Best Anime Protagonist Podcasts (2025)

1
186 - Bloom Into [WEEB] 1:44:31

3h ago1:44:31

1:44:31

Bloom Into You Review & Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Anime Characters Episode Overview: Join AniPro hosts; Cole, Mike, and Jay as they dive into, and review, the hit yuri anime adaptation of Bloom Into You! Also, the hosts express their favorite LGBTQIA2S+ characters, what's been going on in their crazy weeks, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Getting lost in Latina trad wife TikTok 28:25

11h ago28:25

28:25

During a flurry of election-related anxiety, Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido re-downloaded TikTok and fell down a very specific rabbit hole: Latina trad wife content. Videos of women waking up at three in the morning, making “lonche” for their husbands and espousing traditional lifestyles – have become popular and gone viral on social med…

1
Chihayafuru S2 Ep 13-15: Teamwork Makes The Dream Work! 53:26

12h ago53:26

53:26

We hit the season 2 midpoint! IRL, Joe has finally finished some Gundam and gets to talk about it, while Sarah has warmed up to her puppy, despite the cord chewing. In Chihayafuru, we continue in team play. First we finish our game against Megumu and the all girls school. Chihaya’s game is pretty back and forth, but don’t worry about Tsutomu might …

1
Episode 133 - Mental Health and Animal Protagonists 58:35

2d ago58:35

58:35

Ben has TOO MANY game codes, so Aunt Norah is here to help! This back to back episodes… episode contains two conversations themed around the games Ben has been playing for review purposes. In the top half, they talk about the representations of the mental ailments in the games Next of Kin and RATSHAKER™. In the latter half, they talk about the hand…

1
E17: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Disasters, naturally 1:22:01

5d ago1:22:01

1:22:01

We’re taking cover and bracing for impact in an episode about our favorite disaster movies! Guests: Writer/comedian Jen Statsky (“Hacks,” “The Good Place,” “Parks and Recreation”), actor/writer Nik Dodani (“Twisters,” “Atypical,” “Dear Evan Hansen”), and actor/writer/director Katie Aselton (“Magic Hour,” “The League,” “Legion”) NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHIN…

1
185 - [WEEB] Hate, [WEEB] Love 1:48:47

7d ago1:48:47

1:48:47

Tsundere Character Traits, Tropes, & Our Own Tsundere Tendencies Episode Overview: What is a tsundere? Who are the best tsundere? Join Cole, Mike, and Jay as they explore the rich history of the tsundere trope; from its humble beginnings, to its massive popularity today. Also, Rent-a-Girlfriend took the internet by storm, Mike went out for wangs(?)…

1
Chihayafuru S2 Ep 10-12: Everybody's Shufflin' 53:09

10d ago53:09

53:09

This week we get revenge on the nerds. But first, Joe has finished watching Sakamoto days and Ghost in the Shell SAC 2nd gig and was down on both. Sarah meanwhile is all in on Love Island as her opinion is flipping for some contestants. How spicy! In Chihayafuru, the team squares off against the quiz bowl champs. Then we get some character stuff fo…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Did the cellphone ban in high schools work? 46:11

11d ago46:11

46:11

On February 18th, 2025, the LA Unified School District, the second largest public school district in the country, implemented an all-day cell phone ban for its students. Now that it’s the end of the school year, we head to Venice High School to see how the ban actually went. Grow your business–no matter what stage you’re in. Sign up for a one-dolla…

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Episode 132 - Derivative 1:05:19

12d ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Erik joins Ben this week to chew the fat about… math? NOPE! We’ll just insert THAT version of the definition into the title graphic instead, thank you (sorry, Norah)! However, the fellas ARE going to discuss how the word "derivative" is used in positive and negative contexts, but first a warmup—talking about their “glory days” and high school exper…

1
Girltaku 179: Favorite Short Anime 1:01:30

12d ago1:01:30

1:01:30

There's quite a bit of shorter anime mediums but we think they tend to go under the radar. This week, we discuss our favorites! CW: One of the short anime discussed centers on depression and suicide

1
E16: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Chick flicks 59:20

12d ago59:20

59:20

Call up your bestie and pour a glass of wine, because this episode is all about one of the most underappreciated movie genres: chick flicks! Guests: Writer/director Susanna Fogel, writer/comedian Alex Edelman, and writing/directing team Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (“Freaky Tales,” “Captain Marvel”). NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is a production of The Black …

1
184- Blooming With [WEEB] 1:55:25

14d ago1:55:25

1:55:25

Anime Parents Discussion & The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Manga Review Episode Overview: Join AniPro as they discuss character relationships, realistic drama, and much more in their review of the "Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity". Also, the boys celebrate father's day by overviewing the best anime parents, and more! Topics & Timestamps…

