The Bitch Is Back with Charisma Carpenter

Buffy wasn't just training. She was escaping. And if you watched closely, you already knew something was wrong at home before she ever said a word. Charisma breaks down what this episode gets right about kids, chaos at home, and finding your way through it. Full episode on Patreon, link in bio. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this dynamic continuation of the "Dark Age" discussion, Charisma welcomes TikTok educator and author Joanna Johnson to unpack the rebellious "Ripper" phase of Rupert Giles and the heavy burdens of destiny. The two explore the episode’s themes through the lens of education and parenting, emphasizing the critical need for "rupture and repair" and why adults must show their flaws to the next generation rather than just lecturing them. The conversation seamlessly weaves between lighthearted convention memories—like James Marsters effortlessly slipping into his Spike persona to delight fans—and a deep dive into the metaphorical weight of Eyghon's tattoo as unaddressed shame. Complete with personal reflections on feminism and mother-daughter relationships, this episode proves that Buffy remains a powerful mirror for both our hidden pasts and our ongoing real-world struggles. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back, and this week, Charisma is sitting down with a true architect of the Buffyverse! Prolific New York Times bestselling author and Buffy comic/novel writer Christopher Golden joins the podcast to talk about his incredible career, co-directing the Slayers Audible series, and his deep, decades-long friendship with Amber Benson. Charisma and Christopher trade behind-the-scenes stories from the Slayers recording booth (including a mic-drop reveal about who was supposed to be in Season 2!), debate the character arcs of Buffy's controversial final seasons, and dive deep into why the classic episode "Lie to Me" feels more relevant today than ever before. Plus, Christopher shares a gory, never-before-heard story from the set of Buffy Season 2 involving James Marsters. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this candid reunion on The Bitch is Back, Charisma Carpenter sits down with her former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, Seth Green. The two dive deep into the realities of navigating Hollywood, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the Buffy set, Seth’s balancing act between series regular life on Buffy and his movie career and the contrasting pressures faced by men and women in the industry. From profound discussions on plant medicine and finding inner peace to laugh-out-loud memories. Enjoy! Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Charisma is diving into Season 2, Episode 5: "Reptile Boy," where she watches this frat house nightmare for the very first time and has plenty of notes on Cordelia’s desperate "pick-me" vibes and that fake laugh. She also learns into the cringey reality of the Buffy/Angel age gap conversation. Charisma then reunites with her old friend and Malibu Shores co-star, Greg Vaughan (Richard the frat leader), for a trip down 90s memory lane to discuss, fighting typecasting, raising three boys as a single dad while working insane soap opera schedules, and sharing a truly emotional moment remembering Charisma’s mom on set that you don't want to miss. Please share all your thoughts in the comments, discourse welcome!

Listen up as Charisma UNWRAPS the vibes and a prime Cordelia spotlight - only for FIRM MEMBERS. This episode is sharp, territorial, and weirdly TIMELY, beneath the beloved BTVS sarcasm. While the Scoobies fight through ancient curses, Charisma calls out her top tier scenes and fav moments in true bitch fashion. Left out a scene you love? Sound off in the comments! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

It’s a TBIB EXCLUSIVE : The Buffyverse is not ready! For the 1st time we have James “Spike” Marsters on the pod, delivering the most demanded fan conversation EVER. Listen (and watch) as Charisma & James have a truly honest, in-depth, heart to heart discussing all things BTVS …and yes reboot & revival thoughts are shared. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Charisma Carpenter & ultimate Buffy stan Ira Madison III leave no stake unturned, diving deep into the Buffyverse (Angel S4 & revival Cordelia discourse included) for the most no-topic-off-limits TBIB yet. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

