Anazao Podcasts

Anazao (an-ah-zah’-o) is a Koine Greek word meaning “new life” or “life restored,” describing both a moment of revival and an ongoing process of renewal. To wake from death, to be re-formed, or to continually renew the mind, body, and soul is to "anazao". Our network aims to live into that renewal by asking better questions and engaging the world as it actually is. We explore a variety of topics such as martial arts, Taoism, horror, science, pop culture, questions of Church unity, and more. Too often Christian media settles for safe answers and shallow conversations; we’d rather wrestle with what’s hard, strange, or uncomfortable. By digging beneath clichés and taking ideas seriously - whether from the Bible, a dojo, a film, the Church, or a laboratory - we believe faith doesn’t shrink. It restores, engages, and brings new life.

  1. 11h ago

    Birth By Sleep: How to Change Your Heart's Perspective (Part 1)

    Joshua Noel and Christian Ashley dive straight into Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep while unpacking the fresh Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer—talking the Coco world reveal, the surprise anime, and why the Dandelion/mobile-era lore actually matters for what’s coming next. Joshua, the obsessive fan who can’t stop geeking out, rides shotgun and he gets hyped about Disney finally putting real money behind the franchise; Christian, the patient co-host, plays the sober counterpoint and he admits Nomura’s weird choices still Stockholm him into loving the ride. They dig into Birth by Sleep’s meat — Terra, Aqua, Ventus, and a manipulative Xehanort whose Star Wars/Star Trek vibes make the whole prequel feel like a space-opera soap opera — and they tease how the game’s themes of friendship, perspective, and balance still hit hard despite the goofy “Gorsh, the forces of darkness” moments. Joshua explains how the Dandelion dispatch, Strelitzia, and Sigurd from the dead mobile games are threaded into KH4’s setup, so the announced anime or comics could patch lore gaps for newcomers. Christian mounts a calm defense of Aqua — she isn’t a Mary Sue because she fails, sacrifices, and pays real costs — and both of them praise the triple-perspective storytelling that makes Birth by Sleep emotionally resonant. They close by promising a follow-up deep-dive (and a members-only bonus) about hoped-for KH4 worlds, cameos, and summons — basically, the kind of nerdy wishlist that keeps the fandom delightfully unhinged. Joshua and Christian roll up their sleeves and geek out hard about Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, treating listeners to a relaxed, clever walkthrough that mixes heartfelt feels with straight-up nerd banter. Joshua plays the hype-man, buzzing about the fresh D23 reveals — Coco as a world, a Kingdom Hearts anime, and the mysterious Dandelion dispatch — while Christian brings the calmer, analytical muscle, sketching out why Disney finally seems to be taking the franchise seriously. They riff about Nomura doing Nomura things, Disney maybe leaning in on merch and media, and the community reaction when Heartless crash a Coco-style stadium reveal. Expect jokes about Spock-voiced Xehanort and Luke Skywalker energy, and a signature laugh over Goofy shouting Gorsh at the forces of darkness. Beyond the laughs, the hosts keep it thoughtful: they map how Birth by Sleep fits ten years before KH1, why the Dandelions and mobile-game lore matter to KH4, and why the new anime could be the perfect medium to fill gaps. They tease a bonus members-only segment about desired KH4 worlds and cameos, shout out longtime supporter Frank, and gently remind listeners to rate, review, and join the community. It's hype mixed with heart — like a cosplay of a therapist who still brings a Keyblade to show-and-tell. Takeaways: Joshua and Christian hype Birth by Sleep's trio dynamic—Ventus, Terra, Aqua—and how friendship, loyalty, and perspective drive the emotional core of the story.They nerd out about the D23 Kingdom Hearts 4 trailer, celebrating Coco as a world, the anime announcement, and Disney finally putting real money behind the franchise — hype, no cap.They stress that obscure mobile-game lore like the Dandelion Dispatch, Strelitzia, and Sigurd matters deeply for KH4's setup, arguing those inaccessible bits still seed future plotlines and fan theories.Christian unpacks Xehanort and Master of Masters' manipulation, comparing Terra's fall to an Anakin-esque tragedy and emphasizing the series' recurring philosophical question: what balance between light and dark actually means.They praise the game's trio-perspective storytelling for fostering empathy and showing how miscommunication and partial information enable manipulation — and they joke that if the heroes had cell phones, much of the drama would've been avoided.Christian gives a pointed defense of Aqua as far from a Mary Sue, noting her tangible failures, costly sacrifices, and emotional consequences that make her character hard-earned and resonant.They voice cautious optimism about KH4 having fewer but deeper worlds while banking on the anime and other media to expand canon, soothe fans' worries, and plug narrative holes.They close by stressing community vibes — shouting out supporters, urging ratings and memberships, and reminding listeners that the whole geeky mission runs on friendship and smiles. . Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website: https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Check out all of our Disney episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/09b1c796-b409-4cfe-bbd0-8b7a8032f846 . Listen to our other gaming episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/409f2d81-9857-4426-b1f0-d8a02e58b150 . Listen to all of our Kingdom Hearts episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/91eb2808-3652-46d5-9377-d0ff6a9cc354 . Check out other episodes with Joshua: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0 . Listen to all of Christian's episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c Mentioned in this episode: Systematic Geekology Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities. Join our Facebook group and Discord Server Find our Facebook group, "Priests to the Geeks", then join our Discord server with this link to continue on the conversation with us! Discord The Anazao Podcast Network Be sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more! Anazao Podcast Network Get Your SG Merch now! Check out the link to see all of our different t-shirts, backpacks, drinking glasses, pajamas, and more! SG on Fourthwall Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky to keep up to date! Follow our show on our socials to keep up to date and get some exclusive content and fun memes!

