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Artwork for Mobile Suit Breakdown: the Gundam Podcast

Mobile Suit Breakdown: the Gundam Podcast

Nina & Thom
Victory Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam
Uso
Zanskar Empire
Anime
Gundam Universe
Sci-Fi
League Militaire
PCST
Casarelia
Chronicle
Zanskar
Military Ethics
Guillotine
Katejina Luz
Studio Dove
Bespa
Patreon
Japanese Economy
Tomino

MSB is a weekly Gundam podcast for new fans, old fans, and not yet fans. Nina (a Gundam first-timer) and Thom (a lifelong Gundam fan) analyze, review, and research all 40+ years of the iconic sci-fi anime mega-franchise Mobile Suit Gundam in the order it was made. We research its influences, examine its themes, and discuss how each piece of the Gundam canon fits within the changing context in Japa... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes293Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Animation & MangaFilm HistoryLeisureTV & Film

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Artwork for Mobile Suit Breakdown: the Gundam Podcast

Latest Episodes

Show Notes

This week on MSB: prog rock, MTV VJs (that's Video DJ for any youngsters in the audience), a science fiction double feature, something even more evil than Ticketmaster, the greatest and only city in the world, and just a little bit of G ... more

Read transcriptShow Notes

This week we're lacing our podcasting gloves up and jumping back into the arena for a brutal and bruising battle, with the fate of the Earth and the colonies hanging in the balance. Rather than our usual pre-season prologu... more

Show Notes

It's a short episode this week as Nina wraps up her research on the history of motocross, bringing us forward to the Xtreme sports era of the 1990s, offering our theory on why it took Japan so long to produce an internationally competiti... more

Show Notes

This week on Mobile Suit Breakdown, an important update about what's coming next for the podcast, plus Nina finally gets to sate her curiosity (and yours) about the origins of motocross, and the state of the sport in the 1990s. And don't... more

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Hosts

Tom
A longtime Gundam fan and co-host, offering insights into the series from a veteran perspective. He has a background as a retired lawyer, which enriches discussions with legal insights and a structured argument style.
Nina
Co-host and a first-time viewer of Gundam, who brings fresh perspectives to discussions and engages with the material on a personal level. She also contributes to the show's research segments, enhancing the educational value.
Thom
Co-host and lifelong fan of Gundam, known for deeply analyzing themes and historical contexts within the series. His role is integral in connecting Gundam narratives to wider cultural discussions.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 801 ratings
  • Absolutely lovely podcast!

    This podcast is balm for the soul! If there was an NPR specifically for Gundam fans (smart but humble, funny but not obnoxious, nerdy but in a cool way), it would be this podcast. I so appreciate the thorough research, the breadth of topics, and the chill vibe of this unpretentious show. Thanks and keep on Gundam-ing!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gshaller
    United Statesa month ago
  • The deep dive into gundam series I've been looking for! Deep insightful analysis and funny conversations and side productions. Never sacrifices fun for content and never too serious to not have fun.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Besiker
    3 months ago
  • This podcast is absolutely fascinating! I am doing my first ever (and very overdue) watch-thru of the Gundam franchise, and I stumbled across the show by accident. I thought it would be fun to have a watch along, and enjoyed the recap and review portion, but little did I know this was going to be filled with some much interesting history, culture and triva. Not just of Gundam either, but Japan and the world. So highly recommended!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    The78thDoctor
    5 months ago
  • Great podcast

    So finally started Gundam a few weeks ago and was recommended the podcast by a friend and fan of the franchise. It’s great to dive into the influences, historical background and analysis after watching the episodes. Really appreciate all the work and structure that goes into the podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    sikoply
    United States8 months ago
  • This is great.

    I’ve loved gundam since first seeing the original RX-78 on Cartoon Network. It’s so fun to hear Nina and Tom break down all the cool background knowledge that had previously flown over my head with this great show. Y’all are super creative and very entertaining. I’ve only been listening since the start of 2025 and am currently at the season 2 Q&A and watching along with the episodes. I look forward to many many many more hours of this charming show!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    God Alrighty
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the detailed analysis and research on the Gundam series, noting how the hosts combine humor with thoughtful commentary. Many express that it enhances their viewing experience, providing insights into themes and character developments that enrich their understanding of the franchise.
Some criticism arises from listener concerns about the potential for burnout given the length and depth of the podcast, reflecting on both hosts' handling of the extensive content.
Overall, the show is characterized as enlightening and entertaining, with reviews highlighting the hosts' chemistry and ability to break down complex topics in an accessible way.
The podcast is praised for its inclusive approach, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans by balancing different perspectives and engaging discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

10.52: Kasarelia!
Q: Do you think Tomino succeeded in creating a faction that was a clean break from the ideas presented by Zeon?
Yes, Victory is about religion, family, and women, marking a stark pivot from previous narratives around Zeon.
10.52: Kasarelia!
Q: What are your thoughts on the gap between what you heard about Victory before watching it and the show when you finally watched it?
Nina both appreciated and struggled with the show due to its representation of women, while Tom found it hard to recommend due to a lack of strong elements.
10.37: Live Well and Die Naturally
Q: What connections do the hosts draw between Gundam and real-world issues?
They highlight the episode's commentary on environmental issues, particularly ocean pollution, and its philosophical implications about human existence and the nature of life in space compared to life on Earth.
10.19: Blood Destiny
Q: What are your thoughts on the episode's climax and Uso's character development?
Uso's journey from reluctance to full action illustrates the internal struggle many young characters face in war situations, highlighting growth through necessity and protecting loved ones.
Victory Q&A Part 1
Q: Does the show want to say something about people who lie to themselves, or is it just a handy way to write good villains?
Yes, most fascistic and tyrannical governments behave hypocritically, and it's reflective of broader themes of self-justification.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content focuses on the expansive 40-year history of the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, combining in-depth analyses, thematic examinations, and cultural research. Hosts engage with both long-time fans and newcomers, addressing various topics, including the evolution of the series, its influences, and social implications. The episodes explore complex themes such as environmentalism, gender roles, and historical contexts within the narratives, creating a platform for rich commentary and insightful discussions. This podcast serves as both a guide for viewers watching the series and a reflective examination of its broader cultural impact, emphasizing the partnership between an experienced fan and a first-time viewer.

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1. How Did This Get Made?
2. Castle Super Beast
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5. TRUE ANON TRUTH FEED

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 293 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Vivian Wheeler
2. Sarah McCostumes

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