Summer 2024 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss a surprisingly deep season full of incredible productions, from the return of 'Oshi no Ko' and 'Monogatari' to romantic comedies like 'Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian' and 'Too Many Losing Heroines!' to adaptations that elevate their source material like 'Wistoria' and 'The Elusive Samurai.'Jul 24, 202402:11:32The Futuristic Explorations of Science FictionScience fiction makes use of futuristic concepts in order to deliver prescient stories about humanity and the trajectory of society. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the history and development of science fiction both globally and in Japan. Then, they dive into three series that highlight the diversity of the genre, including explorations of the intersection between personal identity and technology in 'Serial Experiments Lain,' memory alteration and inequality in 'Kaiba,' and the oppressive nature of capitalism in 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.'Jul 10, 202402:30:09The Couple Ship Tournament BracketIonatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a couple ship bracket! They discuss what aspects of romantic relationships in anime resonate with them and why shipping can be a contentious topic among many fandoms before debating which of the top 32 couples deserves to come out on top.Jun 26, 202402:17:33Top Five Production I.G AnimeProduction I.G is a prolific studio known for its extensive catalog of works in the science fiction and sports genres. Ionatan and Ravi discuss how roots at Tatsunoko Production combined with the unprecedented success of 'Ghost in the Shell' enabled a unique company structure compared to the rest of the industry. Then, they pick their top five Production I.G anime, from movies like 'Patlabor' and 'The End of Evangelion' to series like 'Haikyu!!' and 'Psycho-Pass.'Jun 12, 202402:08:09Redemption, Pacifism, and the Viking Age in 'Vinland Saga''Vinland Saga' is a modern classic that uses the historical setting of the Viking Age to tell a thought-provoking epic. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season in the anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura's manga by discussing the meticulous crafting of the world, the wide variety of compelling characters, and how the narrative supports its central themes of redemption and pacifism.May 29, 202402:36:48Spring 2024 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss how varied this anime season is, from studio changes for the 'KonoSuba' and 'Yuru Camp' sequels as well as the 'Spice and Wolf' remake to new series such as 'Kaiju No. 8' and 'Wind Breaker' to the return of Kyoto Animation's 'Hibike! Euphonium.'May 01, 202402:13:14Top Five Bones AnimeBones is synonymous with a high level of quality, whether that is showcased in action sequences in popular battle shounen or in bringing to life creative original works. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding by Sunrise staff members and how their early works like the 'Cowboy Bebop' movie and 'Fullmetal Alchemist' laid the foundation for future productions made with an international audience in mind. Then, they pick their top five Bones anime, from a modern classic in 'Mob Psycho 100' to the industry event that was 'Space Dandy' to the nostalgia of 'Soul Eater.'Apr 17, 202402:05:10Anime Podcasting and 'One Piece' (ft. Zach Logan)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Zach Logan, host and founder of The One Piece Podcast, to discuss anime podcasting. They cover the early days of the podcast and how it's grown over the past 15 years to now have a wide variety of guests, related podcasts, and even a documentary filmed in Japan. Then, they talk about what makes 'One Piece' such a beloved franchise, personal favorites from the series including characters and arcs, and experiences with different versions of the story such as the manga, anime, and live action.Apr 03, 202401:36:16Mari Okada's Heartfelt Writing in 'Maquia' and 'Maboroshi'Mari Okada is one of the most prolific writers in the anime industry, known not only for screenplay and series composition roles but also for her work as a mangaka and director. Ionatan and Ravi discuss Mari Okada's personal story as told in her autobiography before giving some overarching thoughts on her extensive writing credits. Then, they explore how her two directed films, 'Maquia' and 'Maboroshi,' tackle themes such as parenthood, isolation, and the passage of time.Mar 20, 202402:11:47Technology, Gender, and Sexuality in Anime (ft. Aurélie Petit)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Aurélie Petit, a doctoral candidate in film studies at Concordia