Nostalgia, Plus Ultra Anime Podcast

Welcome back to the pod!!. This week is the second installment of the As Told by Zo Variety Special!

This time, host Zo dives headfirst into a rapid-fire mix of pop culture, video games, anime, sci-fi, and Halloween season hype.

Zo takes a critical look at Insomniac Games’ Wolverine, breaking down the concerns, creative choices, and issues surrounding one of Marvel’s most anticipated gaming projects.

From there, it’s time for a crash course in the visual connection between 1980s and 1990s American science fiction and Japanese anime. Zo explores the shared aesthe...

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, The Homies dive into Summer Wars, Mamoru Hosoda’s beloved 2009 anime film that blends family drama, romance, comedy, technology, and high-stakes digital adventure into one unforgettable story.

We visit the world of OZ, the film’s sprawling virtual network, and the Jinnouchi family as they face a digital crisis that threatens both their online world and reality itself. We discuss what makes Summer Wars such a memorable anime movie, from its themes of family and connection to its colorful animation, emotional storytelling, and surprisingly relevant take on technology and social media.

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, The Homies take a closer look at one of Studio Ghibli’s most unconventional films: My Neighbors the Yamadas. We explore what makes this slice-of-life comedy so different from the typical Studio Ghibli experience, from its distinctive watercolor-inspired animation and family dynamics to its humor, heart, and everyday storytelling.

The Homies are also ranking every Isao Takahata movie made under Studio Ghibli, comparing Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, My Neighbors the Yamadas, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Which Takahata masterpiece comes out on top? Wh...

Welcome back to the Pod! Today, The Homies take a deep dive into Pom Poko, the 1994 Studio Ghibli film directed by Isao Takahata. Blending Japanese folklore, comedy, environmental themes, and heartfelt drama, Pom Poko follows a community of tanuki as they fight to protect their forest home from rapid urban development.

We explore what makes Pom Poko such a unique entry in the Studio Ghibli catalog, from its shape-shifting tanuki and traditional Japanese mythology to its surprisingly mature themes of environmental destruction, cultural change, community, and nostalgia. We also discuss the movie’s distinctive animation style, humor, em...

Welcome back to the pod!! Today, we revisit Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday, Isao Takahata’s beautifully understated coming-of-age film about memory, adulthood, nostalgia, and the complicated process of looking back at who we once were.

We discuss what makes Only Yesterday such a unique Studio Ghibli movie, from its intimate story and richly detailed animation to its reflections on childhood, identity, growing up, and the choices that shape our adult lives. We also explore how the film uses nostalgia not simply to romanticize the past, but to help us understand the present.

If you enjo...

Welcome back to the pod! The Homies are reviewing the Studio Ghibli masterpiece The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Based on the classic Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

We dive into the film’s stunning hand-drawn animation, emotional storytelling, Japanese folklore, themes of identity and freedom, and the unique artistic vision of director Isao Takahata and soundtrack genius Joe Hisaishi.

Listen, share the episode with a fellow Studio Ghibli fan, and subscribe or follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra for more nostalgic movie reviews and pop-culture discussions.

Follow the show on social media: @no...

On this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra Anime Podcast, The Homies bridge the gap between Hollywood and anime with the ultimate crossover recommendation guide!

Zo and Taylor break down popular movies and pair them with must-watch anime recommendations that capture the same energy, themes, and vibes. Then they flip the script by diving into beloved anime series and films and matching them with live-action and animated movie picks you didn't know you needed.

Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review! It helps more anime and movie fans find the show!

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"Zo Rage" returns once again as the Homies talk about the preservation of physical media. This episode covers the issue surrounding GTA VI and its crazy price hike as well as Sony making the decision to get rid of all physical copies of games moving forward.

The Homies also talk about the new Ghost in the Shell anime and discuss what makes it great!

Make sure to follow us on all socials @nostalgiaplusultra and leave a review on the pod!!

The Homies are all together in person for the second time ever!

This week, Taylor breaks down the complicated lore of Type-Moon's popular visual novel turned anime series Fate Stay/Night. Taylor goes through the muddy history of everything that leads up to the Holy Grail Wars while Zo explains that this show might have more in common with Fortnite than people think.

Make sure to follow us on all socials @nostalgiaplusultra and leave a review so we can reach more people!!

Welcome back to the pod!

Taylor and (mostly) Keilah have a good cry while giving their review of the Studio Ghibli movie Grave of the Fireflies.

