Baka Banter Anime Podcast
90 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratingsBaka Banter is a deep dive into the world of anime. Hosts Ionatan Kuperwajs and Ravi Pancholi break down the latest in anime through a critical lens, dish out their hottest takes, and sit down with guests from across the anime industry.
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Episodes
Top Five Bones Anime
April 17, 2024 09:00 - 2 hours - 172 MBBones is synonymous with a high level of quality, whether that is showcased in action sequences in popular battle shounen or in bringing to life creative original works. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding by Sunrise staff members and how their early works like the 'Cowboy Bebop' movie and 'Fullmetal Alchemist' laid the foundation for future productions made with an international audience in mind. Then, they pick their top five Bones anime, from a modern classic in 'Mob Psycho 100...
Anime Podcasting and 'One Piece' (ft. Zach Logan)
April 03, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 133 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Zach Logan, host and founder of The One Piece Podcast, to discuss anime podcasting. They cover the early days of the podcast and how it's grown over the past 15 years to now have a wide variety of guests, related podcasts, and even a documentary filmed in Japan. Then, they talk about what makes 'One Piece' such a beloved franchise, personal favorites from the series including characters and arcs, and experiences with different versions of the story such as the ...
Mari Okada's Heartfelt Writing in 'Maquia' and 'Maboroshi'
March 20, 2024 09:00 - 2 hours - 181 MBMari Okada is one of the most prolific writers in the anime industry, known not only for screenplay and series composition roles but also for her work as a mangaka and director. Ionatan and Ravi discuss Mari Okada's personal story as told in her autobiography before giving some overarching thoughts on her extensive writing credits. Then, they explore how her two directed films, 'Maquia' and 'Maboroshi,' tackle themes such as parenthood, isolation, and the passage of time.
Technology, Gender, and Sexuality in Anime (ft. Aurélie Petit)
March 06, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Aurélie Petit, a doctoral candidate in film studies at Concordia University, to discuss the intersection between technology, gender, and sexuality as it relates to anime. They break down her research on the history of animated pornography, how online anime communities have developed exclusionary practices towards women, and the role that artificial intelligence plays in the anime industry. Then, they cover her catalog of animated films that portray sexuality an...
Winter 2024 First Impressions
February 21, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the popularity of 'Solo Leveling,' the combination of classic fantasy and cooking in 'Dungeon Meshi,' the continuation of their shoujo adventures with 'A Sign of Affection,' and why 'Metallic Rouge' has been such a disappointment.
The Valentine's Day Anime Special
February 07, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 155 MBIonatan and Ravi prepare for the season of love with a Valentine's Day anime special! They begin by discussing their dislike of the consumerism surrounding Valentine's Day and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime episodes to watch this time of the year from series such as 'Toradora!' and 'Hyouka.'
2023 Anime Review
January 24, 2024 10:00 - 2 hours - 226 MBIonatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2023! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.
The Ultimate Guide to Anime Movies
January 10, 2024 10:00 - 2 hours - 174 MBWhat makes for a particularly compelling anime movie? Ionatan and Ravi discuss how they approach critically watching films compared to television series before giving their personal recommendations for the best standalone movies that the medium has to offer. They cover a pair of Satoshi Kon works in 'Tokyo Godfathers' and 'Perfect Blue,' Mamoru Hosoda's heartfelt story of parenthood in 'Wolf Children,' and Masaaki Yuasa's take on a Tomihiko Morimi novel in 'The Night is Short, Walk on Girl' ...
Baka Mailbag, Vol. 3
December 27, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 200 MBIonatan and Ravi round out 2023 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss the differences between original works and manga adaptations, the best and worst casts in anime, their favorite first episodes in the medium, and much more! Then, they take a look back at the third year of the podcast.
