Beneath the Tangles » TangleCast

Judge not lest ye be judged? Hold your horses, friends. Should Christians never judge others? Or are there instances when they should? And just as importantly—what’s the best way to do so? On this episode of The Power of God and Anime podcast, Mike looks to Naruto’s relationship with Iruka-sensei, recent examples in the vtuber… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 22: Judging Naruto

On this “very special episode” of The Power of God and Anime podcast, Mike chats with a really cool and unique artist: Shadow Fire! The two talk about her work as an ASMRist and voice actress, as well as about her testimony, appreciation for My Hero Academia, and what it’s like to be a believer… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 21: Interview with ASMRtist and VA, Shadow Fire!

Hello, friends! On today’s episode, Mike takes on a more modern anime in my recommendation, talks about his Anime North plans, and looks to a classic shounen anime and one of its main characters (Bleach and Ishida Uryu) to explain how God’s offer of salvation is gift that we choose to reject or receive. All… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 20: Ishida Uryū and the Gift of Salvation

Mike is back and feeling well! And he’s charging forward this week with thoughts on generosity, starting with that muscular (and extremely kind) lug, Goku! But it doesn’t stop with Dragon Ball Z—generosity should be part of who we are and what the church is. So buckle up and listen as Mike dives into the… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 19: Generosity of Goku, the Church, and You

How do you forgive people who have done something terrible to you? Does forgiveness—as God demands it—require trusting that person again and rebuilding the relationship? Mike digs into this pertinent and challenging topic today through the example of Nami and Hachi on episode 18 of The Power of God and Anime podcast! He also drops… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 18: Nami and Hachi, Forgiveness and Trust

Ah, Valentine’s Day—one of the most beloved and hated holidays of the year! We get emotional as the day draws near and that messes with our minds, even with we have a solid foundation of what love means. Today, Mike looks to Judges and Ephesians for advice in love—and to that irascible ninja Naruto—in our… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 17: Naruto’s Perspective on Love

Why do you do what you do? Is it to be good and to please God or are there other reasons? A You’re Under Arrest episode featuring the unrelenting Chie helps us examine our motivation for helping others. Mike also chats about Anime North, sings a song from Vintage Worship, and asks about monster foreign… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 16: You’re Under Arrest (For Your Motivations)

Disagreements going public, Mike going back to the beginning, Keitaro’s fated Todai love, and Christian ASMR? Mike covers all that and more in this episode of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Listen for all the fun and his deep dive into how Christians should handle our arguments, taking All Might and Sir Nighteye… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 15: All Might, Sir Nighteye, and Dealing With Disagreements

Happy New Year! Join Mike this week as he recounts his own holidays, shares his latest old anime recommendation, and looks at reasons why we may struggle to trust God as he compares trust with Him to trust among the Bebop crew in Cowboy Bebop: The Movie on this episode of The Power of God… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 14: Trust God Like the Bebop Crew Trusts Spike

It’s the crossover episode! Today, Mike joins the 12 Days of Christmas Anime countdown by discussing kindness and caring through a Christmas episode of Happy Lesson. But before he gets to that, Mike tlks about his birthday celebration, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, and the upcoming winter anime season, and… Read More The Power of God and Anime (Ep. 13) x The 12 Days of Christmas Anime (Day 6): Happy Lesson

In Beast Tamer, the priestess Mina treats the titular character like he’s God himself. Maybe that’s not too far removed from how we treat money, celebrities, and even anime. Join Mike this week as he looks at idolatry and also shares other goings-on his life on this episode of The Power of God and Anime… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 12: Making Idols of Anime, Celebrities, and Beast Tamers

Holy revival, Batman! It’s a week from Thanksgiving and a perfect time to consider how many of us struggle to give thanks. Nami’s actions when fighting Arlong in One Piece set the stage for Mike’s thought on how easily it is to miss the spirit of gratitude when things aren’t going well, when our blessings… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 11: One Piece and Thanksgiving

How do you react when someone expresses some incredible gift or talent? Does it motivate you to grow your own skills? And does it matter if that motivation is out of pure intent or something less savory? On episode ten of The Power of God and Anime podcast, Mike looks to Naruto and his impact… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 10: Naruto, Jesus, and Right Motivations

It’s been well documented (and you’ve probably experienced the same) that we live in a now culture, where we not only desire instant gratification but become upset if we have to wait. This idea can extend to God, whom we treat as our servant or a genie, becoming little Umaru-chans, expecting our desires to be… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 9: Wait on the Lord, Umaru-chan!