1
Imperfect Paradise: On the ground for LA's historic ICE protests 38:30

16d ago38:30

38:30

ICE raids began last Friday across Southern California. People have been detained and there have been confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. What exactly went down and where does Los Angeles go from here? We hear from family members of people detained by ICE and talk with LAist Civics and Democracy Correspondent Frank Stoltze about …

1
Chihayafuru S2 Ep 7-9: Raining on my Plane Parade 1:11:48

17d ago1:11:48

1:11:48

We’re back this week after taking a week off from last week. Instead we had our JP3 coverage so I hope you enjoyed that! Irl, Joe was spending time with his dad and Sarah was at a con! In Chihayafuru, we get one, solitary episode where we just hangout with characters and then it’s right back into tournament mode. We play against some international …

1
E15: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Paging Dr. Leonard 1:03:02

19d ago1:03:02

1:03:02

In this episode, we’re grabbing our stethoscopes and throwing around the term “stat!” for an episode about medical dramas. Test your knowledge alongside our guests, actor and rapper Utkarsh Ambudkar and writer Tracey Wigfield. Guests: Actor and rapper Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts,” “My Dead Friend Zoe,” “The Mindy Project”), and comedy writer Tracey W…

1
183 - Two Truths and a [WEEB] 2:03:01

21d ago2:03:01

2:03:01

Crunchyroll Anime Awards Reaction, Spring 2025 Seasonal Anime Discussion, & Anime / Video Game Two Truths & A Lie Episode Overview: Join The AniPro Podcast through a thrilling game of two truths and a lie as hosts Cole, Mike, and Jay try to deceive each other with anime related topics. Also, the beauty of Anne Shirley's visuals are explored, Uma Mu…

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Jurassic Park 3 (BONUS) 1:19:39

25d ago1:19:39

1:19:39

We finally reach the end of the original Jurassic Park trilogy with 2001's Jurassic Park 3. We share our thoughts about the differing foliage and dinosaur skins and wonder if they couldn't have made a million more of these movies. But they don't, at least not for like 14 years. Next time we're in reboot territory.…

1
Imperfect Paradise: Return from Mexico 39:42

26d ago39:42

39:42

In 2009, Gloria Arellano de la Rosa was banned from re-entering the U.S. for ten years, finding herself separated from her four children and husband. But unlike Daniel Zamora, she didn’t remake her life in Mexico. Every day she waited to go home to the U.S. Fernanda Echavarri tells the story of what happens when Gloria finally returns to the States…

1
Girltaku 178: Spring 2025 Anime Check-in 59:54

26d ago59:54

59:54

We discuss our reading assignments: Anne Shirley, Rock is A Lady's Modesty, and Kowloon Generic Romance

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E14: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Movie magic 1:07:16

26d ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Scrub down your cauldrons and polish your wands — this week on NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING we are delving into the world of magic! Or, at least, the world of movies and TV shows about magic. Guests: Writer Justin Halpern (“Abbott Elementary,” “$#*! My Dad Says”), actor/writer Mary Holland (“Ghosts,” “Nightbitch”), and writer Kim Rosenstock (“Dying for Se…

1
182 - [WEEB] Review: Beyond the Boundary 1:43:47

28d ago1:43:47

1:43:47

Reviewing Beyond the Boundary & Discussing Back To The Future, Formula 1, and AI Episode Overview: KyoAni has once again entered the hot seat as AniPro takes a look at the 2013 supernatural action show: Beyond the Boundary! Also, Jay continues a new tradition, Cole's new obsession continues, Mike's taken an interest in the future, and more! Topics …

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Episode 131 - Culture 1:08:43

30d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Ben’s long time friend Jen joins the podcast this week to talk about her bread making business called Worth Her Salt Sourdough, the challenges of understanding and navigating social media as a Generation X-er, her experiences teaching from primary school to community college, how video game culture has changed in the last 50 years, and the assorted…

1
Chihayafuru S2 Ep 4-6: Unlucky and Untalented 1:07:08

1M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

We do team sports today. But first, Joe and Sarah talk about our individual lives and stuff. Lots about giving presentations and public speaking this time. Everyone's FAVORITE thing!! Then in Chihayafuru, we’re back for more tournament action. Taichi is getting targeted hard by the next opponent and then we must contend with Retro’s secret weapon…w…

1
E13: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: 'Cause we are livin' in a procedural world 1:04:38

1M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

On NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING, we love case-of-the-week shows with acronyms for names, from “NCIS” to “Chicago PD” to “Law and Order: SVU.” On this week’s show, we get in on the procedural fun with actors Taran Killam, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Anna Konkle. Listen as our guests pitch their own procedurals, and try to solve the crime of bad movies and TV…

1
181 - Postman [WEEB] 1:47:11

1M ago1:47:11

1:47:11

Our Top Mecha / Gundam & Answering YOUR Mailbag Questions Episode Overview: While Jay is away, Mike and Cole took it upon themselves to answer YOUR mailbag questions! That's right! It's another mailbag episode this week! Also, Mike's going through a big change, Cole makes a big announcement, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00:00 - AniProPod #181 …

