AniPro Podcast

Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • 4.8 (10)
  • ANIMATION & MANGA
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

AniPro Podcast is your weekly go-to for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Hosted by Cole, Mike, and Jay, we spotlight classic anime, debate the hottest seasonal shows, dive into manga, and explore the culture behind it all. No gatekeeping, no drama, just three passionate nerds with lively, thoughtful discussions and the occasional gaming detour. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, AniPro is your enthusiastic and welcoming guide to Japanese entertainment.

  1. 1D AGO

    230 - [WEEB] Explore Evangelion

    Neon Genesis Evangelion Anime Review, It's Cultural Impact & Hideaki Anno Discussion The latest listeners' choice review is here! You voted, and they listened; this week, AniPro reviews the anime many consider to be Hideaki Anno's magnum Opus: Neon Genesis Evangelion! Tune in and find out whether or not it lives up to the hype, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro to Neon Genesis Evangelion & Cultural Impact05:53 - Psychological Depth, Genre Deconstruction & Themes12:04 - Evangelion's Merchandising Success & Obscure Legacy30:00 - Evolution of Anime Openings & Character Archetypes45:58 - The Complexities of Hideaki Anno53:08 - Operation Yashima Trivia & Break56:08 - Listener's Choice Review: Evangelion & Recommendations01:08:06 - Character Deep Dive: Shinji, Misato & Self-Perception01:22:00 - Are the Characters Over-Hated or Over-Analyzed?01:39:27 - Production Choices, The Elevator Scene & Visuals01:51:31 - Ambiguity in Storytelling & Creator Psychoanalysis02:05:11 - Wrapping Up, Final Ratings & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: TokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram: https://instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Manga: Akane BanashiAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 13m

  2. APR 26

    229 - The Defense Calls [WEEB] To The Stand

    Defending Anime PR Disasters + Wrestlemania XL, Manga Recommendations, One Piece X Popeyes, & K-Pop Concerts The boys channel their inner Phoenix Wright, this week, as they assemble the best defense team for an anime character of their choosing! What heinous crime did they commit? Well, that's up to the co-hosts to decide of course! Also, Cole's taking suggestions, Mike returns, Jay watches ads (with a bit of wrestling), and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & WrestleMania 4005:50 - Vegas Trips & Desert Drives08:54 - Manga: Girl Meets Rock11:57 - Twice Concert & Spice Girls14:57 - One Piece x Popeyes & Wings35:06 - Mailbag: Shounen Anime Story45:00 - QotW: The Simpsons Record56:05 - PR Game: Defending Villains01:04:59 - Drafting The Defense Teams01:34:29 - Roleplaying Press Conference01:58:53 - Wrapping Up & Next TimeSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Akane BanashiAnime: Neon Genesis EvangelionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 1m

  3. APR 19

    228 - [WEEB] Predict the Crunchyroll Anime Awards!

    2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards Predictions + Yu-Gi-Oh, Seasonal Anime & Bionicle While Mike is away, Cole and Jay take it upon themselves to start an annual tradition. This week, join 2/3rds of AniPro as they analyze and predict who will win the 2026 Crunchyroll awards! Also, Cole's got the dueling bug, Jay's watching shows, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro, Seasonal Anime & Card Game Nostalgia14:54 - Childhood Toys, VHS Tapes & Media Evolution35:02 - Mailbag: Evolving Anime Cinematography42:46 - The Crunchyroll Awards: Mid-Year Rant & Intro51:49 - Music & Sequences: Endings, Openings, Scores & Songs01:08:29 - Character Awards: Must Protect, Supporting & Main01:16:16 - Genre Battles: Slice of Life, Drama, Isekai & Action01:25:35 - Comedy, Romance & Technical Achievements01:42:49 - Series Awards: Original, New & Continuing01:51:29 - The Big Ones: Film & Anime of the Year01:58:18 - Wrapping Up & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Akane Banashi → Magical Girl DandelionAnime: Neon Genesis Evangelion → Now and Then, Here and ThereMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 1m

  4. APR 12

    227 - Drunk on [WEEB]

    Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk Manga Review + The Mario Galaxy Movie, Artemis II, Pokémon Sleep / Gen 6 It's been a while, and AniPro is raring to review another manga! This week, it's the manga that spawned an upcoming adaptation: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk! Tune in to find out if it's a manga to remember, or something the boys wish they could blackout from their memory! Also, Cole's blasting off, Jay watched a movie, Mike's getting a good night's sleep, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Super Mario Bros. Movie Review12:10 - Space Exploration: The Artemis II Mission21:50 - Pokémon X, TCG & Pokémon Sleep33:31 - AniPro Asks: The Indestructible Gulf War Game Boy39:37 - Mailbag: Pitching New Sports Manga Ideas48:50 - Manga Review: Botan Kamina Fully Blossoms When Drunk01:12:17 - Production, Art Style & Edutainment Elements01:22:31 - Character Dynamics, Pacing & The Anime Adaptation01:45:24 - Final Thoughts, Ratings & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: TokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offPatreonMailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Akane BanashiAnime: Neon Genesis EvangelionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 52m

  5. APR 5

    226 - Wrapping the Winter [WEEB]

