Beneath the Tangles Podcast Network
Join our podcast team as we geek out about anime, manga, visual and light novels, gaming, conventions, and cosplay. As we share our experiences and insight, we hope to build bridges across the otaku community, and highlight the meaningful things in life—love, community, and faith. New episodes air twice a month on Wednesdays.
Thu, April 17, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 21: Interview with ASMRtist and VA, Shadow Fire!
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 creating God-honoring content in a niche creative sphere. Have a listen! Podcast Notes Many thanks to Shadow Fire for joining us on this episode! Check out her wholesome (and even biblical!) ASMR and other content on YouTube and TikTok , and consider commissioning her on Fiverr ! Brina Palencia , as you heard Mike say, will be a guest at Anime North. So will Phase Connect VTuber Pipkin Pippa ! Remember to check out Mike’s YouTube channel this month for his Power Girl contribution to “JSApril,” and track the #JSApril on Twitter and visit The Fire and Water Podcast Network for others’ JSApril projects. Here are the first impression articles by our writers on the new series that Mike has been enjoying: My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (featuring one of our favorites, Macy Anne Johnson , as Pop☆Step!) and Catch Me at the Ballpark! . Read all our spring 2025 anime first impression pieces on our master post ! Check out more from Mike on YouTube . You can also follow him, er, Luigi on Twitter ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , Apple Podca
Thu, April 03, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 20: Ishida Uryū and the Gift of Salvation
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 on episode 20 of the The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! In the anime Karin , what is it that makes Karin different from other vampires? Podcast Notes Today’s anime recommendation is a more modern series: Zombie Land Saga ! Both seasons can be streamed on Crunchyroll . Bible passages we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Romans 6:23 , Psalms 51:5 , and Romans 7:15-17 . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings one of his own works: “He Was the Gift.” Remember to check out Mike’s YouTube channel this month for his Power Girl contribution to “JSApril,” and track the #JSApril on Twitter and visit The Fire and Water Podcast Network for others’ JSApril projects. Check out more from Mike on YouTube . You can also follow him, er, Luigi on Twitter ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , Apple Podcasts , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis .
Thu, March 20, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 19: Generosity of Goku, the Church, and You
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 topic of giving, also as he recommends another old-school anime, sings a song about giving, and discusses cat girls, comics, and hockey?! All on episode 19 of the The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! Instead of trivia this week, Mike is asking for your help! He’s creating a parody song about cat girls. What are some of your favorite cat girls from anime? Podcast Notes Wonder how the hockey game went? Well, Mike’s team did better than he thought they would! His Buffalo Sabers came back from being down two goals to tie the Vegas Golden Knights, and then defeated them 4-3 in a shootout! Check out Mike’s YouTube channel next month for his Power Girl contribution to “JSApril,” and track the #JSApril on Twitter and visit The Fire and Water Podcast Network for others’ JSApril projects. Today’s old-school anime recommendation is the outrageous and creative comedy, Excel Saga . Jessica Calvello was indeed giving the performance of a lifetime before injuring her vocal cords, though both the dub and sub are excellent. You can stream the series on Crunchyroll . Bible passages we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Proverbs 28:27 , Luke 6:38 , and Leviticus 27:30 . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike “ What If I Give All ” by Ray Boltz. Check out more from Mike on YouTube . You can also follow him, er, Luigi on Twitter ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beneath-the-t
Thu, February 27, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 18: Nami and Hachi, Forgiveness and Trust
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 another old-school anime recommendation, sings a now-classic worship song, and much more! Anime Trivia! What was the episode number of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya that was technically the fifth one to release on its original run? Podcast Notes Interested in the manga Mike reviewed at the start of this episode? The rereleased version of Super Mario Bros.: Manga Mania is only available digitally through VIZ . You can purchase the previously released version in physical or digital copy on Amazon . Did you enjoy hearing Mike’s review? Let us know in the comments below if you’d like to hear him review more! Hey, this is a good point to STOP and PRAY for Mike! Pray for his anxiety and that everything will go well on this convention trip. Today’s old-school anime recommendation is Pani Poni Dash! This was a crazy, fun series! You can stream it on Crunchyroll . Bible passages we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Ephesians 4:32 , Matthew 18:15-17 , and Colossians 3:12-13 . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings the chorus of Chris Tomlin’s “ Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) .” Check out more from Mike on YouTube . You can also follow him, er, Luigi on Twitter ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , Apple Podcasts , <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/43652b71-1dc3-4c6e-9aa4-735b96f462b1/beneath-the-tangles-%C2%BB-tangle
Thu, February 13, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 17: Naruto’s Perspective on Love
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 special Valentine’s Day episode of The Power of God and Anime! Oh, and as always, he gives his old school anime recommendation and sings a tune! Come have a listen! Anime Trivia! In the anime One Piece , what is Luffy’s initial bounty? Podcast Notes Should Mike go with Obanai for his third Anime North cosplay this year? Or another cosplay? Let us know in the comments below! My Hero Academia Clue sounds like fun! It surely isn’t at the rock-bottom price that Mike bought it for, but here’s a link to the game on Amazon if you’re interested in purchasing it! Mike’s anime recommendation for this episode is the classic series, Ah! My Goddess! We’ve mentioned this series before—in stardf’s introductory post on our site and, quite appropriately—by Josh in a Valentine’s Day post . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings a country song—Chris Young’s “ The Man I Want to Be. “ Bible passages we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Judges 14:1-3 and Ephesians 5:21-33 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube , where his Luigi’s Valentine’s Day date video drop tomorrow! You can also follow him, er, Luigi on Twitter ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , Apple Podcasts , Amazon Music , and <a href="https://beneaththetangles.com/the-ta
Thu, January 30, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 16: You’re Under Arrest (For Your Motivations)
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 exchanges (!) in episode 16 of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! What is the name of the boy that Tenma Tsukamoto has a crush on in School Rumble ? Podcast Notes What kind of monster should Mike invite into his home for a foreign exchange program? Let us know in the comments below! Mike booked his hotel for Anime North this year. Will you be attending? Mike’s anime recommendation for this episode is the classic romcom, You’re Under Arrest . The series is available to stream on HIDIVE ! Here’s a direct link to the episode Mike is discussing today: episode 8 . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings a song by Vintage Worship: “ Generous Giver .” Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include John 12:43 , 2 Corinthian 9:7 , Matthew 6:1-4 , Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , YouTube , Apple Podcasts , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis. <div c
Thu, January 16, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 15: All Might, Sir Nighteye, and Dealing With Disagreements
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 as examples of what not to do! Anime Trivia! In the anime Cowboy Bebop , what kind of dog is Ein? Podcast Notes After almost two decades, Mike is returning to Anime North ! Are you going? The Christian ASMR artists that Mike recommended were Shadow Fire and Aryashadeslay . Chek them out! Oh, and here’s that ASRM video he mentioned with the super long title ! Mike’s anime recommendation for this episode is the classic romcom, Love Hina . We’re big fans here, having written about the Christmas episode no less than five times [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]! If you’d like another rundown of the show, check out AstroNerdBoy’s article on the series . In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings Phil Wickham’s song, “ Battle Belongs .” Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Mark 8:11-13 , Acts 15:36-40 , Matthew 17:15-16 , and Galatians 6:1-2 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Spotify , <a href="https://www.yout
Thu, January 02, 2025
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 14: Trust God Like the Bebop Crew Trusts Spike
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 and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! What is the name of the Lone Ranger’s nephew’s horse? Ahem. Actually, this is today’s question: In the anime Bleach , what is Ichigo’s father’s occupation? Podcast Notes Want to see Mike as Luigi playing Daisy’s Crazy Adventure (if you can call it that)? Here’s the video ! Mike’s anime recommendation for this episode is Gate Keepers . Check out this AMV of the series that he also recommends. Mike did a watch-along of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie with Eryn and Twwk a while back—we encourage you to listen to it if you plan on viewing the film! In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings Jeremy Camp’s song, “ Walk By Faith .” Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Numbers 23:19 , Isaiah 45:15 , and Proverbs 3:5-6 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis. <div cla
Thu, December 19, 2024
The Power of God and Anime (Ep. 13) x The 12 Days of Christmas Anime (Day 6): Happy Lesson
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 unveils a new segment in this packed-full and festive episode of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! In the anime Nanaka 6/17 , where does Nanaka first go when she reverts back to her six-year-old self? Podcast Notes HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, MIKE!! Mike highly recommended The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim , and so does our reviewer, Jake: read his full review of the film ! Mike shares his recommendation of an older anime, Azumanga Daioh, in this episode. Coincidentally—and just in time for the holidays—here’s a past Christmas article we wrote about the show! As Mike notes, this is the third year he’s participated in the 12 Days of Christmas Anime, joining our former Tangle x Cast crew in past years to discuss How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? and You’re Under Arrest . In today’s actual Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings “ Do Something ” by Matthew West. Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include James 3:16 , Matthew 25:40 , and Galatians 6:10 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/43652b7
Thu, December 05, 2024
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 12: Making Idols of Anime, Celebrities, and Beast Tamers
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 podcast! Anime Trivia! In Bleach , what was the name of Orihime’s older brother? Podcast Notes Are any of you interested in joining Mike in reading For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women ? Check out Mike’s Luigi’s Stories video playlist! In today’s actual Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings Steve Green’s song, “ No Other Name But Jesus. “ Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Exodus 20:3 , I Timothy 6:10 , Joshua 24:15 , and Acts 14:11-12 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis. <iframe loading="lazy" title="Luigi's Stories - Donkey Kong" width="900" height="506" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/089U4t2KNpk?list=PLA-ifzDiAY0OmGRV7zjxxtA
Thu, November 21, 2024
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 11: One Piece and Thanksgiving
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 are relatively minor, and in the face of obvious blessings. He also chats about the play he’s working on, the revival service he conducted worship for, and more on this episode of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! In the anime My Senpai is Annoying , what is the name of the dolphin Sakurai thinks looks like Kazuma? Podcast Notes Mike is reading I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time , and we think you should, too! Here’s Twwk’s review of volume one of the light novel series. Mike gets a little ahead of himself today and does a pre-“Songs That Tell the Story,” singing from Gaither Vocal Band’s “ When I Cry .” Canada’s Wonderland does still exist ! Maybe you’ll have fun visiting, too—though it looks like the Flintstones have gone the way of the dinosaur. In today’s actual Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings the Christmas song, “ Thankful ” by Josh Groban. Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Romans 5:3 , Job 1:21 , 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , and Psalms 103:1-2 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and <a href="https://beneaththetangles.com/the-tan
Thu, November 07, 2024
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 10: Naruto, Jesus, and Right Motivations
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 on those around him, including Sasuke, and then to scripture as well as he dives into the topic of motivation and how we react to others’ gifts. Plus, Mike gives his anime origin story, regales us with his experience watching My Hero Academia: You’re Next and visiting Nickel City Comic Con, tells us about volume one of Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! , and much more on this episode of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! In Sailor Moon , what was the DIC dub name of Sailor Venus’ civilian identity? Podcast Notes In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings the classic, “ Thank You ” by Ray Boltz. Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Acts 8:20-23 , Philippians 1:15-17 , James 4:3 , 1 Samuel 25:32-33 , and 2 Timothy 3:16 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis.
Thu, October 10, 2024
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 9: Wait on the Lord, Umaru-chan!
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 fulfilled this instant. Scripture expresses, however, that waiting on the Lord is wise, and failing to do so may lead to calamity. Join Mike this week as he shares these thoughts and much more on episode nine of The Power of God and Anime podcast! Anime Trivia! In the anime Gate Keepers , Ruriko Ikusawa has the ability to heal using her gate. What is her gate called? Podcast Notes Today’s episode was brought to you by Goddess Aqua’s Herbal Tea ! Mike is headed to watch My Hero Academia: You’re Next tomorrow! Are you planning to watch the movie, too? Nickel City Comic Con ‘s fall edition is this weekend. If you’re attending, you might run into Mike! In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings “ While I Wait ” by Lincoln Brewster. Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Psalms 27:14 , I Samuel 13:8-9 , and Romans 4:18-20 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF)
Thu, September 26, 2024
The Power of God and Anime, Episode 8: Tanjirou, Uzziah, and Humility in Faith
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 Clue , cars, and college football on episode eight of The Power of God and Anime Podcast ! Anime Trivia! In the anime Eyeshield 21 , what is the name of the Devil Bats’ tight end? Podcast Notes In today’s Songs That Tell the Story , Mike sings “ In Christ Alone ” by Michael English. Bible verses we mentioned or that inspired discussion in this episode include Galatians 6:1 , Ephesians 4:2 , II Chronicles 26:16-19 , Proverbs 3:5 , and I Corinthians 1:31 . Check out more from Mike on YouTube ! You can subscribe and listen to us on a variety of platforms, including Apple Podcasts , Spotify , SoundCloud , Amazon Music , and others . Please subscribe and leave us a review! Featuring copyright-free music (license code 9OFBY6IDSRWODYKF) from Uppbeat (“Funk Tank by Soudnroll), and edited by Dennis.
loading...