Anilujah artwork

Anilujah

176 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

A place where animation and faith collide. We discuss the redemptive analogies found in animated movies and TV shows. Presenting the Gospel in a relatable format for those who are into animation, nerd culture and anime.

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Episodes

Spiking with Haikyuu! (Feat. Laura A. Grace)

April 19, 2024 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MB

Get in uniform and get ready to spike some volleyballs! We are joined by Laura A Grace (aka Laura Meets Manga) to talk about Haikyuu and the theme of trust. We also test Laura's knowledge with a bit of trivia and ask her what she has been up to since the last time she was on our podcast. Check out Laura's Instagram and her YouTube _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Unpacking Hazbin Hotel Part 2: The Characters of the Story (Feat. Stephen Mayo)

April 12, 2024 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

In part two of this two part episode, we dive into the character dynamics of the show "Hazbin Hotel" . Key characters like Charlie, Alistair, Angel Dust, and Sir Pentius are analyzed for their struggles tied to sin and redemption, alongside favorite songs from the series that parallel biblical narratives. We want to caution sensitive audiences to approach the show with a stable spiritual foundation, appreciating its artistic merit while acknowledging potential spiritual stumbling blocks. We ...

Unpacking Hazbin Hotel Part 1: A Theological Perspective (Feat. Stephen Mayo)

April 05, 2024 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

**Please note that Hazbin Hotel contains mature adult themes such as sex, violence and langauge. Discretion is advised if you choose to watch this series.** In part one of our episode, we discuss the theological themes of Hazbin Hotel with guest Stephen Mayo. focusing on redemption, salvation, and spiritual concepts. We emphasize grounding discussions in a biblical worldview and explore how the show intertwines theological imagery with storytelling. From angels and demons to the afterlife, ...

'Young David': Unveiling the Shepherd King in Animation

March 29, 2024 05:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

It is Easter weekend and with that comes our yearly Easter episode! Continuing with our biblical story tradition, we will be discussing yet another biblical figure. Join us as we discuss the "Young David" miniseries, focusing on David's courage, dedication, and reliance on God. Each episode highlights key aspects of David's life, from rescuing sheep to composing Psalm 23. This miniseries is truly what we desire for more of as it is  high-quality Christian entertainment. Dare we say the anima...

Josh's Musings and Quick Thoughts on Porco Rosso

March 22, 2024 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

Wait, Josh is doing this one solo? Uh-oh. Don't worry he will try his best at this one. Join Josh on this episode as he presents his thoughts on Porco Rosso, a classic Studio Ghibli masterpiece that delves into themes of redemption, forgiveness, and community.  We follow the journey of Marco, a World War I flying ace cursed with the appearance of a pig, as he navigates guilt, regret, and the power of second chances. Through poignant interactions with characters like Fio, Marco learns the t...

What does it take to be good?: Examining Lilo and Stitch (Feat. Paris Cosplays)

March 15, 2024 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MB

We take a heartfelt conversation with our guest, Paris of Paris Cosplays, exploring the topic of what is good? The episode shines a light on personal growth, community belonging, and the transformative power of combining one’s passions with purpose. We take a deep dive into Disneys' 'Lilo and Stitch,' examining its themes of family, redemption, and identity, while drawing meaningful parallels to real-life experiences. Be sure to check out Paris on Instagram She also has some pretty neat pe...

Ferngully and the Subtle Ways of the New Age

March 08, 2024 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode we dive into a discussion about "Ferngully: The Last Rainforest," delving into themes such as environmentalism, parallels to the Garden of Eden, and the depiction of seven deadly sins in the characters. We also reflect on the dangers of delving into new age beliefs and practices, cautioning against ideologies such as Christian Witchcraft and the Enneagram.  Is everything as it seems in the rainforest or is there more than meets the eye in Ferngully? ________________________...

The Importance of Being Pippi

March 01, 2024 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

We explore the themes and character traits depicted in the movie "Pippi Longstocking." We delve into Pippi's unconventional lifestyle, strength, and resilience, discussing the importance of discipline and drawing parallels with Biblical teachings found in Ephesians and Revelation. Our conversation also reflects on kindness and compassion, Join us in reflecting for this character study of Pippi and how the need for order is necessary in the chaos. ____________________________________________...

