iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 15h

NEW EPISODE! We're getting DEEP into a show so intense in its ancap message, biting social satire, pointed political commentary, and VISCERAL violence, if it went any harder, it would bore holes in your eyes as it blew your mind to smithereens. This is Kamen Rider Black Sun: tinyurl.com/BlkSun

Why are we connecting Dragon Ball to a show from 2022 about anarcho leftists fighting back against a corrupt conservative government? Probably no reason that's fitting with the current sociopolitical times.

Welcome to Final Forum's Dragon Ball-oween Spooktacular!

A reminder that Kamen Rider ties into the Ginyu Force via Super Sentai, as well as people like Toshiki Inoue, Shunsuke Kikuchi, Riku Sanjo, and characters like Android 16
A primer on Kamen Rider in general
Why Toei chose to aim for a more adult-oriented Kamen Rider show
A bit about some of the show's creators including showrunner Kazuya Shiraishi, Shinji Higuchi (Shin Godzilla, Attack on Titan, the Heisei Gamera trilogy), and Kiyotaka Taguchi (Neo Ultra Q, Ultraman X, Ultraman Blazar, Gemstone Godzilla shorts)
Unit 731, Japan's secret military scientific research station that experimented on people throughout World War II
The history of Marxism (socialism and communism) in Japan
The Freedom and People's Rights Movement
The Meiji Constitution
The Japan Socialist Party
Post-War socialism in Japan as American Occupation forces rebuilt the country literally and philosophically
The rise of the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party)
The Shimoyama Incident, and terror attacks on Japan's railway system that led to a mistrust of Japanese leftists
The rise of the Japan Red Army or JRA and its attack on Lod Airport near Tel Aviv
Shinzo Abe and his rise to power, politics, and beliefs that led to his assassination
Japan's history with regards to its treatment of minorities including people of color, foreigners, and the LGBTQIA+ Community
...and more, including some general pop culture, trivia, and editorializing, as usual

062

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 22h

I am currently navigating some changes and challenges, mostly professionally, but at this point in my life, that means personally as well. If my Dragon Ball family would help support a homie and see if we can make this happen, that would be awesome: tophost.org/2026/thomas-...

tophost.org

Is Thomas Gueli the Top Host?

Will Thomas Gueli be a guest on an episode of On Air with Ryan Seacrest, win $25,000, and lead a podcast produced by iHeartRadio?

242

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A NEW EPISODE came out and we all learned so much! Available NOW, wherever you get your podcasts, this week, we're delving into Androids 17 and 18 and as usual, attempting to decipher why they were created and how they turned out the way they did. finalforumpodcast.podbean.com/e/androids-1...

The Z fighters come up against their worst threat ever...TEENAGERS.

Senzu don't work on viruses
A couple notes on Android 17 solo as well as his personality and his interactions with Goku
A few notes on Android 18 as her own character including her being platinum blonde
Torishima's push to create these characters and his reaction and disappointment in their creation
The sleuthing skills of Von at Manga Barcelona in December 2025 and her discovery from Toriyama's long-time assistant Takashia Matsuyama as to the involvement of Toriyama's wife in the creation of Androids 17 and 18
Toriyama's thoughts on 17 and 18 as time went on
Possible inspiration points behind Androids 17 and 18, reminding listeners of Toriyama's use of punk and visual kei in the past
The emergence of a darker version of visual kei, known as Nagoya Kei with Silver Rose and Kuroyume
B'z, Japan's highest-selling musical artist of all-time
and more: some general pop culture, trivia, and editorializing, as usual

173

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I lost access to a large stockpile of memes (and a lot of other stuff) recently, as well as some personal and professional setbacks. Trying to get it all back together as I regroup, but enjoy some Friday Funny chuckles courtesy of Dragon Ball meeting The Good Place.

A meme of Yamcha from DBZ combined with a moment from NBC's The Good Place

031

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

For Throwback Thursday, here's a clip from S3, E16, where we discussed Kami in great detail. Make sure to subscribe to the show and check out full-length episodes! finalforumpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-71...