The pair give their analysis on the movie and discuss why this movie might have the WORST character in Ghibli's history.

Make sure to follow us on socials @nostalgiaplusultra and make sure to like, share, and rate the pod!

Welcome back to the pod!

In today's episode, The Homies give their (less-than-favorable) review of the Amazing Digital Circus' final episode.

We break down what we thought went wrong and why we love the series in general.

Make sure to follow us on socials @nostalgiaplusultra so you never miss an update!

How do you feel about the final episode? Leave us a review and share this episode with your friends!

Today, The Homies bring Paulie Litt, a.k.a Spritle, from the cult classic movie Speed Racer. We get into his love of that movie as well as his own personal stories about his work in the industry.

Follow us on socials @nostalgiaplusultra for clips and updates on future episodes!

Also, make sure to like, share, and rate the podcast to help us reach more listeners!

In this episode, Keilah gives Taylor and Zo a crash course on the cute and hilarious world of Sanrio!

Keilah gives the rundown on her favorite characters, the history behind the flagship names, and shows some love to some underrated characters.

If you like the show, please share and leave a review! It helps push the pod to more people.

Follow the socials @nostalgiaplusultra so you never miss an episode announcement.

Rev up your engines and dive headfirst into this high-octane episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra. This week, The Homies take a deep look at the 2008 Speed Racer movie, revisiting the visually groundbreaking cult classic after experiencing its recent IMAX re-release. From its bold Wachowski storytelling style to its ambitious CGI aesthetic, we explore why Speed Racer has earned a passionate fanbase over the years—and whether it was always ahead of its time.

Later in the episode, Keilah shifts gears to talk about the daily Sanrio character voting event, sharing her favorite picks and making a case fo...

Step into the final chapter of our deep dive into Gorillaz mythology. In this episode, Zo wraps up the “Gorillaz Lore for Dummies” series, breaking down the events of Cracker Island and the limited story of The Mountain so far.

Before that, The Homies discuss the hottest anime of the spring season. They share their most anticipated series, early impressions, and recommendations for what should be on your watchlist right now.

Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes and content. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast, and ta...

Taylor and Keilah were gone, so it's time for the As Told by Zo Solo Variety Special Episode!!!!!!

In this episode, Zo breaks down several topics, including the hidden layers of the Digital Circus YouTube series, explores the surprising reveal of Fox in the upcoming Mario movie, and shares compelling theories about what the storyline of the live-action Zelda movie could look like.

If you enjoy discussions about all things pop culture and anime, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to like and share the episode with fellow fans, follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on...

Dive deeper into the animated, chaotic, and ever-evolving world of Gorillaz in Episode 3 of our ongoing series, Gorillaz Lore for Dummies, on Nostalgia, Plus Ultra. In this installment, we break down the complex narrative arcs and hidden storytelling behind the Humanz, The Now Now, and Song Machine.

From the politically charged, apocalyptic party vibes of Humanz to the introspective journey of 2D in The Now Now, and the genre-bending collabs of Song Machine, we connect the dots between characters, timelines, and themes that both casual listeners and longtime fans may have missed.

If you enjoy...

In Part 2 of our deep dive into 2Kawai4Comfort, the underrated 2017 YouTube web series that captured the hearts of anime fans everywhere, we sit down with Luke from Rhino Stew Productions! Luke pulls back the curtain on the ideas and inspirations that shaped the series, the creative decisions that made it resonate with the anime community, and what it was really like to build something meaningful in the wild west of YouTube content creation. We get into the origin story, the world-building, the characters, and so much more.

But we don't stop there. The conversation naturally evolves...

In the second installment of our Gorillaz Lore for Dummies series, the Homies continue breaking down the wild, layered story behind one of music’s most iconic virtual bands: Gorillaz. After covering the origins and personalities of the band members in Part 1, this episode dives deep into the evolving narrative of the band itself. Starting with the era of Demon Dayz and following the story all the way to the mysterious and chaotic events of Plastic Beach.

We explore the darker themes, major story beats, and behind-the-scenes lore that shaped this pivotal era in Gorillaz history, from Mu...

Welcome back to Nostalgia, Plus Ultra Anime Podcast! In this episode, Zo is joined by his Dad for a cross-generational deep dive into Netflix’s Bet, the live-action adaptation of the hit anime Kakegurui. Does the high-stakes gambling drama capture the psychological intensity and chaotic energy of the original series, or does it fold under pressure?

