Best Tangential Banter Podcasts (2024)

1
Tangent #69: "Giggity" 1:51:12

6d ago1:51:12

1:51:12

Drawing upon decades of rumination stemming from an errant scientific theory devised during high school chemistry, Jack and Ben forge on into the unknown with bravery and courage, as they discuss how human behavior can be modeled using physics and biology.Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

1
Episode 37 - Taquitos, Kissing Toast, and Khaki Trousers (Faith, Hope, and Trick) 40:12

15h ago40:12

40:12

Sean and Melanie start this episode with a conversation about jealousy and envy - both in their personal lives, and at work. Melanie recounts a time when they worked together and she thought they would grow apart because Sean took a leadership position (spoiler, they didnt!) As they explore the new players in the Buffy episode "Faith, Hope, and Tri…

1
Episode 36 - A Zombie Hootenanny! (Dead Man's Party) 53:19

8d ago53:19

53:19

This episode starts with Melanie and Sean discussing their favorite zombie movies and shows, touching on curious culinary adventures, and debating the authenticity of different zombie genres (do you like your zombies fast or slow?) Lumbering through the plot of the Buffy episode "Dead Man's Party", Buffy, Joyce, and the gang face a wild hootenanny …

1
Episode 35 - Chantarelle, You Stupid, Stupid Girl (Anne) 51:56

15d ago51:56

51:56

Melanie and Sean kickoff Season 3 with discussions about the first day of school - they recall their first days of college, shopping for back to school clothes, and the anxiety of starting a new school. There's also a quick conversation about runaways. Exploring the fresh start in the Buffy episode "Anne", Sean points out a t-shirt that Oz and Xand…

1
Tangent #68: Treeweird w/Gurtej Bagga 1:26:15

20d ago1:26:15

1:26:15

The mad lads talk about the nature of AI, Weird Al, with a special guest before pivoting to discuss matters of deeper import. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9

1
Bonus Episode - Season 2 Recap 1:00:33

21d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Join Melanie and Sean as they review the events of Buffy season 2! They touch on the plot of each episode and discuss their favorite (and least favorite) episodes and characters. There's also several bloopers and outtakes spread throughout the discussion. Towards the end, Sean asks Melanie for her predictions for season 3. Stick with us when we sta…

1
Bonus Episode - Scooby Snacks - Marshmallow Edition 16:53

29d ago16:53

16:53

We're back with another Scooby Snacks episode! This time around we're tasting various marshmallow foods, inspired by Xander's Moon Pie comment in the Buffy episode "Phases". We've got fluffernutter sandwiches, smores bark, Hostess Snowballs and a few other snacks. Our tastings led to comments like: "There should not be crunch in my marshmallow" "I …

1
Tangent #67: How to Hug Correctly w/Luke Moore 1:12:54

1M ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Jackward Benjarthur is joined by friend and fellow muser, Luke Moore, to discuss the finer points of delivering a hug with is appropriate for the context and pleasing to both parties. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/up1UxDGB2YzYgmdX9 Episode photo courtesy of Katlyn Kaat ©…

1
Episode 34 - Mr. Pointy, Drusilla Whale Songs, and Acidophilus (Becoming Parts 1 and 2) 47:56

1M ago47:56

47:56

We took a different approach by watching the Season 2 Buffy finale together and recording our discussion in real time. Melanie performs some excellent fight scene analysis and Sean points out a fishy connection between this episode and the previous episode, "Go Fish". There's double the amount of unique/bad accents with Angel flashbacks and Kendra'…

1
Episode 33 - Fish, Ferrules, and Conchata Ferrell (Go Fish) 48:33

1M ago48:33

48:33

Sean and Melanie open this episode by talking about how they both live close to the beach, but rarely go there. They also touch on going to the beach as kids and their experiences playing competitive sports in school. Swimming through the plot of the Buffy episode "Go Fish", Melanie and Sean point out the plethora of guest starts in this episode. M…

1
Tangent #66: The Grammar Police 1:11:33

2M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

The lads merge a trio of grammatical topics that they hope becomes a trifecta. Strong opinions and frivolous musing ensue. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 32 - Stop Child Labor at Sunnydale High! (I Only Have Eyes for You) 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

Melanie and Sean take on ghosts and spookiness in entertainment, including the movies Ghost and Poltergeist (still slightly scarred by that movie.) They also touch on the OG Ghostbusters, Paranormal Activity and the Blair Witch Project and discuss the concept of a Sadie Hawkins dance and how "promposals" have gotten outrageous. In our haunted conve…

