Explore every episode of the podcast Applied Anime

In our season one finale, we cover a few shows that we think deserve time in the spotlight! From the rewinding story of The Tatami Galaxy to the unusual epic of Katanagatari, we highlight the most underappreciated shows you may not have heard of. We admit it's a long one, but stick around to see what we've chosen as our favorite anime of the first season, and bear witness to the ultimate punishment game!

See how your own anime picks match up with ours; fill out Applied Anime's Favorite Anime tournament bracket here: https://bracketfights.com/create/aas-best-anime-22270

Check out our friends at Movie Time here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/movie-time-with-ang-and-ari/id1525147855

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil The Tatami Galaxy, Night is Short, Walk on Girl, Hanasaku Iroha, Katanagatari, Serial Experiments Lain, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, and Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju. 

Content Warning: Suicide, sexual harassment, and graphic violence.

Like any form of media, anime relies on common methods of signaling particular emotions, ideas, to its audience. But what are these tropes, how are they used, and what do they really communicate? This week, we turn our analytical engines on full blast to bring you some answers!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Another, Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun, ReLIFE, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Asobi Asobase, O Maidens in your Savage Season, Your Life in April, and Toradora!. 

Content Warning: Sexual assault

Spread the love! This week, Feiyon and Dodo examine the staple, clichés, and distortions of harem anime. From the sisterly mystery of Quintessential Quintuplets to the childhood entanglements of Nisekoi, no protagonist is safe their crowd of admirers!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Quintessential Quintuplets, Nisekoi, Kiss Him, Not Me, The World God Only Knows, My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, Shuffle!, Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka, Mashiro-iro Symphony, and Zero no Tsukaima

Content Warning: Sexual harassment

Revenge: a ubiquitous (and convenient) backstory for any budding protagonist. What makes it so universally compelling? In this episode, we dive into a couple shows fueled by characters who will stop at nothing to balance the scales of justice with their own hands. From the interspecies clashes of Parasyte to the tortuous criminal underworld of 91 Days, we examine characters with an unquenchable thirst for vengeance.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Parasyte, Masamune-kun's Revenge, 91 Days, Hell Girl, Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, Happy Sugar Life, School-Live!, and The Rising of the Shield Hero

Content Warning: Graphic violence, murder, and sexual assault

This week, Feiyon and Dodo reminisce about the good old college days and discuss anime at the university! From the shenanigans of the diving club in Grand Blue to the tumultuous dating life of Golden Time, we leave no stone unturned. Tune in and take a study break with us!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Grand Blue, Golden Time, Scum's Wish, A Lull in the Sea, A Certain Scientific Railgun, and Darling in the Franxx

Content Warning: Stalking, hazing, and murder

Let's get down to business! Despite how much of our lives revolves around our employment, it's rarely shown in anime. In this episode, we take a look a few shows that delve into the world of work, including the breakneck business of anime production in Shirobako and the anthropomorphized "workplace" of the human body in Cells at Work. Listen to this episode on the clock for bonus points.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Shirobako, Wotakoi, ReLIFE, Cells at Work, and New Game

Content Warning: Suicide and violence

In this week's episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore the depths of grief in anime. From the illustrious ghost stories of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu and Natsuyuki Rendezvous to romantic dramas like Orange and Your Lie in April, we unpack how characters (and narrative structures) address loss. 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Natsuyuki Rendezvous, Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Golden Time, Orange, Clannad, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Your Lie in April, Manchester by the Sea (live-action film), School Live!, ReLIFE, and Tari Tari

Content Warning: Grief, suicide, death, sexual assault, and murder

Let's get ~ a e s t h e t i c ~ ! In this episode, we talk all about future funk, a groovy, upbeat subgenre of vaporwave with strong ties to anime and Japanese culture. Tune in to jam out with us and dive deep into its unique sound and community! 

Some of the most memorable characters in anime are outcasts who aren't afraid to take on the world, however they choose to do so. In this episode, we discuss the renegade space mercenaries of Cowboy Bebop, the existential middle school angst of Flowers of Evil, the spectacular cons and cheats of The Great Pretender, and more! 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Cowboy Bebop, Flowers of Evil, Cross Ange, The Great Pretender, and Rising of the Shield Hero

Content Warning: Violence, slavery, and sexual assault

In this episode, we're joined by three special guests to reminisce about our travels in Japan and discuss the cultural similarities and differences we noticed as American tourists. From basic etiquette and travel tips to our most memorable (and embarrassing) experiences, we cover it all! 

Halftime Game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoG_A_1gJMg

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Angel Beats!

