ShouJoe
The ShouJoe Podcast is a podcast where host Sarah shows her favorite Shoujo anime series to her long time friend Joe. Each week, the two do a deep dive of Shoujo Anime they’re covering, about 2-3 episodes at a time, provide summaries, opinions, analysis, and generally just joke around about the episodes. Join us as Sarah shows Joe what Shoujo is all about!Follow us on all the things! | Intro/Outro music by viyn
S5 E13 · Wed, April 16, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 31-33: Mob Mentality
This week, we inch our way to the end. But first, we talk about our personal lives. And we…have some trouble remembering what we did. Panic buy thing? Play games? Watch TV? Who can remember…. In the Rose of Versailles, the French Guard is tasked with protecting a Spanish Duke from the wicked Saint-Just. Will they succeed? And then, Oscar and Andre almost are victims of the mob but are saved by Fersen! Right before he…exits the story? Then it’s the Estate’s General! Lots going on!
S5 E12 · Thu, April 10, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 28-30: A Rose is a Rose
This week we’re both feeling a bit under the weather. That didn’t stop us from doing stuff like going out till 2:30 am or hosting big meetings. Nope, we still did that stuff. In the Rose of Versailles, everything changes. Oscar’s affection for Fersen boils over and she decides to change careers. This domino knocks down the next as Andre completely loses his cool and freaks out resulting in some odd scenes. Then we meet the French Guard. Tensions are high between the noble Oscar and the commoners in the guard. Will she be able to navigate this one? Will she swap loyalties? Can Oscar be saved??
S5 E11 · Wed, April 02, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 25-27: Blinded by Love
This week the Black Knight arrives! But first, Joe and Sarah talk about their lives. Joe has been staying up too late and it’s brutal, while Sarah has been trying to rehouse the dog she found. It’s been a long one ya’ll. In the Rose of Versailles, Fersen is back baby! He returns from France, and he’s totally over Marie. It’s True! And you know who else is over their crush? Oscar. She’s done. Done. Well…maybe just one dance… Then she distracts herself by persuing the Black Knight, a robin hood type guy. Oscar wants to catch him and Andre is eager to help. It goes real bad for him…
S5 E10 · Wed, March 26, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 22-24: A "Lesbos" Fashion
This week the Diamond Necklace Affair! But first we catch up. Joe went to Dallas and drank a lot. Woo hoo! Meanwhile, Sarah has watched Severance. In the Rose of Versailles, Jeanne pulls off her biggest “prank” yet. She scams Rohan into buying an ungodly expensive necklace and then immediately gets caught. Then we all go to trial. It goes bad for pretty much everyone especially Marie Antoinette who wasn’t even there. Let’s see what else… Oscar is accused of being a lesbian and Rosalie gets kidnapped basically. It’s a really dense three episodes.
S5 E9 · Wed, March 19, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 19-21: A Hell of Your Own Making
High drama this week as we round the half-way point of this show! IRL, Sarah has gone to see the live action Sailor Moon performance, which she definitely remembers that she did! And Joe watched Casablanca for the first time, so we are both sticking to the oldies around here. In the Rose of Versailles we take a dark turn. First, we learn about Charlotte’s cursed fate as her mother marries her off. Then we check in to see how Fersen is doing, and it’s, uh, not great. Then we round it out with a Jeanne episode as she settles into her sexy evil villain trope with complete delight. Things are picking up folks and we’ll see where it goes!
S5 E8 · Wed, March 12, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 16-18: What about Oscar?!
This week, we near the series midpoint. In our actual lives, Joe has been watching Hunter x Hunter again and it’s, uh, happening. Sarah is getting into the hunter mindset as the new monster hunter has released. We talk about other stuff too. In the Rose of Versailles, it’s REVENGE TIME! Oh, wait, I’m sorry. Did I say revenge time? I mean, TIME FOR EVERYONE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH OSCAR! Also, everyone runs into everyone else immediately. Rosalie sees Jeanne, Rosalie sees Polignac, Rosalie sees Fersen. Okay, I guess it’s all Rosalie this week. But that’s okay because she our favorite assassin!
S5 E7 · Wed, March 05, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 13-15: Say Your Prayers!
This week, we're out for revenge! But first, we catch up on what we did this week... we did do something this week right? Oh yeah! Video games. We talk about video games and our disappointment with recent reality tv shows. Maybe if they added another island. That could fix it. In the Rose of Versailles, Oscar learns that the peasant life isn't a good one. Things are deteriorating in the rural lands of France. Mean while, Marie Antoinette is gambling all of the riches of France to the real big bad, some opera singer. What was that? You thought Duke Orlean was the big bad? Pfft, idiot.
S5 E6 · Wed, February 26, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 10-12: Hypnotic Hotness
We return once more to check in on the new king and queen. But first, we catch up on things. Joe and Sarah have played some video games and we talk about them for a bit. In the Rose of Versailles, we check back in with Jeanne and see how her life is progressing. Meanwhile Rosalie has the worst time. Queen Marie is failing miserably as Fersen goes back home. And Oscar gets into a duel. Pretty uneventful if you ask us…
S5 E5 · Wed, February 19, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 7-9: If I hear the name Louis one more time!
