Sure, you like anime. But do you KNOW what's happening in the anime world? Go beyond your current watchlist and discover all there is to enjoy with your friends at Crunchyroll. Each week, we’ll dig into the latest anime headlines, examine our favorite shows, chat with guest stars, and explore how anime affects everything.
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 hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions Demon Slayer Earns Critics' Choice Awards Nomination & More One Piece’s LEGO Special Drops First Trailer, Paving a New Frontier for Anime Naruto Creator Makes Surprise Marvel Cameo to Crown the Best Spider-Man Movie Find Nick on Instagram and X! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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. 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. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime. FREE 7-DAY CRUNCHYROLL TRIAL ⭐️ https://got.cr/cp-7daysFollow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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. 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. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions Crunchyroll Summer 2026 Seasonal Lineup Naruto Trading Card Game Announced Find Takanashi Kiara Here on YouTube 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. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah Presiden SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 better…?! Director Takayuki Hirao's WASTED CHEF Anime Project Releases Teaser Trailer Dorohedoro Season 3 Officially Announced Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 Update Pokémon 30th Anniversary TCG Set Revealed Pokémon x LEGO TCG Contest Begins 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. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions • HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President • SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters • V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon • MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano • EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 anime that made him a rapper. 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. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us here! Crunchyroll News: Full Anime Awards 2026 Winners - CLICK HERE HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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: https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2026/5/15/new-gundam-wing-video-original-series-remaster-gundam-50th-anniversary https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2026/5/14/princess-mononoke-kabuki-stage-play-cast-visuals-in-costume https://variety.com/2026/film/news/hello-kitty-movie-directors-1236752660/ https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2026/5/12/king-of-prism-your-endless-call-anime-dual-cheer-screening-last-sharknado 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. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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?! 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. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Awards 2026: Voting Goes Live as RZA, Winston Duke and More Join the Live Show Daemons of the Shadow Realm English Dub Reveals Release Date, Cast and Crew My Hero Academia Anime Unveils New Visual for Extra Episode That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Scarlet Bond Releases in U.S., Canada on April 20 The Kamen Rider Animated Project Announced 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. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Combat Preview Videos for Rudo, Enjin and More Go For It, Nakamura-kun!! English Dub Reveals Same-Day Release, Cast and Crew Witch Hat Atelier English Dub Reveals Same-Day Release, Cast and Crew 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. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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 Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mix of roundtable news and discussion, featuring Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, offer recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicholas Friedman, Leah President Follow Crunchyroll on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crunchyroll #animenews #animepodcast #crunchyrollpodcast #crunchyrollnews Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
