Becoming Buffy

The return of Oz forces the Scoobies to evaluate their feelings, as Willow must choose between Tara and Oz, Riley must choose between Buffy and the Initiative, and Buffy must decide whether or not to tell Riley about Angel. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest host, David, as they discuss themes of bigotry, prejudice, and the show's sticky use of metaphor when portraying marginalized people groups.

Riley and Buffy can't seem to keep their hands off of each other, Anya's frustrated and confused as to why Xander doesn't want sex, and a frat party turns into an orgy. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest hosts David and Catherine as they discuss sex, rage, and purity culture.

The world of Sunnydale is suspiciously centered around Jonathan, Buffy and Riley (kind of?) work through some things, and the Initiative discovers a weakness in Adam's design. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss themes of consent, assult, and insecurity.

It's Freaky Friday over here in Sunnydale! As Buffy in Faith's body is held hostage by the Watchers, Faith in Buffy's body is ready to do some damage. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss the Sartrean Look, assault, and what it means to be a Slayer. Email us at Becomingbuffypodcast@gmail.com @becomingbuffypodcast on Instagram @becomingbuffypodcast on Tiktok Support us at Buy Me a Coffee!

Faith awakens from her coma, full of revenge, and armed with a mysterious present from the Mayor. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss themes of existentialism, accepting accountability, and the impact of Sartre's Look. 

Riley begins to spiral as he struggles with who to trust, while Buffy becomes the main suspect in Maggie Walsh's death. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss indoctrination, individualism vs. collectivism, and the end of normalcy.

Buffy and Riley's closeness causes Maggie to take extreme measures, and the Big Bad of the season is finally revealed. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss mommy issues, the biggest failure of the season, and what this episode tells us about Joss Whedon. 

Giles is feeling unseen and unappreciated by the gang, giving his old nemesis Ethan Rayne a chance to swoop in and create some chaos. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of identity, insecurity, parenting, and shadow selves.

Forced to deal with the aftermath of "Hush," a fearful Buffy heads back to High School to stop an impending apocalypse. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of trauma, fear, and boundaries. 

Mysterious beings take away everyone's voices, and Buffy and Riley are forced to reveal their secret identities in one of the creepiest and most iconic episodes ever. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guests Catherine and David as they discuss themes of communication, dread, and identity.

Still reeling from Oz's departure, a grief-stricken Willow casts a spell that has hilarious effects on the gang. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & guest Kimberly as they discuss themes of grief, healing, and support.

Xander accidentally raises the vengeful spirit of the slaughtered Chumash tribe, Angel lurks without Buffy's knowledge, and the gang attempts to celebrate Thanksgiving while coming to terms with their colonial past. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest Alexandra as they discuss colonialism, representation, and reparations in the most problematic Buffy episode ever.

The mysterious soldiers on campus are revealed to be a government organization called the Initiative, Spike is back, and Riley discovers he has a crush on Buffy. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss Riley's back story, the episode's comparison between Riley and Spike, and the rushed nature of Buffy and Riley's romance.

Oz's werewolf instincts start to affect his human life, leading to one of the most heartbreaking episodes of the show. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of desire, infidelity, and betrayal.

Xander's new job as a bartender goes sideways when his customers, including Buffy turn into cavemen. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss the id, Veruca, Parker, and how utterly ridiculous this episode is. 

It's Halloween time! The gang prepares to go to a Halloween party in a frat house, only to find themselves locked in, separated, and forced to confront their fears. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of identity, inaction, and isolation.

With pieces used on shows such as, Pretty Little Liars, Arrow, Riverdale, The Bachelorette, Angel, and so much more, Peggy Li joins us to discuss the show that started her career: Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

Buffy gets ghosted by Parker after sleeping with him, Anya can't understand why Xander wouldn't want a relationship, and Harmony can't seem to keep the attention of her new boyfriend, Spike, who's on a mission to find the gem of Amara. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of honesty, manipulation, and abuse. 

Buffy's new roommate, Kathy is driving her nuts, there's a new boy that catches Buffy's eye, and Oz shares a mysterious glance with a woman on campus....join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of stolen identity, and struggle not to discuss all the plots this episode sets up.

Goodbye Sunnydale High, hello UC Sunnydale! Buffy's struggle to adjust to college life threatens her slaying abilities, and who are these masked militants roaming campus?

Join us as we interview first time viewer Liz on her thoughts on season 3. Hear her discuss her predictions for season 4, and her views on the characters and their dynamics. Check out seasons 1 and 2 for our previous interviews with her.

Is Buffy being consistent in 'Lies My Parents Told Me?' Would Buffy and Angel's relationship survived if he stayed on the show? Is Anya's death earned? Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & various guests for their second annual live recording of season 3.

Graduation Day is here as Buffy and the gang rally their classmates to fight back against the Mayor's ascension. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss growing up and moving forward.

