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. 3D AGO

    218 - The Fifth Annual [WEEB]ies

    2025 Anime Awards - Anime of the Year, Best Girl & Our Teeny Tiny Trophy Over the past few weeks, you've voted, and now it's time! It's the fifth annual WEEBie awards: the annual AniPro awards show that will determine what the best anime had to offer truly was! From best OP, to best girl, to Anime of the Year, this is a show you're not going to want to miss! Also, a winner is crowned, one of us is out of touch, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & The 5th Annual WEEBie Awards05:26 - How the Voting Works09:03 - Explaining "Out of Touch" Points & The Teeny Tiny Trophy13:06 - Biggest Flop of 202518:08 - Best Opening Sequence23:26 - Best Ending Sequence29:29 - Best Direction37:00 - Visuals in Anime45:00 - Best Studio53:52 - Question of the Week: Was Kirby named after a vacuum? & Ad Break58:32 - Best Girl01:08:36 - Best Boy01:14:48 - Best Duo01:22:01 - Most Fun Anime01:28:09 - Most Underrated Anime01:35:47 - Anime of the Year01:43:08 - The "Out of Touch" Award01:47:51 - Teeny Tiny Trophy Presentation01:51:39 - Upcoming ReviewsSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat (Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off)Follow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionCredits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.stream & Break Music by AniPro Enjoying 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 56m

  2. FEB 1

    217 - [WEEB] Torch

    Black Torch Review & The Canceled Manga Debate With an anime on the way, AniPro took a look at the Black Torch manga to see what caused the greenlight despite its early demise! Also, Jay's still sick, Mike's throwing on music, Cole's all over the map, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Tower of Manga04:50 - Reading Detective Conan09:50 - YouTube Premium & Background Noise16:29 - Purple Tape Entertainment28:11 - Upcoming Manga Reviews: Botan Kamiina, Akane Banashi & Magical Girl Dandelion41:05 - Question of the Week: The Skyrim Giant Glitch45:11 - Review: Black Torch51:18 - Do Axed Manga Deserve Anime Adaptations?56:50 - Comparing Black Torch to Kaiju No. 8 & Chainsaw Man01:00:31 - The Bleach Inspiration & Art Style01:13:00 - Shonen Tropes & Loose Ends01:23:30 - Did the Ending Satisfy?01:34:16 - Why Was It Popular in the West?01:40:43 - Hopes for the Anime Adaptation01:48:33 - Final Thoughts & Ratings01:57:14 - Upcoming Anime, Game & TV ReviewsSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter)InstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionCredits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.stream & AniPro Enjoying 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. JAN 25

    216 - The Worst of the [WEEB]

    2025 Worst Anime Awards - The Middies, Overrated Shows & Our Favorite Reviews While they warm up for the WEEBies, AniPro explored the other end of the spectrum. This week, it's the worst of Anime in 2025. AniPro Presents: The MIDdies!Also, the boys reminisce about their past reviews, Cole's found a new obsession, and more! 00:00 - Introduction to The Middies02:53 - Reviewing 2025: Our Favorite & Least Favorite Reviews09:32 - What's On Our Minds: YouTube Premium & Duolingo19:28 - Retrospective: Best Anime Reviews of 202526:30 - Retrospective: Best Manga Reviews of 202531:35 - Retrospective: The Most Forgettable & Disappointing Reviews47:08 - AniPro Asks: Can Sonic The Hedgehog Swim?48:06 - Ad Break: Tokyo Treat & Sakurako53:09 - Answering The AniPro Asks56:30 - The Middies: Worst OP01:04:38 - The Middies: Most Visually Painful01:21:05 - The Middies: Worst Girl01:27:35 - The Middies: Worst Boy01:34:10 - The Middies: Worst Chemistry01:40:00 - The Middies: Least Fun Anime01:45:38 - The Middies: Most Overrated Anime01:54:23 - The Middies: The Middest Anime of 202502:01:45 - Upcoming Reviews & Wrap UpSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter)InstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk → Akane Banashi → Magical Girl DandelionAnime: Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis Evangelion →Game: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” Music via slip.stream & 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

