The Anime Freshmen Podcast

In this heart‑fluttering Valentine's Day special, we dive deep into the world of anime romance—from the most iconic confessions under falling sakura petals to the messy, chaotic love triangles that keep us glued to the screen. We break down classic tropes, celebrate our favorite couples, and debate which slow‑burn romances are actually worth the wait.

Whether you're a die‑hard shoujo fan, a rom‑com skeptic, or someone who just wants to hear us gush about 2D love stories, this episode is your perfect Valentine's companion. Grab some chocolates, cozy up, and join us for an hou...

In this age of AI, we are faced with the dilemma of the Total Machine Takeover.

Yet, once a year, we willingly hand over our autonomy to he who is named Skynet to decide which 4 Anime we will or won't be giving the AF Seal of Approval.

The Die are cast. The Wheel spun. 

The Journey begins anew. 

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles) 🎙Could you help us keep the mics plugged in? - We want to keep bringing you the fresh...

The words "the final phase" keep crossing our minds.

Of course they do. It's 2025 and Muzan finally let us in to the most bombastic, physics defying, and confusing place of residence in all of fiction. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is upon us.

We went to watch it to bring you back the feels, the top-tier animation, on top of the sword play action that made us wait for so long.

Shout out to the water tribe, if you know you know, cue the Upper Moon 4 strumming her biwa (yes, we're c...

Ranking different epochs in the history of Anime isn't for the uninitiated; it requires the wisdom of an Arataka Reigen, the battle prowess of a King from One Punch Man, the pathetic capacity to cry on demand of a Hanagaki Takemichi, and the incredible usefullness of Rock Lock's ability. 

With us on this intrepid endeavour is our guy @Shownentell.

Join us.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

🎙Could you help us keep the mics plugged in? - We want to keep...

Lets keep it 💯, we love our community.

So much in fact that Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask's relationship would in comparison be reclassified as a platonic friendzone mixed with Bible study taking place at a rundown car wash.

As the Anime Freshmen, we are take pride in our expert knowledge of all things anime, and it's put to the test this time round with our Brothers and Sisters sending in their questions for us to answer.

Is Tanjiro's head made of a yet undiscovered element?

Can Titans get pregnant?

Wil...

This episode is long overdue, because we've all seen a cosplay so on point that we instantly thought 'NANI'?!?', and we almost got GTA6 before getting to deep dive into the Grand Line that is Cosplaying.

And to get that in-depth, expert perspective on what it means to turn imagination into a life-sized Tanjiro with Nezuko in box, we had to get the Cosplay Royalty that is @Folacosplays, with all the tips, tricks, and vybz that we know and love her for, showing why it's not just a costume, it's a passion.

Bonus points...

On the Mount Rushmore of the UK Anime Community, the Anime Freshmen have rightly earned our place as trailblazers, and the annual AF Freshie Awards continue to lead the way, much like Rock Lock set the standard for the term 'useless power' in My Hero Academia.

We once again take a look at this year's Crunchyroll Anime Awards and give it that London twist, with our brother Big Miko pulling up and getting involved in the chaotic analysis that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Nuff bants with bro.

Come through!

E...

What happens when anime podcasters get sucked into not one—but three chaotic fantasy worlds ruled by spinning wheels and terrible life choices? In this special episode of Isekai Roulette, our hosts become the unfortunate heroes (or villains?) of randomized realms, armed with bizarre powers, cursed roles, and only podcast mics to their name.

Expect wild world-hopping, questionable decisions, and magic systems we barely understand. Whether it's battling slime gods, negotiating with undead kings, or trying to find Wi-Fi in a dungeon, this is isekai madness like you've never heard before.

Every effort is made to...

Captain's Log:

As we journey through the Anime Super Highway, We find ourselves wondering about life's greatest mysteries.

The most elusive to date is how many anime are on our Watchlists, and will we keep adding on series? (Yes, we will).

The list grows ever longer, especially with the new releases coming up in the near future; and yet, we must also still look to the past for those we've promised to watch and have left to the side like seasons 2 and 3 of Rising of that shield hero.