    Birth By Sleep: How to Change Your Heart's Perspective (Part 1)
  2. 5d ago

    Geeks on a Roll: A Life Forge-ry

    A ragtag crew of pop‑culture icons race to restore life across collapsing worlds by chasing Maui's hook and returning the Heart of Te Fiti — and they end up squaring off with a grief‑driven Tony Stark and a well‑meaning Celebrimbor who’ve been “forging” life in all the wrong ways. Joshua Noel, the GM, moons in and out of exposition, dropping the players on Motunui and basically saying “fix it” with minimal paperwork. TJ Blackwell and our guest, Mark Flower, pick an absurdly fun lineup to play through this story - Deborah from the book of Judges, Princess Shuri from Black Panther, Elphaba from Wicked, Appa from ATLA, and Long John Silver from Treasure Planet. The group immediately bicker, banter, and break into a musical number to distract Tamatoa. Elphaba provides chaotic magical flair while Shuri brings tech savvy, and they balance each other as the plot wrestles with a juicy ethical snag: is creating life at all costs justified, even if it means trampling other lives? The ride includes buffed Kakamora ambushes, a Going Merry jaunt to Mount Doom, a shoe‑button weak spot in Tony’s suit, a persuasive prayer that changes the course of events, and a final score that smashes the Geeks on a Roll leaderboard. They leave things both healed and messy — which, of course, means there’s ripe material for a sequel and a lot of post‑game chatter about utilitarian temptations and who really gets to make life. Chaos meets conscience as a ragtag crew of pop-culture weirdos—Deborah, Princess Shuri, Elphaba, Appa, and Long John Silver—are plunked down on Moana's Motonui with dying trees and rotten coconuts. The GM, Joshua, tees up a straight-to-the-point quest: nab Maui's hook, snag the Heart of Te Fiti, and maybe not wreck everything in the process. They chase a glowing hook to Tamatoa, survive a buffed-up Kakamora ambush (because of course the small fry had to be extra spicy), and pull off a delightfully absurd musical moment when Elphaba serenades the giant crab. Tamatoa is neither fully villain nor punchline—he's depressed, shiny-less, and convincing enough that negotiation and song beat pure slaughter. From there the plot pivots meta: Tony Stark shows up in an organic, life-spawning suit forged with Celebrimbor, explaining a utilitarian impulse to “fix life” by force and technology. The team wrestles with whether to stop him, steal his juice, or yank the Heart back to where it belongs. Shuri's tech savvy, Deborah's steady leadership and prayer roll, Elphaba's witchy skepticism, Appa's snack-driven practicality, and Silver's opportunistic charm all collide in a series of tense-but-hilarious interactions. Will the team be able to heal Earth 616, Arda, and the island of Motunui - or will they defeat themselves?! Takeaways: We discuss “theology is play” as a way to let story sneak past our defenses and teach ethics more joyfully than dry argumentation, which made the episode surprisingly thoughtful and not preachy.They cobbled together a weird Guardians-style ragtag crew—Deborah, Shuri, Elphaba, Appa, and John Silver—whose clashing leadership vibes created tasty conflict and comedic gold.Mark and TJ wrestle with a messy utilitarian quandary when Tony uses the Heart of Te Fiti to manufacture life, prompting debate about whether good ends excuse ethically dubious means.Joshua ran a fast, improv-heavy campaign with musical interludes, bargain-flipping pirate antics, and cinematic set-pieces, keeping the pacing spicy and delightfully unpredictable.TJ and Mark solved problems by blending strengths—Shuri’s tech smarts, Elphaba’s magic, Deborah’s decisiveness, Appa’s mobility, and Silver’s cheeky opportunism—illustrating cooperative creativity over brute force.Joshua, TJ, and Mark all flag hubris as the real antagonist: Tony and Celebrimbor’s well-intentioned overreach shows how unchecked power and utility-minded fixes can backfire spectacularly.They kept the vibe loose and witty—friendly smack-talk, pop-culture nerdery, and genuine reflection—so heavy theological questions felt accessible and even kinda fun.Joshua rewarded the team for entertainment and creativity, declaring a new high-score on the show while planting seeds for future cross-universe shenanigans. . Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website: https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Check out all of our Geeks on a Roll series: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ce33764f-91e5-4e06-9b52-15f678b02006 . Listen to more of our episodes on Middle Earth: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/7bdc3a47-0c58-40f1-88da-9f14079772f7 . Listen to more of our Marvel episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/fb519d38-2d9b-4f82-b041-81b81613543c . Don't miss any of our gaming episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/409f2d81-9857-4426-b1f0-d8a02e58b150 . Check out all of our Disney episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/09b1c796-b409-4cfe-bbd0-8b7a8032f846 . Check out other episodes with Joshua: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0 . Check out other episodes with TJ: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5e . Listen to other episodes with great guests like Mark: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0d46051e-3772-49ec-9e2c-8739c9b74cde Mentioned in this episode: Systematic Geekology Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities. Join our Facebook group and Discord Server Find our Facebook group, "Priests to the Geeks", then join our Discord server with this link to continue on the conversation with us! Discord Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky to keep up to date! Follow our show on our socials to keep up to date and get some exclusive content and fun memes! Subscribe to our show on YouTube You can get the video version of the show and lots of extra exclusives on our YouTube channel! YouTube The Anazao Podcast Network Be sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more! Anazao Podcast Network