Then, Taylor and Zo shift gears to music and anime news. They review The Mountain, the latest album from Gorillaz, discussing standout tracks, production style, and how it ranks among the band’s previous releases.

Next, they explore the powe...

Welcome back to Nostalgia, Plus Ultra! Today, the Homies are reviewing the cult classic Youtube series 2Kawaii4Comfort. We give our thoughts on how all six episodes played out as well as our thoughts on the rise of anime and convention culture.

If you like the episode, share it with a friend! Or give us a 5-star rating to help us reach more anime fans!

Also follow us on socials @nostalgiaplusultra

Dive into the chaos of the Culling Games in this brand-new episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra. This week, we break down the first seven episodes of the explosive Culling Games arc from Jujutsu Kaisen and analyze how the anime adaptation is bringing one of the manga’s most intense storylines to life.

From Yuji Itadori’s evolving mindset to the evolution of Gege's worldbuilding and the shocking twists surrounding Kenjaku’s master plan, we explore the biggest fights, character developments, animation highlights, and hidden details you might have missed.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure t...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, The Homies review the 2025 anime film 100 Meters, a visually striking and emotionally driven story that blends intense competition with personal growth. We break down the film’s animation style, direction, soundtrack, and character development, while exploring the deeper themes of ambition, perseverance, and what it truly means to push past your limits.

Be sure to follow Nostalgia, Plus Ultra on social media for updates and future episodes, and if you enjoyed the show, please like, share, and rate the podcast. Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue celebrating an...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, Taylor and Keilah set sail into the Grand Line to rank every major story arc in One Piece, from East Blue to the latest saga. What arcs were Oda cooking in? And Which ones deserve the Buster Call? We break down the highs, the controversies, and the unforgettable moments that make One Piece one of the greatest anime and manga series of all time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or catching up on the Straw Hats’ journey, this definitive One Piece arc ranking is packed with analysis, nostalgia, and passionate debate.

What’s the strangest diet you’ve ever heard of...and which anime character would actually try it? In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, the hosts dive fork-first into the most weird, extreme, and downright unbelievable food diets people have attempted in real life. From questionable health fads to wildly specific eating rules, no plate is safe. The Homies match each one to the anime characters who would absolutely commit to them (for better or worse). Would a shonen hero thrive on a hyper-protein plan? Which villain would embrace the most unhinged food philosophy imaginable? Find out in toda...

Get ready for a deep dive into the Winter 2026 anime season on Nostalgia, Plus Ultra! In this episode, The Homies break down the full list of upcoming Winter 2026 anime, highlighting the series they’re most excited for and the shows they plan to check out as the season kicks off. From highly anticipated sequels to brand-new adaptations and original series, this episode is your go-to Winter 2026 anime preview. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the biggest Winter 2026 anime releases, what’s worth the hype, and which shows could surprise everyone once the season begins.

If you enjo...

Welcome back and Happy Holidays! Zo and Keilah hope everyone had a great Christmas, because they’re coming back with energy and a lot of frustration. After seeing this year’s Top 100 Most Handsome Male Faces List, the two of them were so disappointed that they decided to take matters into their own hands and create a list that actually makes sense.

But they didn’t stop there. To truly test greatness, Zo and Keilah threw their picks into another wild installment of the Hunger Games Simulator, letting fate, drama, and absolute nonsense decide who reigns supreme. Expect...

Welcome back! Celebrate a major milestone with The Homies as they reach the 100 episode mark. In this special episode, they reflect on some of their favorite moments, unexpected highlights, lessons learned from years of podcasting, and what listeners can expect from the future of the show.

After the anniversary celebration, the episode dives into the main event: a highly anticipated return to the Top 100 Handsome Anime Male Faces. The hosts break down the 2025 edition of the list, reacting to new rankings, surprising placements, and controversial omissions. From timeless anime icons to modern fan favorites, they give their...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, The Homies return to their fan-favorite Anime Hunger Games Simulation but with a glamorous twist. This time, it’s all about the most fashionable characters in anime. From iconic streetwear legends to fantasy couture kings and queens, the drip levels are off the charts.

We break down which anime characters have the best style, who’s serving runway-ready looks, and how their fashion sense might help (or totally hinder) their chances in the arena. Expect debates, surprises, chaotic alliances, and plenty of fun as the hosts dive deep into anime aest...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, we dive deep into the anime Wandance, exploring how its frequent transitions from 2-D to CGI animation affect pacing, immersion, and overall viewer experience.