1
Chihayafuru S2 Ep 1-3: A Real Shoujo Protagonist 1:02:47

1M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

We get back to the mat this week with Chihayafuru S2. Second season is here! IRL, Joe is playing Kotor II and Sarah had fun times with her coworkers. We start off season 2 with two no characters, ones an icon and the other we both dislike. Can you guess which is which? As for the rest of the characters we pick off basically where they ended last se…

1
Girltaku 177: Anime Crossovers We'd Love To See 1:01:57

1M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

A special thanks to our listener for suggesting this topic! This week, we fantasize the ways our favorite anime media could crossover, and honestly, it was a LOT of fun

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E12: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: I saw the TV, d’oh 1:12:20

1M ago1:12:20

1:12:20

We’re giving into nostalgia and going full 90s mode with an episode about the many great (and some not so great) TV sitcoms of the decade. Guests: Actors Tichina Arnold (“The Neighborhood,” “Martin”), Vella Lovell (“Animal Control,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) and Timothy Simons (“Nobody Wants This,” “Veep”). NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is a production of The…

1
180 - One Man's [WEEB] 1:56:59

1M ago1:56:59

1:56:59

Gachiakuta Manga Review & News Discussion (GTA 6, Uma Musume, Chainsaw Man) Episode Overview: The boys dive head first into the trash heap as they review the Shonen battle manga; Gachiakuta! Tune in to find out whether they think it's a heaping pile of garbage, or a hidden gem! Also, a GTA 6 discussion before GTA 6, horse girls in real life(?), ani…

1
The Rose of Versailles (2025) 1:45:35

2M ago1:45:35

1:45:35

We say au revoir to revolutionary France this week as we send off the Rose of Versailles with the 2025 movie! But first, we talk about… the omegaverse?? We’re really on one today. Then we watch the movie and it’s, uh, different than the show. More musical, more tearful, more…uh….shallow. Come check it out! Next time it’s back to Chihayafuru.…

1
E11: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: A Spy Is Born 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

Martinis shaken, not stirred. Fast cars and shiny shoes. Villain monologues and absurd gadgets. From shagadelic parodies to suave 007 and serialized stories, we’re taking aim at spy movies. Guests: Actress Rose McIver (“Ghosts,” “iZombie”); writer/showrunner Raamla Mohamed (“Little Fires Everywhere,” “Reasonable Doubt,”); and writer/director Mark A…

1
179 - Checking in On An Old [WEEB] 2:50:38

2M ago2:50:38

2:50:38

Spring 2025 Seasonal Anime We're Watching Episode Overview: 2025 is flying by, and we're somehow already halfway into the Spring 2025 season! Join Cole, Mike, and Jay as they cover the anime worth watching (and some not worth watching) this season! Also, a critically-acclaimed game keeps eluding Jay's grasp, Mike's upset about price increases, Cole…

1
The Rose of Versailles Ep 39-40: The End of an Era 1:34:24

2M ago1:34:24

1:34:24

We’ve done it, we’ve reached the end of The Rose of Versailles, but just the beginning of the French Revolution. It’s been a long and really great series that both of us have enjoyed watching. But like our friends Oscar and Andre, eventually all good things must come to an end. What the future holds is anyone’s guess… Except it’s not a guess for us…

1
Imperfect Paradise: How the Rent Brigade took on LA’s landlords 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

In the days after LA’s early-January wildfires, tenant advocate Chelsea Kirk noticed a trend: rent gouging. Rents were shooting up past their legal limit. In the wake of the fires, as natural disaster collided with LA’s severe housing shortage, we trace how a collective of volunteers organized themselves to bring rent gouging to light in LA County.…

1
Girltaku 176: Underrated Anime of 2024 56:46

2M ago56:46

56:46

There's so much anime coming out these days that it can be impossible to watch them all. As a result, some really good anime fall through the cracks. We only had time to discuss 6. Anime Discussed: Oblivion Battery, Viral Hit, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, Nina The Starry Bride, Yatagarasu, and Train to the End of the World…

1
E10: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Hollywood Plays Itself 1:12:50

2M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Today we’re talking about the only truly noble pursuit there is — making movies! To honor the greatest industry in the world, this live episode of NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING is all about movies… about movies. Guests: Writer/actor Ashley Nicole Black (“A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Shrinking”); writer/actor Paul Scheer (“Black Monday,” “The League”); and w…

1
Episode 130 - Growth 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

Sky, one of the hosts of a men’s mental health podcast called Hey Man; It’s Ok, joins Ben this week to have a discussion about the word growth. After talking about the games they have been playing recently, they each open up a little bit and share their experiences with managing various mental health challenges and utilizing therapy. Next, they shi…

1
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (BONUS) 1:43:43

2M ago1:43:43

1:43:43

We're back on our watch through of all the Jurassic Park films. This time, with JP2, a movie that really leans in on Dinosaur chases and only is a little about being a dad. Will this be a bellwether for the rest of the movies? Sarah probably knows!

