discussion of sensitive topics related to power dynamics, sexual harassment and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please see the resources below:

RAINN: https://www.rainn.org/resources 

RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Click on the link to connect to crisis support services, including telephone and chat hotlines, for sexual assault and harassment and domestic and dating violence. 

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/help 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Click on the link to connect with the NAMI HelpLine and NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine. 

SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Domesticshelters.org: https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/in-the-news/what-is-rape-culture

Vox: https://www.vox.com/2014/12/15/7371737/rape-culture-definition 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint delve into Xander’s romantic relationships (and brief liaisons), his traumatic childhood, and how that impacted his romantic relationships. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

Content warning: This episode contains discussion of adverse childhood experiences such as parental neglect, alcoholism, emotional and physical abuse, and divorce. 

Sources mentioned in the episode:

NPR - https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean 

Science Daily - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/02/240205165831.htm 

UK Trauma Council - https://uktraumacouncil.org/resources/childhood-trauma-and-the-brain?cn-reloaded=1 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode, Kate and Charles discuss fandoms, especially Buffy's fandom, and how the fans continue to breathe life into the series.

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

We discuss how teen sex was portrayed on television before “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and how it did or did not differ on BTVS. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help, please see the resources below:

RAINN: https://www.rainn.org/resources 

RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. Click on the link to connect to crisis support services, including telephone and chat hotlines, for sexual assault and harassment and domestic and dating violence. 

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/help 

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Click on the link to connect with the NAMI HelpLine and NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine. 

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 

The Trevor Project has to put together a list of resources for healthy relationships on their website. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this episode, Kate and Charles discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer's language and jargon and the show's impact on television writing and pop culture.

Spoiler alert: The entire Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will be discussed.

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Sources

Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon by Michael Adams

The Power of Slang by Tom Dalzell: https://www.pbs.org/speak/words/sezwho/slang/ 

Understanding the Language of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: https://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A13492776

In this episode of Small Bites, Kate Balzer and Charles Swint dig into Spike’s attraction (and obsession) with slayers and how it evolved over the years, culminating in his relationship with Buffy Summers. 

Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series will be discussed. 

This episode was produced by Kate Balzer and Charles Swint. Edited by Jeremy Williams. 

Theme song

Angel’s Rock by Twisterium | https://www.twisterium.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US