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. 5D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 12/14/2025

    210 - He Knows When You're a[WEEB]

    Unhinged Weeb Letters to Santa | Ace Combat, Sonic & The Perfect Pizza Slice | AniPro Podcast 210 The holiday season is upon us, and AniPro is prepared as, this week, hosts Cole, Mike, and Jay read out their Santa letters! Tune in to hear this holiday tradition of deep desires, and Christmas cheer! Also, Mike's getting pied, Cole's in the danger zone, Jay's going through metamorphosis, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Christmas Letters & The "Six-Seven" Slang07:40 The Perfect Pizza Slice Debate (Domino's vs. Santa Lucia)13:35 Cole’s Gaming Log: Is Ace Combat a JRPG?21:50 Portable Gaming: Minish Cap & Metal Gear23:25 The Sonic Franchise Rant: 06, Adventure 2, & The Movies27:30 Mailbag: The One Punch Man Season 3 Animation Controversy35:30 Trivia: The Secret Behind the PS2 Startup Screen Towers44:27 Did Coca-Cola Invent Santa Claus?50:50 Jay’s Letter: A Christmas Miracle Studio Upgrade57:40 Mike’s Letter: Parenting, RPGs, & Seeking a JoJo Stand1:05:00 Cole’s Letter: GTA VI & March Comes in Like a Lion S31:11:33 Jay’s Rant: Where is the Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Anime?1:16:20 Mike’s Conspiracy Letter: Santa the Data Broker & Selling Out1:24:35 Cole’s $1 Million Wish: The Claas Xerion 12 Tractor1:30:40 Outro: Upcoming Reviews (Elfen Lied) & Listener PollsVote for Our Listeners' Choice Review (Mecha Edition)! https://forms.gle/nsq3Qh4Nd3r9cfA67 Poll closes December 20th Support 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 – Ichi the Witch → 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 35m

  6. 12/07/2025

    209 - Ichi The [WEEB]

    Ichi the Witch Review + Amazon AI Dub Scandal, Kagurabachi & Kingdom Hearts Jump into another magical review as the boys examine Shonen Jump's newest hit: Ichi the Witch! Also: Amazon's AI Dub is taking over (and it's bad), Cole plays Kingdom Hearts for the first time, Jay finally understands the hype behind Kagurabachi, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Welcome03:01 - The Great Kagurabachi Debate10:45 - Cole Plays Kingdom Hearts for the First Time20:45 - Kingdom Hearts 4 & The Future of the Series24:56 - Anime News: Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 231:53 - The AI Dubbing Controversy (Amazon/Banana Fish)46:35 - Review: Ichi the Witch (Manga)47:10 - The Creators: Act-Age Artist & Iruma-kun Writer49:32 - Plot Summary: Hunting the "Majiks"57:01 - Character Analysis: Ichi & Descaras01:06:23 - Subverting Shonen Tropes01:17:03 - World Building: The Magic System01:26:17 - Art Style & Visual Direction01:31:16 - Anime Adaptation Predictions (KyoAni vs CloverWorks)01:35:23 - Final Verdict: Is it a Certified Banger?01:43:53 - Outro & Next Week: Elfen LiedVote for Our Listeners' Choice Review (Mecha Edition)! https://forms.gle/nsq3Qh4Nd3r9cfA67 Support 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 – Ichi the Witch → 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 46m

  7. 11/30/2025

    208 - [WEEB] Love Gooooooold

    Masterpiece or Just Weird? Golden Kamuy Season 1 Anime Review The hunt is on as, this week, AniPro reviews the treasure hunting historical fiction anime: Golden Kamuy! Tune in to find out if the show truly is as golden as people say, or if it's just a lump of miso. Also, Cole's splitting peas, Mike's catching a flight, Jay's VERY tired, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Episode Preview & Banter 04:42 - Airport Etiquette: How Early Should You Arrive? 14:27 - Sleep Cycles, Naps, and Waking Up Naturally 21:52 - The Great Split Pea Soup Debate 26:39 - Listener’s Choice Reveal: The Mecha Genre Nominees 36:50 - Mailbag: Celebrating American Thanksgiving in Canada 40:12 - Sponsor: TokyoTreat & Sakuraco 43:17 - Golden Kamuy Season 1 Review: Plot Summary & Premise 52:06 - Initial Comparisons: A Mature One Piece or Avatar? 56:29 - Character Dynamics: Sugimoto and Asirpa 1:01:38 - The Unhinged Villains of the 7th Division 1:06:10 - Production Quality & The Infamous CGI Bears 1:10:11 - Balancing Tones: Graphic Violence vs. Comedy 1:22:11 - Pacing: The Interweaving Factions & Episodic Storytelling 1:35:08 - Final Verdicts & Ratings 1:41:43 - Outro: Upcoming Reviews & CreditsSupport 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 – Ichi the Witch → 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 44m

  8. 11/23/2025

    207 - A Whole New World [WEEB] Live In

    Valve’s Steam Machine, GTA VI Delay, Halo on PS5 + Anime Character Pokémon Teams Have you ever looked at an anime character and wondered to yourself, "What would their Pokemon team be?" Well, you're in luck! Tune in this week to see as Cole, Mike, and Jay give Pokemon teams to anime characters assigned to them by the other guys! Also, the GameCube makes a shocking return, the console wars may be over, GTA 6 is getting delayed, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 – AniProPod 207 Intro & Episode Overview08:33 – Valve’s Steam Machine Revealed (GabeCube)17:48 – Console Talk: Xbox vs Sega & Future of Gaming24:15 – Halo Coming to PS5: What This Means29:49 – GTA VI Delayed: New Release Info37:15 – Mailbag: Fall Footwear Debate – Boots or Shoes?43:13 – Second Half Teaser: Pokémon Teams for Anime Characters48:30 – Mob’s Pokémon Team & Strategy Analysis53:31 – Levi Ackerman’s Pokémon Team Breakdown59:09 – Kirito’s Pokémon Team: Picks & Battle Style01:08:00 – Holo the Wise Wolf’s Pokémon Team & Tactics01:13:55 – Senku Ishigami’s Pokémon Team & Science Strategy01:21:31 – Yuu Ishigami’s Pokémon Team Explained01:29:00 – Episode Wrap-Up & Next Time on AniProPodSupport 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 – Golden Kamuy → Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and ThereManga – Ichi the Witch → 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 31m
See All (195)

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
    195
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Show Website
    AniPro Podcast