We promise to...

The good news is we completed our 2024 Skynet Reviews series. The bad? We didn't release it. Listen to our breakdown of Rage of Bahaumt with the MC, Favaro, a broke, goofy bounty hunter with a hairstyle so fresh it defies gravity. and Kaisar, his dramatic ex-bestie who's basically a walking telenovela, always screaming "FAVAROOO!" like it's a Pokémon move. There's demons, angels, and a GODZILLA-SIZED DRAGON named Bahamut. Why does all this matter? Join us as we try to figure it out.

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Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only ex...

From Fame and Fandom to Final Forms, from Hollywood to Hidden Leaf, do celebs really Go Plus Ultra for Anime?

Main Episode:

In this episode, we are talking about celebrity anime fans and what we think about them bringing anime to the "mainstream"

Valentines is coming, where's your Shoujo?

This Valentine's Day, we're passing the mic to our resident advocates of love! MGK and Yoshida are back with another takeover! As they explore what makes us fall in love with anime.

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Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Help us keep the mics plugged in! - We want to keep bringing you the freshest Anime content - to help us do this a 5⭐rating will be refreshing!

You can also catch our Anime Fr...

Have you ever dreamt of being Spirited Away?

If I asked you, would you tell me Your Name?

Forever elusive, not unlike a Ninja Scroll.

Perhaps you're the Neo-Tokyo to my Akira.

And yet, a Ghost in the Shell is worth two in the hand.

All in all, keep calm and patient, until The Cat Returns.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The A...

Are you looking for high-octane fun and mindless action with all of the classic tropes?

Do you like talking super cats that try to kill you and give you money at the same time?

Have you dreamed of someone ecstatically shouting 'RED!!!' every 6.5 minutes?

Then brace yourselves for the fun that is Akudama Drive. 

It's so over the top, it goes into orbit and flies past the moon.

Skynet, Skynet, Skynet...

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older t...

The Terminator: I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.
Anime Freshmen: We are Men of Anime and will not be accosted. We do recommend Uber though.

New Year, New attempt at doing our name justice.

4 categories were once again chosen by Skynet and we prayed Karto would finally pick well.

Pray with us. The year is long and full of anime.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on...

It's been an eventful year.

So eventful it nearly all blended together like an OP Genjutsu.

Awards were held. Parties were organised. And as always, you know the Freshmen made our presence known at Cons.

Another year to look back on, with a lot to be proud of. 

We Kept It Fresh.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to...

3 steps forward, 10 steps in every other direction.

Right left turns & and our very own filler arc.

Welcome to the void.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show & follow on our socials: 

How to connect:

Website: https://animefreshmen.com/
Email: hello@animefreshmen.com 
Instagram: @AnimeFreshmen
Facebook: @AnimeFreshmen
Twitter: @AnimeFreshmen

Ke...

"Calling all cars, calling all cars. Be on the lookout for another Skynet Review episode, approximately drunk with power and making picks at random..." 

We close out this edition of Skynet with an anime that defies expectation, logic, reason, and plot.

No description does it justice.

A girl and her father, mixed with powers and comedy somehow.

We present Hinamatsuri.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube c...

It's officially Draft season somewhere, so each Freshmen had to draw up a team based on the most spastic criteria available.

Superbowl No Jutsu.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show & follow on our socials: 

How to connect:

Website: https://animefreshmen.com/
Email: hello@animefreshmen.com 
Instagram: @AnimeFreshmen
Facebook: @AnimeFreshmen
Twitter...

A hallowed tradition that reigns supreme within the Freshmen lore is a Night of reasoning; a meeting of the minds; a parlay of perspectives.

We call it Quiz Night.

Once again, the Freshmen test their Anime credentials against all challengers in a serie of challenges, this time against ourselves.

How it went? If you win, you live. If you lose, you die. If you don't fight, you can't win.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites...

The Tournament of Ranking demands participants, and the Freshmen will once again take part in ranking...things.

