BESTO FRIENDOS PODCAST

We hit the floor at SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show with live interviews from one of Australia's biggest anime and pop culture events. Thanks to the SMASH team for having us back, and huge love to the BOFOs community who stopped by for a chat, shared a brew, and grabbed some merch to support both the podcast and the Bloc.Shout outs to ~• Stanley Luk aka STAN• Girlfriend Cakes• Misaligned.JP• Ramen RaffAnd a very special mention to Chinatown Run Club.

The Besto Friendos are back at SMASH! Sydney Manga & Anime Show for another year!Mikey desu and the SB BOFOs return to Australia's biggest celebration of anime, manga and Japanese pop culture, breaking down everything you need to know. Survival tips, caffeination (of course), Maid Cafes and matcha workshops, to cool WHIPS, this is your completely unofficial guide to conquering SMASH! 2026.Expect hilarity, (heaps of) questionable planning, loose predictions, and the usual Besto Friendos chaos as we get hyped for another massive weekend at ICC Sydney. Hit play, pack your weirdest footwear (Furries, I'm looking at you), and we'll see you on the convention floor!

In this brand-new episode of, Mike is flying solo to reflect on the first six months of SLEEPY BLOC's physical store. He opens up about the highs, the challenges, and what it's been like experiencing the brand's evolution as an owner. From building a new team with Osheen and sané (sané), to connecting with the community and customers, Mike shares an honest look behind the scenes. And with the relocation now officially confirmed, he also talks a little bit about what's next for SLEEPY BLOC ... including SMASH Sydney Anime and Manga Show!Plus, he answers your AMA questions with candid insights you won't want to miss. Whether you've been with the Gang from the start or are just discovering us now, this is a must-listen episode. Hit play now!

How long has it been? Way too long.It’s been eight incredibly busy months, and we’ve missed you all so much. In that time, we’ve officially opened our very first flagship store — something that wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of our amazing Best Friends community.Now, we’re back.This first episode of the new season marks the beginning of something truly exciting for the BESTO FRIENDOS PODCAST. We’re reconnecting with you, welcoming special guests, and diving back into everything we love — weebin’, wellness, and well-being.So… how long has it been?Too long. Let’s catch up. 💛

SHEEN and TRILLI dial in for the first episode of 2025 (sheesh) to make a special announcement: YES! We are back at SMASH this year. Like Kagami no Kojo, the opulence of our inner weeb in reflection, has presented us with a path to the Sydney Manga and Anime Show … the one of the biggest for pop culture and for otakus, the biggest annually in all of Australia. We give an entire scoop of what to expect starting from tomorrow as SMASH goes bigger than it ever has before. Also a bit of gos on what’s been the happs with the BOFOS since our hiatus commenceth’d.*Note ~ the episode did cut out early due to technical issues. We realised and did not keep recording. Gomennasai 🙇🏻‍♂️

The significance of 40% has been observed throughout history; It is the shorthand for a long time, or an adequate percentage to dispute against failure in high school exams. But perhaps no greater percentage of the 4-0 has arisen in our species history than that of the “coverage rule” invoked by the Sydney Anime and Manga Show this year. We are joined by very special guests and friends of the show, Mads and Pom of Sydney Cosplayers, to discuss the upcoming convention and this contentious topic.

In this episode, sané, TRILL and Skimmo hunker down to catch up and give their unified eulogies on the life, career and impact of one of Anime’s Mt Rushmores… a pillar if you will, Akira Toriyama. Know perhaps most for the creation of the Dragonball Universe, his various works and visual style afflicted upon weebs and workout motivational media unlike no other. In tangential course, we look at series that have been heavily influenced by his creative impact also. Also, some RaRa on the impolitic incorrectness of Anime and a big announcement towards the end!

The BOFO's are back after a seriously busy second half of 2023. Weebin' and the pursuit of well being has never been stronger as anime continues to surge in growth, with everything from multiple live-action adaption to a freaking Oscar! We have a lot of opinions and even a sound FX board to illustrate how we feel about all the above ~ hit play now!

This week the BOFO's are joined by special guest , The Aussie Anime Lady ! Real name Tilly , this lovely human is what we would consider a professional collector and more-than dedicated fan / analyst of the culture ( do we technically qualify as this as well ? She joins us to talk us through the ins and outs of Anime collectibles as well as the broader culture of pop culture buy-ins at large . A great talk and a must listen for anyone looking to start / add to their collections with a sharper lens .

Ikura desu ka ? Hyaku en desu . Ah, sou desu ! If you're wondering how a simple transaction may occur in Japan then definitely don't listen to this episode at it conveys both high levels of inaccuracy with regards to the Japanese language and some awesome insight into how reseller culture works with regards to the otaku market . Also , some whining about a few of our favourite anime series i.e. business as usual . * partial sensitive content warning *