Contrary to scripture, a lot of Christian arguments conversations these days—including among believers—totally lack in humility. What’s the answer? Examples from the life of the Old Testament King Uzziah and everyone’s favorite demon slayer, Tanjirou, show us the way. Come listen in as Mike explains and also talks about his recent major live events involving… Read More The Power of God and Anime, Episode 8: Tanjirou, Uzziah, and Humility in Faith

Do you sometimes feel discouraged, as if you’re not good enough to accomplish the big things you’d like to? Mike’s been there. So have some of the heroes of the Bible, including Moses and Gideon. And…maybe Sailor Moon’s Usagi Tsukino, too? Well, she at least serves as an example of someone who does incredible things… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 7: God Will Use You (Even if You’re Clumsy Like Usagi Tsukino)

We all struggle with temptation. But the rub isn’t simply in being tempted, but in how we react to temptation. Mike looks to Konosuba and Beast Tamer for very different reactions to sexual temptation, and then to the Bible to see how we should respond in any tempting situation. Plus, he gives his real anime… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 6: Konosuba, Beast Tamer, and Temptation

Look, it’s not easy to ask others for help. Shame, pride, and all manner of obstacles get in the way. Deku and Vegeta know this intimately as major arcs for them and even their inmost character reveal a desire to go it on their own and not involve others. But what does scripture have to… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 5: The Help That Vegeta, Deku, and You Need

Do you feel influenced by the culture to act like those around you? Are you being persuaded to put away your faith and engage the world on its terms? You’re not alone—it’s a day and age where the culture around us speaks as strongly as ever. But Mike’s got you covered. He looks to Shirou… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 4: Standing Firm Like Shirou Emiya

Welcome to episode three of The Power of God and Anime Podcast! Listen as Mike gives a third version of his story that sounds like Sailor Mo—no, it couldn’t be; discusses the cult episode of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics; and shares his experience sharing the love of Christ with a co-worker rather than a… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 3: Sharing Truth With Livia de Udis

Welcome to episode two of The Power of God and Anime Podcast! Listen as Mike gives his second, truer (?) origin story, sings a praise song you may never have previously heard, asks you this episode’s Anime Trivia question, and talks about second chances and Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp. Anime Trivia!… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 2: Second Chances for Saul and Doctor Elise

Statedogg is back! We’re happy to post the very first episode of a new podcast featuring Mike of Mike’s Geek World and formerly of the Tangle x Cast. When the team ended their run last year, they moved onto other projects—Kyuubikaze is taking a break from BtT as he endeavors onto new challenges in his… Read More The Power of God and Anime Podcast, Episode 1: Neon Genesis Mikevangelion

Over the last year+, the Tangle x Cast team has shared their thoughts on life and faith while elegantly intertwining Christianity with anime in relatable and mindful ways. But this episode marks the end of this journey. We hope you enjoyed the episodes and that you’ll enjoy this final one, too, as Paris, Mike, Eryn,… Read More Tangle x Cast 27: Goodbye for Now

Our 12 Days of Christmas Anime series rolls along today with a new episode of the Tangle x Cast! Mike, Tyler, and Paris look to some series we haven’t often dug deep into but are personal favorites of the staff as we pull apart the episodes and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Welcome to… Read More Tangle x Cast 26 x 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 7: You’re Under Arrest, Sakamoto, and Kodocha

Being single sometimes means being singled out, both by those in your life who are wondering why you haven’t married and by yourself as you ask the same things. Well, there’s a godly perspective on singleness that doesn’t necessarily align with the words we hear from within and without. Mike, Tyler, Paris, and Eryn, who… Read More Tangle x Cast 25: God Is in Your Singleness (And Your Anime)

It’s a very human experience to find out that our enthusiasm has waned, our motivation has decreased, and our wanting has ceased, for all sorts of things in life—jobs, relationships, hobbies, and even faith. Our podcasters—Mike, Tyler, Paris, and Eryn—have all been there, and they’ve seen some of that same approach in anime series like… Read More Tangle x Cast 24: Going Through the Motions

