Remember when being an anime fan meant watching whatever random VHS tapes you could find at Blockbuster? Those days are long gone. In 2025, we’re drowning in streaming services, seasonal shows, and manga releases—which is awesome, but also overwhelming as hell.
That’s where anime podcasts come in clutch.
The anime podcast scene has exploded in recent years. We’ve graduated from grainy Skype recordings in someone’s bedroom to professional studios, celebrity guests, and production values that rival mainstream media. These aren’t just fans rambling anymore—they’re legitimate entertainment and education wrapped in one bingeable package.
After diving into literally hundreds of episodes across dozens of shows, I’ve compiled this guide to the 15 anime and manga podcasts actually worth your time in 2025.
Grab your headphones. Your anime experience is about to level up.
1. Trash Taste
Format: Conversational discussion with guests
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Anime, manga, and broader otaku culture
Hosts: Joey Bizinger (The Anime Man), Garnt Maneetapho (Gigguk), Connor Colquhoun (CDawgVA)
When three of YouTube’s biggest anime content creators decided to start a podcast together, something special was bound to happen. Trash Taste has evolved into much more than just an anime podcast—it’s a cultural phenomenon that consistently tops charts worldwide.
What makes Trash Taste so captivating is the natural chemistry between its hosts. Joey, Garnt, and Connor bring their unique perspectives as expatriates living in Japan, offering insights you simply won’t find elsewhere. Their conversations flow effortlessly between thoughtful analysis of anime trends and hilariously chaotic tangents about food preferences, cultural differences, and personal experiences.
While anime and manga remain at its core, Trash Taste excels at exploring the broader tapestry of otaku culture. Their episodes featuring industry guests—from voice actors to animation directors—provide rare glimpses behind the scenes of anime production. The podcast’s massive success has even spawned live shows, special events, and an expanded media empire.
For newcomers to anime podcasts, Trash Taste serves as the perfect entry point, balancing accessibility with depth. For veterans, it offers a refreshingly personal approach that feels like hanging out with friends who happen to be extremely knowledgeable about Japanese media.
2. Anime Addicts Anonymous
Format: Panel discussion and reviews
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Anime series, conventions, cosplay, and otaku culture
Stated Goal: “To worsen your anime addiction”
True to its name, Anime Addicts Anonymous feels like a support group you never want to leave. This weekly podcast caters to the deeply invested anime fan with discussions that go far beyond surface-level reviews.
What sets this show apart is its comprehensive approach to anime culture. Rather than focusing solely on series reviews, the hosts explore everything from cosplay techniques to convention experiences, creating a holistic celebration of what it means to be an anime enthusiast in 2025.
The podcast maintains a lighthearted tone while delivering substantial content, making complex topics accessible without sacrificing depth. Their segment structure keeps episodes dynamic, moving between news updates, deep-dive discussions, and listener questions with practiced ease.
With over 1,000 listeners on Podcast.app alone, Anime Addicts Anonymous has built a dedicated community that contributes to the conversation through active social media engagement. If you’re looking for a podcast that embraces all facets of anime fandom with equal enthusiasm, this weekly dose of otaku culture will quickly become a staple in your listening rotation.
3. Weekly Manga Recap
Format: Critical discussion with humorous tangents
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: New manga chapter releases and ongoing series
Hosts: Quinn Larios & Nikolas Freeman
For manga enthusiasts who follow series as they release, Weekly Manga Recap serves as the perfect companion to your reading habits. This podcast thrives on timeliness, discussing new chapters hot off the digital presses with a perfect balance of critical analysis and entertaining commentary.
Hosts Quinn and Nikolas bring complementary perspectives to each discussion, often playfully disagreeing about character motivations or plot developments in a way that encourages listeners to form their own opinions. Their chemistry makes even discussions of slower chapters engaging, as their humorous tangents provide welcome breaks between serious analysis.
What makes Weekly Manga Recap particularly valuable is its focus on ongoing serializations. While many podcasts concentrate on completed series, this show helps readers keep pace with currently publishing manga, offering insights that enhance your weekly reading experience across multiple titles.
The hosts excel at avoiding major spoilers when discussing new developments, making the podcast accessible even if you’re a few chapters behind. Their consistent release schedule means you can reliably tune in after catching up on your favorite series for thoughtful commentary that adds new dimensions to your manga experience.
