The Anime Effect
by Crunchyroll
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
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We FINALLY Settle Anime’s Biggest Isekai Debate | 135
One Piece is officially in Fortnite, and The Anime Effect is breaking down the massive anime crossover! Plus, BOCCHI THE ROCK! is getting a prequel anime, Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding anime drops its first trailer, and Anime Court returns to settle one of isekai’s biggest debates!Is Sword Art...
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Black Clover Is BACK! Asta’s VA on His Long-Awaited Return | NEWS
Black Clover is BACK, and Asta's voice actor is ready to surpass his limits. Japanese voice actor Gakuto Kajiwara joins The Anime Effect in this special interview to talk about Asta’s long-awaited return, protecting his voice from all that screaming, and what fans should prepare for when Black...
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Studio TRIGGER Reveals What’s Next for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | 134
Studio TRIGGER and CD PROJEKT RED take The Anime Effect to Night City this week Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. Director Kai Ikarashi, TRIGGER CEO Masahiko Otsuka, and showrunner Bartosz Sztybor break down season two and what’s next for Cyberpunk. PLUS, we reveal how Eiichiro Oda helped One Piece beat...
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Rico Nasty’s Anime Taste Goes WAY Deeper Than Cyberpunk | 133
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 anime taught her about film. Which manga deserved an anime adaptation WAY...
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Can You Survive the World's Worst Tournament Arc? | 132
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 tournament arc because we can.Would you survive our unhinged tournament arc? Send us…
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We Try Creating a NEW Hit Anime in 60 Seconds | 131
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 Ball Super: Beerus coming to Crunchyroll, and “Pitch, Please!,” a cursed game...
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Behind the Voices of You and I Are Polar Opposites with The Anime Effect | NEWS
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 dates and reveal the tiny moments that make the pair’s rom-com hit so hard. Do you...
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Obsession's Megan Lawless Is Ready for Her Anime Era | 130
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 inspiring her new era. We also break down the latest anime news, including Naruto’s…
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Our Worst Anime Takes Aged TERRIBLY, We Admit It | 129
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 Knight Rayearth, Firefly Wedding, Overgeared, PSYREN, and more.Plus, Michael B....
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Spider-Man's Jacob Batalon Has Better Anime Taste Than You | 128
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 idea that Pokémon cards will one day become currency, the new Legend of Zelda:...
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How Kenny Omega Became All Might IRL | 127
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, we celebrate Attack on Titan Day, break down The Apothecary Diaries live-action...
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Meet the Anime & Comics Shaping Marvel’s Iman Vellani | 126
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 AEW, SpongeBob SquarePants x ONE PIECE Happy Meals, Burger King x Dragon Ball,...
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The Real Anime Story Behind Scott Pilgrim w/ Bryan Lee O’Malley | 125
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, we break down anime's growing footprint in theme parks, One Piece’s new movies,...
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Kingdom Hearts Anime Is Finally Happening, Don’t Panic | NEWS
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 gamers, and why this show kept us waiting.Plus, we review Krispy Kreme’s Pokémon...
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How Anime Is Changing American Superheroes w/ Kyle Higgins | 124
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 what Hollywood can learn from transformation sequences, legacy heroes, and more....
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Hatsune Miku’s New Magic: The Gathering Deck Is Pure Anime Joy | 123
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 Spider-Man’s latest anime crossover, the first look at Gachiakuta Season 2, Neon Genesis...
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Spider-Man, Gundam & Akira Toriyama Make Anime History | NEWS
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 for the ULTIMATE anime remake. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast...
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We Ask Leon Kennedy What Resident Evil Fans Need to Know | 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 the internet’s obsession with “Daddy Leon.” Welcome to The Anime Effect, the...
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Naruto Is Officially Casting Hollywood's Team 7 & We Have Thoughts | 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: Edgerunners 2, Godzilla Minus Zero, and Studio Ghibli’s new anime drop.…
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AKIRA Returns, Star Wars Goes Anime, and Anime Expo Is Bigger Than Ever | 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 Naruto release we've heard about in years!Welcome to The Anime Effect, the…
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What’s Your Anime IQ? Plus, Cyberpunk Edgerunners & One Piece | 119
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 biggest headlines of the past week to make you a bigger & better anime fan.…
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Takanashi Kiara Talks Hololive Streams, Anime Faves, and Her Next Big Arc | 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 anime lineup, and Naruto’s new TCG. Talk to us!…
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Black Clover Bombshells, Marvel Manga Returns and Dr. STONE in Fortnite?! | 117
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 anime moments living rent-free in your minds in Fan Service. Welcome to The…
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These Are the Anime Scenes We Will Never Forget (We Tried) | 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 live rent-free in their heads! Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast...
