PenPen Pals: Recent Episodes
Ben, Alex, & Brian
A true crime investigator, a punk sorcerer, and a political activist seal themselves in a pod. They cast their working class understanding of human behavior out into the ether, focusing it through the lens of anime into some sort of hyper-mega-particle-laser. The PenPenPals are born! Pyschology, Sociology, Neuroscience and Politics are all on the table as they explore and discuss an art form that’s ostensibly for children.
Friend of the show Tonya returns to discuss bloodlust, the movie but also just the concept. We meet the Barbaroi, a delightful band of mistfit mutants, and Meier Link, perhaps the only justifiable vampire lover. We also learn about Carmilla, both the villainess and the inspirational 1872 irish gothic novella.Find the movie for FREE here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbNktf-Sg7A
Come hunt vampires with us and our fabulous guests!!!! Well, one vampire in particular! Count Magnus Lee and his castle's dastardly denizens have been an influence on vampire media and video games for decades. With tropes and character designs that will last far into the future, popping up in series like Castlevania and Final Fantasy to this day. Find Sophie and Sin's work here: https://www.youtube.com/@SinclairLoreAnd watch the movie for free here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6k6TrnLvZo
We conclude our short trifecta of critically acclaimed anime films with possibly the most beloved director in the industry: Satoshi Kon. His first animated film took anime audiences to a higher level of shot composition, transitions, and structural and visual storytelling. Join us and always stimulating guest Th8a as we step through the looking glass and ask the mind bending questions: what is a film? what is a story? and what is reality?
The battle over studio Ghibli's future rages on! This week we examine the recent oscar winning film The Boy and the Heron. Is it Hayao Miyazaki's greatest work? Or just the last gasp of relevancy from a prolific but doddering creator? Ebony Atropus joins us to figure out where this bizarrely paced surrealist dreamscape falls on that spectrum.Check out Ebony's music at:https://covenantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nightly-visits
In this short series of movie specials, we will look at the three works by three highly respected anime directors. First we look at Alex's favorite director and another pinnacle (and critical) story of police militarization. Join us and friends of the show Sophie and Sin of SInclairLore for a delightful discussion.
One last Ashina sized episode to close out our Sekiro coverage. Mimi's partner Stephanie joins us to take a last longing gaze at some of our favorite fights and set pieces. Thanks to everyone who has listened and remember: Hesitation is defeat!Mimi and Alex are planning a parallel Sekiro Speedrun on sunday 3/17/24. Join us for the celebration and Alex's streaming debut!Mimi's Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/gaymimi
Have you ever met a god? Where would you expect to find one? At the top of a majestic mountain? Within the halls of a royal court? Or perhaps one must only look inward to seek the divine. Join us on our quest for the Sakura Dragon as we examine all the unsightly denizens of Fountainhead Palace.
WE ALREADY CLIMBED THIS TOWER!!! Well, now we have to do it again, with foreign invaders lurking around every corner. And at the top: Fight Your Dad 2019. Come listen to the many things Mimi has to say about the father figure we love to hate, Owl.
Down in the valley there's a place were everyone eventually goes. It's cold a quiet quiet, except when the beast bellows. Come join Alex and Mimi as we find that beast, and all the other strange things along the way. Walk the path of Orangutan and King Fisher, and explore a nuanced and prescient underworld journey.Mimi recommends this exquisite video on underworld myths:https://youtu.be/Z4dAMMkqPoY?si=gUxeRo72SVM6tUbt
There is another! The Divine Heir of the Dragon's heritage has a sistah... of sorts. We ascend the mountain to reach close to nirvana, but we are once again descending into spiritual muck and religious villainy. Join us as we discuss our favorite enemies to kill, since they are explicitly child murderers. Also, centipedes
Down through the fog, down through the trees, way down into the water and the muck. In this episode we touch on the depths of sorrow, the depths of nutritional poverty, and the depths of Ashina. Also, we talk about why the headless pulls something out of your butt.
It's time to look at Ashina Castle, both as a setting and structure for dramatic storytelling. It is the tower we must climb and when we descend again we will be forever changed. We also have to take a close look at Genichiro's horny warcrimes and an even closer look at Mimi's complicated relationship with this would be immortal.