FIRM MEMBERS beware: Sunnydale doesn’t do summer break — and neither does The Bitch Is Back. Charisma kicks off her first-watch of the first episode of season two “When She Was Bad”, in true Cordelia form. Expect side-eye and freshly formed theories as she dives headfirst into post Prophecy Girl chaos, unpacking “big feelings”, bigger stakes! and the moment Buffy officially clocks back in as a Slayer…with a side of trauma of course. Lore is questioned and characters are put on notice because THIS is the start of Season 2. One listen and you’ll be fully sat (& slayed). 🩸🔥 Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Basking in the Thanksgiving glow stops now. Sit up & strap in for an over stuffed TBIB! Featuring Ryan B TV, the ultimate Buffy/Angel influencer (and professor of all things Cordelia Chase) dishing his take on not just ep 12, but the entire BUFFYverse. Listen & watch as these two dissect fan discourse, lore & get to the bottom of why “Cordelia is kind, not nice”.  Charisma &  Ryan do not hold back. This is one NOT to miss! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This episode is a cautionary tale about peer isolation and loneliness having dangerous consequences. Making the case that love, empathy and the inclusion of others is the answer to many of our societal problems today. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Using literal manifestations of fears, this episode allows us to explore core themes of responsibility, trauma, and identity. By making personal fears a reality for each character, the episode forces the Scoobies and Giles to confront their inner demons providing more insight to deeper character motivations. We also welcome self described Buffy nerd, book author and songwriter, Amy Foster, for another extra lengthy podcast episode. Enjoy! Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week’s podcast episode covers one of my favorites from Season 1: Puppet Show. This podcast ep is 1.5 hours long - GULP. Why so long, you ask? Because Armin Shimerman, a.k.a. Principal Snyder, one of the most beloved recurring stars and Buffy villains, joins Charisma to talk shop. Spanning topics from Brian Cox, to winning the replacement role of the new principal from a dear friend, Shakespearean line memorization hacks, and the philanthropic cause closest to his heart: http://pancan.org Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

We all know online dating is a literal nightmare. Evil exists today just as it did in 1997. Shockingly, this episode was written ONLY two years into the online dating phenomenon that has since taken over the world. NGL this ep of Buffy,  where a demon made false promises of love to an impressionable Willow, could have been written today. It also led to serious consequences of self-doubt, feelings of betrayal,  and self abandonment. It’s truly a cautionary tale of both ignoring red flags and the people who love you. If they have doubts, it may be wise to heed their concerns! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

I’m truly affected by this week's episode called Angel. I am drawn into the palpable attraction between these star crossed lovers with complicated backstories that prove most challenging to overcome. Is their love an epic one of emotional, highs and lows, tragedies and disappointments? Distance and togetherness? Is their connection enough to last a lifetime? Can an emotionally unavailable vampire with a curse survive a slayer intent to kill the very beast that dwells within him? Will she honor her duty or cave to their deep connection and mutual love? Will Buffy’s Darcy and Angel’s Elizabeth Beckett we have happily ever after? … how about will they each survive just this episode? Oh love. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back! podcast welcomes Joanna Johnson, an educational influencer on TikTok with over 4 million followers worldwide (mostly from the US and… Texas!). Joanna is also a dedicated teacher, administrator, and the author of the recent book, “That’s Not What This Book Is About.” This episode covers themes of forgiveness and redemption—universal concepts that affect everyone including myself. Tune in and listen as this podcast episode turns very raw and personal. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Demonstrates through compelling storytelling the imperfect balancing act Buffy faces between leading a normal teenage life inclusive of dating Owen while also attempting to honor her duty as the Slayer. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

A new, big-bad bug in the form of a seductive new teacher comes to town, preying on feral, lusty Xander and bros. The real Teacher’s Pet, Buffy, saves the day by dismemberment before the she-mantis can wrap her raptorial legs around the sacrificial virginal boys. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week’s episode, The Witch, explores themes of power and obsession with dangerous consequences. In this episode of TBIB, Charisma breaks it all down, highlighting how the show’s characters repeatedly demonstrate an intolerance for body diversity and exhibit the dark nature of strong competitive edges, the perils of peaking in high school, with a dash of voodoo magic. Welcome to 90s genre television. Your Buffy/Angel comfort content starts now! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT:   / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG:   / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back! Podcast episode 2 features a soulful interview with Eric Balfour, along with a deep dive into Charisma’s “Hot Takes on the Hellmouth.” In this episode, she shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming library scenes, as well as her reactions, thoughts, and observations about the show—particularly highlighting early red flags related to Xander. She also offers career insights, including her struggles with performance anxiety. Additionally, Charisma weaves in personal stories about being a single mom raising her high school-aged son during the pandemic. She pays overdue tribute to makeup department head Todd McIntosh and shares her opinion that total obsession with your craft is the clearest path to success. Your Buffy/Angel comfort content starts now! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT:   / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG:   / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter