Studio Ghibli has made some of the world's most beloved animated films.  Under the direction Hayao Miyazaki, they've gone from a studio that could be making niche anime to one that creates whimsical fantasy worlds filled with so much adventure, heroism, whimsy, and heart that Disney scooped up the distribution to deliver them to fans all across the globe.  From the emotional powerhouse that is Grave of the Fireflies, to the environmental fable of Princess Mononoke, and the worldwide phenomenon that is My Neighbor Totoro, this animation company concentrates on gorgeous environments, delicious looking food, and worlds that you can get lost in as a way to tell some of the most impactful stories in modern fiction.  In this episode of NewNerdNormal, we'll be covering their filmography from 1986's Castle in the Sky through the end of the 20th century.  Ending with a tease for next episode, where we'll be covering the 2001's Spirited Away!

In 1964, DC Comics created the Teen Titans when Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Wonder Girl decided to form a team of their own.  Stepping out of the shadows of Batman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, the team has remained a mainstay of the DC publishing library and has spun off into multiple televised iterations.  And while Teen Titans and Teen Titans Go concentrate on the New Teen Titans line-up, Young Justice decided to branch out by giving Aquaman a brand new sidekick.  Kaldur'ahm is brave, powerful, and self-assured.  All reasons why he was promoted to be the team's first leader.  Torn between the surface and the seas, Kaldur is the son of one of Aquaman's greatest villains, bisexual, black, and proof that representation matters!

The first time I covered Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender, we looked at the perspective of a kid growing up with his lessons.  Today, we see how it was to experience them when you're already an adult.  Seeing his sacrifices for the Fire Nation, his relationship with Zuko 's father, the Fire Lord, and his love of tea taught today's guest how to listening can be more important than speaking and how learning about each other with respect can make the entire world a better place to live in for us all!

Last son of Krypton, Man of Steel, mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet in Metropolis.  Clark Kent is known by many names, but all throughout the universe know him by one in particular...Superman.  Kal-El fights a never ending battle for truth, justice, and the American way.  Alongside allies like the Justice League, he strives to protect his adopted home world of Earth.  So that if villains like Lex Luthor or Darkseid are somehow about to defeat him, they will never defeat what he has inspired in all of humanity.  With HBO Max preparing to release the Snyder Cut, this felt like the perfect opportunity to talk about the hero who brought about the entire DC Comics universe, Superman!

One of the few things that match the only thing that matches the diverse nature of anime is how beloved & influential it is worldwide.  From old favorites like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop to newer series like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, and Aggretsuko, there is a massive passion from so many people for Japanese animation.  And with shows like Naruto and Inuyasha getting sequels, One Piece nearing 1,000 episodes, and Sailor Moon continuing to captivate fans of all ages and genders, it doesn't look like that will be changing anytime soon!

Nicktoons have a long and celebrated history as some of the most influential cartoons for kids born from the 1980's through today.  From the original three of Doug, Rugrats, and Red & Stimpy.  To newer inclusions like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Winx Club.  But right in the middle of those two extremes was an era of classics!  With shows like Invader Zim, Fairly Odd Parents, and one of the most popular Nickelodeon stv shows of all time, SpongeBob SquarePants!  This Sponge took America (and the world) by storm!  With his friends like Patrick and Sandy, his foils Plankton and Squidward, his job with Mr. Krabs at the Krusty Krab, Mermaid Man, Barnacle Boy, Gary, Larry the Lobster, Karen, and a host of other beloved characters.  SpongeBob approaches every day and task with love for those around him, love for himself, and a love for life that is absolutely infectious!

They are the Crystal Gems and they always save the day.  And if you think they can't, they always find a way.  That's why viewers all over the world watch, relate to, and believe in Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl and Steven!  Cartoon Network has developed a track record of amazing animated shows that appeal to both kids and adults.  Starting with the Cartoon Cartoon days of Cow & Chicken and Courage the Cowardly Dog, through Teen Titans and Justice League Unlimited, and into modern favorites like Adventure Time and The Amazing World of Gumball.  But of the modern shows, few have garnered more laughter, cheers, and tears than Steven Universe!  Tune in to hear Vicky explain the lasting appeal, LGBT representation, and the story of what makes Steven's journey so compelling to so many people around the world.

Sci-fi has given us more strong, warrior women than almost any other genre.  Ripley from the Alien movies, She-Ra from Netflix's She-ra, and Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road.  But the strongest of them all is the princess of Alderaan turned general in the resistance against the first order from Disney and Lucasfilm's Star Wars, Leia Organa!  Together with Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, and R2D2, she lead the rebellion against the empire, Palpatine, and Darth Vader in battles against everything from star destroyers to the Death Star!  She sacrificed so much but never lost her resolve.  In fact, she gained even more determination as she lost more in the battle for freedom!

Throughout the year and a half I've been podcasting, I've come to really love the entire process of recording, editing, and publishing these episodes. There's so much freedom to put something out into the world and do it my way. And that's what I'm talking about here today. Why I love the unique opportunities that podcasts provide, both as a medium of entertainment and a creative outlet. If we all took that step towards putting our passions out into the world, I truly believe we'd all lead far more fulfilling lives.