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Pokémon Mania, Dorohedoro Lives & One Piece Conquers Hollywood | NEWS
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 surprising effect on Hollywood. Plus, we discover whether Goku or Vegeta tastes...
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Big Sean Talks Dragon Ball, His Best Bars, and the Anime That Made Him a Rapper | 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 show’s hottest interview yet as Big Sean joins the chat to talk bars, beats, and the...
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Could YOU Survive These Deadly Isekai Worlds? Plus Big Gundam News | 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? Crunchyroll NEWS:...
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Goku Day Goes Wild & We Curse Naruto in Our Most Unhinged Game Ever | 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 favorite shows. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by...
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Attack on Titan Returns, Black Clover Ends & Our Anime Remake Debate Starts | 111
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 more. PLUS, we ask the burning question: What makes a good anime remake?!…
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We Take Evangelion to ANIME COURT to Kickstart Ani-May | 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 over Evangelion! Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by...
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Gundam Goes Big & Our 2026 Anime Rankings Go Rogue | 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 weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts –...
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Popeyes Meets ONE PIECE & the Beach Episode Debate Nobody Saw Coming | 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 The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house…
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Can YOU Name These Shonen Anime? Plus, Anime Awards 2026 Is Loaded | 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! PLUS, we try to name as many shonen anime as we can with only clues! Anime…
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Anime Awards 2026 Nominees Make Us Spiral & AnimeJapan Delivers | 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 little! VOTE FOR US HERE! ANIME JAPAN Roundup Gachiakuta: The Game Releases...
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Our ULTIMATE Spring 2026 Anime Guide w/ Solo Leveling's Michelle Rojas | 105
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 Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident...
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Samurai Champloo Goes Live-Action & We Expose Our Anime Watchlists | 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 in Fan Service. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by...
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Pokémon’s Veronica Taylor On Becoming Ash Ketchum & Finding Your Voice | 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. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own...
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Evangelion Gets a New Anime, SAO Returns & Crunchyroll Manga Levels Up | NEWS
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 game, and more! Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by...
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WNBA Star Gabby Williams Takes Over the Show With Her Anime Dream Team | 102
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 our help. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by…
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Pokémon's New Starters Go Live PLUS Big One Piece Milestones & Chainsaw Man Merch | NEWS
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 Rilakkuma anime, and the latest My Hero Anime concert tour. Pokémon Celebrates…
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Hannah Bahng's Anime Hear-Me-Out-Cake Sounds Totally Delicious | 101
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, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President.…
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A New Evangelion Anime Wasn't On Our Bingo Card for 2026, Okay?! | NEWS
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 best new way to rep your favorite manga. New Evangelion Anime Series in...
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The Anime Effect Hits Episode 100 With Memories, Tea & Hardcore Trivia | 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 trivia imaginable. Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by...
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Chainsaw Man's BIG Streaming Update + What Makes a Modern Classic? | NEWS
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 project...! Brace for impact. Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc Streams on…
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The Ultimate Anime Battle Royale BEGINS w/ Khleo Thomas & Lena Lemon | 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 the emoji game: 🐉 ⚽️ 💤 👻 ➡️ 🥚 🍵 📔 🐱 1️⃣ 🤜 👨🏻🦲 ⚓ 🌒 🐈⬛ ⛓️ 🪚 🧍♂️…
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ONE PIECE Dominates Our Weekly News With Help From... Digimon?! | NEWS
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 long-awaited comeback! ONE PIECE Night Returns to T-Mobile Park in March for Mariners...
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BABYMETAL's Origin Story Would Make the Ultimate Anime (ft. BABYMETAL) | 98
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, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts…
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Gundam Steals Jujutsu Kaisen's Spotlight w/ Anime's Greatest Needle Drop | NEWS
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 it? Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2026 Sets May 23 for 10th Anniversary, Yoko…
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Crystal Kay Reveals The Magical Girl Anime That First Made Her Feel Seen | 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 Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident...
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Dragon Ball’s Huge 40th Anniversary News Hits Us Like a Spirit Bomb | NEWS
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. PLUS, we have big emotions about Yoshi! Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Crunchyroll