The Anime Effect

Nick Apostolides joins The Anime Effect this week to talk Ghost in the Shell, his first major anime role, and the legacy of Resident Evil’s Leon Kennedy. Plus, we dive into Akira, anime dubbing, Leon's best lines, and the internet’s obsession with “Daddy Leon.”

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

Demon Slayer Earns Critics' Choice Awards Nomination & More

One Piece’s LEGO Special Drops First Trailer, Paving a New Frontier for Anime

Naruto Creator Makes Surprise Marvel Cameo to Crown the Best Spider-Man Movie

Find Nick on Instagram and X!
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Live-action anime is heating up Hollywood! The Anime Effect breaks down Naruto’s Team 7 casting search & My Hero Academia’s movie update! PLUS, big Anime Expo news continues with Solo Leveling’s movie debut, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, Godzilla Minus Zero, and Studio Ghibli’s new anime drop.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President

SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters

V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon

MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano

From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime.

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The Anime Effect is live from Anime Expo 2026! The hosts unite IRL to explore why anime conventions are bigger than ever, AKIRA’s theatrical return, Star Wars' new anime, The Apothecary Diaries movie, and the wildest Naruto release we've heard about in years!Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions. Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions
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This week, The Anime Effect prepares for Anime Expo 2026 this week with an unhinged episode that puts our hosts’ IQs to the test. From Cyberpunk’s TV return to the Joker’s anime spotlight, we’re going all in on the biggest headlines of the past week to make you a bigger & better anime fan.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions
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Hololive’s Takanashi Kiara joins The Anime Effect this week to talk gateway anime, VTuber stardom, KFP, and niche anime faves. PLUS, the hosts break down Pokémon’s adorable Aardman series, Crunchyroll’s Summer 2026 anime lineup, and Naruto’s new TCG.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

Crunchyroll Summer 2026 Seasonal Lineup

Naruto Trading Card Game Announced

Find Takanashi Kiara Here on YouTube

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.
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