    Geeks on a Roll: A Life Forge-ry
  3. Sep 8

    Treasure Planet: The Unsung Heroes Behind Jim Hawkins

    Who inspired Jim Hawkins to explore Treasure Planet? That's the burning question on the table as John Erdely, Christian Ashley, and TJ Blackwell dive deep into the cinematic treasure trove that is Disney's animated classic. The trio riffs on the film's vibrant characters, especially focusing on the rebellious spirit of Jim Hawkins, who is not just a teen lost in space but a symbol of adventure and self-discovery. They explore the various influences behind Jim—his family dynamics, the quirky mentor figures like Dr. Doppler, and the unexpected bonds formed with characters like Long John Silver. With a relaxed vibe and witty banter, the hosts celebrate the iconic animation style and the film's unique blend of sci-fi and classic literature, all while keeping it light and entertaining. It's a treasure hunt of insights into the faces behind one of Disney's most underrated gems! Takeaways: In this episode, the trio dives deep into the character Jim Hawkins, exploring his evolution from a rebellious teen to a confident adventurer, showcasing the classic hero's journey.They dissect the influences behind Jim, particularly how his relationships with figures like Long John Silver shape his development and choices throughout Treasure Planet.The gang brings humor into their analysis, joking about Jim's angsty nature while also reflecting on how relatable his struggles are for many viewers.Listeners learn how the film's unique animation style, Deep Canvas, enhances the storytelling, making Treasure Planet a visual masterpiece in Disney's catalog.They also touch on the film's less-than-stellar box office performance, pondering how such a beloved film could be overlooked despite its artistic achievements.Lastly, the hosts emphasize the importance of mentorship in Jim's journey, especially how Silver's influence transforms him, making for a rich discussion on character development. . Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website: https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Check out all of our annual theme for 2026 ("The Faces Behind Us") series: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/dd903597-98be-49ed-998c-5cdaf73b6af4 . Listen to our other Disney epsiodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/09b1c796-b409-4cfe-bbd0-8b7a8032f846 . Check out our last episode on Treasure Planet with TJ: https://systematic-geekology.captivate.fm/episode/what-makes-treasure-planet-so-beautiful/ . Check out other episodes with Christian: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c . Check out other episodes with TJ: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5e . Don't miss any of John's episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0501276f-17e9-48cf-81a7-140cc6dbad53 Mentioned in this episode: Become a Member of Systematic Geekology Today! You can become a member of Systematic Geekology using the link below and gain access to free extra content, exclusive t-shirts, merchandise giveaways, and much more! SG on Fourthwall Systematic Geekology Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities. Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky to keep up to date! Follow our show on our socials to keep up to date and get some exclusive content and fun memes! Join our Facebook group and Discord Server Find our Facebook group, "Priests to the Geeks", then join our Discord server with this link to continue on the conversation with us! Discord The Anazao Podcast Network Be sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more! Anazao Podcast Network