This week the sun sets! But first, we catch up on what we’ve been doing. Sarah’s been hanging out with coworkers while Joe has been slogging through HunterXHunter. In the Rose of Versailles, we cover a lot of ground. We finally meet Fersen and see how his love (?) affair with Marie might cause problems. Then we spend some time with Andre and his feelings. Lastly, our favorite prince and princess get a promotion as King Louis XV finally bites it!
S5 E3 · Wed, February 12, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 5-6: This life is a Nightmare
Welcome back! We hit one year this week and we’re jazzed about it. We recorded a bonus episode on Jurassic Park that you should listen to if you haven’t! It’s a good movie! Then we jump back into The Rose of Versailles. We wrap up our Du Barry drama with a very plot light, but stylish episode. Then we go to Paris, where things are, uh, not great. Oscar stops an assassination attempt and we’re introduced into some more young women from a distant royal line. New schemers are in play!
Bonus · Tue, February 11, 2025
Jurassic Park (BONUS)
We hit one year! A whole 52 weeks of releasing the pod, we celebrate by watching Sarah's favorite movie, Jurassic Park (1993).
S5 E2 · Sat, February 08, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 3-4: The Mom is Mine
Life continues and so do ours. IRL we catch up on our lives, Sarah has been watching the HBO series Insecure, while Joe has watched a bunch of mech anime (surprise surprise). In The Rose of Versailles, we get our first taste of palace politics. Marie Antoinette becomes top dog at court and uses that power to immediately pick a fight with the second most powerful woman, Countess Du Barry. Oscar is content to sit back and watch the firework, up until she and her (not dead) mom get dragged into it. How will Oscar get out of this one? [ETA till French Revolution: 19 years]
S5 E1 · Wed, January 29, 2025
The Rose of Versailles Ep 1-2: Put up your Dukes!
Welcome to our fifth show we’ve covering, the classic The Rose of Versailles (1979)! But first, we catch up on what we’ve been doing and watching. Then we talk about Dandadan and why we not super hot on it. Then we jump into the past and meet our main character Oscar as she decides if she will venture into manhood or womanhood! Then we meet our second lead Marie Antoinette as she is given away to France. Good thing no evil dukes are around to mess things up, nope, never…
S4 E10 · Wed, January 22, 2025
Chihayafuru Ep 23-25: Losers for a Year
We return for the season 1 finale of Chihayafuru! We did it, well, at least the first season. We go over the last three episodes where Taichi gets completely destroyed romantically. Then we watch the Queen Shinobu defend her title and are introduced to Master Suo, a guy no one likes. Then we go over our feelings on the show so far, do some rankings, and talk about things we hope to see in season 2. We will not, however, be watching season 2 immediately, because we’re going to watch The Rose of Versailles, which is available on most of the free streaming services. We’re excited about this one so please watch along with us!
S4 E9 · Wed, January 15, 2025
Chihayafuru Ep 20-22: Gulp it all Down
We’re back and its time for some Karuta! In the real world, we went to an anime convention together! In skip beat cosplay! It was fun! Check out our Instagram for some pictures (hopefully we have them soon). In Chihayafuru, Taichi has one last shot to make class A. Can he do it or will Arata torpedo his run by outclassing him? Also can Chihaya pass or tests? Then we go back to a tournament, where Chihaya is playing a literal child then a literal office worker. We ask questions like, is anyone in this show actually friends? Do we know what friendship actually is? Is Joe just watching this show wrong? Answers and more on this episode.
S4 E8 · Thu, January 09, 2025
Chihayafuru Ep 17-19: Lucky!
We’re back, and the anime is good this week! But first we talk about the rather disappointing The Lord Of The Rings anime movie along side some other stuff. Then in Chihayafuru, Chihaya starts asking the big questions, like, is Karuta a strategy game?? Taichi realizes he’s going to be left behind, and Tsutomu guides us through the best game of Karuta to date!
S4 E7 · Wed, January 01, 2025
Chihayafuru Ep 14-16: The Snowman has a Name?!
This week we are together in person (apologies for any mic weirdness). We run down our 2024 year and think of some goals for 2025! Surely, it'll be a good year, no reason to be pessimistic or depressed about it..... In Chihayafuru, we move onto the individual stages. We learn who that weird girl was from a few episodes ago (spoiler, she's weirder in person) and Taichi feels he'll never catch up to Chihaya or Arata. Then we get a recap episode which we gloss through. Happy New Year ShouJoe listeners!
S4 E6 · Wed, December 25, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 11-13: Barrel Roll to Victory
Happy Holidays to all our lovely listeners! We have a not so festive episode this week. Joe’s got the Flu and Sarah has been busy with things but we manage to spend a lot of time talking about random stuff anyway. In Chihayafuru, we finish up the regional tournament and jump right into nationals. Chihaya’s family troubles are resolved, Kana recites a poem, and Arata and his big hands finally re-enters the story.
S4 E5 · Wed, December 18, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 9-10: Rude Nicknames Galore
This week we learn karuta in a way I wouldn’t want to… but first Sarah and Joe talk about shounen fights and what makes them good. In chihayafuru, it’s time to train the newbies, and what better way than at Taichi’s big ass house? Then we got to a tournament. Tsutomu is having a bad time because apparently cramming practice sessions and then immediately going to a tournament is stressful, who knew?