    Winter 2026 Anime Awards - Biggest Flops, Best Girls, & Anime of the Season You've seen our Spring impressions, now it's Winter's turn! This week, AniPro awards the best Winter 2026's anime season had to offer! From best visuals, to best girl, and the coveted best new and continuing anime of the season, there are a lot of awards to give, and a lot of steals to be made! We're breaking down the biggest hits and the most surprising misses, touching on everything from the dominance of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, to standout newcomers like You and I Are Polar Opposites and Journal with Witch. Plus, we debate where shows like Fate/Strange Fake, Steel Ball Run, Oshi no Ko Season 3, and Chained Soldier landed in our rankings, alongside some hidden gems and the biggest flops of the season. Also, Mike's enjoying YouTube, one show finds awards dominance, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Winter 2026 Anime Awards Begin02:58 - Podcast Banter & Pokémon TCG Talk12:05 - Anime Awards Scoring & Draft Recap23:45 - The Biggest Flops of Winter 202630:12 - Best Opening & Ending Sequences41:16 - Best Writing & Plot47:24 - Visuals, Animation & Direction57:59 - Studio of the Season01:01:02 - Best Girl01:21:42 - Best Boy01:32:19 - Best Ensemble Cast01:40:00 - Most Fun Anime of the Season01:47:30 - Most Underrated Anime01:56:11 - Best Continuing or Returning Anime02:01:58 - Best New Anime & Wrapping UpSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat (Code: ANIPRO)Follow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Neon Genesis EvangelionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 10m

  6. MAR 29

    225 - A Preview of [WEEB]

    Top 15 New Anime To Watch - Spring 2026 Season Preview With Spring 2026 on the horizon, AniPro is here to help YOU figure out what to watch! This season of anime has a little something for everyone, so there's bound to be a banger just waiting for your eyes! We're breaking down our top 15 most anticipated new shows, including Witch Hat Atelier, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, and Rooster Fighter, plus returning heavyweights like Re;Zero and Dr. Stone. Also, Cole's telling the time, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro, Spring 2026 Preview & Affordable Watches09:00 - Returning Sequels: ReZero, Dr. Stone & Wistoria25:27 - More Sequels: Dorohedoro, Classroom of the Elite & Farming Life42:25 - Question of the Week, Sponsor Break & Death Note Trivia54:30 - Jay's Top 15 Anime Setup & Early Picks01:05:13 - Top 15: Pedals of Reincarnation & Witch Hat Atelier01:19:40 - Top 15: Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Akane Banashi & BL Picks01:34:16 - Top 15: Snowball Earth, Needy Girl Overdose & Aaron the Southpaw01:44:29 - Top 15: Rooster Fighter, Dumb Prefect & Ramparts of Ice01:54:40 - Top 15: Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku & 2nd Prettiest Girl02:01:15 - Honorable Mentions & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: TokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offPatreonMailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Neon Genesis EvangelionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 17m

  7. MAR 22

    224 - Gaming Gone [WEEB]

    Gaming Hot Takes + One Piece Live Action Season 2, Chainsaw Man, JJK Modulo Thoughts The game corner continues as AniPro fires off their hottest gaming takes! From Nintendo, to IGN, the boys have takes bound to spice things up! Also, Jay's One Piece of work, Mike finished a manga, Cole has someone read him a bedtime story, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Live-Action One Piece Season 206:11 - Manga Endings: Chainsaw Man & Jujutsu Kaisen26:07 - The Exorcist Audiobook & Reading Habits40:32 - Mailbag: Trusted Anime Studios in 202646:20 - Zelda Trivia, Ad Break & Teeny Tiny Trophy54:06 - Gaming Hot Takes: Sports Games & Open Worlds01:13:09 - Graphics Obsession vs. Unique Game Art01:21:35 - Nintendo's Business Practices & Hardware01:35:01 - Overrated Original Pokémon Games & Nostalgia01:42:58 - The Flaws of Numbered Game Reviews01:51:01 - Framerate Obsession, Remakes & Paid DLC02:02:42 - Wrapping Up & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: PatreronMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Neon Genesis EvangelionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 5m

  8. MAR 15

    223 - [WEEB]y Streamer Overload

    Needy Streamer Overload Game Review + Transformers One & Umamusume Movie AniPro broadens their horizons with their first game review! What better way to kick off a new segment than with a manic, unhinged game that spawned an anime: Needy Streamer Overload! Also, the boys watched movies, times are a-changin', Cole got new Gundams, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Umamusume Movie06:03 - Crimson Desert & Sci-Fi vs Fantasy12:01 - Transformers One Review15:01 - The Daylight Savings Rant26:26 - Uncut Gems Review31:08 - Mailbag: The Variety Pack Dilemma40:40 - Trivia: The First Pokémon Ever Made47:36 - Needy Streamer Overload Review01:01:09 - Gameplay, Endings & The Switch Version01:34:23 - The Upcoming Anime Adaptation01:38:47 - Final Ratings & Next Time on AniProSupport AniPro: TokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offPatreonMailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Anime: Now and Then, Here and ThereManga: Botan Kamina Fully Blossoms When DrunkMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 48m
See All (211)

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

AniPro Podcast is your weekly go-to for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Hosted by Cole, Mike, and Jay, we spotlight classic anime, debate the hottest seasonal shows, dive into manga, and explore the culture behind it all. No gatekeeping, no drama, just three passionate nerds with lively, thoughtful discussions and the occasional gaming detour. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, AniPro is your enthusiastic and welcoming guide to Japanese entertainment.

Information

  • Creator
    Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Show Website
    AniPro Podcast

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