
The ZONE Podcast: Nerdy News and Reviews
We, the Zealots of Nerd Entertainment (or the ZONE Alliance), are a group of eople talking about old and new movies, television shows, video games, and everything else in nerd/pop culture!
Episodes
399 episodes
Anime Lightning #3: Summer 2025
Sharp, fast, and full of curveballs—this lightning round sprints through six anime that all ask the same question in different ways: what happens when the “support” finally becomes the center? We start with a Dark Beast Lord who revives a hero,...
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34:53

My Bride is a Mermaid: Merfolk, Mafia, and a Rom-Com That Actually Lands
A mermaid saves a boy who can’t swim, and the law says someone must die—unless they marry. That’s the chaotic heart of My Bride Is a Mermaid, and we had way too much fun digging into how this rom‑com turns a deadly premise into pure comfort vie...
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1:04:19

Ouran High School Host Club: When Comedy Hides Tenderness
The first notes of “kiss, kiss, fall in love” still flip a switch. This solo deep dive revisits Ouran High School Host Club with fresh eyes and a full heart—why Haruhi’s grounded kindness cuts through the glitter, how Tamaki’s theatrics hide a ...
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21:04

Dan Da Dan (Season 2): Mecha, Kaiju and the Tragic Tale of Evil Eye
A cult that feeds a “snake god,” a child ghost with a world-ending grudge, and a mecha built out of a nanotech house—Dandadan season two refuses to color inside the lines, and we’re here for every chaotic, heartfelt turn. We trace the Keto fami...
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53:49

My Dress-Up Darling (Season 2): Group Cosplay, Love Confessions, and Taking Pride in Your Passions!
Ever feel the thrill of a perfect cosplay reveal… and the sting of a payoff that never lands? We dive deep into My Dress-Up Darling season two with honest affection and sharp critique, weighing the season’s gorgeous craft against an adaptation ...
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43:15

Sakamoto Days: From Legendary Assassin to Family Guy with a Convenience Store
A retired legend runs a quiet corner store, wears bulletproof glasses on roller coasters, and refuses to kill—even with a billion-yen bounty on his head. That’s the spark that powers Sakamoto Days, and we dive straight into why this action-come...
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40:44

Instant Death Ability: The Ultimate Power Fantasy
What happens when you give a sleepy, unbothered teenager the power to kill anything—and I mean anything—with a single thought? "My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered" answers this question with a fascinating twist on the isekai genre that ...
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1:08:22

Undead Unluck: When Bad Luck Meets Immortality, the Union Comes Calling
We dive into Undead Unluck, an action-comedy anime about Fuuko Izumo, an 18-year-old girl with an unluck ability that brings misfortune to anyone she touches, and Andy, an immortal man seeking the perfect death.• The unique premise pair...
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1:18:02

Go! Go! Loser Ranger (Season 2): Escalating Plots, Finding Purpose and Who's the Real Monsters?
Power corrupts, and absolute power transforms heroes into the very monsters they swore to destroy. Go Go Loser Ranger masterfully subverts the traditional tokusatsu genre by revealing a dark truth: the beloved Divine Dragon Rangers subjugated t...
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13:20

To Be Hero X: The Capitalism of Trust and Fear
Have you ever wondered what would happen if public belief could transform ordinary people into superheroes? To Be Hero X creates a mesmerizing world where faith becomes literal power, and the moment people stop believing in you, your abilities ...
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1:14:32

Wednesday (Season 2): A Continuation of Woe
The veil between worlds grows thinner as Wednesday Addams returns to Nevermore Academy for a sophomore season that's darker, more complex, and surprisingly emotional. Following her heroic defeat of Joseph Crackstone, Wednesday now faces a new m...
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1:39:02

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: When Dragons Learn to Love Humans, Magic Happens
Dive into the magical world of Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, where mythical creatures adopt human form and create an unconventional family that challenges our understanding of connection, belonging, and the everyday magic of human existence.
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Season 19
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Episode 8
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31:38

