Podcasts · Leisure · Society & Culture

The Anime Effect

Crunchyroll

233 episodes

The Anime Effect is Crunchyroll’s award-winning anime podcast, hosted by Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. Tune in weekly for the biggest anime news, watchlist recommendations, and deep dives into anime’s growing influence across pop culture.

Episodes page 1 of 5

  1. Rico Nasty’s Anime Taste Goes WAY Deeper Than Cyberpunk | 133

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 136

    Rico Nasty joins The Anime Effect to talk Cyberpunk, her anime obsessions, and her latest Gunpla build. Plus, Critical Role meets hololive, NBA and NFL pros enter anime with Sentinel 6, and Inde Navarrette reveals what…

  2. Can You Survive the World's Worst Tournament Arc? | 132

    · 43 min · Episode 135

    The Anime Effect is live from NYCC as Tom Cruise enters his anime era. Plus, we dive into The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, The Boxer anime, Dr. STONE TERRAFORMING, and build the world’s worst…

  3. We Try Creating a NEW Hit Anime in 60 Seconds | 131

    · 39 min

    Vote for us! https://got.cr/TAE-Shorty-26 This week, The Anime Effect moves into its new studio while the Fall anime season kicks our watchlists into high gear. PLUS, we break down an $8.4 million Pikachu sale, Dragon…

  4. Behind the Voices of You and I Are Polar Opposites with The Anime Effect | NEWS

    · 22 min · Episode 133

    You and I Are Polar Opposites: actors Sayumi Suzushiro and Shogo Sakata join The Anime Effect in this Anime Expo special to talk about awkward young love and why opposites really do attract. PLUS, we pitch perfect…

  5. Obsession's Megan Lawless Is Ready for Her Anime Era | 130

    · 57 min · Episode 132

    LEGO Dragon Ball is officially happening! The Anime Effect breaks down Goku’s first brick kit featuring Shenron! PLUS, actress Megan Lawless joins the show to talk about Obsession, Demon Slayer, and how anime is…

  6. Our Worst Anime Takes Aged TERRIBLY, We Admit It | 129

    · 51 min · Episode 131

    Crunchyroll’s Fall 2026 anime lineup is officially here! We’re breaking down the biggest new and returning anime of the season, including Black Clover Season 2, The Apothecary Diaries Season 3, Aoashi Season 2, Magic…

  7. Spider-Man's Jacob Batalon Has Better Anime Taste Than You | 128

    · 46 min · Episode 130

    Jacob Batalon joins The Anime Effect this week to talk Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Solo Leveling, Naruto, isekai dreams, and the pop culture that prepared him to play Ned Leeds in the MCU. Plus! We break down the wild…

  8. How Kenny Omega Became All Might IRL | 127

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 129

    Kenny Omega joins The Anime Effect to talk anime, wrestling, and the Japanese pop culture that shaped his career. From Astro Boy to Hajime no Ippo and My Hero Academia, the AEW star isn't shy about his fandoms! PLUS,…

  9. Meet the Anime & Comics Shaping Marvel’s Iman Vellani | 126

    · 54 min · Episode 128

    Iman Vellani joins The Anime Effect to talk Ms. Marvel, Attack on Titan, comics, and the anime fandoms that fuel her and her new Image Comics series, Chachu. Plus, we break down anime’s big wrestling crossover with…

  10. The Real Anime Story Behind Scott Pilgrim w/ Bryan Lee O’Malley | 125

    · 1 h 01 min · Episode 127

    Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley joins The Anime Effect to unpack the anime and manga roots behind his hit series, his history with SCIENCE SARU, and his return to Scott Pilgrim with a brand-new comic. Plus,…

  11. Kingdom Hearts Anime Is Finally Happening, Don’t Panic | NEWS

    · 49 min · Episode 125

    Kingdom Hearts is finally getting an anime, and yes, we are so serious about it. The Anime Effect is breaking down the Kingdom Hearts anime for Disney+ and Disney Channel, why Sora’s story is such a massive deal to…

  12. How Anime Is Changing American Superheroes w/ Kyle Higgins | 124

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 125

    Kyle Higgins joins The Anime Effect to explore how anime and tokusatsu are reshaping American superheroes. The writer of Radiant Black, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Ultraman, Nightwing, and Teen Titans breaks down…