043

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Throwback Thursday to our full-length commentary on Dragon Ball movie 3: Mystical Adventure (s3, e10) where we talked a little bit about the setting for the film, the Mifan Empire. Check out the clip, subscribe to the show, and peep the full episode: finalforumpodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-65...

031

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

What could be more threatening than *checks notes* an elderly man and a porcelain doll?!?!? Wait....what? Join Final Forum: A Dragon Ball Podcast as we dig into Androids 19 and 20, and the inspirations behind their characters on an ALL-NEW episode, available NOW wherever you get your podcasts!

What could be more threatening than *checks notes* an elderly man and a porcelain doll?!?!? Wait....what?

Join Jelli and Bekinney as they continue breaking down Akira Toriyama's worldwide manga and anime phenomenon Dragon Ball Z by looking at episodes 126 through 130, "The Androids Appear," "A Handy Trick," "Double Trouble for Goku," "Upgrade to Super Saiyan," and "The Secret of Dr. Gero." We get into the Android Saga proper, and discuss Androids 19 and 20.

In this episode:

Vegeta's transformation to Super Saiyan and how it is the mirror of Goku's
Akira Toriyama's challenge from Kazuhiko Torishima to create different villains for this arc
Android 19
Traditional Turkish clothing and its significance in Ottoman history, including its roots as religiously important and into its post WWI meanings
Traditional Japanese dolls
Okiagiri-koboshi dolls or basically Weebles
Gosho dolls and their importance to Japanese culture
Karakuri dolls, early automata that are puppets without strings
Android 20
Gero Jeh-roh, Guh-roh...ruh-roh
Vomit
Gero's visual similarities to Albert Einstein, Christopher Lloyd as Emmet Brown in Back to the Future, Dr. Wily from the Mega Man franchise, Victor Frankentsein, and Dr. Rotwang from Metropolis
Gero's stunning and uncanny resemblance to the Greek general Theodoros Kolokotronis
and more, including some general pop culture, trivia, and editorializing, as usual

051

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Aside from Dragon Ball, I have been a Godzilla fan since I was 3.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Same here. Kinda obviously, being a DB pod and all.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

That's kinda the point of Dragon Ball. There's always someone stronger and better so you have to keep pushing and improving and be better than you were yesterday.

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

EVERY capitalist venture is undertaken by AWFUL people. Every product we use is "made" by slavers and abusers. It's no surprise a DBZ theme park is coming from a country that ROUTINELY violates human rights. I just wish the news wouldn't infantilize Saudi leadership like they're cute silly weebs.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

...everything Toriyama ever wrote. He wanted a sprawling, open, fun, adventurous world where there was always "a next time" and History of Trunks is compact, resolute, and FINAL feeling. I genuinely dig it (at least I remember that I do) but as a one-off, not a roadmap for more things like it.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A big part of the reason it works is also why I wouldn't want to see a lot more like it: It's not really like Dragon Ball at all. The characters are there, but it's darker in tone, style, and approach. There's almost no humor and there are too many FINITE consequences. It's antithetical to...

110

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

"Japan" doesn't own the rights. Bird Studios and Shueisha own the underlying IP rights, and license them out. I'm sure a key player in this development has the license to make a theme park, or they wouldn't announce spending $7B to build one, because they'd get slapped with a C&D.

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This is not a drill. On an ALL-NEW Final Forum, DBZ's best episode: Goku's Ordeal aka The Driving Episode. We talk about the history of roadways and traffic laws in Japan, and a VERY SPECIAL SURPRISE towards the end of the episode. NOW, wherever you get your podcasts! tinyurl.com/dbdriver

The greatest filler episode in anime history PLUS: A very special surprise. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?!?!?!

Join Jelli and Bekinney as they continue breaking down Akira Toriyama's worldwide manga and anime phenomenon Dragon Ball Z by looking at episodes 124 and 125: "Z Warriors Prepare," and "Goku's Ordeal." As we take a look at perhaps the greatest filler episode in anime history.

