Simple and Clean: A Kingdom Hearts Podcast

Conscience, chronicler, and constant companion: today we’re covering Jiminy Cricket! Set adrift from his homeworld, his charge lost to the belly of a space whale, Jiminy takes on a new quest: recording the story of the Keyblade wielders as they battle Xehanort and the forces of Darkness. Though he may not say much in cutscenes, as the keeper of the Journal (which you often need to “complete” in order to unlock secrets) he is a constant presence along Sora’s path - moreso than Donald & Goofy sometimes! Shouldn’t it really be, Sora, Donald, Goofy & Jiminy, exclusively in that order?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the second movie in their catalog, Disney’s Pinocchio lays the groundwork for a lot of Disney’s works yet to come, and since its release its characters & images have transcended their origins to become iconic pieces of the wider Disney tapestry. Is that why pieces of Pinocchio’s world are scattered all across the Kingdom Hearts universe, but it took until the 7th game of the series to see the actual place he comes from? Jiminy’s here, Pinocchio’s there, Monstro’s floating out in space… We’re jumping around a little bit in this episode, but we got no strings to hold us down!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kingdom Hearts is made up of all of the things sitting in the middle of the Venn diagram between “Disney” and “Final Fantasy,” and written in bold text & underlined right in the center is the word “MAGIC.” But what do these two radically different sources mean when they each say “magic?” Well, one is a rigorous system of codified elemental effects… and one is a vibe where a dream is a wish your heart makes. And then also, something else about keys? Okay, gang, how are we gonna make this work?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are colorful, whimsical, surreal, delightful… heck, they’re positively frabjous! Sora’s adventures there? Decidedly more contained. Today we’re discussing the Kingdom Hearts level based on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland - specifically a pretty small, boxed-in section of it. There’s so much thematic harmony between Alice’s journey through Wonderland and Sora’s through the KH universe - the way both come of age, balk against systems impressed upon them by adults and attempt to find their own agency and truth… But does this level of the game serve those themes justice? Or, much like Victorian-era children, is Alice’s world pushed to the margins in favor of Other Business?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Game writer and narrative designer Aysha Farah tumbles down the rabbit hole with us to talk all about metatextuality in game narratives. As a medium that fundamentally includes an element of the player’s control of the narrative, video games are a fascinating way to explore our relationships to storytelling - and the way Kingdom Hearts relies on its own nature, re-contextualizing versions of some of the most classic stories in our cultural canon, captivates and enthralls us. How did one scene where Sora watched himself falling out of the sky influence Aysha’s own work in games?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Aysha Farah- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twilight Town is a bustling burb bathed perpetually in a perfect orange glow, and don’t you just want to watch that sunset on that clocktower forever? The halfway point on the Twilight Road to Nightfall (and the Road to Dawn), a story about the interplay between the forces of Light and Darkness revels in the enormous and deep story moments they’re able to tell in this otherwise sleepy-looking place. It’s a town so beautiful, we wish we could stay there forever… but it’s also a place where the shadows begin to lengthen, foretelling the dangers yet to come. It’s also got tons of sidequests, crevices, and hidden treasures to explore - perfect for a teenager coming of age and his best friends! If you’re planning on going, grab us a sea-salt ice cream, would you?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We put the controller in the talented hands of artist, podcaster and game connoisseur Julian Mundy for a deep look at KH’s combat. We know the story is deep, the characters are rich and the aesthetics are iconic, but how does it actually feel to play the Kingdom Hearts games? As one of the primary modes of interaction with the object itself, each game’s combat mechanics contribute so much to shaping the player’s experience. What feeling does each game’s combat try to convey? What’s up with that weird battle menu? What makes the games so fun to play - even when they can be so frustrating at the same time? Plus, hear how their love of Kingdom Hearts helped two kids build a lifelong friendship, strong even when they’re far apart.Check out this awesome custom keyblade design that Julian drew just for us!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Julian Mundy- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kingdom Hearts has always flown in the eye of a swirling storm of rumors. It’s been a part of the fandom going back as long as we can remember - and honestly, to a certain extent, that’s probably how the game devs want it! But with wild rumors come wild (and even sometimes impossible) runaway expectations. In the first half, we’ll examine the role of the KH rumor mill in our beloved community: How much of a rumor mill is fun and healthy? And when does passion become poison? And in the back half, we’ll take a look at the latest rumor across the transom: is a KH1 Remake secretly on its way? Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome writer, illustrator, YouTube artist & podcaster Caldwell Tanner onto the pod to pour over the unaired Kingdom Hearts animatic pilot! Hot on the heels of the release of the first game, Disney ordered the creation of a pilot episode for a potential KH animated series. But in 2003, anime and Japanese media had not quite taken hold in the US - and so unlike the games which take so many cues from anime, this pilot leans in a decidedly Disney direction. How do these choices stand up 20 years on? What might we change, now that anime is slightly more mainstream among Western audiences? And what other juicy details can Caldwell give us from working inside the Disney animation machine himself?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Caldwell Tanner- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The son returns! Game master and podcaster David Tilstra’s back, and boy is he winnin’ son! David had high praise for the first Kingdom Hearts game even though it’s been over 20 years since its release. So, rather than squander that goodwill on a card-based battle system, Mayanna’s brought him right to the good stuff: Kingdom Hearts 2. What’s David’s favorite new world? What does he think about the changes to combat, exploration, the Gummi Ship, and more? Have the lessons continued to resonate for an adult finding the series for the first time? Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: David Tilstra- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As passionate fans of a media property, sometimes all you want is to be able to display that love in your house, or on your body to others. But for Kingdom Hearts fans, the search for cool merchandise was a long and often fruitless one for many years. The merch landscape has changed drastically in the years since Kingdom Hearts first released, and where in our childhoods we often had to resort to homemade stuff, in 2026 there’s thankfully a plethora of options to wear your KH love on your sleeve. What is the role of merchandise in fandom? And what is it about little plastic guys that means so much to Mayanna?Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The epic quest of Kingdom Hearts takes Sora, Donald, and Goofy through space, hopping from world to world. But how are they like, physically doing it? Enter the Gummi Ship, the blockiest ride since the Scion xB. The Gummi Ship is a staple feature of the major console installments, giving these big marquee games a sense of size and scale that handheld consoles simply can’t contain while also giving the game’s biggest opportunity for customization… even if the Gummi Ship Builder is pretty clunky. It’s also one feature of the games that gets a major overhaul every time it appears - from a slow-moving obstacle to fun in KH1, to an adrenaline-fueled bullet-hell in KH2, to a wide-open space to explore in KH3. So we gotta ask, after all this iteration… is the Gummi Ship fun?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s bigger, it’s badder, it’s popping off all over the place!! Kingdom Hearts 2 attempts to expand upon its predecessor in every fathomable direction. Sora, Riku & Kairi are back and have never looked better, Jack Sparrow’s weirdly-more-realistic face is oddly endearing, Mulan and Tifa and Tron and Yuna Rikku & Payne (it’s showtime girls) are all here, and not only is Mickey Mouse fully in the game but he’s PLAYABLE! We’re dual-wielding keyblades, we’re fighting epic bosses with custom in-battle cutscene moves… Even the Gummi Ship is fun now?? No wonder the fandom widely considers this the best game of the series. The only way we’re going to properly react to it all is to bring back our OG recapper and good friend Oscar Montoya to laugh, cry, gasp & gag along with us.For an even deeper dive, check out this edit of MC Chris’ “KHII vs RE4” rant, which has been stuck in Mischa’s head for over 20 years. (Warning: it’s rough. It’s a 20-year-old Internet comedy video.)Sponsors- Neighborhood House, support communities built by immigrants & refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Oscar Montoya- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He may wield the element of fire, but Axel might just be the coolest character in this (or indeed, any) game series! Long red spiky hair, piercing green eyes, a smirk that makes teens swoon, and a heart that literally grows in front of your very eyes… no wonder Saïx can’t get over him. Step with us through the story as Axel goes from fun-loving street teen to wild scheming assassin - and then, somehow, despite enormous odds, back again. And now that he’s got his heart back, along with a Keyblade and a set of solid friends at his back, where might his next quest take him in future games?Sponsors- Neighborhood House, support communities built by immigrants & refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where once shone a beacon of light among the many worlds, now stands an empty fortress upon a shattered landscape. Its inner workings, once dedicated to the betterment of all through the study of science and magic, are now twisted to suit Xehanort’s dark schemes, leaving a gaping wound in the skin of the world. Can those who were forced to flee the Hollow Bastion return, and restore it to its