    Treasure Planet: The Unsung Heroes Behind Jim Hawkins
  4. Sep 3

    Unpacking Star Wars Legends: Tales of the Jedi

    Christian Ashley and Joe Dea dive deep into the rich tapestry of "Tales of the Jedi" in this episode of Systematic Geekology, unraveling the intriguing lore of the Old Republic and its epic conflicts. They explore the intricacies of the Sith and Jedi dynamics, showcasing how this comic series painted a vivid picture of the Star Wars universe long before the prequels came into play. With clever banter and insightful commentary, they discuss pivotal characters like Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider, whose journeys highlight themes of redemption and the complex nature of light versus dark. Listeners can expect a relaxed vibe as Christian and Joe navigate through the nostalgia of the '90s comics and reflect on how these stories have shaped the broader Star Wars narrative. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into the galaxy far, far away, this episode promises a fun exploration of the legends that have captivated fans for decades. Christian Ashley and Joe Dea dive deep into the rich lore of Star Wars Legends, specifically focusing on the Tales of the Jedi comic series. From the outset, they explore the era of the Old Republic, unraveling the complex history that shaped the galaxy far, far away. The conversation kicks off with a look at the Golden Age of the Sith, where Jedi and Sith alike engage in a battle for supremacy, introducing concepts such as battle meditation and the exploration of uncharted space. Joe highlights the significance of the Sith as both a species and an ideology, while Christian notes the series' role in reviving interest in the Star Wars franchise during a dry spell post-Return of the Jedi. As they navigate through the narrative, they discuss key characters like Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider, delving into their personal journeys and the broader implications of their choices. The pair also reflect on the comic's vintage aesthetic, attributing its unique storytelling style to the creative freedom afforded by Dark Horse Comics during the 90s, before transitioning into a discussion of the series' darker themes, including betrayal, redemption, and the cyclical nature of good and evil in the Star Wars universe. Takeaways: Christian and Joe dive deep into the lore of the Old Republic, exploring the origins of the Sith and Jedi dynamics in the Tales of the Jedi comic series.The duo emphasizes the impact of the 90s storytelling style on the Star Wars universe, showcasing how Legends expanded the lore beyond what was seen on screen.Ulic Qel-Droma's tragic arc serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the seductive nature of the dark side, mirroring themes found in the broader Star Wars saga.Nomi Sunrider's growth as a Jedi highlights the importance of resilience and redemption, illustrating that even in the face of loss, one can rise to become a beacon of hope.The discussion touches on the unique narrative structure of the Tales of the Jedi comics, which often eschews traditional three-act storytelling for a more expansive exploration of character and world-building.The podcast wraps up by reflecting on how the themes of redemption and legacy in Tales of the Jedi resonate with modern audiences, inviting listeners to ponder their own journeys. . Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website: https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/ . Check out all of our Star Wars episodes: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/8a69b978-b30c-4515-9e5d-a38a84cc367f . Check out our All Reading Counts series: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/3706021e-22e5-4598-ae1d-732ec8e275a9 . Check out other episodes with Christian: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/ebf4b064-0672-47dd-b5a3-0fff5f11b54c . Check out other episodes with great guests like Joe: https://player.captivate.fm/collection/0d46051e-3772-49ec-9e2c-8739c9b74cde Mentioned in this episode: Get Your SG Merch now! Check out the link to see all of our different t-shirts, backpacks, drinking glasses, pajamas, and more! SG on Fourthwall Donate to our Show / Check Out Free Extras Check out our show on Fourthwall to donate to the podcast or get free extra content! SG on Fourthwall Systematic Geekology Our show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities. Join our Facebook group and Discord Server Find our Facebook group, "Priests to the Geeks", then join our Discord server with this link to continue on the conversation with us! Discord The Anazao Podcast Network Be sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more! Anazao Podcast Network

    Unpacking Star Wars Legends: Tales of the Jedi

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About

Anazao (an-ah-zah’-o) is a Koine Greek word meaning “new life” or “life restored,” describing both a moment of revival and an ongoing process of renewal. To wake from death, to be re-formed, or to continually renew the mind, body, and soul is to "anazao". Our network aims to live into that renewal by asking better questions and engaging the world as it actually is. We explore a variety of topics such as martial arts, Taoism, horror, science, pop culture, questions of Church unity, and more. Too often Christian media settles for safe answers and shallow conversations; we’d rather wrestle with what’s hard, strange, or uncomfortable. By digging beneath clichés and taking ideas seriously - whether from the Bible, a dojo, a film, the Church, or a laboratory - we believe faith doesn’t shrink. It restores, engages, and brings new life.

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