Crunchyroll launches new podcast "The Anime Effect" along with Sony Music

Crunchyroll and Sony Music Entertainment are launching "Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect", a weekly roundtable podcast spotlighting anime's influence on the broader cultural zeitgeist. "The Anime Effect" will be available worldwide in English on all major podcast platforms beginning February 16, with new episodes every Friday.

As anime has exploded in global popularity, its influence can be seen on the screen and in fashion, sports, gaming, music and beyond… and not just on Crunchyroll. With coverage from the award-winning Crunchyroll News team as a throughline, "Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect" goes beyond specific shows and popular characters just on Crunchyroll to delve into anime's growing impact across popular culture.

The weekly podcast is 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.

“The Anime Effect is a natural extension of our current Crunchyroll News program and a place where fans can dive deeper into everything anime and celebrate it regardless of what platform or service it is on,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll’s Chief Operating Officer. “Whether you watch anime every day or are a casual viewer, this podcast is a must-listen.”

"Crunchyroll Presents: The Anime Effect" is available at launch as an audio show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else audiences get their podcasts, and as a video show on Crunchyroll and YouTube with additional platforms – including the Crunchyroll Channel – coming in 2024.