Enemies of Sekiro is back!!! And this time we are going BACK IN TIME to the year of the Dragonspring Pilgrimage. Mimi joins as cohost to lend her Sengoku era expertise. Are you ready, son of owl?Check out this awesome poem about a butterfly:https://www.learnreligions.com/butterflies-great-sages-and-valid-cognition-3182587
BONUS EPISODE!!!! Hayden returns to bookend the series with us and Alex gets an ending(???) that they like. If you enjoyed Steins;Gate, these two bonus episodes are a must watch. They're a little hard to find, but someone on youtube comes to the rescue!!Egoistic Poriomania:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k_kvkkRyjIEpisode 23B:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0jnkT6oNMY
WE DID IT!!!!! Another pinnacle series in the can, and a great guest to wrap it up with us. Alex doesn't like the ending, but everyone else has a fun time defending it and common ground is found. Be safe, be covid concious, and enjoy the last of the holiday season. May we all find our own Steins;Gate timeline :-)Check out Prof's stuff here:https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorViral
Here we are! We must face our decisions and accept the consequences! But first, a few stolen moments with Mayuri and Makise. We are joined by new guest Paul, who graces us with a beautiful thought about quantum physics and the nature of relationships.Check out Paul's work at South Bay Musical Theatre:https://southbaymt.com/Toho Godzilla Shorts:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObDeGGRH-PY
Absolute legend Th8a Wakes (@nearlyonred) returns and teaches us about the first Terminator movie! These episodes are dark, fascinating, and probably the most confrontational of the series.
Marley returns to settle age old question: Who is the saddest time looper? Okabe takes back some wishes and we get to meet Ben's baby.Check out Silicon Valley Shakespeare to see Marley's rendition of All's Well that Ends Well in June 2024:https://www.svshakespeare.org/2024
Suzuha unveils the mysteries of physical time travel! Plus we see our first positive shift in the world line numbers. Join us and new guest Izzy : - )
Nick, an old friend of Ben and Alex's joins us for these groundhog's day episodes. Ben might stop by and we remember the anti DND propaganda work of a young Tom Hanks.
Friends of the show Sin and Sophie join us to catch up and maaaaybe discuss a little steins;gate. Ben rushes to join us, but will he make it in time?! Sin tells us how S;G is like Reborn and Sophie tells us how it's like Terminator. Is Suzureese a real thing?Check out their work at:https://www.youtube.com/@SinclairLore
Well, the D mails start coming, and they don't... stop coming. No guest this week, but we do have some surprises, along with further critique of Okabe's behaviour. There is some character growth though, so we are all strapped in for this trip through time!
Socratetris joins us for a catch up and some philosophical explanation. The FGL gang tries to buy a lotto ticket in the past and grants wishes to Moeka and Ruka.Check out Socratetris's work:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=socratetrisCheck out his MASSIVE discussion of Sekiro here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkEnNHr1274&t=5s
Friend of the show Kai teaches us about baseball and the value of friendship in a chaotic story/world. The time travel intrigue ramps up in this one and we see the formation of our first real experiments, as Makise Kurisu softens to the group's dynamics.Check out Kai's work on Madoka:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odHNppjTQyU&t=1268sHis episode on baseball episodes:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRMx4ZCCcYOr just his youtube page:http://godisaloli.com/
Friend of the show Tonya returns to uncover the secrets of the miCrowave. Ben drops a real life reveal on us and we talk about assholes and why we love them.Check out Tonya's theatre company here:https://www.svshakespeare.org/
Back to the classroom! We, the honorary members of the Future Gadget Laboratory, invite you to review time travel theory with us. Join us for this high concept sci-fi temporal thiller along with friend of the show Hayden Workman of #WeBAG.
Alex had a lot of fun talking about the dads of Sekiro with Sophie and Mimi, so here's a new series! Mimi returns as we look at the game area by area and discuss the various enemies and bosses we encounter. Join us for a discussion of giant c*cks, dogs that are basically wolves, and the gatekeeper with a bullhorn for vocal chords. And remember, always announce yourself thusly "MY NAME IS..."Thanks to @SinclairLore for letting us steal their enemies of Bloodborne idea
Content Warning: Discussion of radiation sickness and the other effects of atomic weaponry on human bodiesWe all live under the shadow of nuclear holocaust. Most of the time we can dismiss the phenomenon cognitively because of the distance and statistics of it all, and yet we remain in that shadow constantly. This episode discusses the story of people who lived quite literally in the shadow of the bomb, and for them the reality of nuclear weapons was anything but distant or statistical.FInd the movie here:Sub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn29AO5zm_4Dub https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olFmklCCccEFind the manga here:https://archive.org/details/02-barefoot-gen-the-day-after
Friend of the show Sophie joins Alex and brings along her very funny EXPERT friend Mimi! This is the second in our series of realistic strong silent characters, which started with Fuse of Jin Roh. Come listen to us talk about big dumb idiot himbos, the constraints and purpose of societal roles, and one hyper competent doctor/spy/aikido-flip woman. Check out Sophie and Mimi's previous talk on Sekiro here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKX9ZuVPfu0Find more Mimi @lyrical_mimi on twitterFind More Sophie at:Youtube.com/sinclairlore
