A Girl, A Guy & A Buffy Podcast

Kate Balzer and Charles Swint are joined again by clinical social worker and therapist Jenna Gould, LMSW. Jenna helps break down the family relationships and friendships in Buffy the Vampire Slayer from a therapist’s perspective.    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 and Charles imagine the great friendships that could have happened between characters on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but never had the opportunity to develop.    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 and Charles discuss whether or not Buffy, Willow, and Xander’s friendship needs the slaying to stay together or if they can be friends beyond the slaying.    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 and Charles turn the conversation to the “Big Bads” in this Small Bites episode and discuss the familial dynamics of the main villains and their actual or found family members.      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 and Charles delve into the relationship between Darla, Angelus, Drusilla, and Spike and discuss whether these four are a family and what it means for a group of vampires to be family.    Spoiler alert: the entire “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” series and “Angel” 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 and Charles discuss the relationship between Faith and The Mayor and debate whether the relationship was genuine, manipulative or both.    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 and Charles delve into the multifaceted relationship between Buffy Summers and her watcher Rupert Giles and discuss whether or not their relationship is the most complex one in 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

Kate and Charles discuss their favorite moments between Joyce, Buffy, and Dawn Summers in this Small Bites episode. Joyce, Buffy, and Dawn often feel the most relatable during their authentic family moments.    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 and Charles discuss the Summers women and the dynamics of their relationships. They particularly delve into the dynamics between Joyce and Buffy and Buffy and Dawn and wonder about who really takes on the role of mother.    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 have fun discussing which Buffy the Vampire Slayer characters are most likely to become a parent and why and what kind of parent they would be.    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 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

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  

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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