Content Warning: Bombing of Hiroshima and the Holocaust

Can you believe the hype? In this episode, we discuss a few well-loved series that need to be taken down a peg or two. From the ever-popular Sword Art Online to newer shows like Rent a Girlfriend, no anime is safe. Disclaimer: these are just our opinions!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Darling in the FranXX, Quintessential Quintuplets, Assassination Classroom, Sword Art Online, Tokyo Ghoul, Rent a Girlfriend, Dr. Stone, Demon Slayer, and Tonikawa Over the Moon for You

Content Warning: Suicide, graphic violence, and sexual assault

The future is here! In shows like Chobits and Plastic Memories, we catch a glimpse of what possibilities (and dangers) may await us as AI grows ever-advanced and integrates further into our social lives. Will the robots take over, or we will just fall in love with them? Find out with us! 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Chobits, Plastic Memories, and Her (live-action movie)

Content Warning: Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence 

Moe (pronounced mo-ay) is a mainstay in anime, loosely defined as "cute girls doing cute things." But what happens when this feel-good, bubbly genre takes a dark turn? In this episode, Feiyon and Dodo explore shows like Madoka Magica and Yuki Yuna is a Hero which take the typical moe formula in uniquely subversive directions. 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Asobi Asobase, School Live!, Selector Infected Wixoss, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, Yuki Yuna is a Hero, and Mahou Shoujo Site

Content Warning: Bullying, graphic violence, and suicide

This week, we soar across the rainbow to unpack the significance of colors in Japanese culture and anime. Through this lens, we analyze names, settings, social status, and much more! Join us to find out the hidden colorful meaning in your favorite characters and shows.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Toradora!, Death Note, O Maidens in your Savage Season, Harakiri (live-action movie), Orange, and Accel World

Content Warning: Graphic violence and suicide

Listeners beware, it’s time for our Halloween episode! Join us as we dive deep into the bubbling cauldron of spooky anime, from the plodding, mysterious horror of Another to the episodic frights of Yamishibai and Kagewani. Don’t worry if you hear a little maniacal laughter – there’s nothing to be afraid of here, we promise…

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Kagewani, Another, Yamishibai, Magical Girl Site, Happy Sugar Life, School Days, and Higurashi

Content Warning: Graphic violence

Tired of the real world? Total envelopment in ultra-immersive gaming, whether by choice or by force, falls under the "isekai" genre in anime. But why is this theme so prevalent? From the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) lifestyles portrayed in Himouto! Umaru-Chan and Recovery of an MMO Junkie to the total departure from reality in shows like No Game, No life and Rising of the Shield Hero, we examine how escapist fantasies captivate audiences with every new season.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Recovery of an MMO Junkie, The World God Only Knows, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Btooom!, Accel World, No Game, No Life, and Himouto! Umaru-Chan

Content Warning: Slavery and violence

This time, we take a break to reflect on some of the most ridiculous short series we know. From the unique production style of Rinshi!! Ekoda-Chan to the sadomasochism of series like Bludgeoning Angel Dokura-Chan, we examine the dark underbelly of short-form anime in its weirdest extremes. It's not always pretty, but it does give us plenty to talk (and drink) about.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Rinshi!! Ekoda-Chan, Ixion Saga DT, Sasameki Koto, Ojisan to Marshmallow, Bludgeoning Angel Dokura-Chan, Extra Olympia Kyklos, Netsuzou Trap, Tonari no Seki-Kun

Content Warning: Pedophilia, sexual assault, sadomasochism, incest, violence

Special guest Elestora joins us to discuss one of the most unusual, yet imaginative offshoots of otaku culture: Vocaloid! From the aesthetic aspects of music production to the digital celebrity of figures like Hatsune Miku, we cover it all. 

For American movie news and reviews, check out Movie Time! with Ang and Ari: https://anchor.fm/angelo-lang

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Kakegurui, Perfect Blue, and Doki Doki Literature Club

Content Warning: Sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, murder, pedophilia, and psychological trauma

From supernovas and falling stars to aquariums and rivers, we're looking to the skies and the seas to examine a pair of unusual opposites: capitalism and freedom. Through series like Kakegurui and Arakawa Under the Bridge, we explore how anime can present critiques and alternatives to a global economic model which falsely grounds itself on individual liberties, choice, and rationality. Will we get to the bottom of it all? Probably not! Will we tangent? You can bet your life on it!

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Kakegurui and Arakawa Under the Bridge

Content Warning: Graphic violence

This week, we tackle idol culture, both in real life and as represented in anime like Love Live!, Wake Up, Girls!, and Satoshi Kon's cinematic masterpiece, Perfect Blue. What makes idols so captivating? What positive impacts do they have on the world? What understated social issues might be lurking under the pristine surface? Join us to find out as Feiyon indulges in a little fangirling. 

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Kakegurui and Perfect Blue. 

Content Warning: Sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, murder, pedophilia, and psychological trauma.

We continue our discussion of this elusive question, delving into more positive examples of love in shows like Rascal does not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai and A Lull in the Sea. Can we finally get to the bottom of this? Listen in to find out! Part 2 of 2.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil A Lull in the Sea and Rascal does not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai.

In our debut episode of Applied Anime, we attempt to wrestle with one of the most fundamental questions in anime: What is love? From its traditional representations to its most horrifying distortions, we look high and (very) low for answers. Don't worry, Future Diary fans, we left your beloved Yuno Gasai out of this one. Part 1 of 2.

SPOILER ALERT! In this episode, we spoil Scum's Wish, Happy Sugar Life, Violet Evergarden, Toradora!, Lovely Complex, and Orange.

Content Warning: Sexual assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, suicide, and murder.