We got together with Marley one more time to discuss the ending of Madoka Magica thus far. We also discover something shocking about Homura, Gendo, and ALEX?! (DUNDUNDUN) Join us for this enthusiastic sendoff to an acclaimed deconstructionist work
Get on the train loser!! We're going on a cosmic death journey!!! With special guest Ebony Atropus!FInd her work here:https://www.mixcloud.com/EbonyAtropus/black-moon-playlist/https://kanashibari666.bandcamp.com/album/nightly-visitsAnd check out the movie at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOaNT5VXuEU
How can we make it easier to examine the darker truths of human existence? By exploring it through anthropomorphized cats!!! Created by the brilliant though somewhat fringe manga-ka Chiyomi Hashiguchi and animated by the equally talented director Tatsuo Sato and storyboard artist Masaaki Yuasa. Join us and first time guest Lily for a mind bending adventure through time, space, and the (cat)human condition.Short film available for FREE here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlLBX4EIlJY
Here we are at the end of another phenomenal series. Madoka turned out to be an indispensable installment in anyone's anime education. Whether you're looking for a wave of emotional catharsis or a deconstruction of the genre, Madoka and her comrades will satisfy. Join us and informative new guest Bryant of ExplanationPointAnime for our final look at the series but maybe not our last coverage of Madoka...Find Bryant's work at:https://www.youtube.com/@ExplanationPointAnimeor on twitter @ExPoint140a
Our Penultimate Madoka episode! SAYAKA IS A WITCH?! Kyubey eats witches... IS KYUBEY GONNA EAT SAYAKA?! Twists and turns won't stop coming to our delighted little brains. New guest Kai of youtube.com @clearandsweet helps us untangle Homura's time web and gives us a slew of magical girl recommendations
Exploitation, ultraviolence and intrigue. Are we sure this show isn't set in america? We get more revelations after successful predictions, we discuss Kyubey's economic symbolism and why Sayaka is the most hardcore magical girl. Join us and new guest @ProfessorViral for this heady discussionCheck out their work on Madoka and other anime at:https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorViral
Half way baby!! The last two episodes were a fabulous tone shift, and these to do some welcome world building. Tyler Vincent joins us and shares some spoiler free reasons why new girl Kyoko is his favorite character.
Time for the episode three twist! We continue our discussion as Kyubey continues to exploit these Magical Girls. New guest and series expert @NezumiVA joins usCheck out her work here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1IRtTied9Y
We tackle our next series and dip our toes into the Magical Girl genre for the first time in PenPenPals history. New guest Marley joins us to dissect another deconstructionist anime. Some say the Neon Genesis of the Mahou Shoujo genre.Marley will be giving a talk on "Queerness and Magical Girls" at FanimeCon on Sunday, 5/28, from 6:30-8:30pm You also can find her on Twitter @marleyteterhttps://www.fanime.com/
This episode contains discussion of graphic violence and the horrors of authoritarianism and capitalism. Listener discretion is advised.Meet Fuse, a paramilitary officer who can't shoot terrorists. Meet Kei, a former bomb carrier trying to turn her life around. When they get together they'll lose more than their humanity!Friends of the show Sin and Sophie join us for this giant sized discussion of Alex's favorite animated films.
All good things must end, but so must all bad things. Join us as we say goodbye to Paranoia Agent as well as the many traumas contained therein. Friend of the show and absolute legend Th8a Wakes of @Nearlyonred is with us for this emotionally charged and satisfying finale.Check out Th8a's work on Twitter, Twitch, and Youtube. Stay tuned for more stuff from us , but bear with us while we choose some things and edit some others. And whether you take a rest or a blow to the head, please be kind to yourself
Back to the plot with our new guest Veronica!!! But first, a primer on Japan's animation industry and the human cost of this art form we love so much. Prepare yourself for this Penultimate Presentation of Paranoia Agent!Tweet at us @PenPenPalsPod or email at PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com
Content warning: Discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If these subjects would upset you, please skip this episode.Three internet friends meet in person for the first time and form a found family under unusual circumstances. A gaggle of gossipy housewives razz the new girl and help Lil' Slugger pervade their reality. Friends of the show Sophie and Sin from the Snack Covenant join us to dissect these esoteric side episodes.Check out the Snack Covenant at:https://www.youtube.com/@SinclairLore
Stories are told and unravel. Faith is tested and broken. People are still getting hit in the head. Trust is a hard thing to come by these days. Join us and new guest Aubrey Stockton as we continue to discuss this story about how fundamentally important stories are to our existence. Check out Aubrey's sweet sweet music at:https://www.youtube.com/@BONESOLVENT
Masami reminds us that ACAB. Kozuka reminds us that there is such a thing as too much video games. Nate Reminds us that the art in this show is BONKERS!Check out Nate's work on instagram and tik tok @house_of_midnite
Friend of the show Tonya joins us as the psychological plot thickens. Two new pairs of victims, two divergent life paths, two cultural phenomenons. The house of mirrors builds up around us, enlightening us but trapping us in its hypnotic gaze...
Enter Tsukiko Sagi, a young artist with a hit character and a deadline breathing down her neck. Enter Akio Kawazu, a sleazy reporter in need of a story to pay off his debts. Enter Lil' Slugger, the answer to everyone's problems. Join the PenPenPals for a discussion of Satoshi Kon's only television series.
