Advertise on podcast: Taco Otaku: SoCal’s Anime Podcast

The podcast might be down a member down this anime season, but the super brothers pick up the slack and cover 9 new anime shows for 2026. Also, Miles gets caught in a time loop as he races his anime horse girls. Ray goes for the extra credit this winter series in hopes to take home the crown.   Video Games and Anime We Talked About this Episode:   Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Umamusume: Pretty Derby Mayonaka Heart Tune Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table Kirei ni Shitemoraemasu ka Toumei Otoko to Ningen Onna: Sonouchi Fuufu ni Naru Futari Hikuidori: Ushuu Boro Tobi-gumi Ikoku Nikki Tamon-kun Ima Docchi!? Yuusha-kei ni Shosu: Choubatsu Yuusha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku Yuusha no Kuzu Seihantai na Kimi to Boku Uruwashi no Yoi no Tsuki   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:43 Miles's Week: 3:37 Ray's Week: 10:21 Wash It All Away 28:25 The Invisible Man and His Soon-to-Be Wife 34:42 Oedo Fire Slayer: The Legend of Phoenix 44:09 Journal with Witch 51:06 Tamon's B-Side 58:46 Sentenced to Be a Hero 1:06:10 Scum of the Brave 1:15:11 You and I Are Polar Opposites 1:20:42 In the Clear Moonlit Dusk 1:29:53 Winter Anime Rankings: 1:36:07 Outro: 1:47:25   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

After a whole year's worth of podcasting, the boys have to pick their top 5 anime of the year. Will it be a popular shonen title? Cute girls doing cute things? Stay to the very end to find out. Also, Miles unlocks his dual citizen between America and Japan. Frank believes he can be a hero for one last time. Ray becomes a level five engineer so he can repair his retro games.   Video Games and Anime We Talked About this Episode:   Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth My Hero Academia Season 8 Dandadan Season 2 The Apothecary Diaries Ray Learns to Solder Pluribus   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:51 Miles's Week: 3:28 Frank's Week: 8:57 Ray's Week: 11:03 Best Anime of 2025: 22:00 Number Five: 24:08 Personal Award One: 34:35 Number Four: 41:50 Personal Award Two: 50:24 Number Three: 57:52 Personal Award Three: 1:09:43 Number Two: 1:16:46 Personal Award Four: 1:27:56 Number One: 1:36:20 Outro: 1:51:45   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Happy New Year! It's that time again when the TOP crew have to make the tough calls to name their personal top 5 favorite games of 2025. Also, Ray discovers the secrets of Egghead. Andy vents his frustrations about motorcycles and green crystals. Frank explores the upside down in search of body soap. Miles heads to Hawaii to hang out with his favorite criminals.   Video Games and Anime We Talked About this Episode:   One Piece The Paper The Holdovers Pluribus The Chair Company Andy's Switch 2 Story Stranger Things Season 5 Umamusume: Pretty Derby Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:50 Ray's Week: 2:34 Andy's Week: 11:49 Frank's Week: 25:26 Miles's Week: 34:08 Best Games of 2025: 43:16 Number Five: 45:23 Personal Award One: 55:09 Number Four: 1:06:33 Personal Award Two: 1:22:03 Number Three: 1:32:24 Personal Award Three: 1:47:18 Number Two: 1:58:26 Personal Award Four: 2:13:27 Number One: 2:23:59 Outro: 2:39:37   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

There is one last anime season left in 2025 and the boys are determine to find out who choose wisely or poorly. As a bonus, the crew conclude their Metroid Prime 4 discussion from last time. Also, Ray enters another dimension while picking some flowers. Frank spends Christmas with his family as his Switch 2 recharges. Miles takes a trip to Hawaii to meet some old friends.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   The Apothecary Diaries Peacemaker Season 2 Dispatch City the Animation Frank's Christmas 2025 Frank's Trip to Japan Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Towa no Yuugure Egao no Taenai Shokuba desu Sanda   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:54 Ray's Week: 3:24 Frank's Week: 11:35 Miles's Week: 18:32 Metroid Prime 4 Spoilers: 27:16 Dusk Beyond the End of the World: 44:59 Dusk Beyond Spoilers: 1:03:53 A Mangaka's Weirdly Wonderful Workplace: 1:22:28 Mangaka's Spoilers: 1:34:20 Sanda: 1:41:37 Sanda Spoilers: 1:57:15 Outro: 2:17:10   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Samus returns after 8 years of baking in the Nintendo Switch oven. Will the famous bounty hunter unlock a new ability to our hearts or will she remain silent until another baby comes along? Also, Frank wants more explosions in his survival horror. Miles tunes into the Game Awards and wonder why. Ray answers the superhero call and chooses Lucina yet again.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   CITY The Animation Resident Evil Requiem One Piece Control Resonant Gang of Dragon Umamusume: Pretty Derby The Apothecary Diaries Dispatch Metroid Prime 4: Beyond   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:48 Frank's Week: 5:01 Miles's Week: 13:45 Ray's Week: 17:27 Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: 31:39 Spoilers: 1:00:20 Outro: 1:47:03   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