4. Mobile Suit Breakdown
Format: Historical analysis and episode reviews
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: The entire Gundam franchise, chronologically
Hosts: Nina (newcomer to Gundam) and Thom (longtime fan)
For fans of Japan’s most influential mecha franchise, Mobile Suit Breakdown offers something truly special—a meticulous journey through more than four decades of Gundam history. What makes this podcast remarkable is its accessibility to both newcomers and veterans of the franchise.
The hosts’ dynamic creates a perfect entry point: Nina experiences much of the series for the first time, while Thom provides context from his years of Gundam fandom. This approach ensures that complex lore is explained clearly without boring longtime fans, as Nina’s fresh perspective raises questions that even veterans might not have considered.
Each episode combines historical context, production details, and thematic analysis, creating a comprehensive understanding of what makes Gundam such an enduring cultural phenomenon. Their chronological approach (covering the franchise in order of production rather than in-universe timeline) provides fascinating insights into how the series evolved over time.
The research quality sets this podcast apart from more casual discussions. Episodes frequently include details from interviews with creators, historical events that influenced the storytelling, and connections between different entries in the franchise that might not be obvious on first viewing.
Whether you’re a Gundam newcomer or have been building model kits for decades, Mobile Suit Breakdown enhances your appreciation of this cornerstone of anime history.
5. Anime World Order
Format: Conversational reviews and analysis
Release Schedule: Monthly
Focus: Classic anime, news, and industry developments
Hosts: Three self-proclaimed experts in Japanese animation and comics
One of the longest-running anime podcasts still active in 2025, Anime World Order has earned its reputation as an essential listen through years of insightful commentary. The hosts’ deep knowledge of anime history provides context that few other shows can match.
What distinguishes AWO is its willingness to explore anime’s past with the same enthusiasm others reserve for the latest seasonal hits. Each episode typically features an in-depth review of a classic series that newer fans might have overlooked, introducing listeners to influential works that shaped the medium.
The conversational style keeps even discussions of decades-old anime fresh and engaging. The hosts aren’t afraid to criticize beloved classics or praise obscure titles based on their merits, resulting in recommendations you won’t find on algorithmic streaming suggestions.
Their monthly release schedule allows for thorough research and thoughtful discussion rather than rushed reactions, with each episode offering substantial content worth revisiting. For listeners seeking to understand anime’s rich history and evolution, Anime World Order provides the perfect blend of education and entertainment.
6. Manga Machinations
Format: Panel discussions and retrospective reviews
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Lesser-known manga and classics
Hosts: dakazu, darfox8, Seamus2389, and Morgana Santilli
With an impressive backlog of over 500 episodes, Manga Machinations has established itself as one of the most reliable and comprehensive manga podcasts available. The show’s greatest strength lies in its dual approach: introducing listeners to overlooked gems while also providing fresh perspectives on established classics.
The four-host format creates dynamic conversations with varied viewpoints, avoiding the echo chamber effect that can plague smaller panels. Each brings their own genre preferences and critical approach, ensuring that discussions remain balanced and multifaceted.
Manga Machinations excels particularly in its coverage of titles that fly under the radar of mainstream discourse. Their “Hidden Gems” segment has introduced countless readers to brilliant works that might otherwise have remained undiscovered, from experimental seinen to niche josei titles.
The hosts’ willingness to tackle manga from all demographics and eras makes the podcast an invaluable resource for expanding your reading horizons. Whether you’re seeking something new to read or wanting to dive deeper into a series you’ve already enjoyed, Manga Machinations offers thoughtful guidance through the vast landscape of Japanese comics.
7. Anime Jam Session
Format: Live-streamed discussion
Release Schedule: Weekly (live on Twitch every Tuesday)
Focus: Anime, games, conventions, and fandom
Hosts: DJ Ranma S, Mako-chan, and Ari Rockefeller (rotating cast)
Anime Jam Session stands out in the podcast landscape for its live, interactive format. Broadcasting on Twitch before being distributed as a podcast, this show creates a unique sense of community through real-time engagement with listeners.
The rotating cast of hosts ensures fresh perspectives each week, while maintaining enough consistency to develop ongoing themes and inside jokes that regular listeners will appreciate. Their discussions range from the latest anime releases to broader topics in geek culture, creating a wide-ranging conversation that touches on multiple fan interests.