In this episode:

The best episode of DBZ. Periodt.
Details about Japan's traffic and road history
Statistics about car ownership in Japan
The explosion of paved roadways in Japan from 1950 to 1965
The commensurate explosion in traffic accidents and fatalities over this time period
PSAs: what are they, and why were they a thing
Our super special surprise!
and more, including some general pop culture, trivia, and editorializing, as usual
Join us as we continue to uncover the cultural meanings, publication facts, inspirations and more behind the wildly popular Dragon Ball franchise.

061

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Was traveling yesterday so Sneak Peek SMonday it is...tomorrow (8/25) we'll be dropping our discussion of one of Dragon Ball's greatest episodes: Goku's Ordeal (where Goku attempts to get his driver's license) Here's a clip. Keep your eyes on your podcast feed for the full episode. It's a FUN one!

032

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

This unassuming little place is one of my favorite spots in San Antonio. It’s called Ray’s Drive In and they make the San Antonio signature food: puffy tacos. I’m here for Kamehacon and getting to meet s DBZ peeps, but the tacos are absolutely a bonus. #food

Historic Ray’s Drive In in San Antonio, TX

010

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

The more traction our socials get and the more comments and DMs we get, I feel this harder and harder

020

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Start at the beginning! I know a good podcast that you can listen to along the way as well... (hint, hint)

static.klipy.com

Woman's Surprised Wink

ALT: Woman's Surprised Wink

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Well, if you ever wanna learn about the cultural references and history behind the show, I know a good podcast....(It's this one)

010

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Friday Funny Not exactly how it goes down, but Bulma DOES kinda hit on Trunks when they first meet.

031

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

…in fact: the series was re-branded as Z because Kazuhiko Torishima (Toriyama’s first editor) thought its popularity wasn’t increasing enough despite changes to the tone and anim style. He figured audiences would want to check out this “new” show. He was obviously right.

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

As a host of a DB podcast, I obviously advocate for watching it ALL but I REALLY advocate for starting at LEAST with King Piccolo, because towards the end of it, the series REALLY starts to feel like Z, and skipping it is skipping some TOP TIER stuff…

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Throwback Thursday. Back when we got into the Piccolo Junior Arc, we discussed the significance of Goku's appearance when he shows up for the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. Enjoy this clip from that episode (S3, E14, "23rd Tenkaichi Budokai Begins") and make sure to subscribe to the show!

011

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

wtf Wednesday. For only $3,000, you could own this shocking (shocked?) Broly.

A figure of Broly from Dragon Ball Z with a stunningly bad expression, on sale for $3,000.

130

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I want to do a "translations" episode some day for our show and this guy is kind of a big reason why. Kuririn might be "right" but I still think it might be romanized as Krillin even today. It's one of the more interesting ones to debate

020

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

I like Jiren BECAUSE he's plain and boring, which I realize is dumb, but Dragon Ball has a BIG rogues gallery with LOTS of colorful and memorable foes who have some wild plans... ...and then this guy who's just a bland slab of gray alien who doesn't even really care about ANYTHING aside from "power"

010

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

...This stuff is all over the early DBZ arcs to get this point across...and instead of understanding it and moving on, the fandom has spent the decades arguing about whose power level was what number at various times.

010

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

YES! So few people get that. Goku and Piccolo were both weaker than Raditz. Everyone was weaker than Vegeta. Everyone was weaker than Frieza. Ginyu couldn't get Goku's body to put out the full power it was capable of...

110

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

The OG DBZ narrator, Dale Kelly, brought these bands into these movies. He was friendly with them and their managers from his time as a radio DJ and got them to provide the music for a cut of the residuals, with the idea being to put together soundtracks like Hollywood movies did in those days.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Toriyama designed Cooler. And the Cooler Armored Squadron. And the colors as well.

Toriyama's sketches for Cooler and his final form

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

It is an interesting concept but being thrown-in with no single-player mode and just IMMEDIATELY being in matches with people who had been playing the game for a while, and were screaming at me to take certain actions when I hadn't even figured out the controls yet made me quit playing it fast.

010

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Goku and Bulma?!?! It Almost Happened... In this clip from Season 3, Episode 15, we touch on the proliferation of love angles in the story right around the time it hit the transition between OG Dragon Ball and DBZ. Check out the clip below, and the full episode wherever you get your podcasts!