Let the Ranking commence!

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show & follow on our socials: 

How to connect:

Website: https://animefreshmen.com/
Email: hello@animefreshmen.com 
Instagram: @AnimeFreshmen
Facebook: @AnimeFreshmen
Twitter: @AnimeFreshmen

Keep I...

How many times can you bench press a helicopter?

Can you karate chop a giant elephant to death?

Will you fight sperm whales for no reason?

Has the concept of Death been retired in your universe?

Do you enjoy completely disregarding and rewriting the laws of physics & nature?

These are the questions that both Baki & Kengan Ashura ask separately, and having come together for a special crossover, now demand be answered.

If the fighting was wild and OTT before, get ready for pure foolishness.

We love our community. Even when it includes those that are uninitiated into the Anime is Life movement.

So it's with the Power of Friendship that we have our sisters from the After Eight Podcast on today's episode.

Who doesn't watch Anime? After Eight don't.

And we needed to have a serious discussion about why they've forsaken the path that potentially leads to a lifetime of dWeebiness.

We dWeebed the f__k out!!

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)<...

Oh, how time flies by,

Like an Eren Yeager genocide.

Oh, where did the time go?

So many memories, how do we decide?

We take a look back,

And dare to reminisce,

At the wonders we've encountered,

At how Anime provides bliss.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to...

The Anime Freshmen ranking system is as old as Old Man Yama, and as revered as Rock Lee's ankle weights.

Our Brother Gerrd adores it so much he said we either use said ranking system or he'll snitch on us to Muzan. Strong words indeed. Nuff said.

In this episode we rank things in anime. Yes, you heard right. THINGS. That's how much we love you.

Also, someone makes a historic comeback. Cue Anime Freshmen snap.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older...

Demon Slayer, Season 4.

Inosuke stays butchering Tanjiro's name; Zenitsu's love for Nezuko continues to go unrequited; and Muzan goes full Michael Jackson.

The Hashira take finally take centre stage, with the Freshmen deciding we needed to hold a group huddle on what we'd witnessed. 

It was indeed special.

When your hear the Biwa being strummed, best pray you're not in an uncompromising position. As always, if you know, you know.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch ou...

It is the Year 3000 and something.

Humans now live in space and have evolved to photosynthesise for most of their energy needs. 

Similiarly to how Skynet is the enemy of the Anime Freshmen, gigantic alien creatures called Gauna have for some reason decided to 'on sight' what remains of the human race.

A Mecha anime with some rather, interesting, turns throughout.

Skynet, you did it again.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review S...

In this episode, Gerrd decides to test the limits of our collective logic and question both the legitimacy of sequels to anime series, and whether said sequels are needed at all.

It was borderline blasphemous, but as sure as Vegeta will reference his Saiyin pride, we the forces of good will fight back against Gerrd's tyranny and restore order to the Anime Freshmen Kingdom.

Freshmen, a call to arms!!!

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show...

Is Meliodas a pervert?

Should Master Roshi be banned from having nose bleeds?

Will Hisoka eventually end in the electric chair?

Weird is everywhere, and today we discuss how some aspects of anime could be seen as not just being weird, but marrying weird and having a baby with it.

The terms are lolicon and young girl aesthetic, and we take great care to not go full crazy with it. It got real.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)<...

As inevitable as the proverbial tide and the main shonen character befriending a once hated enemy, Skynet makes its return to our time to once again perform sexy jutsu.

How ironic. The entry on this occasion revolves around a world in which a Europol robot detective attempts to solve a string of robot and human deaths, instead of causing them. 

A world in which robots have essentially attained parity with humans, with their right to life being recognised.

Several philosophical questions are raised during our breakdown, with some chuckles thrown in the mix.

Sport.

It incites a passion and fervour so strong that Shoyo Hinata looks like Snorlax in comparison.

And with anime daring to touch most, if not all aspects of life, it comes as no surprise that this area of life is no exception to the rule.