Our phavorite philosopher Socratetris stops by to wrap up Lain with us. We talk Gnosticism, Buddhism, Transference, the whole shebang. We also decide that this horror series has a surprisingly happy ending. Stay tuned for the next exciting psychological thriller we will tackle.Find Socratetris' stuff at:https://www.youtube.com/@SocraTetris/
Lain in review. is she looking back at her own life? Is the God of the Wired showing her the truth? Is the show just doing a recap episode? These answer AND MORE in this week's episode. New guest Ryan comes to chat. Find ryan @Rychuzed on Twitch
Who made a deal with the aliens? Lain. Who killed the dinosaurs? Lain! Who faked the moon landing? LAIN! It's all Lain all the Lain. Lain? Lain?! LAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIN! And friend of the show Damian, of course...Damian urges us all to contribute to our local mutual aid organizations or start your own!
Lain's contact with the Knights escalates and the Men in Black pay her another visit. Plus psychic kids and CIA scientists. Help us kids explore our new online society alongisde returning guest Elicia
Lain gets good at interneting all over the wired. We get whispers of the knights and run in with the Men in Black, but no real understanding of where we are going. Come check out the next two layers with us and our new guest QueerJunk. They assure us their stuff can be found on pretty much any social media site @QueerJunk
We follow Lain down the rabbit hole while Lain follows Alice to Cyberia. Our old friend Hayden joins us to build our initial understanding of this densely packed show. Check out his old show We're Bad At Games athttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-bad-at-games/id1275373713
Ben, Blixxa, and Alex delve into their next series. Travel back with us to the advent of widespread internet use. Join us in our Y2K fever. Meet us at the intersection of present day present time. Experience the experiments of a serial internet abuser named Lain.
The Final Finale! The End of EVA! Closing the book on a cultural touchstone! Shinji still in shock, Asuka aggressively adulting, Rei realizing her role, and who could forget Mari taking center stage, stealing all the action beats! Joined by Eva super fan Elicia, we try to untangle the last frames of this beloved anime.
Alisha joins us as we cover the PENultimate installment in Hideaki Anno's Evangelion Rebuild films. Things are very different this time, but shinji's relationships remain complicated. Check out Alisha's work on twitch and facebook @acute_fox
Friend of the show Tonya joins us to discuss the second NGE rebuild film. How much is different? Are the plug suits any more presentable? Does Shakespeare influence mech anime? Let's find out!!!
Friends of the show Sin and Sophie join us to discuss the first Neon Genesis rebuild movie. Not much has changed from the series, but join us to find out what has!Check out Sin and Sophie in their many Snack Covenant shows:https://www.youtube.com/@SinclairLore
Super fan of EVA and creator of the band Tear for the Dying, Adria joins us. We discuss the second Neon Genesis movie and whether we are all caught in a time loop. Check out Adria's work at: https://www.tearsforthedying.com/
Back for the fall, the PenPenPals are finally rounding out our coverage of Neon Genesis. In the next 6 episodes, we will discuss the Evangelion films. We say goodbye to Brian, but we bring on a new guest to help us make sense of Death and Rebirth.
After much procrastination, it is here!!!!!! The answer to all your questions! What happens in space? Do any of the pilots form a polycule? Is this Brian's favorite anime EVER?! Let's find out together in this season finale episode. An extra thanks to all our guests and the anime creators we adore <3
ANGLER FISH... and I'm sure we talk about other stuff in this episode. We add another Alex to our guest roster and he tells us about other horny cosmic robot shows.
Check out his work here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SocraTetris
Zero Two is catatonic, nothing will grow, and Nana has lost her sense of purpose. Lot's of problems, and none of them can be solved with high tech magma weaponry :-( Friend of the show Tonya returns and helps us map Hamlet onto Franxx.
Check out her work on ShakesPod's Titus Andronicus: https://anchor.fm/svshakes/episodes/Episode-18-TITUS-ANDRONICUS-e13ruoq
VIRM is revealed! The trap is sprung!! The mirror is in place! Hayden Workman returns as a guest and brings along his WeBAG cohost Patrick. Alex finally gets the chance to talk about Inanna and Ereshkigal, and what connection these Sumerian godesses have on our tale.
Check out Patrick and Hayden's work here: https://www.facebook.com/badatgamescast or https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-bad-at-games/id1275373713
Th8a joins us for the twisty-turny final act reveal! We delve deep within the earth and focus our sights on the stars as Hiro and Zero Two are torn apart once more. Special thanks to Ben for the editing on this episode :::.-)
Check out Th8a's work on Twitch and Youtube: https://www.twitch.tv/nearlyonred https://www.youtube.com/c/NearlyOnRed
Time to go back in time to the far future flashback past year of 2025! A young Werner Frank is in hot water for illegal cloning and an unknown organization called APE makes themselves known to the world. Join the pals along with fabulous guests Sophie and Sin of the Snack Covenant as we sift through this massive exposition dump that somehow manages to be hilarious and tragic.