What makes Anime Jam Session particularly engaging is the hosts’ willingness to follow conversational tangents, resulting in authentic discussions that feel like hanging out with fellow fans rather than listening to scripted content. This approach leads to surprising insights and connections between topics that more structured shows might miss.
The live format also allows for immediate listener participation through chat, creating a collaborative atmosphere where audience members can contribute questions and perspectives during the recording. For those seeking an anime podcast that feels like an interactive community experience, Anime Jam Session delivers weekly conversations that capture the energy of convention panel discussions.
8. Shojo & Tell
Format: Discussion with rotating guests
Release Schedule: Monthly
Focus: Shojo and josei manga
Host: Ashley McDonnell
In a landscape often dominated by shonen and seinen discussions, Shojo & Tell provides a refreshing focus on manga created primarily for female audiences. Host Ashley McDonnell’s passionate exploration of shojo and josei titles fills a crucial gap in manga podcast coverage.
Each episode centers on a specific series, with McDonnell joined by a rotating guest who brings their own connection to and perspective on the featured manga. This format creates in-depth, nuanced conversations that capture why these stories resonate so deeply with readers.
The podcast excels at analyzing the emotional complexity and character development that define the best shojo and josei works. Discussions frequently touch on the historical context of these genres, tracing their evolution and highlighting innovative titles that pushed boundaries.
McDonnell’s thoughtful approach balances critique with appreciation, acknowledging problematic elements in older works while celebrating what makes them meaningful to readers. The conversations are accessible to newcomers while offering insights that even longtime fans will find valuable.
For readers looking to explore beyond battle-focused shonen or to deepen their appreciation of romance and character-driven storytelling, Shojo & Tell provides expert guidance through these rich but often underappreciated manga genres.
9. Suuuper Anime Podcast
Format: Discussions and interviews
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Anime reviews with real-world perspectives
Regional Reach: Listeners in over 190 countries
Hailing from the UK, the Suuuper Anime Podcast has earned its global following through a winning combination of insightful analysis and engaging presentation. What separates this show from many others is how it connects anime themes to real-world contexts, creating discussions that resonate beyond pure entertainment value.
Consistently praised for both entertaining and educating its audience, the podcast strikes that difficult balance between accessibility and depth. Episodes offer enough context for casual viewers while including analysis that satisfies longtime anime enthusiasts.
The hosts’ genuine enthusiasm comes through in every episode, creating an infectious energy that makes even discussions of complex or controversial anime topics approachable. Their conversations feel authentic rather than performative, building a sense of connection with listeners.
With an audience spanning 190 countries, the podcast brings a global perspective to anime discussion, often considering how different cultural contexts affect interpretation of the same series. This international outlook makes Suuuper Anime Podcast particularly valuable in understanding anime’s worldwide impact.
For listeners seeking thoughtful anime commentary delivered with genuine passion and a touch of British humor, this weekly show delivers consistently excellent content.
10. Jojo’s World
Format: Unscripted discussions
Release Schedule: Fortnightly
Focus: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure analysis
Hosts: Liam S. Smith (superfan) and Nick Ballantyne (newcomer)
Few anime inspire the passionate devotion of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and this dedicated podcast channels that energy into enlightening discussions about Hirohiko Araki’s multi-generational masterpiece. The host dynamic creates a perfect balance: Liam brings deep knowledge as a longtime fan, while Nick experiences the series with fresh eyes.
What makes Jojo’s World particularly valuable is its focus on the countless cultural references, musical inspirations, and artistic influences that make JBBA such a unique series. The hosts excel at connecting Araki’s creative choices to their real-world inspirations, from fashion to classic rock to art history.
The unscripted format results in organic conversations that mirror the excitement fans feel when discussing the series’ wild plot developments and distinctive visual style. Episodes frequently include entertaining tangents about the hosts’ personal reactions to the show’s most outlandish moments.
For both newcomers experiencing Jojo for the first time and veterans who have followed the Joestar family for years, this podcast enhances appreciation of the series’ creative brilliance and cultural significance. The fortnightly release schedule provides regular content without rushing through the material, allowing for thoughtful analysis of each arc.