  4. JAN 18

    215 - Elfen [WEEB]

    Elfen Lied Anime Review + Stranger Things & Winter 2025 Anime Thoughts Join AniPro as they explore the 2004 horror anime that divided the anime community: Elfen Lied! Is it good? Is it bad? Or is it simply incomprehensible? Also, Cole's getting anxious, Mike's seeing strange objects, Jay's raving about anime, and more! 00:00:00 - AniProPod 215 Intro00:02:08 - Stranger Things00:13:10 - Sentenced to Be a Hero & SHIBOYUGI00:21:02 - Pre-Japan Trip Stressing00:31:00 - Mailbag: Anime From Villian Perspective00:41:02 - Question of the Week / Break00:49:21 - Review Intro & Set Up00:56:06 - Is It A Must Watch?01:00:52 - Connections To Other Works01:11:36 - Characters01:28:44 - Art Style & Production Choices01:45:23 - Our Final Thoughts & RatingsVote for our 5th Annual WEEBies Awards using the link below. Voting Closes on the 24th, and is completely anonymous. https://forms.gle/DuC2jTXU9u4TrZ1N6 Support AniPro: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram: https://instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis EvangelionManga – Black TorchMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music 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 56m

  5. JAN 11

    214 - [WEEB] Discuss The BEST of Fall 2025

    Fall 2025 Awards - Best Girl, Best Boy & The Zelda Timeline Debate This week; it's an episode of earth-shattering surprises, devastating steals, and the coveted 'Anime of the Season' award. That's right! It's the Fall 2025 awards! Also, Mike's making music, Cole's reliving the classics, Jay's contemplating the timeline, and more! 00:00 - Intro & Creative Struggles: Music Production12:11 - The Legend of Zelda: Timeline vs. Legend Debate20:52 - A Link to the Past & SNES Nostalgia29:00 - The Fall 2025 Draft Results34:24 - Biggest Flop of the Season44:11 - Best Opening Theme (OP)49:31 - Best Ending Theme (ED)55:43 - Best Direction01:00:16 - Best Visuals01:05:37 - Best Anime Studio01:10:08 - Trivia: Is Digimon Just Tamagotchi for Boys?01:11:37 - Intermission & Support the Show01:16:18 - Best Girl01:24:16 - Best Boy01:32:32 - Best Duo01:39:03 - Most Fun Anime01:45:54 - Most Underrated Anime01:53:46 - Best Continuing Anime02:01:21 - Best New Anime of the Season02:08:50 - The Weebies Vote & ConclusionVote for our 5th Annual WEEBies Awards using the link below. Voting Closes on the 24th, and is completely anonymous. https://forms.gle/DuC2jTXU9u4TrZ1N6 Support AniPro: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram: https://instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis EvangelionManga – Black TorchMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.streamEnjoying 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 14m

  6. JAN 4

    213 - Say Hello To My Little [WEEB]

    Winter 2026 Anime Preview & The 15 New Anime You Need to Watch Happy new year! 2026 is here and, with it, a bunch of new shows to look forward to! Your cries have been heard; 'which ones are worth watching?', you're probably asking. Well, never fear because, this week, AniPro ranks the fifteen shows YOU need to check out this Winter 2025 season! Also, Jay's finishing up, Mike's horsing around, Cole's on a roll, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - AniProPod 213: Happy New Year 2026!01:24 - Jay's Watchlist & One Punch Man S3 Discussion11:41 - Uma Musume and the Denver Broncos & Katamari25:40 - Returning Anime: Frieren S2, JJK S3 & Fate/Strange Fake34:58 - Chained Soldier S2, Hell's Paradise S2 & Steel Ball Run45:25 - Trigun Stargaze & Oshi no Ko Season 349:38 - Medalist S2, MF Ghost S3 & MHA: Vigilantes S254:37 - Question of the Week: Fate/Strange Fake Origins55:20 - Ad Break: Tokyo Treat & Sakuraco01:00:06 - Question of the Week: Answer01:03:03 - Honorable Mentions: Androids, Cute Girls & Dragons01:11:09 - Top 15: Journal with Witch, Love Through A Prism & The Darwin Incident01:22:09 - You and I Are Polar Opposites, Tune In to the Midnight Heart & Sentenced to Be a Hero01:35:24 - Champignon no Majo, Tamon's B-Side & Wash It All Away01:45:59 - Hana-Kimi, Holy Grail of Eris & SHIBOYUGI01:55:39 - Kaya-chan Isn't Scary & Case File of Arne (Arne no Jikenbo)02:01:02 - You Can't Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends02:04:22 - Next Reviews & OutroSupport AniPro: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X: twitter.com/AniProPodIG: instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime: Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis EvangelionManga: Black TorchMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya”Enjoying 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 8m

