City Of S1 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 7, 2025July 7, 2025 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

In City Of (S1 E1 of Angel), the Powers That Be reach out to Angel, who is struggling to fight evil without becoming evil himself. Along with the recap of City Of, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) themes of connection, friendship, and staying in the fight; (2) revisiting characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and meeting new ones; (3) how City Of expands and alters the Buffyverse; and (4) where the episode falls on a scale of 1 to 10. Download free Story Structure worksh...

Last 5 Buffy Episodes Ever (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 26, 2025May 20, 2025 by admin

In the Last 5 Buffy Episodes Ever Caleb is introduced and Faith comes to Sunnydale. These episodes wrap up Buffy the Vampire Slayer the series, but do they form their own separate story arc, too? Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well the major plot turns in Dirty Girls, Empty Places, Touched, End of Days, and Chosen work to bring the series to a close; (2) what events start and finish the 5-episode story arc; and (3) why the writers may have made the c...

Chosen S7 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 12, 2025May 7, 2025 by admin

In Chosen (S7 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, her friends, and the potentials bring the series to a close and engage in one final battle with The First. Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of winding up a seven-season story; (2) deep character development that makes the finale gripping; (3) inconsistency that undermines some of the finale’s impact; (4) whether the scythe’s magic is too convenient; and (5) writing a happy endi...

End Of Days S7 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 28, 2025April 25, 2025 by admin

In End of Days (S7 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy King-Arthurs the scythe from a rock, the gang tries to save wounded potentials, and Buffy faces Caleb again. Along with the recap of End of Days, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) choosing which characters to highlight at the end; (2) indirect dialogue and actions that resolve character arcs; (3) whether Willow’s magic, Caleb’s strength, and another new character are consistent with Buffy's history; (4) the perils of new...

Touched S7 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 14, 2025April 11, 2025 by admin

In Touched (S7 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Faith takes over as the leader, Spike reaches out to Buffy, and disaster looms. Along with the recap of Touched, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the mayor and Giles as foils for one another; (2) the way The First evolves as a season antagonist; (3) Faith’s emotions, doubts, and growth shown through action and dialogue; (4) recurring episode themes; and (5) why some unanswered questions drive a story and others distract from ...

Empty Places S7 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 31, 2025April 7, 2025 by admin

In Empty Places (S7 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Faith takes the potentials on a night out and everyone pushes back against Buffy’s plan to attack Caleb again. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why an antagonist doesn't need to be a villain; (2) strong foreshadowing early in the story; (3) why Faith and Buffy's history affects how Buffy sees the conflicts and her choices; (4) what role grief plays in the final confrontation; and (5) what Empty Places sa...

Dirty Girls S7 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 17, 2025March 14, 2025 by admin

In Dirty Girls, S7 E18, Faith arrives in Sunnydale and Buffy takes an army of potentials to battle a super-powered misogynistic preacher. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to keep it fun when characters need to exchange information viewers already know; (2) foreshadowing a tragic climax; (3) how story structure affects pace; and (4) what Buffy's choices and Caleb's character say about the episode themes. Get more content, including access to the se...

Shows And Stories Cure Late Winter Blues

Posted on March 3, 2025March 5, 2025 by admin

Looking to cure late winter blues? When it's cold and gray out or world events feel overwhelming, I try to choose books and shows that help me unwind and feel happier. In case they might be helpful to you, too, here are a few of my favorites. Intriguing, Upbeat Mystery To Cure Late Winter Blues In comedy/drama A Man On The Inside, Ted Danson plays a retired professor who needs something new in his life. He answers an ad for a freelance private investigator to go under cover in a retirement ...

Orpheus Angel Crossover (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 3, 2025February 28, 2025 by admin

In Orpheus, Buffy/Angel crossover S4 E15, Angelus and Faith battle it out and Willow comes to L.A. to try to restore Angel’s soul. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Seemingly separate storylines that converge into one gripping plot; (2) how to use multiple characters as the antagonist and a group as a protagonist; (3) whether Willow is a different character on Angel than she is in Buffy Season 7; and (4) how dramatic irony adds tension and keeps the audienc...

Release Angel Crossover (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 17, 2025February 19, 2025 by admin

In Release, Angel crossover S4 E14, Faith and Angelus battle, Fred has a crisis, and Cordelia implores Connor to keep their secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how the writers draw on backstory from both Buffy and Angel; (2) true vs. false conflict; (3) many storylines – but is there a main plot? and (4) cliffhanger or gamechanger and when it matters. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: Fr...