S4 E4 · Wed, December 11, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 7-8: Not Fair to Tennis
This week, we form the club! But first, Sarah and Joe catch up on their Thanksgiving breaks and chat books, reality TV, and much more! We also have a new ending segment, so get excited about that! In Chihayafuru, we recruit the rest of the team. First, Chihaya tries to recruit a bookworm who hides in his desk. Will Chihaya do it? Or will Taichi have to (hint, it’s Taichi). Then we reconnect with an old rival and get him to join the team. These boys must stop running from their problem and start playing Karuta!
S4 E3 · Thu, December 05, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 5-6: Hakama or Bust!
This week we rekindle an old friendship and make a new one! But first, Joe and Sarah catch up on their favorite sidekick Robin iteration, the ACOTAR book series and more. In Chihayafuru, Chihaya and Taichi go to visit Arata. He says he’s given up Karuta, but like, he’s not serious is he? No way. It was probably just a misunderstanding. This couldn’t possibly be linked to a tragic event. Never. Then we recruit our first member to the Karuta club. It turns out history and poetry is cool. Go learn some history everyone! Recommendations: Sarah -> Joe: Choice of Games Joe -> Sarah: Harpy Gee
S4 E2 · Wed, November 27, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 3-4: Never Split the Party
This week we break out of the past and back into the present. But first we discuss the tragedy that is someone bringing the same dish as Joe's to Friendsgiving! In chihayafuru, we finish off our tragic backstory by splitting all the kids up. Middle school arrives and we say goodbye to the karuta club. Then we just back to high school life where Chihaya is determined to make A rank! Will she succeed and strong arm Tachi into make a school club with her or will she taste defeat at the hands of some old guy? Tune in to find out! Recommendations: Joe -> Sarah: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Sarah -> Joe: Forgotten Anne
S4 E1 · Wed, November 20, 2024
Chihayafuru Ep 1-2: Get your own Dream
We begin anew, with new show, Chihayafuru! But first, Joe and Sarah catch up on our lives. Sarah’s sisters wedding planning is underway and she tries to watch some Kaiji no. 8. Joe meanwhile has just watched some good old fashion anime, well not that old, it’s from 2022. We swipe into a new show! Our heroine Chihaya is ready to play some Karuta! Unfortunately for her, no one else is! Including her two childhood friends! We dive immediately into a long flashback to find out what happened to the three of them in these first two episodes! Recommendations: Joe - Son of the White Mare Sarah - ThredUp
S3 E9 · Wed, November 13, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 24-25: Moko who's this Kid?
We’ve done it, another show in the bag! But first we catch up on our lives since last recording, which has been pretty brief. Sarah is 54 hours into Dragon Age and Joe’s prepping for his parents to come visit, so that’s fun. Then we roll into the final episodes for the big finale of Skip Beat! We’re both totally underhelmed by the ending but we talk about the show as a whole and we both had a pretty good ride. Sarah fills Joe in on how the story continues in the manga and rank the show against the others. Who is the best protagonist? Which school uniforms are the best? Which pair is the best couple? Who is the best side character? Learn this and more on this finale episode! Recommendations: Joe: Epic the Musical Sarah: Chibi Robo
S3 E8 · Wed, November 06, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 22-23: Hair Damage
It’s happened, Dragon Age THE Vanguard has dropped and we talk about it for like 20 minutes. In Skip Beat! We near the end with some fairly uneventful episodes. Kyoko and Ren start their TV gigs and both are on the struggle bus. Kyoko must figure out the source of Mio’s anger while Ren must discover what it is to love. As you’d probably guess Kyoko does better here. Just two more till the end! Recommendations: Joe - Cloverfield Sarah - Dragon Age: The Veilguard
S3 E7 · Wed, October 30, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 19-21: 11th Hour Opening Intro
We continue on with Skip beat as we approach the final arc. In our lives, Joe has gotten one last taste of the Ren Fair before it ends this season and Sarah is struggling to find some good action anime with women in it. If you’ve got some recommendations send them in! In Skip Beat we finish off Sho’s music video and move right on to the next thing, a TV drama! We finally address the age gap in the show as Ren starts to plummet head-over-heels for Kyoko as the last five episode roll up on us. Ren may be in denial but Yashiro is here to tell him that yes, he does in fact like this 16 year old. It’s cool dude, this is a TV show. Recommendations: Sarah - Diving Bored Podcast Joe - Over the Garden Wall
S3 E6 · Wed, October 23, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 16-18: Angelic Chokehold
We inch our way to a romantic subplot this week. But first, Joe and Sarah spend some time discussing video game sequels, as Joe looks back at the Gears of War Franchise, and Sarah looks forward to the new Dragon Age game. In Skip Beat! Kyoko finds away to get Rin off of her body and back into his bed, because he’s sick. Unfortunately for everyone, Rin’s whole life is work so he must power through. Will his weakened state allow him to finally connect with Kyoko? Then we jump back to what really matters, revenge! Kyoko gets a chance to star in a music promo for…Sho Fuwa. Kyoko must keep her hate in check long enough to finish the promo. But can she do it with Sho’s constant taunts? We talk about it. Recommendations: Joe - Fire Force Sarah - Dandelion - Wishes Brough to You-
S3 E5 · Thu, October 17, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 13-15: Almost Best Friends