Recapping Japan 2023
December 13, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 172 MBIonatan and Ravi discuss highlights from Ionatan's recent trip to Japan! They first cover Ravi's weekend at Anime NYC 2023, including spending time with the podcast community and attending panels for series like 'Lycoris Recoil' and 'Great Pretender.' Then, they break down the cultural experiences, food, and encounters with anime content from three incredible weeks visiting various cities throughout Japan.
Top Five CloverWorks Anime
November 29, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBCloverWorks is a relatively new studio that has established itself quickly within the anime industry over the past few years. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's origins at A-1 Pictures and subsequent combination of co-productions, adaptations, and original works. Then, they pick their top five CloverWorks anime, from the massively successful 'Bocchi the Rock!' and 'Spy x Family' to high-quality productions like 'Horimiya' and 'My Dress-Up Darling' to ambitious disappointments like 'Wonder...
'Attack on Titan' and Creating a Modern Epic
November 16, 2023 10:00 - 3 hours - 250 MB'Attack on Titan' is one of the most important anime franchises of the modern age, telling a dark fantasy epic that is responsible for bringing anime into global mainstream culture. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season in the anime adaptation of Hajime Isayama's manga from the Fall of Shiganshina to the War for Paradis. They discuss the characters and lore of the world, numerous twists in the narrative, shift in production from Wit Studio to MAPPA, and recent...
Fall 2023 First Impressions
November 01, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 129 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They discuss a pair of anime of the year contenders in 'Frieren' and 'The Apothecary Diaries,' whether 'Spy x Family' needs constant plot progression and character development, and the visually stunning but otherwise lackluster 'Undead Unluck.'
The Halloween Anime Special
October 18, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBIonatan and Ravi prepare for the spooky season with a Halloween anime special! They begin by discussing their own Halloween memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime to watch this time of the year, from 'Soul Eater' and 'Hellsing Ultimate' to 'Mononoke' and 'Devilman: Crybaby.'
Japanese Pop Culture and Academic Life in Tokyo (ft. Roland Kelts)
October 04, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 136 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Roland Kelts, a writer and professor at Waseda University, to discuss the global influence of Japanese pop culture. They break down 'Japanamerica,' his book detailing the American experience with anime and other Japanese cultural exports. Then, they talk about his recent book 'The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus' as well as academic life in Tokyo more broadly.
Apocalyptic Destruction and Cultural Impact in 'Akira'
September 20, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 169 MB'Akira' is one of the most important science fiction films of all time, with an unmatched cultural impact that changed the anime industry and paved the way for the growth of Japanese culture in the west. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the movie, breaking down its animation and production as well as its themes such as the cyclical nature of destruction and the struggle of surviving in a dystopian society. Then, they cover the movie's plot and describe their hopes for the adaptation of the fr...
The Seiyu Tournament Bracket
September 06, 2023 09:15 - 2 hours - 197 MBIonatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a seiyu bracket! They discuss what stands out to them from their favorite voice acting performances and the history of the industry in Japan before debating which of the top 32 anime voice actors deserves to come out on top.
'Haikyu!!' and the Essence of Sports
August 23, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 200 MB'Haikyu!!' uses volleyball to expertly showcase what draws people to participate in sports and how athletic competition can lead to personal growth via hard work, being part of a team, and overcoming adversity. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation by discussing the training arcs and matches that defined Karasuno's trajectory from the Interhigh to Nationals. Then, they select their best 'Haikyu!!' universe lineups and outline their expe...
Top Five White Fox Anime
August 09, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 182 MBWhite Fox is known for the quality of its visual and light novel adaptations, often demonstrating an understanding of the source material and its appeal to fans. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding as well as its success with two massively popular franchises in 'Steins;Gate' and 'Re:Zero.' Then, they pick their top five White Fox anime, from existential science fiction like 'Girls' Last Tour' to underrated gems like 'Jormungand' and 'Katanagatari.'
Summer 2023 First Impressions
July 26, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 160 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss sequels for 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Mushoku Tensei,' the return of 'Horimiya,' and pleasant surprises such as 'Zom 100' and 'Undead Girl Murder Farce.'
The Range of Anime Soundtracks from Joe Hisaishi to Kensuke Ushio
July 12, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 191 MBSoundtracks are one of the most important but often underappreciated parts of anime production, having the ability to underscore scenes and characters in an adaptation while evoking strong emotions in the audience. Ionatan and Ravi break down the technical process for score composition as well as the historical context for music in the anime industry. Then, they discuss the most prominent anime composers and what makes each of their musical styles unique, from industry legends like Joe Hisai...
Voice Directing in Anime and the Dubbing Industry (ft. Shawn Gann)
June 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 141 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Shawn Gann, a voice director and actor at Crunchyroll, to discuss anime dubbing. They talk about Shawn's advocacy for diversity in the industry, the process for voice directing from getting assigned a series to working with actors in the studio, and particularly memorable experiences directing titles such as 'Fruits Basket' and 'Horimiya.'
The Summer Anime Special
June 14, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBIonatan and Ravi prepare for the upcoming months with a summer anime special! They begin by discussing their own summer memories growing up and giving some background on the seasonal customs in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite summer anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year that make use of tropes like beach and fireworks scenes including 'Fruits Basket,' 'A Silent Voice,' and 'Kaguya-sama.'
The Philosophical Storytelling of Mamoru Oshii
May 31, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 199 MBMamoru Oshii is one of the most influential anime directors of all time whose dense and layered works constantly pose thought-provoking questions and touch on philosophical concepts such as dreams and reality, the illusion of peace, and identity. Ionatan and Ravi dive into Mamoru Oshii's filmography, ranging from his early career working on 'Urusei Yatsura' to his surrealistic artwork 'Angel's Egg' to his musings on politics and technology in 'Patlabor' and 'Ghost in the Shell.'
Medieval Trading and Adventure in 'Spice and Wolf'
May 17, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 153 MB'Spice and Wolf' is a unique fantasy that blends adventure and romance with a focus on historically accurate economics in the medieval period. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation in terms of Lawrence and Holo's relationship development and the trading concepts that drive the plot of each arc before discussing their hopes for the upcoming anime project.
Spring 2023 First Impressions
May 03, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 170 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss their opinions on Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' at the top of the episode before diving into a stacked season that includes new standouts like 'Oshi no Ko,' 'Heavenly Delusion,' and 'Skip to Loafer' as well as the return of series like 'Demon Slayer' and 'KonoSuba.'
Overseeing Editorial Content at Anime News Network (ft. Lynzee Loveridge)
April 19, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Lynzee Loveridge, executive editor at Anime News Network, to discuss the role that news sources play in the anime industry. They talk about Lynzee's career trajectory in different departments at Anime News Network, how news sources serve the broader anime community, and her other work writing, covering conventions, and hosting the ANN After Show.
The Ultimate Guide to Trash Anime
April 05, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 179 MBWhat does it mean for anime to be labeled as trash? Ionatan and Ravi discuss the term before giving their personal recommendations for anime that they concede are lacking from a critical perspective but like anyways, from the magical girl Fate spinoff 'Prisma Illya' to isekai like 'No Game No Life' to various ecchi like 'Food Wars!' and 'Prison School.'
The Emotional Resonance of Music Anime
March 22, 2023 09:00 - 2 hours - 191 MBMusic anime deliver emotional stories about human relationships and character development tied together by vivid and memorable sound. Ionatan and Ravi describe their personal connection to instruments and music before looking at what common themes underlie anime about music and make it resonate with people so deeply. Then, they dive into three series that highlight the diversity of the genre, from complicated relationships, post-war Japan, and jazz in 'Kids on the Slope' to young love, traum...
Top Five MAPPA Anime
March 08, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 179 MBMAPPA has become one of the biggest powerhouses in the modern anime landscape, growing rapidly from a studio founded for creative freedom to a corporate site for large franchises. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's varied productions as well as its reputation for tight schedules, egregiously low pay for animators, and a culture of overwork that is, unfortunately, representative of the state of the anime industry today. Then, they pick their top five MAPPA anime, from battle shounen like '...
