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Gaming hits differently when you grow up. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of UAE Cosplayers and Twitch streamer, mashpotato_gamer , to talk about growing up as gamers in different parts of the world, from Libya and UAE to the Philippines. We reminisce about childhood gaming memories, old consoles, after-school gaming sessions, and how gaming culture has evolved over the years. We also talk about what gaming looks like now as adults with responsibilities, why some people never truly outgrow gaming, and how certain games still bring back that same feeling we had as kids. This episode is for anyone who grew up with video games and still carries those memories with them today. If you liked this episode, please give us a rating! You can also check out more of our content here: https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

In this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we bring a fresh perspective to One Piece Live Action by inviting a guest who has never watched the anime. Joining us is Mohamed Metwly of Kolo Rings Global, who shares his honest thoughts after watching the live action adaptation. As someone who isn’t an anime fan, his take gives a unique look at how the series holds up for completely new viewers. We dive into: First impressions of One Piece as a non-anime viewerFavorite characters and standout momentsWhat worked and what didn’t in the story and pacingWhether the show is beginner-friendlyIf the hype around One Piece is actually justifiedIf you’ve ever wondered whether you can enjoy One Piece without watching the anime, this episode is for you. Check out more of our content here: https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

The Straw Hats are back… but did Season 2 actually deliver? In this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we break down One Piece Live Action Season 2 from first impressions and standout performances to the biggest moments, changes from the anime, and whether Netflix really did the story justice. We’re splitting this into non-spoilers and full spoilers, you can jump in with us whether or not you've finished watching the show. Was Season 2 better than Season 1? Did the adaptation get stronger or start to crack under pressure? Listen to the full episode!

Animenia Abu Dhabi 2026 brought massive immersive anime IPs such as Dandadan, Spy X Family, Bleach and Gintama, major Japanese guests, and one of the region’s biggest cosplay competitions. But what was it like behind the scenes? In this episode, we share our experience hosting the cosplay judges panel, what we learned from international judges, and why this event feels like a turning point for the UAE anime community. Was this the biggest anime festival in the region yet? Let’s talk about it.

In this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we sit down with Hesham Elshazly, an English voice actor whose journey spans Egypt, the United States, and now Dubai. We talk about how growing up between cultures shaped his voice acting career, how he broke into the industry, how voicing video games differs from anime, and what it’s really like working on English voice acting projects. Hesham shares insights on voicing video games like New World and Metal Slug Awakening, animes such as The Journey and Nukitashi, as well as his experience training under the top voice acting coaches in the world. If you’re curious about anime dubbing and voice acting careers this episode is for you!

2025 was a huge year for Ara Ara, for the podcast, the community, and our love for anime. In this episode, we look back at the anime and shows that defined our 2025, the moments that shaped Ara Ara, and everything we’re excited to watch in 2026. From unexpected favorites to highly anticipated releases, this is our full anime year in review + what’s coming next. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join the Ara Ara community! https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

This episode marks the start of Season 5 of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, taking listeners behind the scenes of how anime music makes its way from screen to stage. In this season opener, we sit down with the producer behind Feat. A, a Japanese classical trio bringing anime music to international audiences. From starting her career in accounting to producing live performances across cultures, we explore what it really takes to create anime concerts beyond Japan.We talk about how anime introduces people to Japanese music, the challenges of doing shows abroad, and why anime concerts often feel bigger outside Japan. This conversation looks at anime not just as fandom, but as a gateway to music, culture, and shared experiences across the world. Check out our content here: https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

In this episode, we dive into Dandadan Season 1 and Season 2, breaking down the mix of aliens, ghosts, comedy, and romance that makes this series so unique. We talk about our favorite characters, the wildest fight scenes, and the moments that had us laughing or tearing up. Plus, we share which season kept us hooked more and what we want to see next. Check out more of our content here: https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

Join us on this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast as we relive the unforgettable moments of Demon Slayer Infinity Castle -- Tanjiro’s desperate determination, the Hashira’s sacrifices, and the demons’ haunting pasts. This episode is a deep dive recap and review packed with fan reactions, highlights, and everything you need to know about this legendary arc and reaching the finale of Kimetsu no Yaiba.

What happens when K-pop idols trade their microphones for demon-slaying weapons? Netflix’s K-pop Demon Hunters has the answer, and we’re here to review it all! On this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we break down the story, characters, worldbuilding behind idols who battle demons while juggling their superstar lives, and the hidden themes about fame and pressure in the idol industry. We recap the movie’s highlights, share our honest reactions, and talk about whether this unique mix of K-pop and supernatural action really works.

In this episode of The Ara Ara Channel, we sit down with Kojak, founder of The Gaming Network UAE, to settle one of anime's longest-running debates -- Subbed or Dubbed. From old-school classics to modern hits, we deep dive into our preferences, pet peeves, and how anime voice acting can make or break the experience. Check out our content here: https://linktr.ee/thearaarachannel

In this exclusive episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, we sit down in person for the very first time with Youness Megherbi and Islam Al Hawarii from Art For All to talk about the surge of anime events in the Middle East, how Japanese pop culture has captured the hearts of the Arab community, and why anime continues to inspire creativity. Art For All is a leading cultural organization in the Middle East that promotes visual and performing arts. This episode takes you behind the scenes of how anime is thriving in the region’s entertainment scene. With the upcoming Best of Anime concert and the success of shows like Spacetoon Memories, Art For All is helping shape a new era of anime entertainment in the UAE and GCC.

In this episode of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast, Vivz and Amy dive deep into The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 and Season 2, from Maomao’s witty charm and poison-solving skills to Jinshi’s mysterious backstory and the palace's tangled web of secrets. We talk plot twists, favorite arcs, standout characters, and whether Season 2 outdid Season 1. Is this the best josei anime in recent years? Let’s talk politics, trauma, and pretty boys. Spoilers ahead for both seasons!

Anime is better than the manga… or is it? In this episode, Amy sits down with Vivz (Team Anime) and our guest Nafiha (Team Manga) to talk about how we experience our favorite stories, whether through panels or pixels. We talk anime that actually improved on the source material, manga that made us drop the anime, why some fans act like reading manga gives you a PhD, and do anime-only fans deserve the slander? Listen in and get ready to choose your side.

Join Vivz & Amy for a celebration of Studio Ghibli’s incredible 40-year legacy. In this episode, we explore the magic behind the legendary studio that gave us unforgettable classics like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more. Vivz, a Ghibli newbie, takes on the role of the curious fan, asking all the questions you’ve probably wondered yourself while Amy, a longtime Ghibli enthusiast, guides us through what makes these films so timeless. From the emotional storytelling and iconic characters to the breathtaking visuals, cozy vibes, and subtle life lessons, we unpack why Studio Ghibli has remained a cornerstone of anime and animation culture for four decades. ------------------------------------------------------ Follow The Ara Ara Channel: https://www.facebook.com/thearaarachannel https://www.instagram.com/thearaarachannel/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thearaarachannel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HDL4oLo705HomfjAIaB0z Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/ara-ara-the-weeb-podcast/id1611768187 Discord:https://discord.gg/yck6f3tdCT Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/UAEAnimeCommunity/ Ara Ara Hosts: Vivz | https://www.instagram.com/vivzblackmage/ Amy | https://www.instagram.com/justamything/ Music By: KODOMOi - Mango Float https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l50KoABRmDo Logo By: Ernestudio https://www.facebook.com/ernestudiographix Logo Animation By: Clarence Sampang