We cross the halfway point on Skip Beat this week! IRL we’d been having some audio problems. But hopefully it’s all good for this episode. Otherwise, Joe has been watching some Gundam including the first Gundam complication movie in theaters and Gundam Wing! Meanwhile, Sarah has picked back up Life in Strange in preparation for the new game out soon! In Skip Beat, Kyoko and Moko join forces to pass a commercial audition and maybe, just maybe, become best friends in the process! Then Kyoko puts on a new hat, as Ren’s temporary manager. She must hang out with him all day, which is weird for him because he knows they used to be childhood friends! When will he tell her? Will she find out on her own? Will she perish under the weight of Ren’s literal body? We will just have to wait and see. Recommendations: Joe - I Saw the Tv Glow Sarah - Annabelle
S3 E4 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 10-12: Chicken Tears
We approach the midpoint of Skip Beat! In our lives, Joe has gotten some finger surgery and thus had to play with the Office Dictation function. Apologies for the summary everyone! Meanwhile Sarah has plans for a girls' night with her work bestie. In Skip Beat! we cap off the Maria arc and get back to what truly matters, revenge on Sho. Kyoto attempts to humiliate him on Live TV and we wonder why Shotaro is an embarrassing name. Then we jump to a new plot line feature Moko and her childhood bully. Can Kyoko help Moko defeat her enemies with the power of spite? We’ll have to watch to find out! Recommendations: Joe: They Live (1988) Sarah: Pachinko
S3 E3 · Wed, October 02, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 7-9: Moko Joins the Party
This week Kyoko solves child trauma through acting. But first, Joe tells us about his Disney World Trip and tries to convince Sarah to take her family to the club. Then we talk about One Piece for some reason. In Skip Beat, we finish off the Ruri arc as Kyoko does her best to win the acting competition despite her fractured leg. Then we pick up a new member of the Love Me section and solve a little girl’s family problems. All of this takes like two days, Kyoko is a miracle worker. She should get a tuition waiver. Recommendations: Sarah - Tales from the Borderlands Joe - T90Official (Age of Empires 2)
S3 E2 · Wed, September 25, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 4-6: Rage Based Power-Up
We seek acceptance in the Love Me section this week. In real life, Sarah tells us all about her TwitchCon experience while Joe finally finishes Scavengers Reign. We didn’t play Baulders Gate this week so we got recommendations! In Skip Beat, Kyoko joins LME. She gets assigned as the only member of the Love Me section, a thinly disguised attempt to make her do grunt labor. Her first major assignment is to protect the last Japanese Idol, Ruri, from the sun. Will she be able to achieve this daunting task without major injury? No, the answer is no. Recommendations: Joe - Kubo and the Two Strings Sarah - Golden Hour
S3 E1 · Wed, September 18, 2024
Skip Beat! Ep 1-3: Unlock Your Hatred
We start off a new show this week! But first, we catch up with the exicting updates of our real lives. Sarah is getting ready to ship off to TwitchCon, but in the meantime she’s bought her first albums for her record player. Joe, on the other hand, has watched the Code Geass sequel and is getting some real sequel Star Wars energy from it (derogatory). We also decide to swap out of recommendation segment for a little update on our Baldur's Gate 3 playthrough, which you can watch on Twitch . In Skip Beat!, we are out for revenge! We get into Kyoko’s tragic origin story and cheer her on as she plots her vengeance. She resolves to be in ShowBiz and we work through our complicated feelings about that industry. Then it’s off to the audition and we see what talent she’s got to show off. It’s…unexpected. But will it be enough to land a spot in ShowBiz? Will she ever get her revenge? Will she ever experience love again? Come find out!
Bonus · Mon, September 16, 2024
Bye Kamisama Kiss, Hello Skip Beat! (UPDATE)
Kamisama Kiss has surprisingly been difficult to find streaming online so we'll be covering Skip Beat instead!
S2 E17 · Wed, September 11, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S3 Ep 5: Cherish (Ruin) Your Relationship
We’ve done it. We finish Kimi Ni Todoke (for now). IRL, Joe is back on his VOTOMS grind watching the OVA Pailsen Files, while Sarah has arrived at the dreaded 8th season in her Game of Thrones rewatch. In Kimi Ni Todoke, we pick up from last episode to finally resolve the conflict between Kazehaya and Sawako and we scratch our heads in confusion over the idea of cherishing someone. The girls catch each other up on what they’ve been doing this season. Then we finish off the season with a good old Christmas party! We finish up with a our final thoughts on the show and what we’d want from a Season 4 of one gets made! Recommendations: Joe - The Tombs of Atuan Sarah - Hot Gimmick
S2 E16 · Wed, September 04, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S3 Ep 4: Mama Said Knock You Out
Twas the ep before ending, and all through the pod, we want Kazehaya to be better, because really good god! He won’t open up to his GF, making her jump through many a hoop. He’s acting absurd, like a real nincompoop. Elsewhere Kento keeps trying, to win Ayane’s heart. But instead punches a guy, which turns out fine for the most part. Chizu’s a wreck, as she tries to give a gift. But Ryu plays it cool, and they mend their rift. One more episode remains, how it ends we’ll have to see. So please join us next week, for rhetorical finale of season three! Recommendations: Sarah - Petite Princess Yucie Joe - The Lord of the Rings (1978)
S2 E15 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S3 Ep 3: Secret Brother
Season 3 midpoint. We're franchise-pilled this week. Sarah has been watching season 40 (!!) of The Challenge while Joe has watched the new Alien: Romulus movie. In Kimi Ni Todoke, we return home, but what happens in Okinawa does not stay in Okinawa. Chizu and Ryu are on the rocks, while Ayane is deciding if Kento is a good guy or not (spoiler alert: he is). Then we get some devastating family backstories and learn that Chizu has a secret brother??