Invincible: The Brutal Truth Behind Heroes
The title "Invincible" becomes increasingly ironic as Mark Grayson faces devastating defeat after defeat in his journey as Earth's newest superhero. From the shocking revelation of his father's true nature to battles that leave him beaten to wi...
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Season 19
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Episode 7
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1:12:01

From Webs to Heartbeats: Exploring Spider-Man and Ironheart in the MCU
Playing catch-up with Marvel shows, focusing on Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and Ironheart while postponing Daredevil Born Again coverage. Both shows introduce fresh perspectives on familiar characters while connecting to the broader M...
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Season 19
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Episode 6
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12:01

Wind Breaker (Season 2): When Anime Hits Cruise Control
"Wind Breaker" Season 2 delivers a continuation that feels more like falling action than true progression, maintaining the gang-fighting formula but without significant evolution from the first season.• Season 2 picks up with N...
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Season 19
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Episode 5
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17:37

The Apothecary Diaries: Medicine, Concubines and Schemes in the Emperor's Palace
Herbs, poisons, palace intrigue, and a reluctant heroine who'd rather study medicine than fall in love—The Apothecary Diaries delivers a refreshing take on historical mystery anime that captivates from the first episode.Meet Maomao, a y...
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Season 19
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Episode 4
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45:31

Anime Lightning #2: Spring 2025
Anime Lightning returns with a comprehensive breakdown of Spring 2025's standout shows, covering everything from romantic comedies to sci-fi thrillers with honest, detailed reviews.• Childhood friends navigate complex feelings in "Can a...
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40:43

Bofuri: When Parody Meets Gameplay Without Plot
What happens when a complete gaming novice pours all her stat points into defense? Bofuri takes this simple premise and transforms it into a delightful parody of gaming anime tropes that simultaneously entertains and frustrates viewers with its...
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Season 19
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Episode 3
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16:36

Nerdy News Special #26: Hot Nerd Summer Edition (Season Finale)
The landscape of nerdy entertainment is constantly shifting, and this special season finale of Nerdy News serves as both recap and preview of what's to come. As we transition from standalone episodes to integrating nerdy news segments with our ...
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1:59:06

Reincarnated as a Sword: An Anime That Defied Expectations
Ever wondered what would happen if your second chance at life came as a sentient magical sword? Reincarnated as a Sword delivers this unique premise through a captivating tale that defies initial controversy to emerge as one of anime's most rew...
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Season 19
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Episode 4
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28:30

K-Pop Demon Hunters: The Magic & Music Behind Netflix's Latest Hit!
When an animated film bursts onto the scene with such vibrant energy that viewers can't help but watch it multiple times, you know something special has happened. K-Pop Demon Hunters has rapidly climbed to become Netflix's #2 movie globally, ca...
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Season 19
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Episode 3
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59:56

Sinners: Bloodsuckers and Blues
Ryan Coogler's vampire film "Sinners" delivers a perfect blend of horror, history, and Black cultural heritage that merits a 10/10 rating and multiple viewings. The movie features exceptional performances, especially from Michael B. Jordan play...
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Season 19
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Episode 2
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50:41

The 100 Girlfriends (Seasons 1 & 2): The Mathematics of Polyamorous Destiny!
A god of love accidentally assigns Rentaro 100 soulmates due to a clerical error, creating a hilarious and heartfelt polyamorous rom-com that breaks the fourth wall while developing genuine connections between characters.• Art style sta...
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Season 19
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Episode 1
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16:57

House of the Dragon: From Family Tensions to All-Out Targaryen Civil War
A fiery clash of succession ignites as the Targaryen dynasty stands at its peak. House of the Dragon plunges viewers into Westeros 200 years before Game of Thrones, when dragons filled the skies and House Targaryen ruled unchallenged—until King...
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Season 18
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1:20:33

Naruto: The Xtreme Review (Part 1: Pre-Time Skip)
We dive deep into what makes Naruto a cultural icon and an essential part of the Big Three anime series. This nostalgic journey through the original series highlights its emotional storytelling, strategic battles, and how it forever changed the...
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3:15:41