Always check out Sin and Sophie at: https://www.youtube.com/c/SinclairLore
At last, the moment this has all been leading up to. That's right folks, we're throwing a wedding! Miki of Anime Slam joins us to pick apart this juicy episode and faun over the best Ikuno scene in the series.
Check out Miki's stuff wherever you find podcasts, and definitely check out Miki's video on sexuality in Franxx here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzjrXnyTkuA
OH MY GOSH SO MUCH HAPPENS! Ikuno gets to narrate! The Nines show up to spy! Kokoro gets fresh with Mitsuru and Hiro draws a shitty picture! We are joined by Allen of Reimaru files and he educates us on some of this eden imagery we seem to be up to our eyeballs in.
Check out his stuff at: https://www.youtube.com/c/reimaru and https://www.reimarufiles.com/
Like sands through the hour glass, so go the child soldiers of the future. Let's take the time to reestablish the stakes before we go into the final climactic story arc. We are joined by our stalwart comrade Damian!
Please give to your local mutual aid organization this winter season or, better yet, get involved!!!
Tell us you like us (or hate us, whatever) on twitter @PenPenPalsPod or PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com
The team is divided, our heroes distraught. The battle lines are drawn and we finally put eyes on the Gran Crevasse. Pete LePage of Comic Book Club joins us to discuss the stunning actions shots and very human stakes of this climactic episode.
Check out Pete's massive library of work at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ComicBookClub
We talked so much with Th8a Wakes that we needed to split the episode. This one has talk about the Bokkuko character trope/archetype, The Golden Bough, and a whole bunch of spoiler talk and gushing towards the ends. The PenPenPals wish everyone safe travels and warm homes as we move into winter.
Hit us up on Twitter @penpenpalspod or email us at PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com
The studious Th8a Wakes joins us to discuss this nail biting episode. Zero Two cares about Hiro, but what about the rest of the squad? How does everyone factor in? And how does everyone feel? It's a lot to parse, so join us for a long emotional haul. We recorded a spoiler sections with some stimulating commentary on the Golden Bough, but that'll be in another episode.
Check out Th8a on Twitch or Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NearlyOnRed https://www.twitch.tv/nearlyonred
FINALLY, THE FLASHBACK PATHOS EPISODE! Hiro and Zero Two dive into each others' minds to reveal their mysterious past.
Episode art courtesy of our episode guest Riley. Check out her stuff on instagram @Homerental_
After an extra week of editing, we bring you a Gutenberg class episode! Sinclair and Sophie from the Snack Covenant join us as we go back to the Garden. Stay after for a long spoiler session filled with delightful tangents ;-)
Check out Sophie and Sin's work on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SinclairLore
Let's shake up those team dynamics!!! Everybody is gonna question their relationship, and no one will have good time. Join us and our guest Emily as we discuss ethical consensual non-monogamy and the importance of communication in relationships.
If you are curious about the subject, Emily recommends: The Ethical Slut https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553912/the-ethical-slut-third-edition-by-janet-w-hardy-and-dossie-easton/
and
Poly Secure https://thorntreepress.com/polysecure/
Joined by a new guest Capeline, we make our way into the city beneath Mistilteinn for the first time. What wonders await the pilots? What will they discover about themselves? IT'S A ZOROME EPISODE!!!!
Check out Capeline's Franxx Fanfic at: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13956625/1/How-the-Cookie-Crumbles or https://archiveofourown.org/works/34082059/chapters/84786130
Humming right along, this time Goro takes center stage! An explosively flatulent Klaxosaur threatens the plantation, Goro puts himself in danger to protect everyone else, and now it's Ichigo's job to save his ass.
We are joined by Hayden Workman of We're Bag at Games: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/were-bad-at-games/id1275373713
It's a lovely day in Miselteinn when the girls split the house down the middle. To be fair, the boys were acting kinda shitty. This week we learn about the language of flowers, missing the point, and how to give a meaningful apology. Bob from Colorado joins us from his sister's garage where the WiFi is pretty damned good.
Bob recommends the band MOSHIMO: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuyPn5fn_i7CCBbxfE6MMWA
We are heading to the beach!!!! Wait, I hate the beach... this is gonna be awful... but not to worry!! Our guest Timo from Momentsinmedia will help us through this fanservice laden episode. Check out his work at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQy5UmaB7OHdXcyw8m6oCLQ
There's a chance we won't have an episode out next week, but we shall see. Tell us we are wonderful or terrible on twitter: @PenPenPalsPod
or send us an email: PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com
And if you can, spend time with your Darling ;-)
1/4 of the way through Franxx and we are already at our first climax! The parasites are connected! The Klaxosaur is HUGE! Hiro is... ready to die? Death, resurrection, phallucide, this episode has it all!! Be our Darling as we conclude the Jian arc with a long time friend and guest from our first season: Kenneth!!!!