1
Tangent #65: Energy, how does that work? 1:03:37

2M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Ben leads off with another impersonation surprise before Jack poses a real mind-bender which would make the Insane Clown Posse proud. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 31 - Fly Kids and Eye Stalks (Killed by Death) 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

Melanie and Sean remember the times that they've been hospitalized, including how a back massager recently sent Melanie to the ER and a waterslide led to a concussion. Sean recounts his ambulance ride after an unfortunate bowling injury and a potential anesthesia overdose as a child. While diagnosing the Buffy episode "Killed by Death", Sean provid…

1
Episode 30 - Brown Plaid Pants and Couches (Passion) 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

Melanie and Sean open this episode by discussing stalking, their experience with it, and portrayal of stalking in movies and TV (remember Fatal Attraction and Single White Female?) After a brief tangent regarding the unusual late 90s soap opera "Passions" they focus on the Buffy episode "Passion". Melanie points out how hypocritical Joyce is being …

1
Bonus Episode - Scooby Snacks - Animal Cracker Edition 3:04

2M ago3:04

3:04

In the second episode of our snack tasting series (named Scooby Snacks!) we try Animal Crackers. Inspired by Oz and Willow's conversation at the end of the Buffy episode "What's My Line Part 2", we try the classic animal cracker and frosted ones! There's also a video version of us doing this tasting on Youtube!…

1
Tangent #64: Eight Squared a.k.a. Law & Order 1:44:16

3M ago1:44:16

1:44:16

The Boys who Banter begin this week with a new segment in which Ben does an impression of a celebrity or character, which Jack then tries to guess. It is followed by a lively discussion regarding the jury selection process and flaws in our legal system. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.g…

1
Episode 29 - Enough with the Hecate! (Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered) 44:37

3M ago44:37

44:37

Sean and Melanie share their views on Valentine's Day as well as some memorable Valentine's day experiences .Hear when Sean got friend-zoned on Valentine's Day and when a flower delivery put Melanie in an awkward situation! While Cupid's arrows fly, Melanie and Sean discuss the Buffy episode "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." There's slow motio…

1
Episode 28 - Noisy Husbands and a Box of Pirate Manacles (Phases) 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

Sean and Melanie dig into this episode, dealing with werewolves, by discussing their past and present pet dogs! Melanie shares her husband's future plans for having a pack of dogs and Sean reveals the one thing that Melanie's dogs do with him that they don't do with her. Unleashing their thoughts regarding the Buffy episode "Phases", Melanie is ena…

1
Tangent #63: A Bonanza of Tangents 1:14:34

3M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

This week's topics were inspired by a visit to the US National Fish & Wildlife Service FAQ page and musing about the origins of tortillas and roti. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 27 - Check Out That Sexy Linoleum! (Innocence) 39:57

3M ago39:57

39:57

Melanie and Sean look back at the first half of Season 2 - comparing it to the first season, and how the show has progressed. While discussion the newer characters in this season, they go off on a brief tangent to discuss Danny Strong (who plays Jonathan) and his current screenwriting career and accolades, including several Emmys! Navigating the af…

1
Bonus Episode - We Interviewed a Buffy Background Actor! 48:02

3M ago48:02

48:02

In their first full video episode, Sean and Melanie interviewed Georgia (@scrapthecatwalk) who was a background actor in the first few episodes of Buffy! Hear what it was like walking down the halls of Sunnydale High, dancing at the Bronze, and having lunch with James Marsters. Georgia also made one of the prizes that will be given away in the Dior…

1
Tangent #62: Equipment Shredder Factories & Darth Vader's Battle T-Rex 1:19:34

3M ago1:19:34

1:19:34

Have you ever wondered if mint is the opposite of capsaicin? How do you know if your opinion is valid? Why do humans have fewer offspring in wealthy countries? All these questions answered and more on this episode of zany banter. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9…

1
Episode 26 - It's a Judge in a Box - A Very Wet Episode! (Surprise) 38:05

4M ago38:05

38:05

Sean and Melanie open this episode discussing their experiences with surprise parties - how difficult it is to keep them secret and when each of them have been surprised in the past. Sean recounts the interesting theme for his 30th birthday party and Melanie describes what she did to make her 40th birthday party unique (hint - it involves a bounce …

1
Episode 25 - Hang on to Your Ovipositor! (Bad Eggs) 49:20

4M ago49:20

49:20

Sean and Melanie tackle a very controversial topic - eggs! They divulge their go-to egg orders, discuss eggs in cinema, and reveal their opinions on caviar. There's also conversation about sex-ed classes and hearing the dreaded phrase in school "Choose a partner" and the anxiety that follows. Eggsploring the details of the Buffy episode "Bad Eggs",…