The brothers Ray and Miles discover the best kept secret of 2025 as they review and discuss the anime CITY THE ANIMATION. Also, Miles watches his numbers go up as he gets lost in space. Ray hangs out with his fellow kids with some new online shooters.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Umamusume: Pretty Derby Astroneer Fortnite Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 CITY The Animation   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:49 Miles's Week: 3:18 Ray's Week: 13:05 City Review: 30:58 Spoilers: 46:14 Outro: 1:11:39   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

It's battle of the giant monsters once again on the podcast. Will this Shonen Jump property take it's new place as one of the new big 3 or will it be lost to history? Also, Miles does a triumphant pulse on his horse girl game. Frank breaks his curfew so he can battle in the woods. Ray argues he is not a visitor despite his perfect teeth.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Umamusume: Pretty Derby Hades II No, I'm Not a Human The Apothecary Diaries Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Kaijuu 8-gou   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:50 Miles's Week: 3:56 Franks' Week: 8:22 Ray's Week: 14:04 Kauji No. Eight: 26:10 Spoilers: 38:29 Outro: 1:06:54   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Nothing more scary than searching for the best new anime for the fall season. Join the TOP boys as they choose their favorite shows of autumn. Also, Miles doesn't go bananas for bananza. Frank proves he's a real gamer. Ray wakes up in a haunted mansion yet again.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Donkey Kong Bananza Umamusume: Pretty Derby Gachiakuta Hollow Knight: Silksong Hades II The Apothecary Diaries Simulacra Nightmare of Decay Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider Gintama – Mr. Ginpachi's Zany Class My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's Mechanical Marie Digimon Beatbreak Dusk Beyond the End of the World A Mangaka's Weirdly Wonderful Workplace Sanda May I Ask for One Final Thing?   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:44 Miles's Week: 3:44 Franks' Week: 9:30 Ray's Week: 19:22 Kamen Rider: 34:01 Gintama: 41:55 Assassin: 47:42 Mechanical Marie: 56:49 Digimon: 1:04:05 Dusk Beyond: 1:12:41 Wonderful Workplace: 1:24:30 Sanda: 1:32:00 One Final Thing: 1:40:36 Fall Anime Rankings: 1:49:52 Outro: 1:59:31   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Enjoy that pumpkin spice latte as the boys debate who has the best anime of summer 2025. Also, Ray admits he is a fake gamer. Frank has fun learning about plants. Miles puts down a gacha games so he can play another gacha game.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   The Apothecary Diaries Donkey Kong Bananza Umamusume: Pretty Derby Honkai: Star Rail The House of Tesla Zutaboro Reijou wa Ane No Moto Konyakusha ni Dekiai sareru Food Court de, Mata Ashita. Clevatess: Majuu no Ou to Akago to Shikabane no Yuusha   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:51 Ray's Week: 3:19 Franks' Week: 12:34 Miles's Week: 25:01 Betrothed to My Sister's Ex: 34:29 Spoilers: 54:31 See You Tomorrow at the Food Court: 1:11:18 Spoilers: 1:22:57 Clevatess: 1:36:22 Spoilers: 1:51:47 Anime Summer Rankings: 2:13:36 Outro: 2:19:54   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Tanjiro and all the other Hashiras are back to entertain the podcast brothers. Will our heroes defeat evil MJ and conjure the box office? Also, Miles becomes a My Little Ponies fan. Ray gets lost in the infamous Shinjuku Station.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Umamusume: Pretty Derby Donkey Kong Bananza Ray Plans for Tokyo Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:31 Miles's Week: 3:48 Ray's Week: 10:46 Demon Slayer Movie: 27:49 Spoilers: 41:30 Outro: 1:21:52   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