We don't really tweet, but we would probably respond to one @penpenpalspod
And we would DEFINITELY respond to an email at penpenpalspod@gmail.com
What's that thing humans have? They're awkward and you're not supposed to show them in public? They change during puberty... FEELINGS!!! That's it! Everybody has them in this episode, and Hiro has quite a bit more. Nate returns as he embarks on his first journey through Franxx. Find his stuff @art_by_midnite
Tweet at us @penpenpalspod or email us at penpenpalspod@gmail.com
Our resident cold reading water witch Tonya co-ops this episode with us. We get deep inside the mysteries of piloting with Zero Two, but perhaps there is still something left to the imagination.
Season 1 guest Ed comes on the talk the third episode with us. Get ready for a little more podcast magic as we learn more about what it means to pilot a Franxx, and what it means to be a partner. Plus the return of a segment beloved by the hosts and an off the wall reference or two.
This episode has a short Spoiler Session at the end for those who have already watched the show.
Check out Ed Habis' work at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh2FeiCdG-Lyqb3onQONggA
Brian makes reference to one of Ed's Battlefield videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6xZF9er69Q
In this super sized episode we are joined by our resident robotics expert Melissa. We discuss the practicality of Franxx design, burgeoning sexuality, and the longstanding phenomenon of the sexy robot.
Neon Genesis, FLCL, Gundam: The Origin, Urusei Yatsura. What could this all be leading to? Mechs, hormones, oni, robot faced Dr. Wily. Please join us for Darling in the Franxx.
A fire breathing baby, a dai kaiju cat suit alien, lightning helmets. We check out the second (and final) episode of the BBC Dub of Urusei Yatsura: Lum the Invader Girl.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtOhuE-y0Zw
A heavily referential comedy written in Japanese, but then rewritten to fit British gags from 20 years later? Don't know about you, but we're into it. Lum the Invader Girl Part 1.
As we lay some ground work for the next series we will cover, please enjoy three humble recommendations. The clips we refer to can be found here:
Fate/Zero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOeaEwbmFZI Ping Pong the Animation https://animelon.com/video/57b16700b06cbb777f99dea0 Urusei Yatsura https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNjF6Gsj_4s&list=PL5B15917A02D6E3F3&index=2
Hello Pals! This week we are joined by the devastatingly dapper duo of Sinclair Lore. Mecha, Penguins, and Snacks, is there a more classic combination? Come listen to find out if admiral Revel is really on the level.
ALSO, we are working on some in between episodes as we gear up to start a new show. Let us know if you have any one shots you would like to hear covered by sending us an email at penpenpalspod@gmail.com or rating us on itunes, spotify, or wherever you listen.
Check out SIn and Sophie's work at: Youtube.com/sinclairlore
Hayden Workman from We're Bad At Games joins the Pals in bearing witness to... just a lot of violence. Enjoy doesn't seem like a somber enough word for this downer of an episode. But hey, there's still some stuff to laugh about...
Alex Zalben joins us to parallel anime protagonists and super heroes. The powers, the violence, the costumes. IS THERE A CONNECTION?! Plus we get our first Mobile Suit engagement and our first visualization of a Newtype power.
Check out Zalben on twitter @azalben and listen to his live show Comic Book Club every tuesday or wherever podcasts are found.
Casval becomes Char, Sayla graduates, and Garma find his heart's yearning. We get some insights from Thomas Bowman as the political tensions in the series reach a boiling point. Is war imminent? Can Degwin control his children? Is Garma good at basket ball? All these questions (AND MORE!@!!) answered in this week's episode!
Check out Thomas' work at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transition-virginia/id1498833592
or
https://open.spotify.com/show/7EEXYQP6nidbhzreTwgwLQ?si=6zF2NSwUQSqXDLv8NNEE2Q
Are you ready for the saddest episode yet? Well, maybe the one where Misato dealt with grief or when we met Yui Ikari. Guess we have a lot of sad episodes! Join the PenPen Pals and new guest Melissa for some talk about real world robots along with the usual amount of anime analysis.
Mellssa reccomends: Pantsuit Politics https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pantsuit-politics/id1055348656 As well as Golden Kamuy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2raRyN6kgY And Yuri!!! on Ice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6zoUVx6uiU
Join us in our search for anime analogs to Marx, Lenin, Hirohito, Trotsky, and many more! The Expanse comes up again, and we highlight the tragedy of Astraia, the star maiden in this first installment of the Gundam prequel.
Check out our guest's work: @Subcarriertransmission
We're back! First we had the Evas, then Canti, and now Mobile Suits. Join us for some background on Gundam, Universal Century, Tomino, Sundance, and the differences between "Super" and "Real" robots. And check back next week for coverage of the first episode: Blue Eyed Casval.