11. Manga Tak
Format: First volume reviews
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Helping listeners discover new manga series
Specialty: Evaluating series based on their opening volumes
With the overwhelming number of manga series available today, finding your next great read can be daunting. Manga Tak solves this problem with a brilliantly focused concept: evaluating series based solely on their first volumes to help listeners decide which ones are worth pursuing further.
This unique approach makes the podcast an invaluable resource for manga fans looking to expand their reading list efficiently. By concentrating on initial volumes, the hosts provide exactly the information readers need when deciding whether to invest time in a new series.
Each review covers storytelling strength, art quality, character development, and overall potential, giving listeners a comprehensive picture of what to expect. The hosts are refreshingly honest, acknowledging when a first volume shows promise despite flaws or when a concept might appeal to specific audiences rather than everyone.
The weekly format ensures regular recommendations across various genres, from action-packed shonen to contemplative slice-of-life stories. For manga enthusiasts overwhelmed by choice or looking to venture beyond their comfort zones, Manga Tak serves as a trusted guide to discovering your next favorite series.
12. Piece Meal
Format: Book club-style discussions
Release Schedule: Weekly
Focus: Volume-by-volume analysis of One Piece
Special Feature: Detailed exploration of the world’s most popular manga
For fans of Eiichiro Oda’s epic pirate adventure, Piece Meal offers the most comprehensive analysis available in podcast form. The hosts take a methodical, volume-by-volume approach to exploring One Piece, creating an audio companion that enhances appreciation of this beloved series.
What sets Piece Meal apart is its patience and attention to detail. Rather than rushing through arcs or focusing only on major plot points, the hosts examine each volume thoroughly, noting foreshadowing, character development, and thematic elements that might be missed in a faster reading.
The book club format encourages listeners to read along, creating a shared experience that’s particularly valuable for newcomers to the series or fans undertaking a reread. Discussions balance analysis of Oda’s intricate world-building with appreciation for the emotional resonance that has made One Piece a global phenomenon.
The hosts’ enthusiasm is infectious, but they don’t shy away from constructive criticism when warranted. This balanced approach results in conversations that deepen understanding of the series’ strengths while acknowledging areas where particular volumes might not reach the same heights.
For both One Piece devotees and readers curious about diving into this massive series, Piece Meal provides the perfect navigational chart through the Grand Line of manga’s longest-running epic.
13. Demon Slayer Podcast
Format: Discussion and analysis
Release Schedule: Monthly
Focus: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba manga and anime
Affiliation: ToonamiFaithful.com and MangaMavericks.com
Few series have exploded in popularity quite like Demon Slayer, and this dedicated podcast provides the perfect platform for fans to explore every aspect of Koyoharu Gotouge’s supernatural phenomenon. Covering both the manga and its wildly successful anime adaptation, the podcast offers comprehensive analysis of what makes this series so compelling.
The monthly release schedule allows for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that go beyond initial reactions. Episodes typically explore the thematic elements of recent developments while placing them in the context of the larger narrative, creating a deeper appreciation for the story’s carefully constructed progression.
Particularly valuable are the comparative analyses between the manga and anime, highlighting how ufotable’s adaptation choices enhance the source material. These discussions provide insight into the adaptation process and how different mediums can tell the same story in complementary ways.
The hosts balance enthusiasm for the series with critical analysis, celebrating Demon Slayer’s strengths while honestly addressing potential weaknesses. This approach creates nuanced conversations that respect both the creator’s vision and listeners’ intelligence.
For devoted fans of Tanjiro’s journey, this podcast enhances understanding of the series’ themes, characters, and cultural impact in both manga and anime forms.
14. Tokyo Podfathers
Format: Conversational discussion
Release Schedule: Monthly
Focus: Classic and current anime from a mature perspective
Former Name: The /r/Anime Podcast
Describing themselves with characteristic humor as “still the best damn anime podcast, probably,” Tokyo Podfathers offers something increasingly valuable in the anime landscape: mature perspectives on both classic and contemporary series. The hosts bring years of anime viewing experience to their monthly discussions, resulting in conversations that feel like catching up with knowledgeable friends.
What distinguishes this podcast is its focus on “grown-up discussions” about anime, approaching the medium with the critical analysis typically reserved for other art forms. The hosts aren’t afraid to challenge popular opinions or examine problematic elements in beloved series, creating refreshingly honest conversations.