'Hunter x Hunter' and the World of Nen
February 22, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 225 MB'Hunter x Hunter' is a standout battle shounen that blends unique worldbuilding, endearing characters, and one of the best power systems in all of anime. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, discussing each arc in the 2011 anime adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga from the Hunter Exam to the 13th Hunter Chairman Election. Along the way, they give an explainer on the basic concepts in Nen and highlight the plot points and themes that drive each section of the narrative.
Winter 2023 First Impressions
February 08, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the return of 'Vinland Saga,' the production issues plaguing 'NieR:Automata,' and the revitalization of a classic in 'Trigun Stampede' before debating whether or not this is a slow start to the year for the anime industry.
2022 Anime Review
January 25, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 216 MBIonatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2022! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.
Cooking Anime-Inspired Food (ft. CHEFPK)
January 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 142 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by CHEFPK to discuss the intersection of food and anime. They cover CHEFPK's journey from culinary school to cooking on YouTube as well as how traveling to and eating in Japan shaped his career. Then, they dive into CHEFPK's creative process, including the methodology for making recipes based on anime and other projects such as Food Fight Academy and the FoodTaku podcast.
Baka Mailbag, Vol. 2
December 28, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 162 MBIonatan and Ravi round out 2022 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss animation industries outside of Japan, video game anime adaptations, their favorite characters in the medium, and much more! Finally, they take a look back at the second year of the podcast.
The Christmas Anime Special
December 14, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 161 MBIonatan and Ravi ring in the holiday season with a Christmas anime special! They begin by discussing their own Christmas memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite Christmas anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year including Kyoto Animation's 'The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya' and Satoshi Kon's 'Tokyo Godfathers.'
Recapping Anime NYC 2022
November 30, 2022 10:00 - 2 hours - 210 MBIonatan and Ravi share their convention stories from Anime NYC 2022! They discuss the exciting events they were able to attend this year, from Hajime Isayama's interview about 'Attack on Titan' to various Studio Trigger, Wit Studio, and Studio Orange panels to a special 'Kaguya-sama' preview screening. Then, they break down their first live podcast appearance including the application and preparation process, a recording of the panel itself, and interactions with fans and attendees.
Shoujo, Josei, and 'Chihayafuru' (ft. Colleen's Manga Recs)
November 16, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Colleen's Manga Recs to discuss shoujo and josei anime and manga. They cover the rapid rise of Colleen's YouTube channel, lessons that audience members can learn from shoujo, and misogyny in the anime and manga community. Then, they dive into why 'Chihayafuru' is such a special series and what other shoujo and josei people should watch and read.
Fall 2022 First Impressions
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 2 hours - 181 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They begin by discussing 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' and 'Tatami Time Machine Blues,' two series that already finished airing. Then, they dive into an incredibly stacked season of anime, from the highly anticipated 'Chainsaw Man' and 'Mob Psycho 100' to the return of 'Bleach' to a surprise anime of the year candidate in 'Bocchi the Rock!'
Fanservice and Guilty Pleasure in Ecchi Anime
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 2 hours - 187 MBEcchi is a Japanese slang term for playfully sexual actions which has over time come to be used as shorthand for works with erotic content and fanservice. Ionatan and Ravi discuss their own experiences with ecchi before traversing its history from Japanese erotic art to modern anime. Then, they dive into why 'High School DxD,' 'Kiss x Sis,' and 'High School of the Dead' are considered classics in the ecchi genre.
Covering the Anime Industry in Japan (ft. Daryl Harding)
October 05, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 153 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by Daryl Harding, Senior Japan Correspondent at Crunchyroll News, to discuss covering the anime industry in Japan. They talk about Daryl's move from Australia to Japan, how running an anime news website called Fighting for Nippon as well as his YouTube channel influenced his career path, and how Daryl's reporting focuses on the intersection between anime, pop culture, and everyday life in Japan.