S2 E14 · Wed, August 21, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S3 Ep 2: Pod's First Kiss
Two fifths of the way through season 2! IRL, Sarah has been re-playing Dragon Age Inquisition in anticipation for the next Dragon Age coming out soon. Joe has been entertaining friends, trying to make Ohio seem as appealing as possible. A monumental task. In Kimi Ni Todoke season 3 episode 2, we go on a field trip! The crew goes to Okinawa and has some fun in the sun. Or at least, Sawako and Kazehaya have some fun (maybe too much fun…), Ayane and Chizu on the other hand, are having considerably less of a good time. Ayane has, then gets rid of a new boyfriend after an extremely underwhelming meet cute. Chizu gets all in her head after Ryu gets asked out by another girl. Lots of drama this episode! Come join us on the beach! Recommendations: Sarah - Land of the Blindfolded Joe - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
S2 E13 · Wed, August 14, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S3 Ep 1: The Zero Magnitude Star
We enter present day with Kimi Ni Todoke Season 3 Episode 1. But first, Sarah and Joe must trade stories of our weekends. This week we must unfortunately say goodbye to pet of the show Shanks the ferret. He lived a good whole life and hopefully is on great adventures in the next one! Sarah cheered herself up with a Third Eye Blind concert. Joe meanwhile tries and fails to go on a camping trip, so stick around for that story. In Kimi Ni Todoke, we pick up right where we left off…literally. We go through Sawako and Kazehaya’s first date in non-montage format this time. Then we meet the parents as Kazehaya and Sawako take a turn meeting the other’s family. We learn some fun tidbits about our favorite couple like how Sawako likes Rakugo and Kazehaya’s room has zero personality. What fun! Recommendations: Joe - Revolutions Podcast Sarah - Making History
S2 E12 · Wed, August 07, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S2 Ep 10-12: Solo Beach Drinking
Slight delay on this episode folks, but we’re back on schedule now! We talk through the end of Kimi Ni Todoke Season 2 with special guest Jenny! Unfortunately, we learn Jenny was in a bit of a car crash (everyone was okay). Sarah is going to more conventions and Joe is tasked with making an ice cream cake. Really across the board this time! In Kimi No Todoke we wrap up Season 2! These episodes are good and we wonder why the rest of the season wasn’t! We give some predictions for season 3 (out now)! We’ll return next week with Season 3 Episode 1! Recommendations: Joe - Withering Rooms Sarah - Beauty Pop Jenny - Chants of Sennaar
S2 E11 · Wed, July 24, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S2 Ep 7-9: Impure Desires
We enter the second to last S2 episode. Joe is experience anime IRL at a local convention! Second one ever for him! Meanwhile, Sarah is venturing into the dark abyss of a dying coal mining town in Night in the Woods. Can she help Mae regain her motivation? Or at least help her play bass? All things are possible! In Kimi No Todoke, we try to drag ourselves through the third quarter of season 2. Sawako gets a bunch of advice from everyone. Kurumi makes some key appearances to boost our mood. Then we get a not so satisfying “confession”, which mostly seems like setup to a real season finale climax. Joe’s hopes of a kiss are dashed. We’ll be lucky if they ever even hold hands. Recommendations: Joe - Outer Wilds Sarah - Spirit City: Lofi Sessions
S2 E10 · Thu, July 18, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S2 Ep 4-6: Use Your Words
Our second installment of Season 2. IRL Sarah has pulled the trigger and added a new pup to family, Lemon! Bigger than Cricket and eager for a jailbreak. Meanwhile, Joe has been contemplating the nature of humanity and the soul in Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. Do you think you’ll be included in the singularity? In Kimi Ni Todoke, we slowly, very slowly, reach a climax. The Kazehaya x Sawako ship is the closest to sinking yet, as the miscommunications pile up and the two try to steer it. All the while, Kent isn’t even convinced this is a ship at all and tries to ready the lifeboats for Sawako. Ayane and Chizu are…uh, manning the lighthouse or something. I’ve lost track of this metaphor. We hit a midseason climax and the drama is maxed out. Check it out! Recommendations: Sarah - Collar X Malice Joe - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
S2 E9 · Fri, July 12, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S2 Ep 1-3: Unexpected Plot Hero
Off the heels of the S1 finale we head right into season 2. In Kimi No Todoke, we get right back into the action. Between seasons Sawako and Kazehaya have drifted dangerously apart for some reason. Could it be shyness? Or the multiple seat changes? Fortunately a hero arrives in the form of a weird blonde guy. Can he fix everything? Maybe, but at least he’ll throw a wrench into it. Recommendations: Sarah - Marvel Midnight Suns Joe - Nightmare Kart
S2 E8 · Wed, July 03, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 23-25: Too Close to the Flames
This week we are joined by friend of the pod, Jenny! Sarah has ZillaFever and has been watching through the modern Godzilla movies. Joe, meanwhile, had a blast watching the 2023 movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. In Kimi ni Todoke we finish off season 1 with a New Years/Sawako’s birthday special! The gang tries to set Sawako and Kazehaya on the perfect date to start off the new year. But will the two of them get over their jitters and actually have a good time? Can Ayane and Chizu fight off the threat of Jo ruining everything? Will Ryu get any amazake? Tune in to find out! Recommendations: Sarah: Coral Island Joe: The Last Unicorn Jenny: TOEM: A Photo Adventure
