Shows
Nation of AnimationPodsepolis, The Persepolis Podcast (Feat. Lilly Heidari)Ryan, Brooke, and professional actor/writer/friend of the pod Lilly Heidari crack open the history books AND the comic books as they read Marjane Satrapi's adaptation of her autobiographical graphic novel, Persepolis! We talk about history, the life of a person in the middle of historic events, the power of one's own culture, expatriation, and the bizarre fun of being assigned comic books in college. This one has it all!FILMS DISCUSSED:Persepolis (2007, dir. Marjane Satrapi & Vincent Paronnaud) Real World RecsLilly: 'Look: Poems' by Solmaz SharifBrooke:Labubu dollsRy...
2025-07-121h 04
Nation of AnimationThe Indigo TwinsThis week we talk about the classic 90s cartoon The Indigo Twins! It's all about the joy of being a twin, the simpler days of the early 90s, and the lovely power of fans and fandom. That's The Indigo Twins!Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts@thebrookesmithand @ryanwithcheese on Twitter http://brookeerinsmith.com http://ryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANKS TO: Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art
2025-05-2447 minNation of AnimationMarch Madness: Anime BachelorsIt's time for March Madness, so break out your brackets and get your parlay ready! Ryan has asssembled a list of 16 eligible fellas from across all of anime, and we're gonna pit them against each other for Brooke's affection! Who will win it all? The answer may surprise you - it sure surprised us!Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts@whoisbrookeand@ryanstevens on Blueskyhttp://brookeerinsmith.comhttp://ryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANKS TO:...
2025-03-2945 minNation of AnimationA Boy AND A Heron? In THIS Economy?Bust out the popcorn (and your most tear-stained handkerchiefs) for this one, folks! We talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s latest, final (?) film, the award winning The Boy And The Heron! Ryan also watched the documentary Hayao Miyazaki And The Heron, and offers some additional insights on how this film is the culmination of Miyazaki’s career, the filmography of Studio Ghibli, and a life spent in an ever-changing world. All that, and the movie itself is really dang pretty!Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts@whoisbrookeand
2025-02-0848 minNation of AnimationThe Music of Exploding Kittens with Jina An & Shirley SongThis week, Ryan and Brooke are booming with joy to talk about Netflix’ Exploding Kittens, and learn about the world of soundtrack composition and scoring from composers Jina An and Shirley Song! Jina and Shirley share their process, how they adapted a fast and frenzied party game into an animated series, dream projects and more! And, a surprising new temptation might threaten to capture Brooke’s heart and possibly ruin her life, if we can turn it into content. Find out more by listening! Learn more about Jina An on her website: https://jinaanmusic.com/ Learn...
2024-08-1052 minNation of AnimationHot Goof SummerThis week we’re talking about just a regular movie. Correction, after further investigation we’re talking about the 1995 cult classic, A Goofy Movie! We talk about who’s side we’re on, the muse that this film is, and an EXTREMELY goofy sequel! Also we got ya news here!Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter &http://brookeerinsmith.comhttp://ryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow th...
2024-07-2734 minNation of AnimationThe Intelligent Design of Scavengers ReignWe’ve returned from our sojourn into space, listener, and we have seen things you wouldn’t believe! This week, we talk recent sci-fi masterpiece Scavengers Reign! What streaming service owns it? What makes its alien planet feel truly alien? How do we ascribe meaning in a world that doesn’t know we’re there? What is Ryan suddenly allergic to? Find out the answers to all these questions and more!Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&http://brookeerinsmith.comhttp://ryangstevens.com
2024-07-131h 14Nation of AnimationThe Making Of 'The Murder of Steamboat Willie'This week on NATION of Animation we bring you some behind the scenes story time of the making of The Murder of Steamboat Willie. If you haven’t had a chance to hear the last episode, it's the perfect week for a double feature! Plus animation news and a sneak peek at what to expect next episode!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.com
2024-06-151h 17Nation of AnimationHave You Seen This Barbarian?Ah-ah-nimation, Nation of Animation! We are back this week and we hope you brought your lantern and pet dragons because we return to the dark ages as we revisit Dave the Barbarian! Does anyone remember this show, did they focus too much on the barbarian angle, why was this show so funny? Also, listen till the end for a little secret sneak peek of what we’ve been working on!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our host...
2024-05-1858 minNation of Animation(Story) Bible StudiesHallelujah, we’re back! This week we talk about something that has the animation world and Disney fans celebrating: the leaked storybibles! We talk about origins, our favorites, and ask the big questions, like, what’s a story bible again? If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our the...
2024-05-0439 minNation of AnimationRocket Power, Feminism, and Storm PreparednessThis week we’re getting rad, twisted and extreme as we shred the waves of nostalgia with the power of Rocket Power! We talk about rad outfits, feminism, and conspiracy theories! Paramount plus, hit us up or fix your U.I.If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese onTwitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our them...