1
Tangent #61: Eclectic Professors w/Matthew Hess 1:15:54

4M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

The two mechanicals are joined by an electrical as they reflect on the interesting and odd experiences from their collegiate academic careers. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 24 - Melanie and Sean Won't Stand for Your Malarkey! (Ted) 40:21

4M ago40:21

40:21

Mark the date - Melanie stated "This episode's amazing!" Sean and Melanie begin this one by discussing their experiences with single parents dating, since they both are children of separated parents - hear how they dealt with meeting the significant others of each of their fathers. In the circuit of conversation surrounding the Buffy episode "Ted",…

1
Episode 23 - Kendry and Buffa: What's the Flum? (What's My Line Part 2) 47:27

4M ago47:27

47:27

Inspired by Kendra's intriguing accent, Melanie and Sean discuss their experiences in Jamaica, the Caribbean and on cruises - favorite excursions, pier runners, and rum punch are some of the highlights. Reviewing the plot of the Buffy episode "What's My Line Part 2" Melanie schools Sean on the existence of the "raisin" color in cosmetics (which led…

1
Tangent #60: Nudist Mammals, Wholly Water, and Staynear w/Kevin Juhl 1:30:24

4M ago1:30:24

1:30:24

Jack and Ben are joined by one of Ben's oldest friends, Kevin. Together they explore what animals think of us, space cowboys, and contrasting concepts. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 22 - Don't Warn the Tadpoles! (What's my Line Part 1) 45:17

4M ago45:17

45:17

Melanie and Sean discuss their careers - what they wanted to be as kids, what jobs they've had, and where they are at now. The jobs they ended up with were very different than what they thought they'd be as kids! Analyzing the intricacies of the Buffy episode "What's my Line Part 1", Melanie poses the question of what career Buffy could have along …

1
Episode 21 - The Broward County Peephole Thing (The Dark Age) 48:06

5M ago48:06

48:06

Sean and Melanie open up this episode by announcing the Sunnydale Shoebox Spectacular - Season 1 and 2 Diorama Derby! Break out the shoeboxes and craft supplies and recreate your favorite season 1 or season 2 scene from Buffy as a diorama. There will a Buffy themed FANTASTIC prize from Etsy as the winner. Snap a photo of your diorama and send it to…

1
Tangent #59: Human Intervention in the Food Chain 1:14:55

5M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

Whether predator or prey, humans seem to have a lot of thoughts and feelings about other species in the food chain. The Moulowski Boys investigate. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 20 - Oreos Dunked in Apple Juice (Lie to Me) 42:02

5M ago42:02

42:02

We're headed to the club! Sean and Melanie discuss their clubbing experiences, including goth clubs, 80s-themed clubs, and a club with a rotating dance floor. Sinking their teeth into the vampire fan club from the Buffy episode "Lie to Me", Sean provides a rundown of Jason Behr's many WB/CW appearances. Melanie questions the usefulness of a bomb sh…

1
Episode 19 - Leeches in the Pharmacy (Halloween) 43:30

5M ago43:30

43:30

Keep an eye out for the Great Pumpkin, because it's Halloween! Melanie and Sean share their own memorable costumes, favorite candy (any chance to discuss snacks), haunted houses, and Halloween parties. Cackling over the events of the Buffy episode, "Halloween", Sean comments on Angel's colorful outfit (it's so wrong!) and ponders if, for once, Prin…

1
Tangent #58: Let's do some gort! 1:18:27

5M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Jack and Ben make good on their promise to finish the discussion of games vs. sports, while also managing to work in idioms, engineering theory, and unpacking old wives' tales. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 18 - Moonshine, a Sloe Gin Fizz, and Shoes (Reptile Boy) 51:08

5M ago51:08

51:08

Sean and Melanie start this one off by describing their first experiences with alcohol and their favorite inebriated interactions. From Melanie having a sloe gin fizz in international waters to Sean's epic holiday party with Maple Crown Royal, there have been many drinks consumed. Along with their funny drinking stories, they do discuss some of the…

1
Episode 17 - The Snack Limit Does Not Exist (Inca Mummy Girl) 38:01

6M ago38:01

38:01

Inspired by Xander and Ampata munching on Twinkies, Sean and Melanie delve into the savory and sweet world of snack foods - what snacks they liked when they were kids (some which don't taste as good as they used to) and what snacks they love today (Sean had Melanie very interested in buttered pop tarts). After completing the snack food conversation…

