We're back after years of silence, to catch up, complain about failing joints, and accidentally start an anime podcast.

In this pilot episode, Zach confesses he gets emotionally wrecked by high school rom-coms just to feel something, Ron dodges construction workers and tracks down a runaway cat in Nicaragua, and we both try to understand why anime student councils possess the sovereign authority to overthrow governments.

Plus: ghost kitchen delivery economics, Sir Hiss-a-lot the ball python, why werewolves make terrible tenants, and naming the show in real time. This week's homework: Code Geass, 5 Centimeters per Second, and smoking with a dog at the grocery store... or something.

Contact: emotionaldamagecast@gmail.com

00:00 - The Squeaky Chair Solo & Construction Woes

02:12 - Metal Scape Returns & Bass Finger Surgery

04:15 - Mic Rust & Nicaraguan Cigarettes

05:57 - Why We Skipped Anime as Kids

06:56 - Gambling High Schools & Student Councils (Kakegurui)

07:38 - Ron's Delivery Food, PedidosYa & Ghost Kitchens

11:58 - Tearjerkers, AI Recommendations & Frieren

14:43 - Evangelion at 8 Years Old & Ranma ½

17:58 - "Smart Anime" vs. Death Note

21:27 - Soccer Anime & Giant Robots

23:42 - Zack's Gateway: Falling for Toradora! & Tsunderes

26:58 - Intermission: Ron's Cat Escapes

30:15 - Meet Sir Hesselot the Ball Python

31:45 - Ron's Gateway: Code Geass & Lelouch

37:35 - WW2, Nukes & Geopolitics in Anime

43:27 - The Evangelion Hospital Scene & Rebuilds

47:22 - Beastars, Furries & Wolf Children

50:35 - The Tinder Rec: Smoking Behind the Supermarket & Chainsmoker Cat

52:56 - The Way of the Househusband & Anime Comedy Tropes

56:40 - Naming the Podcast: MetalSucks, Fred Durst & Limp Bizkit

1:02:39 - Aging Out of 2000s Edgelord Humor

1:07:14 - Locking in the Name: Emotional Damage

1:09:35 - Episode Formats & Watch-Along Plans

1:13:52 - Why Are Cats Everywhere in Anime?

1:15:44 - Samurai Champloo & "What Is a College?"

1:20:31 - Persona 3 Reload & Jazz Soundtracks

1:21:10 - Investigating Other "Emotional Damage" Podcasts

1:24:23 - The Phenotype Debate: Why Is Everyone Blonde? (Mukokuseki)

1:28:54 - The Sub vs. Dub Philosophy

1:32:07 - Future Robot Daltanius (1979) Screen Share

1:35:49 - Vinland Saga & The 57-Ship Spoon Massacre

1:38:41 - The Gyaru Screen Share Rabbit Hole

1:40:15 - Setting the Homework: Code Geass vs. 5 Centimeters per Second

1:42:03 - The Phantom Stray Dog in Smoking Behind the Supermarket

1:46:12 - The 10-Minute Drop Rule & Spy x Family

1:48:36 - Where to Watch Anime: Crunchyroll, Netflix & HIDIVE

1:50:32 - "Stay Damaged" Sign-Off & Metal Scape Nostalgia