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.

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!

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

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!

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?

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.

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.

A new, big-bad bug in the form of a seductive new teacher comes to town, preying on feral, lusty Xander and bros.

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