University, to discuss the intersection between technology, gender, and sexuality as it relates to anime. They break down her research on the history of animated p*rnography, how online anime communities have developed exclusionary practices towards women, and the role that artificial intelligence plays in the anime industry. Then, they cover her catalog of animated films that portray sexuality and eroticism.Mar 06, 202401:37:40Winter 2024 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the popularity of 'Solo Leveling,' the combination of classic fantasy and cooking in 'Dungeon Meshi,' the continuation of their shoujo adventures with 'A Sign of Affection,' and why 'Metallic Rouge' has been such a disappointment.Feb 21, 202401:45:22The Valentine's Day Anime SpecialIonatan and Ravi prepare for the season of love with a Valentine's Day anime special! They begin by discussing their dislike of the consumerism surrounding Valentine's Day and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime episodes to watch this time of the year from series such as 'Toradora!' and 'Hyouka.'Feb 07, 202401:52:382023 Anime ReviewIonatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2023! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.Jan 24, 202402:44:40The Ultimate Guide to Anime MoviesWhat makes for a particularly compelling anime movie? Ionatan and Ravi discuss how they approach critically watching films compared to television series before giving their personal recommendations for the best standalone movies that the medium has to offer. They cover a pair of Satoshi Kon works in 'Tokyo Godfathers' and 'Perfect Blue,' Mamoru Hosoda's heartfelt story of parenthood in 'Wolf Children,' and Masaaki Yuasa's take on a Tomihiko Morimi novel in 'The Night is Short, Walk on Girl' among various other picks.Jan 10, 202402:06:47Baka Mailbag, Vol. 3Ionatan and Ravi round out 2023 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss the differences between original works and manga adaptations, the best and worst casts in anime, their favorite first episodes in the medium, and much more! Then, they take a look back at the third year of the podcast.Dec 27, 202302:25:08Recapping Japan 2023Ionatan and Ravi discuss highlights from Ionatan's recent trip to Japan! They first cover Ravi's weekend at Anime NYC 2023, including spending time with the podcast community and attending panels for series like 'Lycoris Recoil' and 'Great Pretender.' Then, they break down the cultural experiences, food, and encounters with anime content from three incredible weeks visiting various cities throughout Japan.Dec 13, 202302:05:06Top Five CloverWorks AnimeCloverWorks is a relatively new studio that has established itself quickly within the anime industry over the past few years. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's origins at A-1 Pictures and subsequent combination of co-productions, adaptations, and original works. Then, they pick their top five CloverWorks anime, from the massively successful 'Bocchi the Rock!' and 'Spy x Family' to high-quality productions like 'Horimiya' and 'My Dress-Up Darling' to ambitious disappointments like 'Wonder Egg Priority.'Nov 29, 202301:40:10'Attack on Titan' and Creating a Modern Epic'Attack on Titan' is one of the most important anime franchises of the modern age, telling a dark fantasy epic that is responsible for bringing anime into global mainstream culture. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season in the anime adaptation of Hajime Isayama's manga from the Fall of Shiganshina to the War for Paradis. They discuss the characters and lore of the world, numerous twists in the narrative, shift in production from Wit Studio to MAPPA, and recent conclusion that cemented the themes and legacy of the series.Nov 16, 202303:01:50Fall 2023 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They discuss a pair of anime of the year contenders in 'Frieren' and 'The Apothecary Diaries,' whether 'Spy x Family' needs constant plot progression and character development, and the visually stunning but otherwise lackluster 'Undead Unluck.'Nov 01, 202301:33:60The Halloween Anime SpecialIonatan and Ravi prepare for the spooky season with a Halloween anime special! They begin by discussing their own Halloween memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime to watch this time of the year, from 'Soul Eater' and 'Hellsing Ultimate' to 'Mononoke' and 'Devilman: Crybaby.'Oct 18, 202301:43:20Japanese Pop Culture and Academic Life in Tokyo (ft. Roland Kelts)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Roland Kelts, a writer and professor at Waseda University, to discuss the global influence of Japanese pop culture. They break down 'Japanamerica,' his book detailing the American experience with anime and other Japanese cultural exports. Then, they talk about his recent book 'The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus' as well as academic life in Tokyo more broadly.Oct 04, 202301:38:38Apocalyptic Destruction and Cultural Impact in 'Akira''Akira' is one of the most important science fiction films of all time, with an unmatched cultural impact that changed the anime industry and paved the way for the growth of Japanese culture in the west. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the movie, breaking down its animation and production as well as its themes such as the cyclical nature of destruction and the struggle of surviving in a dystopian society. Then, they cover the movie's plot and describe their hopes for the adaptation of the franchise as a series.Sep 20, 202302:03:15The Seiyu Tournament BracketIonatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a seiyu bracket! They discuss what stands out to them from their favorite voice acting performances and the history of the industry in Japan before debating which of the top 32 anime voice actors deserves to come out on top.Sep 06, 202302:23:29'Haikyu!!' and the Essence of Sports'Haikyu!!' uses volleyball to expertly showcase what draws people to participate in sports and how athletic competition can lead to personal growth via hard work, being part of a team, and overcoming adversity. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation by discussing the training arcs and matches that defined Karasuno's trajectory from the Interhigh to Nationals. Then, they select their best 'Haikyu!!' universe lineups and outline their expectations for the upcoming pair of movies.Aug 23, 202302:25:19Top Five White Fox AnimeWhite Fox is known for the quality of its visual and light novel adaptations, often demonstrating an understanding of the source material and its appeal to fans. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding as well as its success with two massively popular franchises in 'Steins;Gate' and 'Re:Zero.' Then, they pick their top five White Fox anime, from existential science fiction like 'Girls' Last Tour' to underrated gems like 'Jormungand' and 'Katanagatari.'Aug 09, 202302:12:19Summer 2023 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss sequels for 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Mushoku Tensei,' the return of 'Horimiya,' and pleasant surprises such as 'Zom 100' and 'Undead Girl Murder Farce.'Jul 26, 202301:56:14The Range of Anime Soundtracks from Joe Hisaishi to Kensuke UshioSoundtracks are one of the most important but often underappreciated parts of anime production, having the ability to underscore scenes and characters in an adaptation while evoking strong emotions in the audience. Ionatan and Ravi break down the technical process for score composition as well as the historical context for music in the anime industry. Then, they discuss the most prominent anime composers and what makes each of their musical styles unique, from industry legends like Joe Hisaishi and Yoko Kanno to relative newcomers like Hiroyuki Sawano and Kensuke Ushio.Jul 12, 202302:18:45Voice Directing in Anime and the Dubbing Industry (ft. Shawn Gann)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Shawn Gann, a voice director and actor at Crunchyroll, to discuss anime dubbing. They talk about Shawn's advocacy for diversity in the industry, the process for voice directing from getting assigned a series to working with actors in the studio, and particularly memorable experiences directing titles such as 'Fruits Basket' and 'Horimiya.'Jun 28, 202301:42:41The Summer Anime SpecialIonatan and Ravi prepare for the upcoming months with a summer anime special! They begin by discussing their own summer memories growing up and giving some background on the seasonal customs in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite summer anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year that make use of tropes like beach and fireworks scenes including 'Fruits Basket,' 'A Silent Voice,' and 'Kaguya-sama.'Jun 14, 202301:44:31The Philosophical Storytelling of Mamoru OshiiMamoru Oshii is one of the most influential anime directors of all time whose dense and layered works constantly pose thought-provoking questions and touch on philosophical concepts such as dreams and reality, the illusion of peace, and identity. Ionatan and Ravi dive into Mamoru Oshii's filmography, ranging from his early career working on 'Urusei Yatsura' to his surrealistic artwork 'Angel's Egg' to his musings on politics and technology in 'Patlabor' and 'Ghost in the Shell.'May 31, 202302:24:46Medieval Trading and Adventure in 'Spice and Wolf''Spice and Wolf' is a unique fantasy that blends adventure and romance with a focus on historically accurate economics in the medieval period. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation in terms of Lawrence and Holo's relationship development and the trading concepts that drive the plot of each arc before discussing their hopes for the upcoming anime project.May 17, 202301:51:23Spring 2023 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss their opinions on Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' at the top of the episode before diving into a stacked season that includes new standouts like 'Oshi no Ko,' 'Heavenly Delusion,' and 'Skip to Loafer' as well as the return of series like 'Demon Slayer' and 'KonoSuba.'May 03, 202302:04:01Managing Editorial Content at Anime News Network (ft. Lynzee Loveridge)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Lynzee Loveridge, executive editor at Anime News Network, to discuss the role that news sources play in the anime industry. They talk about Lynzee's career trajectory in different departments at Anime News Network, how news sources serve the broader anime community, and her other work writing, covering conventions, and hosting the ANN After Show.Apr 19, 202301:41:38The Ultimate Guide to Trash AnimeWhat does it mean for anime to be labeled as trash? Ionatan and Ravi discuss the term before giving their personal recommendations for anime that they concede are lacking from a critical perspective but like anyways, from the magical girl Fate spinoff 'Prisma Illya' to isekai like 'No Game No Life' to various ecchi like 'Food Wars!' and 'Prison School.'Apr 05, 202302:09:59The Emotional Resonance of Music AnimeMusic anime deliver emotional stories about human relationships and character development tied together by vivid and memorable sound. Ionatan and Ravi describe their personal connection to instruments and music before looking at what common themes underlie anime about music and make it resonate with people so deeply. Then, they dive into three series that highlight the diversity of the genre, from complicated relationships, post-war Japan, and jazz in 'Kids on the Slope' to young love, trauma, and classical music in 'Your Lie in April' to team dynamics, personal growth, and concert band in 'Hibike! Euphonium.'Mar 22, 202302:19:12Top Five MAPPA AnimeMAPPA has become one of the biggest powerhouses in the modern anime landscape, growing rapidly from a studio founded for creative freedom to a corporate site for large franchises. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's varied productions as well as its reputation for tight schedules, egregiously low pay for animators, and a culture of overwork that is, unfortunately, representative of the state of the anime industry today. Then, they pick their top five MAPPA anime, from battle shounen like 'Chainsaw Man' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen' to shoujo and josei adaptations like 'Banana Fish' and 'Kids on the Slope.'Mar 08, 202302:09:60'Hunter x Hunter' and the World of Nen'Hunter x Hunter' is a standout battle shounen that blends unique worldbuilding, endearing characters, and one of the best power systems in all of anime. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, discussing each arc in the 2011 anime adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga from the Hunter Exam to the 13th Hunter Chairman Election. Along the way, they give an explainer on the basic concepts in Nen and highlight the plot points and themes that drive each section of the narrative.Feb 22, 202302:43:48Winter 2023 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the return of 'Vinland Saga,' the production issues plaguing 'NieR:Automata,' and the revitalization of a classic in 'Trigun Stampede' before debating whether or not this is a slow start to the year for the anime industry.Feb 08, 202301:44:522022 Anime ReviewIonatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2022! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.Jan 25, 202302:37:07Cooking Anime-Inspired Food (ft. CHEFPK)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by CHEFPK to discuss the intersection of food and anime. They cover CHEFPK's journey from culinary school to cooking on YouTube as well as how traveling to and eating in Japan shaped his career. Then, they dive into CHEFPK's creative process, including the methodology for making recipes based on anime and other projects such as Food Fight Academy and the FoodTaku podcast.Jan 11, 202301:43:14Baka Mailbag, Vol. 2Ionatan and Ravi round out 2022 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss animation industries outside of Japan, video