  13. Hatsune Miku’s New Magic: The Gathering Deck Is Pure Anime Joy | 123

    · 1 h 10 min · Episode 124

    Hatsune Miku is officially entering Magic: The Gathering with a new Secret Lair Commander deck, and MTG designer Carmen Klomparens joins The Anime Effect to reveal how it came together. Plus, we break down…

  14. Spider-Man, Gundam & Akira Toriyama Make Anime History | NEWS

    · 48 min · Episode 123

    Spider-Man is swinging out with a new manga! The Anime Effect breaks down Marvel’s next big partnership, Akira Toriyama’s Eisner Award honor, SDCC 2026 highlights, Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, and the secret sauce…

  15. We Ask Leon Kennedy What Resident Evil Fans Need to Know | 122

    · 1 h 08 min · Episode 122

    Nick Apostolides joins The Anime Effect this week to talk Ghost in the Shell, his first major anime role, and the legacy of Resident Evil’s Leon Kennedy. Plus, we dive into Akira, anime dubbing, Leon's best lines, and…

  16. Naruto Is Officially Casting Hollywood's Team 7 & We Have Thoughts | 121

    · 42 min · Episode 121

    Live-action anime is heating up Hollywood! The Anime Effect breaks down Naruto’s Team 7 casting search & My Hero Academia’s movie update! PLUS, big Anime Expo news continues with Solo Leveling’s movie debut, Cyberpunk:…

  17. AKIRA Returns, Star Wars Goes Anime, and Anime Expo Is Bigger Than Ever | 120

    · 37 min · Episode 120

    The Anime Effect is live from Anime Expo 2026! The hosts unite IRL to explore why anime conventions are bigger than ever, AKIRA’s theatrical return, Star Wars' new anime, The Apothecary Diaries movie, and the wildest…

  18. What’s Your Anime IQ? Plus, Cyberpunk Edgerunners & One Piece | 119

    · 43 min

    This week, The Anime Effect prepares for Anime Expo 2026 this week with an unhinged episode that puts our hosts’ IQs to the test. From Cyberpunk’s TV return to the Joker’s anime spotlight, we’re going all in on the…

  19. Takanashi Kiara Talks Hololive Streams, Anime Faves, and Her Next Big Arc | 118

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 118

    Hololive’s Takanashi Kiara joins The Anime Effect this week to talk gateway anime, VTuber stardom, KFP, and niche anime faves. PLUS, the hosts break down Pokémon’s adorable Aardman series, Crunchyroll’s Summer 2026…

  20. Black Clover Bombshells, Marvel Manga Returns and Dr. STONE in Fortnite?! | 117

    · 49 min

    It's another big week for anime news, y'all! We're breaking down the headlines this week including news on Marvel’s Mangaverse returning, Dr. STONE coming to Fortnite and a Code Lyoko revival! PLUS, we hear about the…

  21. These Are the Anime Scenes We Will Never Forget (We Tried) | 116

    · 54 min · Episode 116

    Anime is bigger than EVER, so The Anime Effect is breaking down why 1 in 5 Americans now watch it. PLUS, the hosts unpack huge Anime Expo updates, recent gaming reveals like Persona 6, and revisit the anime scenes that…

  22. Pokémon Mania, Dorohedoro Lives & One Piece Conquers Hollywood | NEWS

    · 39 min

    This week, The Anime Effect takes Pokémon scalpers to COURT! We’re breaking down the biggest anime news from Pokémon’s major 30th anniversary releases, a special Delicious in Dungeon season 2 tease, and One Piece’s…

  23. Big Sean Talks Dragon Ball, His Best Bars, and the Anime That Made Him a Rapper | 114

    · 1 h 11 min · Episode 114

    Brace yourselves, The Anime Effect has a special double episode! This week, the hosts gather to talk ALL things Anime Awards as they unpack the celebration’s big winners and biggest surprises! THEN, we cut to the…

  24. Could YOU Survive These Deadly Isekai Worlds? Plus Big Gundam News | 113

    · 47 min · Episode 113

    The Anime Effect is REAL as we break down Disney’s anime dreams, major Gundam updates, Hello Kitty’s Hollywood debut, and more. PLUS, we ask the age-old question: could you survive the deadliest worlds of isekai anime?…