S2 E7 · Wed, June 26, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 20-22: The Christmas Special
The spirit of Christmas is here in Kimi Ni Todoke! Unfortunately Sarah’s been having it rough, dropping her mic into ant piles and whatnot. Joe, on the other hand, has been watching some anime, including KonoSuba season 3 and the Patlabor movie. In Kimi Ni Todoke, we wrap up the Chizu ark and ask the question, what would the world be like if boys had good social skills? Then we head into episode 22 for the Christmas Special! Sawako must face the dilemma of many a teen between wanting to go to a Christmas party with her friends or spending Christmas with her family who love her. What ever shall she do? Recommendations: -Sarah: Marmalade boy -Joe: Delicious in Dungeon Outro music by Kevin MacLeod Jingle Bells Kevin MacLeod ( incompetech.com ) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
S2 E6 · Fri, June 21, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 17-19: Crashing your Feel Better Party
*Ep 16 is a recap/filler so we're skipping it Recommendations: Sarah - Olympia Soiree Joe - VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
S2 E5 · Wed, June 12, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 13-15: My Rumors are Quality
We finish off the Kurumi arc this week. In non-anime news, Joe has finished multiple book club books and has some thoughts about them, while Sarah is psyched for the start of Love Island and she's finally beaten Horizon Forbidden West (!!!), now, on to the DLC! In Kimi Ni Todoke, we wrap up the Kurumi drama. Ayane gets her revenge for the rumors, Chizu loses at sports, and Sawako develops a new type of relationship. Kazehaya hands the boys-I-feel-bad-for torch off to Ryu as his feelings for Sawako are (somewhat) revealed!... or at least hinted at?...Hard to tell. Recommendations: Joe - The Hammer: Power, Inequality, and the Struggle for the Soul of Labor Sarah - The Kiss Bet
S2 E4 · Wed, June 05, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 10-12: The Benefits of Unpopularity
Back at it with more Kimi Ni Todoke! This week Sarah is getting back into the dating sim scene. Meanwhile, Joe has finished Victory Gundam, capping off Gundam UC shows for while, then he talks about his feelings on Mirror’s Edge Catalyst. In Kimi Ni Todoke, Sawako has easily upped her friend count from zero to six in 10 episodes. But what’s this? I think we may have an imposter among us! Could this be? Will Sawako be able to call an emergency meeting before imposter Kurumi hatches her master plan or will Kurumi eliminate all obstacles in her way to Kazehaya? Tune in to find out! Recommendations: Sarah - Gravity Rush Joe - Bramble: The Mountain King
S2 E3 · Wed, May 29, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 7-9: Kicking Rocks
We're back this week for more hangouts and romantic foreshadowing. This week Sarah is scrambling to smuggle her pets around while her living arrangement is in flux, which as it turns out is very time consuming. Joe, on the other hand, had time to watch a lot of anime including the Macross Movie, Do You Remember Love? and the VOTOMs OVA Brilliantly Shining Heresy. One of those was good! Tune in to find out which! In Kimi Ni Todoke, with our friendship troubles over, it’s time for a good old fashion hangout! We learn everyone’s deal while eating snacks in Ryu’s room. Then it’s time for a sports festival and Sawako has to do her best in the school soccer game. Is she an Abby Wambach in waiting? Maybe with a little practice! Anything is possible right...? Oh, and she also might like Kazehaya now....probably.... Recommendations: Sarah - Wiser World Podcast Joe - Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgment to Calculation & Shelved By Genre
S2 E2 · Wed, May 22, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 4-6: Facedown in the Facilities
Episodes 4, 5, and 6 of Kimi Ni Todoke are upon us! Friendships will be tested! In our real lives, Joe has been living it up with a trip to a burlesque show...with a zipline! Sarah, meanwhile, has been leisurely strolling through some vintage stores and farmers markets with the G-ma, how peaceful! In Kimi Ni Todoke, Ayane and Chizuru have to battle against these dang rumors. But there's no way Sawako could have started them, right? Come on. I'm sure if we just directly confront her about her feelings toward us, she'll definitely say the exact thing we want her to. Sawako is known for saying the right thing at the right time so this will breeze! No room for error AT ALL! Recommendations: Joe - Mirror's Edge Sarah - Children of the Whales
S2 E1 · Wed, May 15, 2024
Kimi Ni Todoke S1 Ep 1-3: Pedro Martinez
This week we start a new show, Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me to You! We’re hype to start a new show. Joe finished Super Dimensional Fortress Macross, it was an okay ending, good overall. Sarah foregoes anime this week to deal with the real world highs (going on a date) and lows (chronic backpain). In Kimi Ni Todoke, we follow Sawako Kuronuma, the most bullied girl alive. She looks like the girl from the ring, but don’t worry, she can’t sense ghosts or anything. But she CAN sense a feeling of admiration (and maybe more??) toward local hottie Kazehaya Shouta. Will she work up the nerve to talk to him? (yes) Will he return her feelings? (yes) Will she make some real friends? (yes) Will all of this happen in the first three episodes? (yes) Recommendations: Sarah - Crush Joe - Prey
Bonus · Mon, May 13, 2024
Angelic Layer Manga + Rankings (BONUS)
Join Sarah as she hears from Joe all the wild differences between the Angelic Layer anime and manga. They'll then rank all the angels from the series. Who will be crowned the top angel? Listen to find out! We recommend watching this particular episode on our YouTube for visual aids on the angel rankings!