2024-04-2058 minNation of AnimationMcDonaldLand GeopoliticsBadabababa, we’re watching it! This week we delve into the lost promotional media “The Wacky Adventures of Ronald McDonald”! We’re talking about how wacky these adventures are, what the point of these promo episodes could possibly be, and Grimace’s culture! Also we’re creating worlds!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.com&Support secret projects on Venmo @nationofanimationBIG THANK...
2024-04-0652 minNation of AnimationGreat Clips from Barber WestchesterAnd now for something completely different! This week on Nation of Animation we are talking about the totally indie animated feature; Barber Westchester! This feature is such a treat we don't want to spoil anything because you can experience it yourself, cause it’s on YouTube! Check out the link below and you know we got that news!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.com
2024-03-2332 minNation of AnimationClone High YearbookThey’re baaaack! This week we’re talking about the recently revived Clone High, but we’re talking about the original 2002 run! Did it age well? Do we still enjoy it? Will anything bad ever happen to the Kennedy’s? Only one way to find out! Also Animation News!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollo...
2024-02-2447 minNation of AnimationThe Batman Essentials (with Kyle and Trevor E. Ritland)Happy Birthday Ryan! How better to honor ½ our iconic hosts with possibly one of the most iconic animated series of all time; Batman: The Animated Series! We’re joined by two incredibly special guests; Kyle & Trevor! Only respect for the Late Great Kevin Conroy. We are vengeance! We are the night!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for o...
2024-02-101h 05Nation of AnimationPokemon TAWelcome to the podcast, where you can be yourself! This week on Nation of Animation we’re talking about the new Netflix show; Pokémon Concierge! We talk PokéHistory, PokéPlots, and PokéOscar Nominations! Pika-Pika!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art...
2024-01-2735 minNation of AnimationCarol & the Start of 2024Happy 2024! And Happy 3rd anniversary of Nation of Animation! It’s the new year and we’re talking about a (relatively) new show Carol & the End of the World! We talk about our place in the pre-apocalyptic world, the comfort in routine, and Applebees! The end is nigh!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our theme
2024-01-131h 03Nation of AnimationWhat The Hilda!Feels good to be back to the regular format! And this week we are talking about the Netflix Series Hilda! We talk about trolls, magic, and the magical world of Europe! Also Animation News!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our ar...
2023-12-021h 05Nation of AnimationThe ShrekstravaganzaWe are back and coming in hot! It’s the Thanksgiving season here in the U.S. which means it’s time to be thankful and this week (and every week) we are thankful for the Shrek Franchise! Has it always looked like this? Are the sequels better to the original? Is it all ogre now? Let us know what franchise we should do next year!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twi...
2023-11-181h 19Nation of AnimationStrike Is Over (If You Want It)Solidarity Forever! The workers of SAG-AFTRA have emerged victorious from their historic strike, and we’re breaking the emergency glass to talk to you about the news! We talk everything you missed, changes in the animation world, and so much more, maybe even in song! Probably not, but maybe a little bit!Where to see all of our strike coverage guests:David Kepner:Short films: Whip Lord and Georgeanne.MOVThe Others podcast seriesRachel Stubington:Shrinking - Ap...
2023-11-1123 minNation of AnimationReturn of the Music Videos (w/ Makela Yepez)The SAG-AFTRA strike continues so we are hitting you with the freshest beats with NOW That's What I Call Animated Music Videos VOL 2! And this time we have Makela Yepez as our special guest! We get deep on this one, we’re talking punk music, blending mind and soul, and hope that the end of the strike is near!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe.Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryan...
2023-11-041h 12Nation of AnimationWhat The Hell Is A Skibidi Toilet ! (w/ Amber Li)The SAG-AFTRA strike continues and so do we, with special guest Amber Li! What an interesting episode this week as we dive into meme culture and we discuss Skibidi Toilet! If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comFOLLOW OUR STRIKING GUEST OF THE WEEK: Amber Li on Instagram @am.ber.li @hinterworldmedia and Hinterworldmedia.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Me...
2023-10-2156 min
Rhymes with OddEp 011: Designing the Perfect Logo w/ Dylan MenkeIn this episode, we sit down with Dylan Menke, a talented graphic designer and self-employed creative based in Des Moines, Iowa. Dylan shares his journey into the world of graphic design, starting from his interests in art to his passion for logo and branding work.
Conversation Overview:
Finding the Balance: Dylan talks about the challenge of balancing clients' preferences with the need to create designs that resonate with the target audience. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the audience's needs over personal attachment.
Career Path and Niche: We learn how Dylan explored different...
2023-10-0946 minNation of AnimationStrike Update: The Strike Strikes Back!After 148 days, the writers' strike is over! So are we back to our normal programming? Not Exactly. It’s important stuff so let’s talk about it. If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art Learn more about Urvashi Lele's animations by vis...