021

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Luckily for DB fans (and podcasters) Goku’s specific goal is simply to be better today than he was yesterday so there’s no end to the story’s potential to continue.

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

We have a whole podcast dedicated to unraveling the way Toriyama played with JTTW (and Japanese culture in general) in Dragon Ball. So: nobody you’ve ever HEARD OF does it 😜

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

…thinking of new det about Dragon Ball, just for fun. I think it’s overblown to say he wanted to end it any more at any specific point than at any other. He just didn’t like working. But he liked creating. There’s no proof he specifically wanted to end it at Frieza, for whatever that’s worth, btw.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

He wanted to retire after Dr Slump, so it’s possible, but at the same time, he r actually loved creating and telling stories and the amount of little details he’d put into guidebooks after Z originally ended kind of prove that. He just didn’t like working FOR a publisher. But he was always…

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Oh for sure. He said in interviews that any criticism he ever received just made him do the thing he was being criticized about even more. It would definitely take me some time to find the specific interview, but I’ve read it and remember chuckling at that admission.

110

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Unlikely he had any idea what DBZ was at the time. Deftones let a friend use their music for a movie soundtrack. DBZ was a small thing that barely turned a profit in the US at the time. The bands all agreed to be paI’d almost entirely on residuals because Funimation couldn’t afford their usual fees

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The guy who made the decision is more honest about the….crassness(?) behind the decision: He wanted to give DBZ a secondary revenue stream. The idea was to sell soundtracks with name bands on the disc to entice buyers like was commonly done for a lot of movies at the time.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The story skewing a bit more playful in the era of Super and beyond is Toriyama’s doing, and I bet he did it in part BECAUSE the art style didn’t match. He loved contradictions and opposites. He also loved making people mad so he’d take “I’m not a fan of the art,” as a compliment.

110

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

…You can always come up with head canon or a narrative explanatio; I’m more interested in WHY Toriyama did something (if we can glea that from interviews and such) than what the story logic is.

000

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I’m unsure about that. I’m less into the “lore” than a great many people, and probably less than one would expect from a person who runs a Dragon Ball podcast…but that is just not an area of discussion I personally find very interesting...

100

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

What happens when the most evil man alive is revealed to just have Daddy issues? No, this episode isn't about Donald Trump; we're talking about Frieza and the revelations that he's a nepo-baby. In our BRAND-NEW episode available NOW wherever you get your podcasts! tinyurl.com/nepofrieza

Mecha Frieza from Dragon Ball Z
Join Jelli and Bekinney as they continue breaking down Akira Toriyama's worldwide manga and anime phenomenon Dragon Ball Z by looking at episodes 118 through 123: "Frieza' Counterattack," "The Mysterious Youth," "Another Super Saiyan?" "Welcome Back Goku," "Mystery Revealed, and "Goku's Special Technique." As we begin the Androids Saga. We discuss nepotism's history in Japan and get into cybernetic enhancements, such as they are in 2026.

In this episode:

Jelli and Bekinney are ...back?
A very good-looking batch of episodes
Bulma's underrated look
Gohan's tutor and the meaning behind his name
King Cold and what he represents
Nepotism's history in Japan, with the imperial lineage tracing its way back 2600 years, lines of patriarchal succession in the Edo Period, and the continued heritage of "political families" in Japan even in the post-war era
Toriyama's potential social commentary, but also his potential inspiration points such as Star Wars, the Six Million Dollar Man, and the kaiju film Gorgo
Mecha-Frieza's possible design inspirations from DC's Cyborg and Marvel's Deathlok
How this trope has influenced other storytellers moving forward, including, possibly, Star Wars
A brief history of mecha and cyborgs in kaiju cinema including Gigan, Mechagodzilla, and Zone Fighter
A discussion of cybernetic appendages and their use in the modern world
A reminder that current-day cyborg technology is not as cool as it seems in fiction
and more, including some general pop culture, trivia, and editorializing, as usual

162

Final Forum Podcast @finalforumpod.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Friday Funny for when you try to offer support, but suck at being supportive.

011