former glory? With all it’s been through, can the hearts of those who love it make the Radiant Garden shine again?Sponsors- Whittier Alliance, a neighborhood group providing support to families impacted by ICE kidnappingsCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome our friend Julia Schifini aboard to get a rundown of Organization XIII, the meanest mugs this side of the Dark Meridian. We’ll get the lowdown on their plan (replacing the hearts they once gave up for dark powers), we’ll break down the stats all 14 members (yes, that’s right), we’ll learn how this motley crew works together (and how they don’t), and maybe we’ll learn where they all get those rad dark coats (they’re very expensive). We’ll also take a good look at what the Kingdom Hearts fandom looked like back in Julia’s day, and we’ll learn how to spell the name of her very own Org-sona. Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Julia Schifini- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Sora’s Nobody, Roxas has a lot to live up to. He’s got responsibilities at work, he’s got a mysterious destiny he never asked for, he’s figuring out what emotions are, and he’s got no memories of who he used to be, even though everyone else seems to know him. All he wants is to sit on the clocktower in Twilight Town, and eat sea-salt ice cream with his friends! Can we just let a boy have friends or what?? Can Xemnas & DiZ ever just leave him alone? And if he has to give his body back to Sora to save the universe, how will Roxas ever make it to the beach for summer vacation?Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deep Jungle, based on Disney’s Tarzan, is such a vast and exciting world in the first Kingdom Hearts game, one that really shows off what their level design could do… which was then legally barred from ever being mentioned in a KH game again. In a game series built on the backs of bedraggled and sleepless IP lawyers working out how all these properties can work together, how did Tarzan become the most convoluted example? Was one appearance enough for us?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the new year - what some might consider our “Year of the Nobody.” And so we really needed to get this one out of the way early! A remnant of the body left behind when the heart falls to darkness, Nobodies are a new enemy type for Kingdom Hearts 2, sure… but as they can retain their form and memories after the transition, the term “Nobodies” encompasses many crucial characters to come as well. What does this change of nature mean for the dynamics between these characters? What does someone without a heart do, in a game where “Hearts” is literally in the name? What do they want… and is there any chance they could have gotten it in a less cruel and evil fashion - simply by chilling perhaps?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The colorful and cartoonish aesthetic of Kingdom Hearts masks some deep tragedies - and perhaps none suffers underneath bright streaks of color more than Naminé. She’s a sketchbook-wielding "witch" with the power to change the hearts of those closest to Sora, born an anomaly among anomalies, imprisoned as the villains’ plaything, and convinced of some of the worst lies Nobodies tell themselves… because for her, in her unique situation, they might just be true. She’s also an icon for indoor kids everywhere, and her impact on the major players of the KH story is felt long after she leaves the board. Is she only ever meant to manipulate others, cursed to be a tool for evil or good but never for herself? Or can she find her way to a tranquil beach she’s never seen, but one that her heart still remembers?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Sora struggles against the machinations of the Organization in the floors above, Riku climbs his way out of his own personal darkness in the basement of Castle Oblivion in Reverse/Rebirth, the secret second half of Chain of Memories. Where Sora’s journey is about the lies others tell him, Riku’s journey is more about the lies he tells himself. But luckily, in this game he’s got King Mickey by his side (and finally in a Kingdom Hearts game for realsies!), so not even whatever the hell the cryptic DiZ is up to can keep him from eventually finding the right path.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GAWRSH! The final pillar of the core Kingdom Hearts trinity, Goofy & his trusty shield are often the grounding force for Sora and Donald, the voice of reason and honest virtue to balance their impulsivity. But is that really in line with his characterization in wider Disney media? It may have more to do with his status as the only real fatherly presence among the core Disney cast… which is why we spend an inordinate amount of time in this episode talking about his relationship with his son, Max. A-hyuck!Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How could the distillation of every dark thought a person’s ever had be so… cute? The Heartless may be the manifestation of evil, but they’re also a part of the natural ecology of the Kingdom Hearts universe. The only problem, it seems, is when the hubris of man throws the natural ecology out of balance - sounding familiar? We’ll take a look at the different types of Heartless, where they come from, and why they do what they do, as well as calling out a few of our faves.Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We can show you the world: shining, shimmering, splendid… Today we’re covering that desert jewel, that diamond in the rough, the world of Agrabah from the movie Aladdin. Its vast rolling dunes hide deep and rare magical secrets… but is it enough to make the world feel full for the video game? Is Agrabah an entire Cave of Wonders, or merely a place that’s flat and immense, where the heat is intense? Either way, as long as Genie’s still hanging out there, count us in!Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let’s get our feet wet! We’re talking about Donald Duck, that famously-hotheaded waterfowl from the core Disney cast. Because of his notable temper you might expect Donald to be placed in more of a melee-berserker role in the game… but as it turns out, Donald means much more to the makers of Kingdom Hearts than we may consider here in the West. Why does Donald get such a spotlight? Is there more to his contentious relationship with Sora than the games might imply? And where did a duck learn Zettaflare, one of the most powerful spells of the Square Enix Extended Universe?Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’d be forgiven for thinking a game that came out on a handheld console in between numbered installments is just a simple side game, easily ignored. Unfortunately, you’d be dead wrong! Today we’re covering the plot of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, a deckbuilding action game for the Game Boy Advance, with one hell of an impact on the wider KH story. As Sora & friends climb the many floors of Castle Oblivion, their memories laying before them like an open book, a mysterious force known then only as “The Organization” rolls up the sleeves of their cool black coats and gets elbow-deep in there to mess things around - and along the way, introduces an absolute trove of characters, whose staying power in the series (much like Larxene’s sick-ass lightning attacks) may shock you.Sponsors- Dispatch, a superhero workplace comedy game where choices matter. Pick it up now for PC or PS5!- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcome filmmaker, podcaster & avid gamer David Tilstra back to the show to check back in on his KH progress! Some of the biggest twists, the baddest fights, and the best story beats happen in the back half of Kingdom Hearts 1 - how do they stack up against David’s expectations from Disney, other games, and storytelling in general? How many times did it take him to finally beat Riku? And what’s he looking forward to from the rest of the series?Sponsors- Dispatch, a superhero workplace comedy game where choices matter. Pick it up now for PC or PS5!- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: David Tilstra- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Few intellectual properties are as well-protected as the iconic Disney Princesses™. So how did this quirky little game handle having so many all at once? Enter: the “Princesses of Heart,” a translation of the cultural weight of those princesses (and also Alice) into the Kingdom Hearts cosmology. Who made the cut? Who else was left on the bench? And why don’t they ever make eye contact with each other? It’s kind of weird, actually.Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As your world is crumbling to pieces all around you, and you fall into unknown depths of pure darkness… if you’re very lucky, you may find yourself deposited onto the gaslamp-lit streets of a cozy little haven. Today we’re talking about Traverse Town, the first hub world of Kingdom Hearts - packed tight with little shops, therapy dogs, and anything else you might need on your way through to worlds beyond, all who need shelter may call this place home, for however long they need it. (Which, y’know, might be a little less time overall, if Sora would quit goofing around and get to Keyblading already!)Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recording artist Pom Pom Squad - aka Mia Berrin, Mayanna’s younger sister - hops into the booth to gush with us about the music of Kingdom Hearts. A complex & mature score for what is purportedly a game for children, full of rich character details for a sprawling ensemble, the score of these games manage to weave together some of the most well-known musical themes of all time, original compositions and motifs whose beauty rivals the masters of classical Western music, iconic J-pop anthems, and mid-2000s-era video game technology into tracks that still get stuck in our heads to this day. We also got Mia’s thoughts on video game music as a whole from the professional music-maker’s side, as well as some more of that delicious Berrin family lore.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Pom Pom Squad- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if we told you there was a character vital to the Kingdom Hearts narrative and world in multiple ways, who possessed all the qualities that make Sora a hero and TWICE his raw magical potential, who starts their journey across the universe by bravely forging into darkness at the exact same time Sora does, who learns to wield the legendary Keyblade right alongside him… and yet we all shove this person into the back seat, just because she’s a girl? Well today we’re shining the spotlight she deserves onto Kairi: warrior of light, capital-P Princess, and real hero (damn it!) of the KH series.For an even deeper dive, check out Bio-Roxas’s video “Changing The Narrative | The Psychology of Kairi”Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re so glad you’ve followed your heart back to us! Today we’re talking all about Hearts: what they are, what they can do, and why everybody wants ‘em so dang much. Not just the core of every person’s being, driving their every action - they’re also a source of limitless power, whose true nature eludes even the most learned scholars of the Kingdom Hearts universe. Could that true essence really be darkness, as Ansem, Seeker of Darkness theorizes? (Probably not - having that be your name sounds like confirmation bias waiting to happen.)Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the beach! It’s very spooky here. Today we’re covering Destiny Islands, a little backwater world somehow drawn deep into the heart of everything. It’s home for Sora, Riku, Kairi, and so many more - it’s their safe place, the place where nothing bad could ever happen. So why do so many bad things keep happening to it? How do so many of the heroes and villains of this series find themselves inexplicably drawn to those vibrant shores? There’s something in that PS2-era bright-turquoise water, that’s for sure.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“We’ve always been rivals, haven’t we?” This week we’re talking about Riku, best friend turned villain turned deuteragonist of Kingdom Hearts. He’s strong, he’s confident, he’s ambitious, and when others turn away in fear Riku dives in head-first… but of course, that also leaves him vulnerable to forces he hasn’t even begun to understand, and paves the way for ultimate darkness to overtake the universe. Can even those who fall so far into darkness find their way back to light, despite all they might have done to the people they loved? For all of our sakes, we sure hope so.Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mischa & Mayanna have been fans of Kingdom Hearts for a long time, they’ve dived deep into the lore… but there’s one thing they’ll never understand: what it’s like to first experience these games with a full adult brain! To that end they’ve invited Mayanna’s partner, filmmaker, podcaster & gamemaster David Tilstra, to give his impressions of the series as he progresses through them for the first time as a grown-up. How has a lifetime as an avid gamer affected how Kingdom Hearts looks & feels with fresh eyes? Was it worth the wait?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: David Tilstra- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a big key, and you hit stuff with it… but of course, it’s also SO much more. We’re taking a look at Keyblades, the signature weapon of the series. Filled to the brim with personality, power, panache, and plot relevance, these unique weapons make Kingdom Hearts simultaneously iconic and ridiculous. We’ll unlock all the important info for you: What can they do? Where do they come from? Why are they special? What are they for? And of course, which ones are the prettiest?Sponsors - Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hop in the Gummi Ship with us and journey to Olympus Coliseum, the world of Disney’s Hercules - one of the most prolific Kingdom Hearts worlds (for some reason), and the KH capital for death, heroes, and seemingly-random yet oddly resonant Final Fantasy cameos. Under the shadow of warriors both triumphant and fallen, it’s here that Sora learns what it means to be a capital-H Hero - and where we all learn exactly what Disney and Square Enix think it means too.Sponsors- Gender Free World, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!- Please help us out by filling out the Multitude Summer Survey!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh Sora, the boy that you are! We start our dive into the KH series by covering the protagonist of (most of) the games, and the moral center around which the entire KH universe revolves. And sure, he has to be that way to be the main character of a game about love and connection - but where does that leave him? Does relying on his friends make him weak? Does believing in goodness make him dumb? And the most important question of all: Why are his shoes so big??Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code simpleandclean for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If we’re gonna make any amount of sense of this series, we have to start at the beginning: Kingdom Hearts. The story of three friends who wanted to see worlds beyond their own, and ended up with much more than they bargained for… and also every Disney character, just for good measure. And because we know that our friends are our power, we invite along our friend Oscar Montoya to help us find our way in the darkness, and drill down to the fundamental metaphor of this first of the franchise.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code  “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Oscar Montoya- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird  little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hello, nice to meet you! We’re Mischa & Mayanna, and we love Kingdom Hearts. Allow us to introduce ourselves, say what we’re about, and explain why we want to spend so much time talking about this silly game series to you all. We can’t wait to get started!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I've been having these weird thoughts lately... Like, is any of this for real, or not?Simple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of  MultitudeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.