S1 E13 · Fri, May 10, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 25-26: Finale Dance Battle
We’ve done it! One whole show under our belt! It’s been a, uh, some time since we recorded and we’ve done some stuff… like play video games. We go on to spoil some of Persona 3 and 5 and FF7 because we can’t help ourselves. In the final two episodes, Shuko must reckon with her plan of announcing herself at the tournament backfiring spectacularly. Misaki sure is going through it. Will they work out their feelings? Will they cry in the rain? They definitely cry in the rain. Then we get a cool ass fight because this is a Shonen remember?? Recommendations: Sarah - Sweat and Soap Joe - Infinity Train
Bonus · Wed, May 08, 2024
Pilot Episode Re-Release (BONUS)
Since we are wrapping on our first series Angelic Layer we decided to release our original pilot episode. In it Sarah showed Joe some hand picked openings to select our first series from. Fun times, baby podcasters not quite sure what we were doing at the time. The opening songs have been removed so there may be some silent moments where we were simply watching and not talking. Sarah was too lazy to edit those out but hey, it's a bonus episode!
S1 E12 · Wed, May 01, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 23-24: Sparks Flying with your Future Uncle?!
The penultimate episode! Just a few fights left before close! In IRL time, Sarah has been playing Horizon Forbidden West. Meanwhile, Joe has reached the original ending of Macross which asks the age-old question “Is the power of song and love stronger than 5 million warships?” In Angelic Layer, Misaki must overcome Wizard’s Magic Guard! But how will she do it? Is there a gimmick? Is Wizard casting real magic? Doesn’t look like a real wizard to me… Then in the next episode, we get the promised fight between Sai and Shu. Will Shu continue her winning streak? Or will Sai have something in store for her? Something? Anything? Sai? Hello? Recommendations: Sarah - Tokyo Mew Mew Joe - Immortality
S1 E11 · Wed, April 24, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 21-22: Platonic Tandem Bike Riding
We are approaching the end of Angelic Layer, with a fun, lighthearted trip to the beach! No teen drama here! It's all good times! In the real world, Sarah talks about the live-action Fallout show. Maybe live-action adaptations can be good!? Meanwhile, Joe has gone to the theater to watch the Spy Family Code White movie. In Angelic Layer, Ogata finally gets his summer vacation. Unfortunately, everyone else is going through it. Misaki is getting Ohjiro's attention, Kotaro is trying to get Misaki's attention, Tamayo is trying to get Kotaro's attention, and Hatoko is trying to get a sweet tan. Then in the next episode, Misaki gets some more alone time with Ohjiro and we learn about his, uh, unfortunate first love. I'm sure things will work out for everyone in the end! Recommendation: Sarah - Battle Chef Brigade Joe - The Beginner's Guide
S1 E10 · Wed, April 17, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 19-20: Forget your kid! Move in with meee!
This week’s angelic layer is brought to you by romantic angst. Have you ever wanted to ask someone out but refused to and just felt bad instead? Hope so, because these episodes are full of that. In the real world, Sarah tries to wake up from her exhausting work week, while Joe has finished, not one, but two seasons of anime (High Card and Faraway Paladin). In Angelic Layer, Misaki reconsiders her thoughts about Height when a new challenger reveals the ugly truth about being a tall girl; Boys won’t think you’re cute! The horror. In episode 20, a new challenger takes on Misaki with a very familiar Second. Will she be able to beat this powerful new opponent? Tune in to find out! Recommendations: Joe: Perfect Blue Sarah: Paper Girls
S1 E9 · Wed, April 10, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 17-18: Sinking Joe's Saede Ship
This week we go to nationals, but first, we have to party! In the real-world segment, Sarah recounts her forest fair adventure and Joe talks about an anime zombie movie he watched (They really should just let me be a necromancer – Joe). In Angelic Layer, it's time for Misaki to go to Nationals, but first, she has to make a big decision, who will be her second?! At the same time, Shuko also needs to make a decision, to see her damn child! Will she do it?? (no, she won’t). At Nationals, Pro Wrestling has arrived as Sai declares she’s a challenger and Shuko brings the pain. But who will take the championship belt? Recommendations: Sarah: Walkabout Mini Golf Joe: Crusher Joe - The Movie
S1 E8 · Wed, April 03, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 15-16: Three Rules of Friendship
We enter the back half of Angelic Layer this week. Joe catches us up on his multiple birthday outings and Sarah talks about not-so-scandalous Apothecary Diaries! In Angelic Layer, girls' love has arrived! Sai takes up a lot of screen time in her match against Hatoko and later in her match against Misaki. Will the Ice Machine keep her cool or will she melt under the pressure? Also, we learn about Shuko’s new bestie Sekiko and they play catch together. Good for them! Recommendations: Sarah - RMB Joe - We Love Katamari (Reroll+)
S1 E7 · Wed, March 27, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 13-14: The Best Sport Ever
As sorry for skipping last week we are releasing this main episode as well as a bonus one so be sure to give that a listen too! Joe is off to Las Vegas (Woot Woot) and while Sarah is recovering from a daunting few weeks of work/life. These episodes have Sarah and Joe shouting from the rooftops about how amazing this series is. They're still iffy on Shuko being a bad mom and her sister Shoko has another...intriguing moment. Recommendations: Joe - OMORI Sarah - Chihayafuru
Bonus · Wed, March 27, 2024
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (BONUS)
Our very first bonus episode! This episode is about one of the best games EVER, or so Sarah claims, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic developed by Bioware. Joe is playing for the first time while this is a childhood favorite of Sarah's. Listen to us discuss the game, analytically by Joe and nostalgically by Sarah.