Journey To Redemption in Vinland Saga

February 16, 2024 06:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of Vinland Saga. Join us as we embark on a journey through the themes of redemption and the pursuit of a better world in this incredible anime series. We discuss the transformation of the main character, Thorfinn, as he navigates a path filled with revenge, growth, and the search for peace. We recommend you check out the playlist of the series' openings and endings here _____________________________________________________________________...

The Importance of Selflessness in My Love Story

February 09, 2024 06:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MB

In this episode we celebrate Valentine's Day by discussing the anime "My Love Story." We explore themes of love, friendship, and selflessness portrayed in the show. Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings found in such books as Proverbs, 1 Corinthians and more! Get your flowers and chocolate ready as we dive into this wholesome story of loyalty and love.  We  emphasize the importance of showing love to all individuals in our lives.  Whether you are single or have a significant other, ev...

Prayers and Desires with Disney's WIsh

February 02, 2024 06:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MB

This week we tackle Disney's "Wish," We celebrate the return to classic fairy tale wonder, paired with the inclusive storytelling  We're not just recounting scenes; we're drawing  poignant parallels to biblical narratives, making connections that will illuminate your understanding of faith's role in our deepest desires. We take a dive into questioning whether our yearnings are merely whims or part of a grander divine tapestry. We explore how the film, through its characters and music, parti...

Embracing Wholeness with Balto and the Teachings of Paul

January 26, 2024 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Embark on an inspiring journey as we connect the dots between the animated courage of "Balto" and the deep-rooted narratives of the Bible. Our latest podcast episode unearths how themes of identity, belonging, and heroism in Balto's legendary quest through the Alaskan wilderness mirror the selfless journeys in sacred scriptures. With every snowy step, we discover lessons of purpose and urgency that echo the Apostle Paul's commitment and guide us toward resilience in the face of life's challe...

A Conversation with Dr. Kevin McAfee

January 19, 2024 06:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

We are joined by our guest Dr. Kevin McPhee, a creative force behind the film and a beacon in the intersection of faith and film. The threads of biblical narratives weave through our favorite animated features, and we unpack this tapestry of storytelling with a deep dive into Dr. McAfee's transformative journey from actor and director to advocate for family entertainment and founder of a film school. This episode unravels the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, where every role is a vital ...

Embracing our Emotions with the Emoji Movie (Feat. Dani/ExesandTea Podcast)

January 12, 2024 06:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

Our latest conversation centers around emotions We are joined by our guest Dani, the insightful host of the Exes and Tea podcast,  to share her experiences and wisdom. Together, we traverse the delicate balance of discussing serious issues while embracing the lighter moments in life, like the unfettered joy puppies bring and the quirky preferences we have for emojis.  We laugh our way through a playful analysis of "The Emoji Movie," discovering deeper messages about individuality and the be...

Moving Forward with Meet the Robinson's (Feat. Elisabeth Warner)

January 05, 2024 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

As the confetti settles from our New Year's celebrations, Becca and I  discuss how we're turning the page with intention and reflection, rather than just scribbling down another list of resolutions. We are joined by author, Elisabeth Warner. Elisabeth's transformation from a young poet to a seasoned author is a testament to the strength found in gratitude, a practice she credits as pivotal in her life and work.  Our conversation naturally meanders to  the Disney movie,"Meet the Robinsons," ...

Cozy Commentary with a Chick-fil-A Christmas Short Film (The Spark Tree)

December 22, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

We're breaking out of our usual routine to bring you a react video that's as cozy and indulgent as the season's first batch of cookies. With fresh eyes, we're watching and offering our spin on Chick-fil-A's heartwarming holiday short film, "The Spark Tree". Our unfiltered commentary might just be the secret ingredient you never knew your holiday festivities needed, much like that surprise sprinkle of nutmeg in your eggnog. This episode is meant to be listened to while watching the video. C...