Their coverage of classic anime is particularly valuable, as they contextualize older works for modern viewers while highlighting what made them significant in their time. This historical perspective helps listeners appreciate anime’s evolution while discovering overlooked classics worth revisiting.
The conversational style keeps even complex topics accessible, striking a balance between analytical depth and entertaining discussion. For adult anime fans seeking thoughtful commentary that treats the medium with the seriousness it deserves, Tokyo Podfathers provides monthly conversations that respect both the art form and the audience’s intelligence.
15. Manga Mavericks
Format: Industry discussion and analysis
Release Schedule: Monthly
Focus: Manga as both medium and industry
Hosts: Colton and LumRanmaYasha
While many podcasts focus primarily on reviewing specific manga series, Manga Mavericks takes a broader approach by examining the manga industry itself. This unique perspective makes it an essential listen for anyone interested in understanding how manga is created, distributed, and consumed globally.
The hosts delve into publishing trends, sales figures, and industry news with impressive depth, providing context that enhances appreciation of the business realities behind beloved series. Episodes frequently explore how changes in the manga industry affect what titles get created, translated, and promoted internationally.
Particularly valuable are their interviews with manga professionals—translators, editors, publishers, and creators—offering rare insights into different aspects of the industry. These conversations give listeners a behind-the-scenes understanding rarely found in other manga podcasts.
Despite its industry focus, the show remains accessible to casual manga fans through clear explanations of publishing concepts and engaging discussions of how industry trends affect readers. The monthly format allows for comprehensive coverage of developments without overwhelming listeners with technical details.
For manga enthusiasts curious about the creation and distribution processes behind their favorite series, Manga Mavericks provides fascinating insights into the business side of Japanese comics.
Choosing the Right Anime and Manga Podcasts for You
With so many excellent options available, finding the perfect anime podcasts for your listening habits might seem overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose based on your specific interests:
For Keeping Up with Current Anime
- Trash Taste - Broad coverage of seasonal anime and industry trends
- Anime Addicts Anonymous - Weekly updates and discussions on airing shows
- Suuuper Anime Podcast - Thoughtful analysis of current releases
For Manga Enthusiasts
- Weekly Manga Recap - Timely coverage of new chapter releases
- Manga Machinations - Discovery of hidden gems and classics
- Manga Tak - First volume reviews to find your next read
For Franchise Devotees
- Mobile Suit Breakdown - Everything Gundam, chronologically explored
- Jojo’s World - Deep dives into Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Piece Meal - Comprehensive One Piece analysis
- Demon Slayer Podcast - Dedicated to the popular supernatural series
For Industry Insights
- Manga Mavericks - Manga industry analysis and interviews
- Anime World Order - Historical context and evolution of anime
For Specific Demographics
- Shojo & Tell - Focus on shojo and josei manga
- Tokyo Podfathers - Mature perspectives on anime
For Interactive Experiences
- Anime Jam Session - Live-streamed discussions with audience participation
The Evolution of Anime Podcasts in 2025
The podcast landscape continues to evolve alongside the anime and manga industries themselves. In 2025, we’re seeing several notable trends:
- Increased production quality - Many top podcasts now feature professional audio, custom music, and structured segments
- Specialization - Rather than covering all anime broadly, more shows focus on specific genres, demographics, or franchises
- Cross-platform integration - Podcasts frequently extend to YouTube, Twitch, and social media for expanded content
- Industry access - Top shows increasingly feature interviews with creators, voice actors, and industry professionals
- Community building - Discord servers, Patreon communities, and live events connect listeners with hosts and each other
These developments have created a richer, more diverse audio landscape for anime and manga enthusiasts to explore in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of podcasts lies in their ability to transform mundane moments into opportunities for discovery and connection. That commute that used to be dead time? Now it’s a chance to hear industry professionals break down the animation techniques in the latest Kyoto Animation film. Doing household chores? Turn them into an opportunity to explore the cultural context behind your favorite shonen battle scenes.
As anime and manga continue their global expansion, these podcasts serve as essential guides through an increasingly complex media landscape. They help us discover new favorites, appreciate familiar ones more deeply, and connect with a worldwide community that shares our passion.