S1 E6 · Sat, March 23, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 11-12: Kinky Aunt Shoko
Your favorite Shoujo podcast continues its coverage of the technically Shounen, but decidedly feminine series Angelic Layer. Sarah explains the newest manhua she's reading while Joe shares his thoughts on the original Macross anime. In Angelic Layer, we see Misaki face off with the cheater sisters and later she goes on a date with Kotaro-chan! Will this be the first Shounen series to acknowledge its romantic implications?! Recommendations: Joe - Star Wars Rebels Sarah - Mass Effect Legendary Edition
S1 E5 · Tue, March 12, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 9-10: Sharingan Misaki
This week we run through some (mostly bad) news that happened this week. Then we pay our dues to International Women’s Week by sharing our favorite female anime characters. Sarah has been busy with work while Joe finished two whole shows! In Angelic Layer, Misaki must face off with first, an Idol and then a cheat! How will she fare? Will she be able to keep her promise to Hatoko? You’ll just have to listen to find out! Recommendations: Joe - Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Sarah - Persona 3 Portable
S1 E4 · Mon, March 04, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 7-8: Bully Cameos
Another great episode of Shoujoe is upon us. Sarah considers the past as she discusses the new historical drama Shogun and the complex time-travel revenge story Marry My Husband. Then Joe and Sarah go on a full tear through Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, a somehow more simplified version of a children’s cartoon. In Angelic Layer episodes 7 and 8, Misaki is on a mission to teach some fools the true meaning of Angelic Layer, having fun with your cool Angel! We also learn that girls name their dolls and thus have a better psychic command over them giving them +3 to agility, truly enlightening stuff. For recommendations, we have: Sarah - History of the 90s Joe - Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
S1 E3 · Sun, February 25, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 5-6: Hatoko Does NOT Respect Business Hours
We’re back to recap two more great episodes of Angelic Layer! Joe talks about different series of space wars and Sarah reminisces on Code Lyoko and her first impressions of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender - no spoilers. In Angelic Layer, Misaki is making short work of the tournament. But does she really believe in Hikaru? Or is she just playing it safe? Meanwhile, Hatoko continues to be the coolest kindergartener on the planet. But it all comes to a head when Misaki and Hatoko face off in their match, who will come out as victor!? For recommendations both Sarah and Joe recommended webcomics: Sarah recommends A Spell for a Smith & Unholy Blood Joe recommends Harpy Gee
S1 E2 · Sun, February 18, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 3-4: What If Esports Were Good?
We’re back this week to discuss Angelic Layer episodes 3 & 4. Sarah reveals that she’s in an anime slump, oh no! Meanwhile, Joe is raking in the cash from an apparent class action settlement against HiDive. And you thought being an anime watcher wasn’t profitable. In Angelic Layer, having just won her first match, Misaki’s next challenge is to learn some cool dance moves. And a new mysterious and talented boy enters the picture, Ooo la la. We then move immediately into a tournament arc and find out that Hatoko is the coolest kindergartener ever, who’da thought? We double down on how this show really is Shoujo and we imagine a world where Esports are actually good. We cap off with some recommendations: Joe recommends a podcast called Game Studies Study Buddies Sarah recommends a video game called WitchSpring R
Trailer · Thu, February 15, 2024
ShouJoe Podcast Trailer
Trailer with compilations of clips that best demonstrate what it's like listening to the ShouJoe podcast.
S1 E1 · Sun, February 11, 2024
Angelic Layer Ep 1-2: Shoujo-ish
Welcome to the first episode of ShouJoe, a podcast where our host Sarah shows her longtime friend Joe some Shoujo anime (anime with an audience intended for girls/young women). Every episode we recap and discuss two episodes of a shoujo anime. We are starting with Angelic Layer and this episode will cover episodes 1 & 2. …okay look, so maybe, just maybe, Angelic Layer is technically a Shounen anime (the intended audience is boys), and perhaps Sarah just assumed it was a Shoujo because she watched it as a child, but it’s got a female lead, and mother-daughter drama, and, uh, dolls, so I think we should count it. We’re going to count it. It’s Shoujo now!
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