It's the night before graduation and Faith mortally wounds Angel, leaving Buffy with no other choice but to confront her. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & David as they discuss Buffy's assimilation with her shadow self.

It's prom time and someone has trained hellhounds to target people in formal wear. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest Lea Nasrallah as they discuss one of the most beloved episodes in the Buffy fandom. 

College acceptance letters are in, Willow gets kidnapped by the Mayor, and Buffy is forced to make some tough decisions regarding her future. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of choice, consequences, and good vs. bad leadership.

How does Buffy's love and empathy continue on throughout the series? How does she impact Jonathan's arc in the future? Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss how this episode impacts the rest of the series. 

After coming in contact with some bio-luminescent demon blood, Buffy gains the ability to hear the thoughts of everyone around. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss themes of suicide, school shootings, and empathy.

What would have happened if Faith was called to Sunnydale instead of Buffy? What are the parallels between this episode and 'Sanctuary' on Angel the Series? Does Buffy trust Angel? Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & guest David as they discuss how this episode fits into the rest of the series.

Faith & the Mayor call on a Shaman to un-soul Angel and bring back Angelus, while Giles and Buffy have their own trick up their sleeves. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & their brother David as they discuss addiction, culpability, and the dangers of undercover work.

A frustrated Willow is asked to help with a spell by ex-vengeance demon, Anyanka, with interesting results. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah for a spoiler and spoiler free episode discussing Willow's arc, Anya's return, and the wisdom of asserting yourself.

How does this episode kickstart Angel the Series? How do the characters change and grow through their time on both series'? Do Buffy's convictions change by the end of the show? Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss how this episode ties into the rest of the series. 

Buffy wrestles with the guilt of the Deputy Mayor's death while Faith refuses to accept responsibility--leading the Watcher's Council to step in. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss Utilitarianism v. Kantianism, Jungian shadow selves, and the theme of choice. 

How does Buffy's costuming change throughout the show? Do seasons 5 and 7 prove that Faith is right? Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss how this episode ties into the rest of the series. 

A new bad guy, a new Watcher, and a new Buffy? Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of moral goodness, responsibility, and sexuality.

Come celebrate Buffy's 25th anniversary as Sarah, Tabby, & Leah are joined by the hosts of Prophecy Girls podcast for a fun table read of "Band Candy."

How does Xander's character change over the series? How do Xander and Faith compare in their desire for sex and intimacy? Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss how this episode fits in with the rest of the series. 

The world is ending yet again, only this time it's up to Xander to save the day. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of manhood, maturity, and humility. 

How does Giles' betrayal in season 7 compare to this one? Should the council have been more or less involved in the Slayer's life? Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest Brian Plodinec-Gibson as they discuss how this episode ties into the rest of the series. 

It's Buffy's 18th birthday, her powers have disappeared, and the Watcher's Council makes their first appearance on the show. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, & guest Brian Gibson, as they discuss themes of assault, the perils of being a woman, and betrayal.TW: SA

Two children are murdered, Willow is the number one suspect, and Joyce rallies the entire town against her daughter with deadly consequences.  Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as the discuss themes of prejudice, censorship, and mob mentality.

How does Amends set up Angel's spin off in LA? Is the hilltop scene abusive? Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah & Dee as they discuss how this episode ties into the rest of the Buffyverse. 

The ghosts of Angel's past are back to torment and haunt him, forcing him to confront the ones he's hurt. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest Dee, as they discuss addiction, suicide, redemption, and hope.

Was Anya's arc consistent throughout the show? Was Vamp Willow a foreshadowing of dark Willow? Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss the impact of this episode on the rest of the show. 

A scorned Cordelia unknowingly makes a wish that turns Sunnydale and the entire world upside down. Join Sarah, Tabby, & Leah as they discuss themes of friendship, being careful what you wish for, and the dangers of doing life alone.

How does this episode play a role in Willow's arc? Does Spike's speech foreshadow Spuffy? Is this version of Spike better than the Spike of seasons 6 and 7? Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guests Crissy and Lea, as they discuss how this episode ties into the rest of the series. 

A heartbroken Spike is back in town, kidnapping Willow and Xander to disastrous results. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and their guests, Crissy and Lea, as they discuss themes of integrity, responsibility, and being lost in love. 

The trauma of Faith, Giles' character growth, and the friendship of Faith and Angel through the series. Join Sarah, Tabby, Leah, and guest, Lea, as they discuss how this episode fits into the rest of the Buffyverse. 

A new Watcher for Faith arrives, Willow and Xander continue to fight their feelings for each other, and Buffy's secret is finally revealed. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss themes of addiction, integrity, and responsibility.

Did Joyce and Giles have unexplored potential? Is Angel boring? Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss how Band Candy ties into the rest of the series. 

Mr. Trick has been recruited by the Mayor and Ethan Rayne is back in town to create chaos, only this time he's targeting the adults. Join Sarah, Tabby, and Leah as they discuss themes of integrity, deception, and what it means to be a good leader.