  7. 12/28/2025

    212 - Another [WEEB], Come and Gone

    2026 Anime News Reactions & The New Year’s Resolution Reckoning | AniPro 212 2025 has come and gone, and AniPro is ringing in the new year with the last of their year-end traditions: it's their new year's resolutions! Tune in to find out what the boys resolve to do in the new year, and whether or not they succeeded in their previous pledges! Also, Mike's getting spanked, Cole's cold, Jay's finding weird manga (what else is new), and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & The Great Berry Heist 07:53 - Power Fantasies & Jay’s Weird Manga Discovery 11:32 - "Built Different" & The Winnipeg Snow Crisis 17:33 - Jump Festa News: Chainsaw Man & One Piece Elbaf 26:36 - JoJo’s Steel Ball Run, Madoka Magica, & Dorohedoro S2 36:31 - Ghost in the Shell Reboot & Witch Hat Atelier 49:28 - KyoAni’s Sparks of Tomorrow & Goku Voice Actor Trivia 1:00:16 - The Resolution Reckoning: Reviewing 2025’s Pledges 1:18:43 - Setting 2026 Goals: Detective Conan & Pokémon Quest 1:48:59 - Listener’s Choice Winner: Neon Genesis EvangelionSupport AniPro: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There Manga – Black Torch Music & Credits: Opening Theme – “Shibuya” Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro" Music licensed via – slip.streamEnjoying 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 55m

  8. 12/21/2025

    211 - The [WEEB] For The Rest of Us

    Game Awards 2025 Reactions & Our 4th Annual Airing of Grievances The suite of holiday traditions continue as, this week, AniPro airs their grievances for the holiday of Festivus! Also, Cole's turning into a kid on Christmas, Mike's going to the source of Howl's Moving Castle, Jay's metamorphosis has reached its final form, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - AniProPod 211 Intro02:10 - Howl’s Moving Castle: The Isekai Reveal & Book vs. Movie13:10 - Jay’s New Gear: The Shure SM7B & The "Industry Standard"20:39 - Retro Gaming: Perfect Dark, Emulation & PS2 Gems25:40 - The 2025 Game Awards: Ace Combat 8 & Star Wars Announcements35:10 - Expedition 33 Sweeps & The State of Indie vs. Triple-A54:20 - Retail Grievances: The Jinx of "Slow Days" & Superstitions59:05 - The State of Movies: Budgets, Safe Sequels & Spite01:05:00 - The "Early Announcement" Problem & Vaporware (Elder Scrolls VI)01:13:45 - Cole’s Hot Take: Retiring Retired People on Weekends01:20:10 - Raging Against the Machine: Buttons vs. Touchscreens01:28:45 - The Death of the PS4 & Why the PS6 is Too Soon01:40:20 - Anime Pacing Issues & The Ticketmaster StruggleSupport AniPro: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropodDiscord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and ThereManga – Black Torch Music & Credits: Opening Theme – “Shibuya” Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"Music licensed via – slip.streamEnjoying 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 47m
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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
    199
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Show Website
    AniPro Podcast