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Purely Academic with Jonathan Lack & Sean Chapman

Jonathan R. Lack & Sean Chapman
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Dragon Ball
Doctor Who
Akira Toriyama
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Superhero Movies
Persona 3
Persona 3 Reload
Batman
Spider-Man 2
Xbox
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Robocop
DRAGON QUEST
Dr. Slump
Game Boy
Analogue Pocket
Logan
Black Panther
Yuffie

Critics and teachers Jonathan R. Lack and Sean Chapman host this monthly variety series where we talk about our favorite video games, movies, anime, and much more, having fun and maybe even learning something along the way. From the creators of The Weekly Stuff Podcast and Japanimation Station. Visit www.jonathanlack.com for more!

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes567Founded14 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmVideo GamesLeisureFilm Reviews

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Latest Episodes

For our first show of 2026, we look back on the best movies of 2025, as Jonathan talks us through his list of the 20 best films to come out last year, from undisputed favorites like Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, to anime stunners l... more

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Fair warning: this month’s episode starts out as a major bummer, what with news of the Netflix/WB merger and the pricing madness around RAM spelling doom for both Hollywood and the gaming industry, topics we dive deep on to make ourselves extremely s... more

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For our November topic – coming just in time for the start of December – we celebrate the release of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein with a three-part retrospective on one of the most famous stories in the English language. First, we take a look at... more

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In one of our most absolutely jam-packed Monthly Stuff installments to date, we live up to our moniker with a long discussion of teaching stories and curriculum planning (but it’s fun, we promise) before moving on to talk about the avalanche of games... more

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Recent Guests

Thomas Lack
World champion in Persona 3, Dancing Moon Knight, Persona 4, Dancing All Night, and Persona 5, Dancing Star Knight
Episode: The Weekly Stuff #489 - Reviewing Persona 3: The Weird Masquerade Stage Play

Hosts

Jonathan Lack
Critics and teacher, with a focus on media analysis, enthusiastic about video games and films, and a background in cinema studies.
Sean Chapman
Co-host of the series with a background in education, focusing on the critiques of video games and films coupled with teaching experiences.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 67 ratings
  • They like the new doctor who stuff......enough said

    Podcast Addict
    1
    RevanWake
    a year ago
  • Great Podcast

    Love the discussions on this podcast. Give you great things to think about. Should cover Gamera

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alexmaster13
    United States4 years ago
  • The (Not) Weekly Review of the Weekly Stuff Podcast

    my favorite podcast out there! it’s been going on for so long that there’s plenty to listen to

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    redcomet7107
    United States4 years ago
  • 1.5 years in and loving it, But the audio is low

    Love all the topics and rewatches these guys choose, and I really appreciate the addition of time stamps in the descriptions, but man it gets difficult listening in louder areas with headphones or even just in my car sometimes.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Mrhopadopalus
    United States4 years ago
  • Amazing work

    Passionate, well informed and honest review/discussion about a wide range of of popular media. Both hosts are very self aware and both contribute deeply contrasting and complimentary opinions and perspectives in an organic and honest way. The show is a super refreshing listen and has become a part of my weekly routine. Great guys great content. Keep it up!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    eeb189
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

While many find the content enlightening, some critiques point to challenging audio quality at times.
The hosts' chemistry is highlighted, making for enjoyable and dynamic conversations.
Listeners appreciate the engaging discussions that blend humor with critical analysis of various media.
The podcast is recognized for exploring insightful themes within popular culture, drawing listeners who enjoy thoughtful reflections.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Purely Academic #10 – The Top 10 Most Unlikely Gundam Creative Collaborations
Q: Can you explain your idea involving the potential collaboration with Studio Trigger?
The collaboration would involve chaotic rivals piloting Gundams with emotional transformations.
Purely Academic #10 – The Top 10 Most Unlikely Gundam Creative Collaborations
Q: What did I challenge you with? What did you bring to the table this time, Sean?
Sean shares his list of the top 10 least likely anime team collaborations with Gundam.
Purely Academic #7 – Listener Mail Extravaganza! Plus Dynasty Warriors, Shows That Should Copy Dragon Ball, & more!
Q: Are you going to cover Cyberpunk 2077?
In a hypothetical scenario where I have infinite time, yes, I would probably like to play Cyberpunk 2077, but in reality where I'm limited on time, probably not any time soon.
Purely Academic #7 – Listener Mail Extravaganza! Plus Dynasty Warriors, Shows That Should Copy Dragon Ball, & more!
Q: If you could redo one episode of Weekly Suit Gundam or Japanimation Station, what would you choose?
I would choose to redo the Zeta Gundam episode to explore its context better, as we could utilize what we have learned since then.
Purely Academic #7 – Listener Mail Extravaganza! Plus Dynasty Warriors, Shows That Should Copy Dragon Ball, & more!
Q: If you could see any unfinished film, but you must erase one of that director's existing films to do it, what would you see and what would you delete?
I would choose to see The Magnificent Ambersons by Orson Welles and delete The Immortal Story, which is less significant in his filmography.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Purely Academic

What is Purely Academic about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A monthly variety series featuring a dynamic duo of critics and educators, focusing on a broad spectrum of interests including video games, movies, and anime. The discussions often center around personal experiences and critical analyses, blending humor with insightful commentary on contemporary media and culture. Listeners can expect engaging conversations that not only celebrate their favorite entertainment but also delve into significant themes found within the narratives. With a mix of nostalgia and current trends, the content is crafted to entertain and provoke thoughtful reflections on the evolving landscape of pop culture.

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How many listeners does Purely Academic get?

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What are the audience demographics for Purely Academic?

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Which podcasts are similar to Purely Academic?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Purely Academic:

1. A More Civilized Age: A Star Wars Podcast
2. The MinnMax Show
3. Pod Save America
4. Story Warz

How many episodes of Purely Academic are there?

Purely Academic launched 14 years ago and published 567 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Purely Academic?

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What guests have appeared on Purely Academic?

Recent guests on Purely Academic include:

1. Thomas Lack

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