Unraveling the Holiday Magic:"Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

December 15, 2023 06:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MB

Please enjoy an encore presentation of one of  our past Christmas series episodes. "Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas." We'll be unwrapping its storyline, belting out its catchy songs, and shedding light on its powerful themes of hope and faith. With the Yule log burning and Christmas just around the corner, we'll be analyzing the story's key characters, like the devious Forte and his quest for personal gain.  We will be back next week with new Christmas series content! _______...

Unwrapping Christmas with Anime feat. TWWK from Beneath The Tangles

December 08, 2023 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Strap in for a festive ride as we embark on our Christmas series. Join us, your hosts Josh and Rebecca, alongside our special guest Charles, also known as TWWK from Beneath The Tangles. Charles is the mastermind behind Beneath the Tangles, a unique platform that explores anime through a Christian lens. We throw an insightful spotlight on this community and its mission to bridge the gap between anime fans and the Christian faith.  We venture  into the realm of anime to discuss the depiction ...

Finding Your Worth in "My Happy Marriage" (Feat. Anime Sekai Podcast)

December 01, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

This week, we team up with our special guests, Ichigo and Mikan, the dynamic duo behind the Anime Sekai podcast. These besties have created a fantastic space where every anime and manga fan can feel at home. Learn a bit more about them, their taste in anime and the story behind their podcast. We  also dive into a discussion and share our thoughts on Netflix's original shoujo series, "My Happy Marriage." This unique series serves up a fresh blend of Cinderella-inspired storyline and a dash o...

Navigating Thanksgiving with Hey Arnold (Minisode)

November 21, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

Have you ever paused to consider what makes Thanksgiving truly special? Is it the perfectly roasted turkey, the cherished family traditions, or something more profound? Join us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we discuss a Thanksgiving classic from the 90s Nickelodeon show, Hey Arnold. This particular episode, filled with humor and heart, gives us a glimpse into the chaotic holiday experiences of Helga and Arnold, along with their unique perspectives on gratitude. As we reminisce on ...

Diving Deep into Cats Don't Dance Allegories

November 17, 2023 06:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Journey back with us to 1939 Hollywood, as we unwrap the profound themes of the lesser-known animated movie, Cats Don't Dance. We promise you'll never see this movie the same way again! We shed light on the protagonist Danny's relentless pursuit of stardom amid societal challenges. We dissect the animated characters, with a special spotlight on the complex formation of Darla Dimple's character against the backdrop of Shirley Temple's real-life experiences. We further delve into the allegori...

Unearthing Treasures: Aladdin and the King of Thieves

November 10, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Direct to video movies were not always the best but Aladdin and the King of Thieves did it right! We're peeling back the layers of this beloved film, unearthing themes around treasures and their rightful place,  We examine Aladdin's apprehension about fatherhood and what it says about our human tendency to fret over the stages of life that lie ahead.  Whether you're a Disney aficionado, or simply interested in exploring familiar narratives from a fresh perspective, this episode promises to ...

Diving Into Jonah: A VeggieTales Exploration

November 03, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

Ever dreamt of embarking on an adventure with hilarious twists and turns? Hold your breath as we journey with the VeggieTales protagonist, Jonah, on a quest that takes him from sea to the heart of Nineveh. This episode of unlocks the classic VeggieTales story, Jonah, and unravels his comedic, yet profound, escapade.  This episode delves into the depths of Jonah's faith journey, revealing a tale of compassion, mercy, and second chances, as beautifully illustrated in the VeggieTales version. ...

The Unity of Your Name

October 27, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Join us as we discuss the movie, 'Your Name', unearthing its profound themes of predestination, unity, and connection. As we delve into the captivating story of Taki and Mitsuha we'll muse about the intriguing phenomenon of their body swapping and their compelling quest to find each other,  Ever pondered about fate versus free will? The conundrum gets even more intriguing when viewed through a Christian lens. In this episode, we'll grapple with these complex concepts, drawing parallels betw...

Biblical Courage against Fear: A Frozen Perspective

October 20, 2023 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Ready to cast out fear with love? We use the beloved movie Frozen as a springboard to explore the themes of fear, love, and faith. We dissect Elsa's fear of her own powers and her self-imposed isolation, drawing parallels to our own lives and our awe, respect, and sometimes fear of the divine. We grapple with the scriptures that say "fear not" versus those that dictate "fear the Lord", finding a connection within Elsa's story.  We dive into  the nature of our relationship with God. How ofte...