Tatsuki Fujimoto's Artistry in 'Look Back' and 'Goodbye, Eri'
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 154 MBIonatan and Ravi prepare for the 'Chainsaw Man' anime adaptation by discussing the mangaka behind the series: Tatsuki Fujimoto. They first recount their experiences reading manga and how it differs from watching anime before diving into Fujimoto's rise as one of the youngest stars in the manga industry. Then, they analyze how Fujimoto is able to craft complete narratives in 'Look Back' and 'Goodbye, Eri,' two brilliant one-shots that tackle themes such as the motivation for creating art, cop...
Top Five Wit Studio Anime
September 07, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 147 MBWit Studio's rise over the past decade has been meteoric, driven by large-scale adaptations like 'Attack on Titan' and 'Vinland Saga.' Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's consistently excellent productions on a technical level and how it has transitioned to choosing smart, often anime original, projects in recent years. Then, they pick their top five Wit Studio anime including 'Spy x Family' and 'Ousama Ranking.'
Coming of Age and Dystopia in 'Shinsekai Yori'
August 24, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 163 MB'Shinsekai Yori' tells a complex coming of age story set in a dystopian society with unique fantasy elements. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down how mystery, time skips, and unreliable narration are utilized in its worldbuilding and analyzing its core themes of systemic oppression and control. They discuss the entirety of the plot as well as the cast of morally gray characters and interpret the warnings of the show's conclusion.
Summer 2022 First Impressions
August 10, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 124 MBIonatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss a variety of sequels including 'Made in Abyss,' 'Overlord,' and 'The Devil Is a Part-Timer!' before covering this season's standout original 'Lycoris Recoil.'
The Meaning of Heroism in 'One Punch Man' and 'Mob Psycho 100'
July 27, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 150 MBIonatan and Ravi dive deep into two influential works by ONE: 'One Punch Man' and 'Mob Psycho 100.' They break down ONE's career arc including the way he self-published his webcomics, discuss how both of his most widely known series tackle themes such as what it means to be a hero embedded in a social hierarchy, and explore the standout moments from each anime adaptation.
The Ultimate Guide to Underrated Anime
July 13, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBWhat does it mean for an anime to be underrated? Ionatan and Ravi discuss the term before giving their personal recommendations for shows that have not been featured much on the podcast but they hope more people give a chance to, from older classics like 'Serial Experiments Lain' to newer masterpieces like 'Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu.'
Building a Digital Manga Service (ft. Evan Minto)
June 29, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 122 MBIonatan and Ravi are joined by the co-founder of Azuki Evan Minto to discuss what it's like to build a digital manga service. They cover Evan's introduction to anime, how his degree in computer science led to a job at Crunchyroll, and the multitude of roles that Evan has worked in throughout his career including his podcast Ani-Gamers and writing for sites like Anime News Network.
The Evolution of CGI in Anime from 'Ghost in the Shell' to 'Land of the Lustrous'
June 15, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 134 MBThe use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in anime is often controversial due to the way it can be perceived to clash with traditional hand-drawn animation, but it can simultaneously aid animators in their work and open up new stylistic choices for creators. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the history of CGI in anime, from its introduction to the industry in 'Golgo 13' to its revolutionary usage in Mamoru Oshii's 'Ghost in the Shell.' Then, they break down the way in which CGI is being used in th...
Top Five Studio Trigger Anime
June 01, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 156 MBStudio Trigger has made a name for itself with a distinct, over the top style that employs both action as well as comedy and often escalates plot to absurd scales. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's roots at Gainax making 'Gurren Lagann' and how Studio Trigger is unique in both the anime it produces and its interaction with fans. Then, they pick their top five Studio Trigger anime including 'Kill la Kill' and 'Little Witch Academia.'