game anime adaptations, their favorite characters in the medium, and much more! Finally, they take a look back at the second year of the podcast.Dec 28, 202201:58:08The Christmas Anime SpecialIonatan and Ravi ring in the holiday season with a Christmas anime special! They begin by discussing their own Christmas memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite Christmas anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year including Kyoto Animation's 'The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya' and Satoshi Kon's 'Tokyo Godfathers.'Dec 14, 202201:57:21Recapping Anime NYC 2022Ionatan and Ravi share their convention stories from Anime NYC 2022! They discuss the exciting events they were able to attend this year, from Hajime Isayama's interview about 'Attack on Titan' to various Studio Trigger, Wit Studio, and Studio Orange panels to a special 'Kaguya-sama' preview screening. Then, they break down their first live podcast appearance including the application and preparation process, a recording of the panel itself, and interactions with fans and attendees.Nov 30, 202202:33:06Shoujo, Josei, and 'Chihayafuru' (ft. Colleen's Manga Recs)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Colleen's Manga Recs to discuss shoujo and josei anime and manga. They cover the rapid rise of Colleen's YouTube channel, lessons that audience members can learn from shoujo, and misogyny in the anime and manga community. Then, they dive into why 'Chihayafuru' is such a special series and what other shoujo and josei people should watch and read.Nov 16, 202201:40:27Fall 2022 First ImpressionsIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They begin by discussing 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' and 'Tatami Time Machine Blues,' two series that already finished airing. Then, they dive into an incredibly stacked season of anime, from the highly anticipated 'Chainsaw Man' and 'Mob Psycho 100' to the return of 'Bleach' to a surprise anime of the year candidate in 'Bocchi the Rock!'Nov 02, 202202:11:52Fanservice and Guilty Pleasure in Ecchi AnimeEcchi is a Japanese slang term for playfully sexual actions which has over time come to be used as shorthand for works with erotic content and fanservice. Ionatan and Ravi discuss their own experiences with ecchi before traversing its history from Japanese erotic art to modern anime. Then, they dive into why 'High School DxD,' 'Kiss x Sis,' and 'High School of the Dead' are considered classics in the ecchi genre.Oct 19, 202202:15:58Covering the Anime Industry in Japan (ft. Daryl Harding)Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Daryl Harding, Senior Japan Correspondent at Crunchyroll News, to discuss covering the anime industry in Japan. They talk about Daryl's move from Australia to Japan, how running an anime news website called Fighting for Nippon as well as his YouTube channel influenced his career path, and how Daryl's reporting focuses on the intersection between anime, pop culture, and everyday life in Japan.Oct 05, 202201:51:04Tatsuki Fujimoto's Artistry in 'Look Back' and 'Goodbye, Eri'Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the 'Chainsaw Man' anime adaptation by discussing the mangaka behind the series: Tatsuki Fujimoto. They first recount their experiences reading manga and how it differs from watching anime before diving into Fujimoto's rise as one of the youngest stars in the manga industry. Then, they analyze how Fujimoto is able to craft complete narratives in 'Look Back' and 'Goodbye, Eri,' two brilliant one-shots that tackle themes such as the motivation for creating art, coping with trauma and loss, and the delineation between fantasy and reality.Sep 21, 202201:51:38Top Five Wit Studio AnimeWit Studio's rise over the past decade has been meteoric, driven by large-scale adaptations like 'Attack on Titan' and 'Vinland Saga.' Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's consistently excellent productions on a technical level and how it has transitioned to choosing smart, often anime original, projects in recent years. Then, they pick their top five Wit Studio anime including 'Spy x Family' and 'Ousama Ranking.'Sep 07, 202201:47:01Coming of Age and Dystopia in 'Shinsekai Yori''Shinsekai Yori' tells a complex coming of age story set in a dystopian society with unique fantasy elements. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down how mystery, time skips, and unreliable narration are utilized in its worldbuilding and analyzing its core themes of systemic oppression and control. They discuss the entirety of the plot as well as the cast of morally gray characters and interpret the warnings of the show's conclusion.Aug 24, 202201:58:31