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Allegories

October 13, 2023 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

 Disney's first ever movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs! We've got an action packed episode for you this week, Brace yourselves as we open the doors to Disney's past, and step into the world of Snow White, a timeless classic chosen by our dear listeners! We've unearthed some intriguing biblical allegories embedded within Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We'll take you through an analytical journey, comparing and contrasting the characters and scenes from this classic Disney movie to fig...

Anime Roundtable Part Two (2023)

October 06, 2023 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

Ready to get animated? Gear up for an exceptional roundtable discussion, where we bring the whimsical world of the anime series Romantic Killer to life. Promising a blend of comedy and romance, this Netflix  gem offers a fresh take on relationships, highlighting the beautiful aspects of platonic love amidst a hilarious setting. We are thrilled to have Slay from Cosplay and Slay, and Judy Liu, author of the Vending Portal, on board for this animated discussion. As we delve into the depths of...

Anime Roundtable Part One (2023)

September 29, 2023 03:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

Join us for a soul-stirring chat with Miya Sae, E.N. Chaffin, and M.H. Elrich as we delve into part one of our Anime Roundtable event. We start off in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, drawing out the powerful themes of forgiveness and redemption. We'll uncover the profound parallels between Zuko's journey of self-realization and the time-honored parable of the Prodigal Son. Alongside, we'll explore ideas of divine love, grace, and the transformative power of forgiveness,  The enrich...

We're Back!

September 22, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

After a few months of being on Hiatus, we are back and (hopefully) better than ever. We ease back in with a life update episode and some ramblings. We are happy to be back in your podcast rotation again! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Trolls with D.T. Powell

June 30, 2023 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

We haven't done a series in a while, but are excited about this one.  Trollhunters (currently streaming on Netflix) is a fantastic three part series of friendship, purpose and some hard life lessons. We are joined by D.T. Powell who is an author and suggested this series to us for discussion. D.T. Powell tells ua bout her own writing and her fascination with fan fiction, _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube T...

Grave of the FIreflies With Jessica Bertrand

June 16, 2023 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

We are back to our regular type of show. We come in hot with another studio Ghibli film (Slowly making our way through it). This was suggested to us by our guest on this episode, Jessica Bertrand. Jessica is an author who has made several contributions to the devotional Finding God in Anime volumes 1 and 2. Grave of the fireflies handles some pretty heavy topics and we encourage anyone to watch who is an anime or history buff. ________________________________________________________________...

Our First Convention

June 09, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

Join us for this episode as we share some of our experiences at our first comic con. We got to meet a couple celebrities and saw tons cosplay! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Shoot'n The Breeze( Minisode)

May 26, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

We are having to wrap up our mental health awareness series early. We thought this would be a good time to provide you with a couple life updates and introduce a new segment for the podcast.  Enjoy this minisode! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Monsters Inc. with Rev. Katie O'Dunne

May 19, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

Do you battle with intrusive thoughts or perhaps suffer from OCD? We have got you covered with our guest Rev. Katie O'Dunne. Katie is a ordained minister and interfaith chaplain. She helps those who are struggling with intrusive thoughts and OCD. She navigates them through the process (including referring them to treatment) while respecting their own personal religious beliefs. We also talk about Monsters Inc. and how everyone has a monster (intrusive thought). Don't be scared to listen to t...

Orange With Debra Nute

May 12, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

We take a hard look at the heart of the issue that plagues many young people and adults. We discuss with Debra Nute the anime series orange as it relates to carrying the shame and guilt of something that you have no control over. Debra also shares with her own struggles with OCD and depression. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Talking About Depression and Toxicity with Amanda Kostura

May 05, 2023 05:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

We kick our mental health series with a discussion about depression and toxic thoughts. Our guest for this installment for our mental health series is Amanda Kostura. Amanda is the Founder and President of Carve Your Own Path Inc.. CYOP offers a wide array of services for varying degrees of mental health. Below are links to the two short films we discuss in our episode.  _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube T...