1
178 - [WEEB]s On The Slope 1:56:53

2M ago1:56:53

1:56:53

Kids on the Slope Anime Review + Our Favorite Concerts Episode Overview: With legendary anime director, Shinichiro Watanabe's, newest work hitting the scene this season, Jay tasked the boys to check out one of his previous works; the adaptation of a Jazz-themed Josei drama known as Kids on the Slope! Tune in to find out how jazzed AniPro was with t…

1
The Rose of Versailles Ep 37-38: Defection Affection 1:08:36

2M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Here we are, at the penultimate episode of our coverage of the Rose of Versailles. IRL, Joe is knee deep in Star Wars Rebels and books. Meanwhile, Sarah has been dating in Stardew Valley and IRL! In the Rose of Versailles, the Revolution is here! Fighting erupts in Paris and Oscar and Andre must decide what they’re going to do! But first, they have…

1
Imperfect Paradise: From ranchers with guns to gurus with crystals: How extremism in the American West has evolved 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

When Portland, Oregon-based reporter Leah Sottile began covering extremism in the American West a decade ago, she was interviewing ranchers, fundamentalist Mormons and “sovereign citizens” who did not believe the federal government should own land. During the pandemic, she began noticing that New Age wellness leaders were talking about many of the …

1
E9: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Legend has it that women have been a pivotal part of the film industry since its conception, even though some corners of the internet get really angry if you say that. But this week on NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING, our guests Lauren Lapkus, Jackie Tohn, and Michael Urie get to the bottom of the mystery that is women in film (in an episode written and prod…

1
177 - Taking Pictures of [WEEB] 1:53:01

2M ago1:53:01

1:53:01

Mono Manga Review & Underrated Anime Settings Episode Overview: Mike is back from the promised land of Japan to join Cole and Jay once again for a review of Laid Back Camp's sister manga; Mono! Tune in to find out if Afro's new follow up lives up to their previous work! Also, Mike catches up with the boyz, AniPro discusses their favourite, and most…

1
The Rose of Versailles Ep 34-36: France in Flux 1:18:53

2M ago1:18:53

1:18:53

We close in on the end. In our real lives, Joe has watched the first episode of like four anime series and isn’t that confident in how they’ll turn out. Sarah, meanwhile, continues her quest to watch all of Survivor. In the Rose of Versailles, things are kicking off. Oscar is dying and possibly turning traitor (thank god!) while Andre is trying to …

1
Imperfect Paradise: Can Oakland point the way for the future of liberal cities 34:50

2M ago34:50

34:50

Journalist Alexis Madrigal is obsessed with the port of Oakland. He even has a tattoo of a shipping container! In his new book, The Pacific Circuit, he makes the case that Oakland is where the real-world impacts of globalization are felt, and serves as a warning for other port communities. He documents the impact that the tech/logistics industry ha…

1
Girltaku 175: Spring 2025 Anime Watchlist 55:08

2M ago55:08

55:08

We talk about the anime we've watched so far for Spring of this year!

1
E8: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING: Time After Time After Time 1:13:20

2M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Some people think space is the final frontier, but those people are wrong. It's actually time travel! Space, we've been there. But time travel has only happened in fiction. Still, just the thought of the possibility of rewriting the past is one we can't seem to shake, as evidenced by the movies that Hollywood continues to make about time travel — o…

1
176 - Crunchyroll [WEEB] Awards 1:55:49

2M ago1:55:49

1:55:49

Crunchyroll Anime Awards Predictions & Switch 2 Price Reaction Episode Overview: The nominees for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards are here, and AniPro is ready to predict just what they think will win each category! Also, the Nintendo Switch 2 prices dropped, Jay’s watching anime, Cole returned to a forgotten game, Mike’s gone to a better place, and m…

1
Episode 129 - A Chat With Doug (from Small Rice Studios) 48:49

2M ago48:49

48:49

VR and tabletop game designer from Small Rice Studios, Doug joins Ben this week to talk about the recently released cozy card game ROAST, which he designed along with his brother Nick (who Ben had the pleasure of meeting at PAX West 2024). Ben had some questions about the design, development, and testing of ROAST—all of which Doug is more than happ…

1
Imperfect Paradise: The fallout over LAFD funding: Bass vs. Crowley 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Amid the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires that killed more than two dozen people, a political conflict came sharply into focus surrounding the funding of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). Finger-pointing as to who was to blame included former LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and LA Mayor Karen Bass. The two women would be lambasted for thei…

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