From ping-pong to basketball to ice skating, we get involved.

We even touch on surfing....somehow. Chaaaa dude:)

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and...

This one is special.

For every Kamehameha we all attempted in our rooms, and the times certain situations made us think we would really turn Super Saiyan, Dragon Ball Z in particular and Dragon Ball in general, have had an impact and influence on Anime and those that love it so enduring it makes the 1st Goku vs Frieza fight actually look like it lasted 5mins.

Join us in this episode when we sit with the amazing team from Anime District!    We talk about everything amazing about women!

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show & follow on our socials: 

How to connect:

Website: https://animefreshmen.com/
Email: hello@animefreshmen.com 
Instagram: @AnimeFreshmen
Facebook: @AnimeFreshmen
Twitter: @AnimeFreshmen

Keep It Fresh!

The Freshie Awards have kept the peace throughout the realms since the Streaming Wars came to an end, and the peace must be upheld for the sake of the Soul Society Grand Line.

To that end we return for our annual award ceremony, in conjuctuion with the Crunchyroll Awards, with all the pomp and circumstance that it entails, and on this occasion, a most honoured comrade of ours is in attendence.

He is Shao Dow and he is legion.

Riddle us this: How much waffle could a Freshman waffle if the Freshmen could Freshman waffle?

To whomever guesses right, 100 points for Gryffindor and an all expenses paid economy flight Sukana's Domain Expansion.

Every effort is made to keep spoilers to a minimum. (The only exception being older titles)

Catch our Fresh Bites Review Show and AMVs on our YouTube channel: The Anime Freshmen

Be sure to rate and subscribe to the show & follow on our socials: 

How to connect:

Website: https://animefreshmen.com/
Email: hello@anime...

It could be said that we love Love, and with Valentine's Day coming up, it felt right to dedicate some time to the inspiration behind Kaguya-sama: Love is War. How Cute.

But that's not all. This episode is a double special because it's an exclusive done by the unsung heroines of the Anime Freshmen. Presenting MGK and Yoshida.

They take it all the way there, as only our sisters would, and by the time you get halfway, you'll wish you were the main character in the epic Anime film Your Name.

Show them...

The anime the world has been waiting for dropped, and caused shockwaves like a Rasengan coupled with a Spirit Bomb, mixed with the mental effort it takes to understand cursed techniques in Jujutsu Kaisen, and sprinkled with emotional upheaval caused by Ace's death.

Solo Levelling is here and you know the Anime Freshmen had to provide our expert & haphazard analysis on what promises to be one for the ages. 

We don't usually geek out, but on this occasion, we had to do our Statue of God grin. 

Lets go!!!

Every month ha...

Shone. Seinen. Josei. Isekai.

Long ago the 4 genres lived in harmony. Then everything changed when Skynet launched its attack. 

Only The Anime Freshmen can stop them, and although their Anime powers are great, they are also chaos personified. But the Anime community believes the AF can save themselves.

Also, Season 5 of Skynet is here to start off 2024.

Get involved.

Why not start the year right with our episode sponsor - Tokyo Treat?

Every month has a different theme and this month's theme is the New Year S...

Another revolution around the Sun and saying that the highs and lows have left their mark would only be the beginning.

2023 has been incredible for so many reasons; from our beloved guests, hosting our 1st Convention, to finally completing a Skynet Season, and so much more.

From the entire Anime Freshmen Team, we want to send the biggest shoutout to everyone that's been in our corner and supported us, with a special thank you to all our listeners.

We'll take being isekai'd as a late Xmas present if someone out there can swing...

Skynet remains undefeated and just like the T-1001 Terminator it's back yet again.

Being a teenager is hard. It can be even harder when a supernatural being decides to expose a group of friends to various supernatural, sense-altering phenomena in their daily lives. 

You read that right.

A teenage drama/slice of life with touches of coming of age and, at times, handling mature themes like Law & Order.

Kokoro Connect is the last Skynet entry for 2023. Tune in to find out if it was worthy of its position.

Every e...