IT'S THE CLIMAX! Join us for the last installment of FLCL. Join us for a story of revenge, rejection, longing,robots, and, of course, growing up. Join us to save the world from being turned into smooth brained sheeple! Plus, our guest Bob educates us on cars, amps, and basses.
Check out one of Bob's favorite bands: https://www.youtube.com/user/sokoninaru
And if you can, donate or get involved with Veterans for Peace: https://www.veteransforpeace.org/
This is another gift to Pals of the Penpen podcast. It’s a remix/mash-up/medley of several Pillow’s songs from FLCL. There were several contributions from Penpen guests & friends. The intent was to track the progression of the show while reflecting its surreal/hyper-culture feel.
Tune in next week for the FLCLIMAX!!! ;;;.-)
John woo, South Park, Daicon! The references just won't stop in this episode and we try our best to add on our own! Alex's brother Jon joins us again and just might have a story about Alex.
Hey Furi Cudes and Kuri Cudettes! Today we've got a rockin' guest who's had some rockin' jobs editing for Adult Swim and Comedy Central. Join us for this psychologically intense episode, where we examine parental boundaries, curry pastries, and baseball!
This Week we recommend Twilight of the Cockroaches, Housu (House 1977) and the works of Satoshi Kon.
Check out Robert's work at: https://www.facebook.com/trashcancinema/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd2jJUFhaZQpbkOdXL6r47g https://measlesmumpsrubella.bandcamp.com/ https://idealforms.bandcamp.com/
The Little Prince, Dmitry Kabalevsky’s Comedians’ Galop, and Puss in Boots. What do these three pieces of art have in common? THIS EPISODE of FLCL!
Friend of the pod Nate joins us again to discuss the the curious case of Eri Ninamori and the one thing cats can't fix for her, her parents divorce. We also briefly discuss AMV's and Ben remember's a perfect one for the season: Perfect Drug set to FLCL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKU5orZSZ-0
Episode 2 brings us a character study of Mamimi Samejima and her curious manias. A new musician friend, BluuPanda, joins our white water rafting adventure down into the depths of an adolescent metamorphosis.
Check out her work @bluupanda on instagram and under the same name on youtube (She does siiiiick omnichord work).
Also, in the episode there is mention of an unofficial trailer for a Power Rangers gritty reboot. That can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw5vcUPyL90
It's great to be back and we are excited to bring you another Gainax work: Kazuya Tsurumaki's ground breaking sexual satire FLCL! Join us for a discussion of the pivotal pilot as it issues questions and comments alike on masculinity, cycles of abuse, and the mysterious art of rock and roll.
Check out the series (again) wherever you can find it (super easy these days), and (re)explore what it's like to be on the cusp of adolescence, and how robots factor into that.
Also check out The Pillows wherever you can find their music.
Also ALSO visit Brian's website if you need quality life coaching: www.lifejutsu.com
Greeting PenPenPals! We will be back next week(!) covering another fan favorite AND critically acclaimed series. In the mean time, please enjoy this track provided by our newest permanent fixture, Brian. Children Of The Black Moon is a super stretched, surreal soundscape and for about a week, Alex had it and its sister song (COTWM) playing on repeat. We hope everyone listening has some time to decompress and experience solidarity by talking about anime with a friend. Talk to you soon PenPenPals!
A word from the composer: While Children of the White moon was really fun to produce, it was nice to offer a piece that contrasted with White Moon and spoke more towards the emotional depth of NGE. Black Moon was kind of an after thought and composed of unused samples for White Moon. I was surprised at how the samples came together and moved me and in some ways I am more proud of the less sophisticated production.
Instrumentality is in full swing... JOIN US! Brian comes back to dissect the last episode and share some last thoughts on the series as a whole. To our guests, thank you. To our listeners, we are with you. And to all the contributions Alex hasn't edited, farewell... for now. Congratulations everyone!
While Alex is struggling with Instrumentality, PenPenPals Presents this present from friend of the pod Brian! This addictive track was a gift for recording our season 1 finale. We hope you enjoy it with an anime loving pal and we hope you have the same detective novel "Ahha!" moment we did. Stay safe Pals!
Instrumentality beings!!! Beautiful, strange, and not at all what we were expecting, Nate and Oliver do a damn fine job sussing some meaning from the series' PENultimate episode.
LoFi Cruel Angel's Thesis from Arthur Braga at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORRXbrRlkbk
Please enjoy this full version of our outro, generously provided by local musician and guest on the pod Ed. This lovingly modified treatment of Rei I captured my heart and I hope it enlivens the jazziness in yours. Check out Ed's work at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh2FeiCdG-Lyqb3onQONggA
Hey PenPenPals!! This time of year is hectic for many, and we here at the show are no exception. With that in mind, this week brings you not another episode, but the full version of our new intro and outro. This is the intro by local Fairfax musician Asher of MLEMON. Check out his work with his musical prodigy partner Mckinley at https://mlemon.bandcamp.com/ and stay tuned for our penultimate episode (for the season) next week!