  25. Goku Day Goes Wild & We Curse Naruto in Our Most Unhinged Game Ever | 112

    · 51 min · Episode 112

    We're BACK to cover this week's biggest anime headlines like Akira's creator opening a brand-new anime studio and Dragon Ball's big Goku Day plans. PLUS, we lose our absolute minds creating fake anime synopses for your…

  26. Attack on Titan Returns, Black Clover Ends & Our Anime Remake Debate Starts | 111

    · 55 min · Episode 112

    We're coming at you with all the OG Anime Effect hosts, and they're breaking down this week's anime headlines. Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK is getting a re-release, the Black Clover manga is coming to an end, and…

  27. We Take Evangelion to ANIME COURT to Kickstart Ani-May | 110

    · 56 min · Episode 110

    Y'all, the anime news this week is CRAZY! We're breaking down what you can see this ANI-MAY, the awesome titles announced at CCXP Mexico, and Kagurabachi is getting an anime! PLUS, Nick and Alex face off in ANIME COURT…

  28. Gundam Goes Big & Our 2026 Anime Rankings Go Rogue | 109

    · 52 min · Episode 109

    The anime news never STOPS! We've got updates on the live-action Gundam movie, where you can catch My Hero Academia live, and so much more. PLUS, we're blind ranking 2026 anime titles! Welcome to The Anime Effect, the…

  29. Popeyes Meets ONE PIECE & the Beach Episode Debate Nobody Saw Coming | 108

    · 51 min · Episode 108

    This week, we’ve got some wild anime news to talk about: The Weeknd is coming to the Anime Awards 2026, ONE PIECE is collaborating with Popeyes, and more! PLUS, Alex reveals his HOTTEST TAKE on anime yet. Welcome to…

  30. Can YOU Name These Shonen Anime? Plus, Anime Awards 2026 Is Loaded | 107

    · 45 min · Episode 107

    Listen up! We’re breaking down the hottest anime news, such as the top-tier list of presenters and performers slated for the Anime Awards 2026, a special My Hero Academia birthday event, and a new Kamen Rider project!…

  31. Anime Awards 2026 Nominees Make Us Spiral & AnimeJapan Delivers | 106

    · 41 min · Episode 106

    It's time to catch up on ALL the exciting updates from AnimeJapan 2026, like a new ONE PIECE Heroines trailer and so much more! Plus, we react to the impressive list of Anime Awards 2026 nominations and spiral only a…

  32. Our ULTIMATE Spring 2026 Anime Guide w/ Solo Leveling's Michelle Rojas | 105

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 106

    Listen! We’re exploring all of the new and returning anime titles coming Spring 2026, we BLIND RANK anime plot twists, and we preview Union Arena's latest release with Solo Leveling star Michelle Rojas! Welcome to The…

  33. Samurai Champloo Goes Live-Action & We Expose Our Anime Watchlists | 104

    · 57 min · Episode 104

    You heard that right! A live-action Samurai Champloo adaptation is in the works, our fave anime artists are planning festival appearances and MORE! Plus, we're sharing our anime watchlists before hearing from you all…

  34. Pokémon’s Veronica Taylor On Becoming Ash Ketchum & Finding Your Voice | 103

    · 45 min · Episode 103

    The ICONIC Veronica Taylor, the OG voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon, joins us to share the impact anime has had on her life, her advice for aspiring voice actors, and stories not even diehard fans have heard before.…

  35. Evangelion Gets a New Anime, SAO Returns & Crunchyroll Manga Levels Up | NEWS

    · 44 min

    The Anime Effect weathers a news hurricane as it sorts headlines like a new Crunchyroll Manga drop, the debut of a new Evangelion anime, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- updates, a brand-new Sword Art Online…

  36. WNBA Star Gabby Williams Takes Over the Show With Her Anime Dream Team | 102

    · 32 min · Episode 103

    Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams takes a break from the WNBA court to gab about her gateway anime, what she’s watching now, and how she fell in love with anime. Plus, she builds her ultimate ANIME DREAM TEAM with…

  37. Pokémon's New Starters Go Live PLUS Big One Piece Milestones & Chainsaw Man Merch | NEWS

    · 32 min

    The Anime Effect dives into the anime news this week, including the new Pokémon starters, a ONE PIECE milestone, and a quiet Reze Arc merch drop. PLUS, we dissect the new Gundam x Apex Legends collaboration, the new…