Our main topic is a full review of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, the striking anime anthology based on the acclaimed creator’s early one-shot collection. We discuss the strengths of the anthology format, standout adaptations, thematic patterns across Fujimoto’s early works, and how this series fits into the larger landscape of experimental anime storytelling.

If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow Nostalgia, Plus...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, The Homies dive deep into three wild corners of anime and manga fandom. First, they unpack how the BookTok community on TikTok has suddenly decided to read One Piece and what that means for the series’ growing cultural impact. Then, they discuss the unexpected twist from Rent-a-Girlfriend’s creator, who made the main character look like himself as the long-running story nears its conclusion. Finally, they break down the hilarious and heated power-scaling war that took over Twitter, as fans debated who would win in a fight between Reze from Chainsaw Man and...

In the thrilling finale of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra’s Spooky Season series, The Homies welcome their third-ever guests, Erin and Kyle from Big Squid Productions, for an in-depth conversation about their indie horror film, ZombieCon Vol. 1. The group dives into the making of the movie, the creative challenges of independent filmmaking, and the inspiration behind their undead convention chaos.

But it’s not all horror talk. The crew also bonds over their favorite anime series, sharing nostalgic picks and new obsessions that keep their fandoms alive.

Watch ZombieCon Vol. 1 and support indie filmmakers by visiting @zomb...

In this week’s episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, we continue our Spooky Season October Series with a deep (and sometimes brutal) dive into the 1985 cult classic Vampire Hunter D. This early anime film helped introduce Western audiences to the darker, more gothic side of anime—but does it still hold up today?

Join us as we unpack the aesthetics over substance vibe, the strangely silent protagonist, and some very questionable pacing. Spoiler alert: we didn’t exactly love it. But even with our criticisms, we can’t deny the legacy Vampire Hunter D left on the anime in...

In this spine-tingling second installment of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra’s October spooky season series, we're diving deep into the haunting world of the cult-classic anime Mononoke. Join us as we explore the chilling stories behind the Medicine Seller and the supernatural spirits he confronts.

This episode is more than just an anime breakdown—we're giving you a crash course in the traditional Japanese folklore that inspired Mononoke, from vengeful yurei to ancient onryo. We also unpack how the anime blends psychological horror with a distinct, surreal art style that sets it apart from anything else in the genr...

We’re kicking off our Spooky Season series this October with a psychological thriller that changed anime forever: Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue.

In this episode, The Homies explore the haunting brilliance of Perfect Blue, breaking down its themes of identity, fame, and the blurred line between reality and illusion. Today we unpack why this 1997 classic still leaves audiences disturbed and fascinated today..

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In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, we take a deep dive into the highly anticipated pilot episode of Knights of Guinevere, the brand-new animated series from Glitch Productions. With stunning visuals, rich world-building, and a compelling cast of characters, the series opens strong—and we’re here to break it all down.

We explore the creative influence of Dana Terrace (best known for The Owl House) and how her storytelling fingerprints are already showing in this promising new series. From early character dynamics to speculative plot twists, The Homies unpack what worked, what surprised us, and wher...

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, we dive deep into the groundbreaking virtual band that changed the music world — Gorillaz. Join us as we explore the rich backstories of 2D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel!

In this episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, we dive deep into all the latest reveals from the most recent Nintendo Direct! From exciting new game trailers to surprise announcements, we break down everything you need to know and what it means for fans of Nintendo classics and newcomers alike.

But that’s not all—we also explore the rumor that One Piece was once planned to be a theme park land at Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando. Could the Straw Hat Pirates have had their own ride? What happened? We unpack the speculation and dream up what c...

Feeling under the weather and need the perfect anime binge?

In this cozy episode of Nostalgia, Plus Ultra, The Homies dive into the ultimate comfort anime list to watch when you're sick in bed. We react to a viral online list of the top 10 anime to watch while sick and then share our own hand-picked selections—from heartwarming slice-of-life classics to feel-good adventures that are easy on the brain.

Help us grow the Nostalgia, Plus Ultra community by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to share this episode with your...

It all comes down to this. In the thrilling conclusion to our Miyazaki movie series, your hosts go head-to-head in a bracket-style showdown to determine the greatest Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki. From the soaring skies of Porco Rosso to the lush forests of Princess Mononoke, no film is safe from scrutiny.

Expect heated debates, surprising upsets, and bold opinions as we pit classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Rises against each other. Some picks might shock you. Some eliminations might hurt. But in the end, only one Mi...