Friends of the show Tonya and Cassie join us to ponder the mysteries of Kaworu Nagisa, The Fifth Children. We also get a visit from a dancing dog poet named Blake and Ben decides what kind of cult he wants to be in. Stay warm, stay fed, and be nice to your PenPenPals ;;;,-)
Asuka is out of comission, Misato and Shinji are unraveling emotionally. Can Rei defeat the next angel on her own? Join us and our new PenPenPal Damian for a delightful discussion about some horrifying imagery ;;;,-)
8-Bit Cruel Angel's Thesis found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF5Wl4JDQjY
2 BROTHERS!!! This episode brings us an all too close look at Asuka, and why we should feel respect and sympathy for our multinational comrade. We remember NGE RE:Death (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtXT-8C-6OE) and finally witness the throwing of Chekhov's Lance.
Cruel Angel's Thesis from AniShin: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7BN-DPFGP1CASZ2BbgIV7
A couple of guests with shared work experience join us for this episode! This time we explore the origins of NERV, Seele and Project E.
The Third Guest Brian Returns for the THIRD TIME!!!! He brings the piano prodigy Ed (@MistaMewMew) along for the episode. Join us for a quantum mind bending Eva thought experiment and an extra long (and insightful) Spoiles Session. Happy Election day to all our PenPenPals in the US!
We bring you an experimental episode this week!!! Watch (or just listen) along with us and be our PenPenPal on another level!
Brian from Lifejustsu.com returns for another deep and dark discussion of the increasing confrontational framing and unrelenting trauma of the series' third act. The ride will only get faster from here! New music in the episode also courtesy of Brian. Let the punk sorcery BEGIN :::.-)
Double guest and a giant sized episode! Two childhood chums phone in from Seattle to discuss who the 4th Children will be, and what they might give up for that title.
Title music cover from Eddie van der Meer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JKP013TOIQ
Lights! Camera! Evas! Our first Californian guest walks us through this nightmare inspiring episode with a Salvador Dalí inspired Angel. Check out our guest Tonya's work at https://www.svshakespeare.org/ and donate to a local theatre while you're at it ;;;,-)
Fabulous guest! Fabulous kisses! Fabulous PenPen! No angels this week, but a whole bunch of character development. Hang on to your notepads folks, it's analysis and appreciation time!
Our woven narrative is put to the test in this well framed rewatch of a recap episode. Guest Savannah leads us on a nostalgia trip, touching on the works of Satoshi Kon. This week's opening music sampled from The Glory Gospel Singers. Find their work at: https://www.facebook.com/GloryGospel/
Local visual artist Nate stops by for our spookiest episode yet. Does Ritsuko have a secret? Is everything better with lasers? Check out Nate's art on etsy and social media @art_by_midnite
Thanks to Vincent Price for being the scion of spooky :-O
Our first California Pal stops by! We get our first glimpse into the Second Impact and the biggest eyeball yet. Support mutual aid in San Diego by donating to weallwegotsd.com and make PenPen proud.
Shady Gendo needs some candles for this episode! Guest Jim is a regular ol' musicologist. Check out his work at: Soundcloud.com/xenotolerance www.xenotolerance.com
Show notes: Field trip time! Asuka stairs death in the face, Shinji studies, and PenPen returns to his natural habitat. Leave a review to have your feedback featured on a future show, and email us your wildest dreams at PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com
If only Dance Dance Revolution could teach us to be better EVA pilots. Join us and Punk Sorcerer Brian Bowhay for another thrilling episode! Find Brian's work and services at LifeJutsu.com. Email us at PenPenPalsPod@gmail.com with thoughts, questions and offers or tweet us at https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
ASUKA! Email us at Penpenpalspod@gmail.com or tweet us at https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
Alex's editorial debut! In this episode our hosts nab another guest for the discussion! Lots of talk about animation traditions outside of Japan. Email us at Penpenpalspod@gmail.com or tweet us at https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
The first guest! Who will it be? And what insights will the bring?
Be our PPPals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com twitter.com/penpenpalspod
Alex and Ben reveal two new show segments -- and end with a cliffhanger you won't want to miss!
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com twitter.com/penpenpalspod
Kaballah and more!
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
Kaballah and more!
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
What happened to Shinji? How does NGE reference Norse Mythology? What will this episodes cliffhanger be?
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
The Return: Mid-Pandemic Ben and Alex Return -- But can they stave of digressions and complete the episode? How strong is the coconut water rum? And what will come of the Kaballa Tree of Life?
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod
The Origins: Mid-Pandemic old friends strive to discover the secrets behind one of the most controversial animes of all time -- and discover the true origin of Pen². Is he friend, foe, or chaotic neutral?
Be our PenPen Pals -- send us literally anything: penpenpalspod@gmail.com https://twitter.com/penpenpalspod