Demon Slayer: To the Swordsmith Arc with Cosplay and Slay

April 28, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

This week we revisit the anime series Demon Slayer and its newest and still ongoing (at this point) Swordsmith arc. We are joined by our guest Slay from Gosplay and Slay. They give us a peek inside the cosplay world and their favorite outfits. Do check out the video version of this podcast on our Youtube channel to check out all the visuals. We also talk about being the light of this world and being demon slayer for Christ. ___________________________________________________________________...

Toradora, Feat. AnotherChristianArtist

April 21, 2023 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

Been a while since we have watched this series, but we sure did enjoy it a second time around. Join us and our guest AnotherChristianArtist as we discuss themes such as being your true self and companionship. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Our Thoughts on Super Mario (God is our infinity star)

April 14, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

We give your our opinions on the new Super Mario Bros. movie and links between the seen an unseen realm. We also talk about not giving up just as Mario fights the good fight to save his brother Luigi! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

TIme Travel and Stuff

April 07, 2023 05:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

This essentially turned into a What are (have been) We Watching episode. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Death Parade (Who are You to Judge)

March 31, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

Who are we to judge? Well if you live in the world of Death Parade, that is your primary role as an arbiter. You create extreme conditions and you make your final judgement.  We talk about this theme of judgement and who the ultimate judge is. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

My Neighbor Totoro with Judy Liu

March 24, 2023 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

We are discussing a childhood Ghibli favorite. We discuss family and childlike faith with My Neighbor Totoro. And returning to the podcast as a special guest, Judy Liu _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

The Brave Little Toaster (Darker Than We Remember)

March 17, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MB

A bit of a shorter episode that will be more discussion based rather than faith based (that's just the way the toast came out). We do make correlations to this 1980's animated as it relates to the Body of Christ and being new creations.  We also talk about what we have been watching lately! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Bungo Stray Dogs with Angela R. Watts

March 10, 2023 06:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

We talk about an anime making a comeback in its 4th season.Learn as we discuss the topic of purpose as it related to Atshusi and the agency. We also talk with our guest Angela R Watts who is an accomplished author! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Violet and Self Esteem

March 03, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

We talk the YouTube Short film Violet and the pressures one undergoes with self worth and self esteem. This was a short film but certainly not a short episode. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Belle with Julia Damore

February 24, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MB

For the first time on this podcast we have a family member joining us as a guest. Julia Damore is an accomplished teacher and opera singer. We have you get to know her a bit as well as discussing the 2021 anime film "Belle". We cover topics such as the positvies and negatives of social media, being the true U and have Julia give us an analysis of one of the songs from the movie. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook Yo...

The Wild Thornberry's Movie (A Special Species of Family)

February 17, 2023 06:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MB

This week we talk about the Wild Thornberry's movies that came out in 2002. Themes of family and shamanism are what is central this episode. So let your inner wild child out and join us! _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

All Dogs Go To Heaven 2: The Temporal Vs. Eternal

February 10, 2023 06:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MB

Do all dogs go to heaven? Is Charlie Barken a good dog at heart? Are we content in there here and now? If you have ever thought about the afterlife, you have probably asked yourself what it is like. We discuss this and more in this episode that barks the question "where are we storing our treasures"? _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

If Anything Happens I Love You (Feat. Lisa Michelle Zega

February 03, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

We are starting off our third season of the podcast with a bit of a heavier subject than we expected. We discuss grief and all its elements in the Netflix short film If Anything Happens I Love You with our guest Lisa Michelle Zega. Lisa is runs a ministry that specializes in grief recovery and a whole host of other things. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

BONUS: Looking Ahead- 2023

December 30, 2022 06:00 - 9 minutes - 6.73 MB

No redemptive analogies or movie/show to talk about this week. We are still traveling for the holiday's but wanted to give you all an update on what to expect as we go into 2023 for the podcast. _____________________________________________________________________________ Follow us: Instagram Facebook YouTube TIkTok

Twitter Mentions

@laura_a_grace 2 Episodes