Welcome to episode 23 of the Tangle x Cast! We’re doing something special this time around: our very first watch-along! To celebrate Halloween, we picked Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, a film that takes place around the holiday. So come watch with us! Whether you’re streaming it on Tubi or have the DVD or BD at… Read More Tangle x Cast 23: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Watch-Along

Welcome to episode 22 of the Tangle x Cast! We’re excited to share with you today an interview with actress Amanda Gish, the voice behind Witch (Goblin Slayer), Hop (Dragon Ball Super), Kinoko (My Hero Academia), and many more anime and gaming characters! In a roundtable setting, she talks to us about finding bonds through… Read More Tangle x Cast 22: Interview with Voice Actress, Amanda Gish

What could an anime zombie comedy possibly have to tell us about work, burnout, and joy? Plenty, as it turns out! Paris, Tyler, Mike, and Eryn watched the first two episodes of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and came away with a lot of thoughts, I tell ya, about this fun and thoughtful… Read More Tangle x Cast 21: Of Zombies, Burnout, and Bucket Lists

Are you experiencing joy in your life? Could it be possible than anime could tell us something about the nature of joy and from where it comes? Join Paris, Tyler, Mike, and Eryn in this encouraging episode as they dig into the Bible and some of their favorite anime to explore this Fruit of the… Read More Tangle x Cast 20: Joy in Anime

Do you become anxious in social situations? It may surprise you to learn that even our very gregarious podcasters have experienced the same (and still do sometimes). This week, Paris, Tyler, Mike, and Eryn explore social anxiety and the characters that resemble how they feel in or react to social situations. Come join us! Introduction… Read More Tangle x Cast 19: Our Social Anxiety Anime Characters

One of this year’s most stunning anime episodes featured Akane Kurokawa, a young actress character in Oshi no Ko, being torn to shreds on social media for slapping a castmate on a reality show and mirroring a real-life situation involving wrestler Hana Kimura. It brought up so many questions and thoughts for our team that… Read More Tangle x Cast 18: Hana Kimura, Akane Kurokawa, and Responding to Social Media Criticism

One of Jesus’ most beloved parables is “The Good Samaritan,” the tale of the most unexpected person showing the greatest care for a victim on the side of the road. Our team looks to how three anime—Trigun, Kimi ni Todoke, and I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real… Read More Tangle x Cast 17: Good Samaritans of Anime

One of the great struggles for Christians is figuring out how to navigate life in a world that doesn’t embrace biblical values. How to stay on the narrow path when the culture is so different—and often opposed—to biblical living? Our team finds some examples of how we might do so through how characters in several… Read More Tangle x Cast 16: Living Unlike the World in Oshi no Ko, Princess Mononoke, A Silent Voice, and Akiba Maid War

We received such great feedback on our episode about disappointment last month that we decided to continue the conversation, but with a different anime-related slant. We invited Christina Kelly, whom you may know as the voice behind characters like Shiipon (Akiba Maid War), Mine (Akame ga Kill), and Koko (Golden Time), onto the podcast to… Read More Tangle x Cast 15: Christina Kelly on Voice Acting, Dealing With Rejection, and Cosplay

Would you believe that not all our podcasters have seen Spy x Family? For shame! We had to correct that—after all, the series was not only one of our top anime of 2022, but it also won our AniMarch Madness tournament this year! Ithileryn joins Mike, Paris, and Tyler once again as the team digs… Read More Tangle x Cast 14: Spy x Family Moments (Season 1)

Disappointment is a part of everyday life. We know this, but that doesn’t make it any easier when a person we trust lets us down, the job we were counting on falls through, or the movie we’ve been looking forward to all year stinks. Still, can we do better than just sulk or rage when… Read More Tangle x Cast 13: Dealing with Disappointment

The arc that properly introduced us to the amazing cast of Naruto characters is still a great watch today, and not just because of its action and humor. The “Chunin Exams” arc of Naruto is filled with inspirational stories and even further, models of how one should be living out a life of faith. Paris,… Read More Tangle x Cast 12: Walking by Faith Through the Chunin Exams

That pinging from our conscience, that remembrance of acts from our past, that whisper from the Holy Spirit: regret comes to us all. But what do we do with it? And what happens if we leave it be? Tyler, Mike, and Paris explore how regret and repentance intertwine in anime old and new, including Dragon… Read More Tangle x Cast 11: Regret vs. Repentance