  38. Hannah Bahng's Anime Hear-Me-Out-Cake Sounds Totally Delicious | 101

    · 31 min · Episode 100

    Hannah Bahng joins The Anime Effect to reveal her favorite anime, OTP ships, and explains why everyone should be way more cringe. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house,…

  39. A New Evangelion Anime Wasn't On Our Bingo Card for 2026, Okay?! | NEWS

    · 41 min

    We admit it, we did NOT have a new Evangelion anime on our 2026 Bingo Card! PLUS, the show breaks down the next projects from Ufotable, the latest Pokémon games, the newest member of the Sonic live-action cast, and the…

  40. The Anime Effect Hits Episode 100 With Memories, Tea & Hardcore Trivia | 100

    · 45 min · Episode 100

    The Anime Effect just hit 100 episodes, and there's nothing you can do about it! We're celebrating our favorite moments from the show with guests, spilling behind-the-scenes tea, and facing the most hardcore anime…

  41. Chainsaw Man's BIG Streaming Update + What Makes a Modern Classic? | NEWS

    · 31 min

    The Anime Effect unpacks ALL the big news this week as Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc prepares to stream, the Texas Rangers team up with JUJUTSU KAISEN, and BLEACH drops a brand-new update on its next anime…

  42. The Ultimate Anime Battle Royale BEGINS w/ Khleo Thomas & Lena Lemon | 99

    · 42 min · Episode 99

    Khleo Thomas & Lena Lemon join The Anime Effect for a very special edition of the show. It's battle royale time! Who will be crowned as the ultimate anime fan? You'll have to tune in to find out...! Follow along with…

  43. ONE PIECE Dominates Our Weekly News With Help From... Digimon?! | NEWS

    · 33 min

    One Piece is taking over The Anime Effect with a slew of MAJOR updates, including a very special sneak peek. Plus! We go over the biggest winners of the 2026 Tokyo Anime Awards and revisit Digimon ahead of its…

  44. BABYMETAL's Origin Story Would Make the Ultimate Anime (ft. BABYMETAL) | 98

    · 20 min · Episode 99

    BABYMETAL is in the studio! Seriously! The group reveals the anime trios they love most, their reactions to joining the One-Punch Man universe, why metal and anime pair so well, and more. Welcome to The Anime Effect,…

  45. Gundam Steals Jujutsu Kaisen's Spotlight w/ Anime's Greatest Needle Drop | NEWS

    · 35 min

    We're breaking down the FIRST announcements of the 2026 Anime Awards, the upcoming JUJUTSU KAISEN global tour, the shocking finale of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM HATHAWAY, and the next era of GHOST IN THE SHELL. You ready for…

  46. Crystal Kay Reveals The Magical Girl Anime That First Made Her Feel Seen | 97

    · 32 min · Episode 97

    Pop star Crystal Kay stops by the studio on her first North American tour to unpack her favorite anime, why she wants to create more music for anime, and the magical girl icon who made her feel seen. Welcome to The…

  47. Dragon Ball’s Huge 40th Anniversary News Hits Us Like a Spirit Bomb | NEWS

    · 38 min

    What's on the agenda today? Dragon Ball drops a HUGE update for its 40th anniversary, The Dangers in My Heart: The Movie is heading to US theaters, and The Apothecary Diaries x Steady Hands collection is looking peak.…

  48. Joining the TRIGUN STARGAZE Hype Train with Creator Yasuhiro Nightow | 96

    · 16 min · Episode 96

    Trigun & TRIGUN STARGAZE creator Yasuhiro Nightow tells us his favorite (and least favorite) Trigun characters, what he loves about the new anime adaptation, and so much more. Tune in only on The Anime Effect! Welcome…

  49. It's Official: Anime's Top 10 Crushes Are Finally Live & We're Blushing | NEWS

    · 39 min

    It's official! We're breaking down the top 10 anime crushes of 2025 and blushing for real. PLUS! We talk about KONOSUBA-God's blessing on this wonderful world! Season 4, the ultimate live-action One Piece collab with…

  50. Why Solo Leveling Will Inspire Radio's Next Pop Hit (ft. hemlocke springs) | 95

    · 30 min · Episode 95

    Will Solo Leveling inspire the next big pop hit? It seems hemlocke springs is convinced the anime can do it. The artist is taking a break from touring to chat with us about her new album & the top anime she'd recommend…

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