2023-10-0737 minNation of AnimationAnime 101 (w/ Jihan Crowther)Nation of Animation is here and stands with the strike, we are joined by artist Jihan Crowther! Class is in session and Prof. Ryan and his T.A. 's Brooke and Jihan are here to school you! What is anime? Where is anime? Who is anime? All these questions answered, and more!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comFOLLOW OUR STRIKING GUEST OF TH...
2023-09-231h 22Nation of AnimationCharlie the Unicorn, 18 Years Later (w/ Rachel Stubington)Nation of Animation is here and stands with the strike, we are joined by artist Rachel Stubington! We take a trip to 2005’s viral sensation Charlie The Unicorn! We talk about early YouTube, gifts to mom, and the continuing strike! Candy mountain listener, candy mountain!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter& brookeerinsmith.com ryangstevens.comFOLLOW OUR STRIKING GUEST OF THE WEEK: Rachel Stubington on Instagram and TikT...
2023-09-0945 minNation of AnimationGAMER CORNER: The Legend of Zelda:Tears of the Kingdom (w/ David Kepner)Nation of Animation is here and stands with the strike, we are joined by artist and strike captain, David Kepner! We drive into the world of Hyrule this week as we talk about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom! We talk about building stuff, game play and how to get involved in the strike! HEEEYAH!SPOILERS BEGIN AT 18:45If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our bluesky @nationofanimation and our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comry...
2023-08-121h 07Nation of AnimationSolidarity ForeverNation of Animation stands in solidarity with the strike. Let’s talk about that and what that means.If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art Learn more about Urvashi Lele's animations by visiting http://www.sirpeagreenstudios.com and follow their endeavors on instagram at @sirpeagreen and...
2023-07-2933 minNation of AnimationWe Love You, Lo-Fi GirlHear us out on this one. This week we’re doing something a little different and tackling something completely different! Nation of Animation is talking about the incredibly popular Lo-Fi Girl. Where is she? Who is Synth-Wave Boy? We’re also our own Lo-Fi-sonas! Also we have new news!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow...
2023-07-1553 minNation of AnimationCaroline Foley InterviewBREAKING EPISODE! We interrupt your regularly scheduled Nation of Animation with an interview! On this incredibly special Nation of Animation we’re talking with the wickedly talented Caroline Foley! This is an episode you won’t want to miss!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art Learn...
2023-07-011h 09Nation of AnimationSPIDER-MANIAHey audience, got a sec? This week we are talking Spider-man: Across the Spider-verse! !SPOILER WARNING! Our cowboy versions ride into spoiler country starting at 32:45! We will play some music right before we dive head first. This week we talk pirating (the swashbucklers, NEVER the illegal activity), Spider-Art Style, and [REDACTED] was in the movie, can you believe it? Now we wait for the next one!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.com
2023-06-171h 07Nation of AnimationSaving Moral Orels' SoulWe’re back this month with the Adult Swim canceled classic Moral Orel. What with all these puppet kids? Is it all God's plan? Can this be fixed? Listen for Ryan’s (HBO-less) Max rant!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art Learn more about Urvashi Lele's animat...
2023-06-0338 minNation of AnimationFantasia Plays The Hits (Disney Dismay)We’re back to round off Disney’s DisMay with the longest animated film Disney has ever made: Fantasia! Who is Deems Taylor really? Who was this movie for, iPad kids? Should the racism countdown scare us off? If you enjoyed this theme month let us know at cartoonbookclubpod@gmail.com!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow...
2023-05-2048 minNation of AnimationThe Bored In The Stone (Disney DisMay)It’s time for a Wizard Duel, here at Nation of Animation! Or at least it will be, after we get through some dubious magic lessons…Disney DisMay rolls along to cover 1963’s critical lemon, The Sword in The Stone! Why did this film terrify a young Brooke? Why is the plot so scattered? Is there a reason that Ryan and Brooke seem a little “mellowed out?” Tune in and find out!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwit...
2023-05-1341 minNation of AnimationJustice for Treasure Planet (Disney DisMay)Oops all bombs! We’re back already as we continue Disney’s dismay dis May! We’re rolling on with the box office bomb, Treasure Planet! Where the book girls at? Does ACAB include Jim? Will Disney ever push the envelope again? #greenlightTP2!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO:Jacob Menke for our themeFollow them @menkemaster&Urvashi Lele for our art...
2023-05-0650 minNation of AnimationBlack Cauldron Birthday Party (Disney DisMay)Put on your party hats and pop your corn cause Nation of Animation is at the movies for Brooke's birthday(ish)! This week we’re talking about the infamous Disney flop 1985’s The Black Cauldron! We talk about Disney's dismay, Brooke’s books and cult classics! Don’t forget to wish Brooke a Happy Birthday every Sunday from now on!If you like the show, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Follow our Instagram and Twitter @cartoonbookclub, and follow our hosts @thebrookesmith and @ryanwithcheese on Twitter&brookeerinsmith.comryangstevens.comBIG THANKS TO...
2023-04-291h 01