1
Tangent #57: "What is the difference between a sport and a game?" 1:30:51

6M ago1:30:51

1:30:51

The boys reminisce about Lord of the Rings production methods, issue corrections for details of previous episodes, and then plumb the depths of understanding when it comes to the nexus of athletics and enjoyment. Share your feedback or sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9…

1
Episode 16 - Hey Meatpie! (School Hard) 53:09

6M ago53:09

53:09

In this episode, Sean and Melanie delve deep into the third episode of Buffy season two, "School Hard". They unravel Buffy's complex relationship with her mother, Joyce, and discuss how our parents were involved in our own education. Did our elementary schools really have us knocking on neighbors' doors to sell wrapping paper and collect donations …

1
Episode 15 - Scooping up the Egg (Some Assembly Required) 40:56

6M ago40:56

40:56

Melanie and Sean take on science fairs in this episode - hear about the projects they created and experiments they took part in (and some of the disasters that ensued.) Diving into the events of the Buffy episode "Some Assembly Required", Melanie provides instruction on the proper way to eat a powdered donut. Sean expresses his dissatisfaction with…

1
Tangent #56: What do congress and murder have in common? 1:19:21

6M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

Which question have humans been asking since we first looked up at the stars and why haven't the Tangential Banter boys answered it? Jack knows the question and Ben joins him in answering it. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 14 - ReVivicaFoxication and the Bowling Nemesis (When She Was Bad) 50:22

6M ago50:22

50:22

Sean and Melanie kick off season 2 discussing summer break activities - their favorite family vacations, summer college classes, and just driving around. Hear all about the summer of Melanie's deepest tan and the gross act Sean performed on his 21st birthday! Unpacking the events of the Buffy episode "When She Was Bad", Melanie questions where all …

1
Bonus Episode - Season 1 Recap 47:15

7M ago47:15

47:15

We couldn't dive into season 2 without first looking back on season 1! In this bonus recap episode, we discuss the highs and lows of the season, key points of each Buffy episode, and included a compilation of outtakes and other funny moments. Get ready to laugh and enjoy this recap. See you in season 2!…

1
Tangent #55: Exploring the Unintuitive 1:08:05

7M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

Ever been in a situation where you "knew" exactly what the outcome should be, but then it wasn't? Diving deep into the maths of just such a scenario, Jack leads the duo on a mind-bending journey to the center of our misconceptions. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9…

1
Episode 12 - The Jello Church is no More (Prophecy Girl) 39:48

7M ago39:48

39:48

In this episode, Melanie and Sean share their views on fate and prophecy, and describe their experiences with earthquakes. There's a short discussion of some apocalyptic movies and books, including The Day After, The Stand, and Resident Evil. Melanie was so pulled into the Season 1 Buffy finale episode, "Prophecy Girl" that she had to stop taking n…

1
Episode 11 - Research Boy and Knowledge Girl (Out of Mind, Out of Sight) 48:37

7M ago48:37

48:37

Sean and Melanie start off this episode by describing their own prom experiences and some other fun high school highlights including class rings (a scam!) and yearbooks. They review the impressive filmography of Clea DuVall (who played Marcie in this episode) and discuss a few times in their own lives when they felt invisible. During discussion of …

1
Tangent #54: What is heaven like? w/JJ Harm 1:29:28

7M ago1:29:28

1:29:28

Your favorite engineering duo is joined by a third to make it a trio - the Trifecta of Tangents, if you will. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

1
Episode 10 - Chocolate Hurricanes and Chicken Tender Subs (Nightmares) 49:52

7M ago49:52

49:52

We're 10 episodes in! In this one, Melanie and Sean explore their childhood nightmares (one of Sean's continues the puppet theme from last episodes) and discuss common fears and phobias. There's several good tidbits that will be useful at your next trivia game! During discussion of the Buffy episode "Nightmares", Melanie asks who is responsible for…

1
Episode 9 - Puppets, Reanimation Theory, and Organ Harvesting (The Puppet Show) 39:21

8M ago39:21

39:21

In this episode, Sean and Melanie discuss their own talent show experiences and moments on stage, including tap dancing to Wham and playing commercial jingles live. There's discussions about their favorite puppets (spanning decades from the 50s to today) and a lot of random bursting into song. While walking through the Buffy episode "The Puppet Sho…

1
Tangent #53: What if humans were more like hummingbirds? 1:14:31

8M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

Jack asked to be surprised by the topic this week and here is the result. The boys dive into human limitations and consciousness, ending on a sweet note. Sign up to be a guest in a future episode here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/vR6mrzXuZX6zifKg9

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tangential Banter Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide