ElevatedXOtaku

Sure, we all love a good heart-throb of a hero. The wholesomeness. The altruism. The bravery. But there's just something about a character that could AND WOULD ruin your life that just... hits different.  And here are the top 5 HOTTEST anime villains that we would let ruin your lives. Welcome to the Anime 5x5! Where I give you 5 points on an anime related topic in under 5 minutes. Email me or...

Happy New Year, Nerds and Nerdettes—we survived. Barely. But we made it.  In this end-of-year wrap-up episode of ElevatedOtaku , We're looking back on the anime that defined her 2025—the bangers, the disappointments, the unexpected obsessions, and the shows that absolutely did hit the mark.... I also have some guest appearances from some lovely listeners and Creators below. Check em out! Kale...

In this episode, we’re diving into the dark side of nakama — aka the toxic friendships that drain your energy faster than Cell slurped up android 18. From manipulators and mooches to jealous rivals and emotional vampires, we’re breaking down the biggest anime friendship red flags and how to spot the villains hiding in your friend group. Get ready for boundary-setting tips, drama-free exit strategi...

The days are getting shorter, while the shadows grow longer...so that must mean it's that time of year again...Spooky Season! So, dim the lights, find a blanket to hide under, and whatever you do...don't look away!  In today's Special Halloween Episode, we're crossing into the spirit world with three chilling Japanese Urban Legends, and three horror anime recommendations that&a...

Confidence isn’t about being the loudest one in the room or having sparkly protagonist energy 24/7. It's about building trust in yourself—even when the stakes feel high and the self-doubt hits harder than Truck-Kun.   In this episode, we unpack what confidence actually is, what it isn't, and how to boost yours up - Because confidence isn't something you're born with...It's...

Do you dream of having your very own Straw Hat crew, but feel more like Giyuu at the pillar meeting—lowkey invisible, lowkey okay with it…until you’re not? Whether you’re a certified lone wolf or just struggling to find your people, this episode of the ElevatedXOtaku Podcast is here to help you bridge the gap between solitude and soul squad. This week, we'll walk through how to find—or create...

Still got a friend who calls anime “just cartoons”? In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate guide to converting your normie besties into full-fledged weebs—without scaring them off (too much). From beginner-friendly recs to shows you should never lead with, this is your anime starter kit for the uninitiated.  *PLUS*  Find out who won April’s anime merch giveaway—and how you can enter to win n...

If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “Shouldn’t I be further by now?” this episode is for you. Spoiler alert: You’re not behind. You’re just still in your arc. And trust me—it’s a good one. In this episode, we’re digging into that all-too-familiar feeling that everyone else is leveling up while you’re still grinding the tutorial. I’ll introduce you to two anime case studies who embody t...

Look, I get it. Not everyone can be the overpowered, plot-armored, chosen one with perfect hair and a tragic backstory. But does that mean you have to live life as an NPC? Absolutely not. In this episode of ElevatedXOtaku , we’re breaking you out of background character jail with three tips to unlock your Main Character Energy. Feeling stuck in routine? Lost in side-quest limbo? Just waiting for T...

We're Baaaack! That’s right, nerds and nerdettes! Your favorite anime podcast has returned, and I’ve got a LOT to say. 😏 This week, we’re talking GOALS—because let’s be real, we’ve all made big plans and then abandoned them faster than Zenitsu runs from danger. But fear not! I’ve got 3 foolproof steps to help you actually follow through this time, plus some anime recommendations to keep you...

Psssst....did you hear....? WE'RE BACK BABY!!!! I've dusted off the cobwebs, and I'm ready come out of hiatus with all new games, giveaways, and great anime themed self-improvement tips!  Tune in on Friday 2/7 for our welcome back episode! I'm ElevatedXOtaku on everything - click the links below: Check out everything here: *LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/elevatedxotaku  •Visit My...

Nerds and Nerdettes, we did it!!! We made it through 2023...mostly intact. Join me in listing *MY* top 5 favorite anime series of 2023, and in giving you an update on what's to come for the ExO Podcast ***Donate to the Animator Supporters Go Fund Me****: https://gogetfunding.com/the-new-anime-making-system-project-phase-2/   I'm ElevatedXOtaku on everything - click the links below: Check...