Welcome to episode number ten of the Tangle x Cast! Mike is back and we have a special guest, too—in fact, our very first one! Ithileryn joins Paris, Tyler, and Mike to talk about her journey as a professional cosplayer and how faith impacts her work. The team chats about their experiences with cosplay as… Read More Tangle x Cast 10: Cosplay Meets Faith with Guest Host Ithileryn

We’re less than a week out from Valentine’s Day which might not be everyone’s favorite holiday, but anime certainly loves it with vigor. Paris, Tyler, and Twwk (sitting in for Mike) explore love—including agape love—in Darling in the Franxx, A Silent Voice, and Clannad, and chat about other series for those who love Valentine’s Day… Read More Tangle x Cast 9: Valentine’s Day and Agape Anime

In a culture that’s increasingly self-glorifying, humility is a characteristic that these days, few seem eager to adopt. Yet, it’s a vital part of the Christian life. A healthy humility comes from a proper view of oneself in light of who we are in comparison to the Almighty and what we lack without his guidance… Read More Tangle x Cast 8: A Little Humility

For so many of us, the new year is a time to put away the old, start anew, and lead into resolutions with vigor. With 2023 only a couple of weeks old and lunar new year just a few days away, our team is taking the opportunity this week to look at the topic of… Read More Tangle x Cast 7: Fresh Starts

Our original posting of episode six had audio issues. So here it is again (for the first time). We guarantee you haven’t listened to this episode yet, so please give it a spin! Why do we forgive? Why does it come more easily for some than for others? Is it easier for you to forgive… Read More Tangle x Cast 6: Forgiveness in Naruto, Kenshin, Demon Slayer, and Furuba (REPOST)

It’s the crossover of all crossovers! Yep, that’s right, the Tangle x Cast and the 12 Days of Christmas Anime join together today as our trio of Santas analyzes three Christmas episodes in light of the upcoming holy day. Join Mike, Paris, and Tyler as they dig into their toy bag and pull out Christmas… Read More Tangle x Cast 5 x 12 Days of Christmas Anime, Day 8: Dragon Maid, Toradora, and Heavy Dumbbells

The warmth, gentleness, and sincerity of Studio Ghibli films seem to fit right into the theme of gratitude for the week as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday. Tyler, Mike, and Paris chat about thankfulness in today’s episode as they look toward three Studio Ghibli classics! We'd also love to hear your feedback! What’s your favorite… Read More Tangle x Cast 4: Ghibli and Gratefulness

There are Christian devotionals—works that contain daily readings related to and providing teaching about scripture—for virtually every idea and theme you can think of. But are there devotionals for otaku? You bet there are! The team tackles a couple of those works this week featuring some of the most popular anime of the past decade:… Read More Tangle x Cast 3: Diving Into Anime Devotionals

Happy Wednesday, boys and ghouls! With Halloween just around the corner, the Tangle x Cast team haunts the world of horror anime, walking us through some of their recommendations and discussing how faith interacts with the spooky day. Believe me, you've never experienced anime, Halloween, and Christian conversation this way before! We’d also love to… Read More Tangle x Cast 2: Halloween, Horror Anime, and Holiness

Our podcast is back with a new format, new hosts, and a new name! We’re proud to introduce to you Tangle x Cast, the latest version of the Beneath the Tangles podcast! Tyler, Mike, and Paris are the hosts, and they’re excited to talk to you more specifically about the crossover between anime (and other… Read More Tangle x Cast 1: A New Crew

Check out the stream of our brand new interview series! If you missed it live on Instagram, enjoy listening to Japanese musician, artist, and brand new mom, Rie Fu! Known for her blend of music influenced by folk singers and for her contributions to anime (Bleach, Darker Than Black, et al.), Rie chatted about one… Read More TangleCast Interviews: Rie Fu

Check out the second stream of our brand new interview series! If you missed it live on Instagram, enjoy listening to the lovely and talented Xanthe Huynh as she chats with Twwk about about voice acting, including her roles in anime and games like Maquia, Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Marianne), and Persona 5 (Haru), and… Read More Instagram Live Stream with Xanthe Nyugen