After a 9 month hiatus, a wild Andy appears on the podcast to talk about some anime classics that are absolute cinema. Also, Miles gets his full with Kirby on the Switch 2 and Ray admits he was wrong about about an anime review after 8 years.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Cyberpunk 2077 Death Standing The Wire Kirby and the Forgotten Land The House of Tesla Lumines Arise Umamusume: Pretty Derby Nanbaka Ray's 10 Year Anniversary Ghost in the Shell (1995) Paprika (2006)   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:40 Andy's Week: 4:04 Miles's Week: 32:30 Ray's Week: 55:28 Ghost in the Shell: 1:05:29 Spoilers: 1:19:26 Paprika: 1:33:32 Spoilers: 1:48:00 Outro: 2:10:52   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

The smash hit anime romance from 2022 returns this summer 2025, but the TOP must first catch up on the events of season one. Will this cosplay affair be worth the wait? Also, Ray attempts to be a good YouTuber and Streamer. Miles literally can't buy a win down at the horse track. Frank goes ape over the newest released from Nintendo.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Umamusume: Pretty Derby Ray's 10 year anniversary Mr. Robot Donkey Kong Bananza Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent Uma Musume: Pretty Derby (Anime) Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:52 Ray's Week: 3:02 Frank's Week: 12:52 Miles's Week: 22:50 My Dress-Up Darling: 34:49 Spoilers: 53:42 Outro: 1:48:38   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

The boys beat the heat and go to the theaters to watch the biggest super hero blockbusters of 2025. It's DC versus Marvel all over again. Also, Miles heads down to the race track to put some money on the anime ponies. Frank shares cute tales of his family. Ray engages with another Sci-fi series while doing the DK rap.   Things We Talked About this Episode: Zenless Zone Zero Umamusume: Pretty Derby Dr. Stone Season 4 DAN DA DAN Season 2 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Donkey Kong Bananza Superman (2025) Fantastic Four: First Steps   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:48 Miles's Week: 4:04 Frank's Week: 10:54 Ray's Week: 18:27 Superman: 36:46 Spoilers: 51:29 Fantastic Four: 1:17:27 Spoilers: 1:33:19 Outro: 2:06:30   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

Bring out your bikinis and beach balls! Today the Taco Otaku crew dive into the newest anime series from Summer 2025. Which anime shows will float to the top and which will get buried in the sand? Also, Miles unpacks a watermelon for summer festivals. Frank imagines winning 5 million dollars. Ray finally falls down the gacha rabbit hole.   Things We Talked About this Episode:   Zenless Zone Zero My Hero Academia Season 6 Spy x Family Code: White The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Ironheart New Podcast Artwork Umamusume: Pretty Derby Ruri no Houseki Gachiakuta Betrothed to My Sister's Ex The Water Magician See You Tomorrow at the Food Court Detectives These Days Are Crazy! Secrets of the Silent Witch Clevatess: Majuu no Ou to Akago to Shikabane no Yuusha Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:49 Miles's Week: 3:21 Frank's Week: 6:16 Ray's Week: 15:04 Ruri Rocks: 28:33 Gachiakuta: 33:37 Sister's Ex: 40:45 Food Court: 48:28 Water Magician: 54:58 Detectives: 1:02:13 Silent Witch: 1:09:59 Clevatess: 1:17:06 The Summer Hikaru Died: 1:24:42 Summer 2025 Rankings: 1:32:35 Outro: 1:47:47   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858

The TOP crew went the extra mile to analysis 2 more anime series from spring 2025. Will the prequel to a modern battle shonen or the spiritual success to a 90s classic take home the gold? Also, Frank unlocks his quirk by switching to easy mode. Ray drives his car to victory during splatfest. Miles wins the opportunity to spend more money on his gacha games.   Things We Talked About this Episode: Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster My Hero Academia Season 6 Splatoon 3 Barry Season 3 Re:Zero Season 3 Zenless Zone Zero Vigilante: Boku no Hero Academia Illegals Lazarus   Time Markers: Teaser: 0:00 Intro: 0:49 Frank's Week: 1:28 Ray's Week: 8:06 Miles's Week: 18:21 Vigilantes: 22:54 Spoilers: 35:18 Lazarus: 56:45 Spoilers: 1:13:05 Outro: 1:46:06   Podcast Website: https://www.tacootaku.com/   Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tacootakupod.bsky.social   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taco_otaku_podcast/   Check out Ray Live here: https://www.twitch.tv/sd_shonen   Watch Ray's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/SourdoughShonen   Morning Phoenix (OP) composed and performed by Ivan C. Heroes! (ED) composed and performed by Ivan C.   Check out Ivan's Music here: https://www.youtube.com/@ivancervantes9858