Tis that time of year again! When you're trapped in a house with your extended family, bonding over presents, eggnog...and disfunction. Well, how about this year, you bond over ANIME! Welcome to the Anime 5x5! Where I give you 5 points on an anime related topic in under 5 minutes. Email me or send me a DM if you have a topic that you want me to tackle in under 5 minutes I'm ElevatedXOtak...

Are your eyes bloodshot like Choso? Are you falling asleep under your desk like Aizawa? Or maybe you’re wishing for a Zombie apocalypse like Akira? Well then, you may be suffering from burnout. But you’re in good company, because the entire Mappa team is right there with you.  In today’s episode we’ll talk about ways to cure your burnout, AND ways that you can help support overworked Anime Illistr...

Here we are again, for another mid-season filler episode. And while it means missed deadlines and tight schedules for me, it means FREE ANIME MERCH for you! So subscribe, listen, and let's play a game! I'm ElevatedXOtaku on everything - click the links below: Check out everything here: *LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/elevatedxotaku  •Visit My Website at: www.elevatedxotaku.com •Follow Me on...

Death, Taxes, and Anime Rules...there are some things that you just can't avoid. And while I can't turn you into a vampire, or hide you from the IRS, I can give you the top 5 unwritten rules of anime, so you know what to expect.  Welcome to the Anime 5x5! Where I give you 5 points on an anime related topic in under 5 minutes. Email me or send me a DM if you have a topic that you want me...

Today's episode is something a little different - because I had the honor of being a guest on my new friends Podcast - The O Zone - aaaaand popping his anime cherry. If you want to hear all about it, take a listen. And if you'd like to check out more of The Ozone, follow the links below: The O Zone Podcast: •Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2ghQuBLXKRleqizaIkhUUz?si=3bc2eaccbf424b...

We set the standard pretty high with our last 5x5 list, but this time, the bar is in hell. So let’s talk about the careless, the cringy, and the creepy. You know, the things that make you feel …a lil’ bit dirty for being an anime fan. The tropes that make you say “ok, but hear me out” when you suggest a new show to a friend.  Welcome to the Anime 5x5! Where I give you 5 points on an anime related...

Do you love anime? Do you love ghost stories? Well, how about we combine the two? Turn off the lights, and brace yourself for 3 terrifying Japanese Urban legends, along with 3 horror nine recommendations that we have you hiding under the covers. DONATE TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS: Live Stream starts 11/4, but you can donate from now until the end of the year! Visit the link below: https://www.ext...

Usually when you think of anime tropes, the most annoying ones are the first to come to mind: the up-skirts, the generic male leads, the endless screaming… But today, I figured we’d shine some light on the tropes we love to see. The ones that keep us hitting that “next episode” button until it's 3 in the morning and you suddenly remember that you have to wake up in a few hours.  Welcome to th...

Are you an anime fan (dumb question). Well, I'd be willing to bet that you've heard a variation of one of these phrases in your life: “dude, are you really still watching cartoons?” “Aren’t you too old for kid shows?” “That stuff is too childish for me.” “Don’t you think it’s time to grow up?” What they don't know is that the word "Cartoons" doesn't even begin to desc...

I know we all hate filler....But what if that filler could earn you cool anime merch? Listen up to find out how you could win cool stuff ....aaaaand help me become a better podcaster! :D I'm ElevatedXOtaku on everything - click the links below: Check out everything here: *LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/elevatedxotaku  •Visit My Website at: www.elevatedxotaku.com •Follow Me on Instagram: https://...

Confidence, Flair, and Badass-ness! These are traits that just come naturally to the character's in this week's Anime 5x5. We're talking BDE, and the top 5 character's that will leave you shivering, swooning....or both. Welcome to our new segment: The Anime 5x5! Where I give you 5 points on an anime related topic in under 5 minutes. Email me or send me a DM if you have a topic...

We’ve all been there… you’re on your third box of Kleenex, laying on your couch with a pint of ice cream balanced on your chest like a sea otter, and you...*sniff sniff* haven’t showered in days… That, my forlorn friend, is the bitter stench of heartbreak. But don’t worry, because Tiffany Senpai is here with words of encouragement and tips on how to recover if your heart has been put through an em...

Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated... though I will admit that I've been gone for far too long. Do you have 5 minutes to chat about it? Also, all of the links to my socials and my website are in the episode description, so feel free to stop by and say hi! I'm ElevatedXOtaku on everything - click the links below: Check out everything here: *LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/eleva...