
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Total monthly reach
Estimated from 7 chart positions in 7 markets.
By chart position
- 🇺🇸US · Video Games#1435K to 30K
- 🇦🇺AU · Video Games#1965K to 30K
- 🇮🇳IN · Video Games#1801K to 10K
- 🇬🇷GR · Video Games#3710K to 30K
- 🇳🇿NZ · Video Games#112500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
11K to 55K🎙 ~2x weekly·37 episodes·Last published 5d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
23K to 109K🇺🇸28%🇦🇺28%🇬🇷28%+4 more - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
9K to 44K
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
Recent episodes
Who is Maleficent?
Jun 7, 2026
Unknown duration
What are Summons?
May 31, 2026
Unknown duration
Where is Neverland?
May 24, 2026
Unknown duration
What is a JRPG? with Matt Gosper
May 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Who is Jiminy Cricket?
May 10, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7/26 | ![]() Who is Maleficent? | It’s her, it’s she: the Mistress of All Evil! Sometimes, in a story as complicated as Kingdom Hearts, you need a villain who’s just in it for the vibes, y’know? And Maleficent is willing to curse a girl’s entire life just because she wasn’t invited to her birthday party, so she easily fits the bill. But just because it’s easy to describe her motivations doesn’t mean they’re any less biting: her presence looms large over the entire KH series, reaching as far back as the Age of Fairytales and into the future as we look forward to KH4. Her goals are Simple and Clean, but that doesn’t mean “good!”Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 5/31/26 | ![]() What are Summons? | Although there’s plenty of friendly faces on the list of Summons that appear in Kingdom Hearts, the mechanic itself is never quite as impactful as its Final Fantasy counterpart. When a mechanic that started as begging the Gods for aid is reduced to Just Another Little Guy, it makes a whole game system feel small... Are the Summons worth seeing, even if you’ve got other flashier toys in your toy box?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 5/24/26 | ![]() Where is Neverland? | Second star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning - today we’re talking about Neverland and all things Peter Pan! The flighty boy who stands in our culture as a symbol of a refusal to come of age, sure, we all had crushes on Peter as kids (...right?). But Peter only glances lightly through the KH story, and while Neverland does contain one of the most moving moments in Sora’s journey when he gains the power of flight, we can’t help but feel like there might have been more to glean here… especially as concerns Wendy, whose character themes are heavily reflected in the stories of the young women in KH’s cast. If we can’t bring ourselves to see Peter in any sort of negative light, how can this coming-of-age story ever grow up?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 5/17/26 | ![]() What is a JRPG? with Matt Gosper | We’re joined by game critic Matt Gosper (host of kindred podcast Trails Through Trails) to answer a really tough one: What is a JRPG? So much more than just “an RPG made in Japan,” it’s a genre of games with dense, expansive storytelling, crunchy stats-based gameplay, gorgeous visuals, a rich cultural & technological history, and a long legacy of burrowing deep into the hearts of its fans. It’s never been the most popular genre, but its impact on modern games & stories is undeniable. And then, we attempt to answer the most important question: Is Kingdom Hearts one of them?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Matt Gosper- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 5/10/26 | ![]() Who is Jiminy Cricket? | Conscience, chronicler, and constant companion: today we’re covering Jiminy Cricket! Set adrift from his homeworld, his charge lost to the belly of a space whale, Jiminy takes on a new quest: recording the story of the Keyblade wielders as they battle Xehanort and the forces of Darkness. Though he may not say much in cutscenes, as the keeper of the Journal (which you often need to “complete” in order to unlock secrets) he is a constant presence along Sora’s path - moreso than Donald & Goofy sometimes! Shouldn’t it really be, Sora, Donald, Goofy & Jiminy, exclusively in that order?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 5/3/26 | ![]() Where are Monstro & Prankster’s Paradise? | As the second movie in their catalog, Disney’s Pinocchio lays the groundwork for a lot of Disney’s works yet to come, and since its release its characters & images have transcended their origins to become iconic pieces of the wider Disney tapestry. Is that why pieces of Pinocchio’s world are scattered all across the Kingdom Hearts universe, but it took until the 7th game of the series to see the actual place he comes from? Jiminy’s here, Pinocchio’s there, Monstro’s floating out in space… We’re jumping around a little bit in this episode, but we got no strings to hold us down!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 4/26/26 | ![]() What is Magic? | Kingdom Hearts is made up of all of the things sitting in the middle of the Venn diagram between “Disney” and “Final Fantasy,” and written in bold text & underlined right in the center is the word “MAGIC.” But what do these two radically different sources mean when they each say “magic?” Well, one is a rigorous system of codified elemental effects… and one is a vibe where a dream is a wish your heart makes. And then also, something else about keys? Okay, gang, how are we gonna make this work?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 4/19/26 | ![]() Where is Wonderland? | Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are colorful, whimsical, surreal, delightful… heck, they’re positively frabjous! Sora’s adventures there? Decidedly more contained. Today we’re discussing the Kingdom Hearts level based on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland - specifically a pretty small, boxed-in section of it. There’s so much thematic harmony between Alice’s journey through Wonderland and Sora’s through the KH universe - the way both come of age, balk against systems impressed upon them by adults and attempt to find their own agency and truth… But does this level of the game serve those themes justice? Or, much like Victorian-era children, is Alice’s world pushed to the margins in favor of Other Business?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 4/12/26 | ![]() How Is Kingdom Hearts Metatextual? with Aysha Farah | Game writer and narrative designer Aysha Farah tumbles down the rabbit hole with us to talk all about metatextuality in game narratives. As a medium that fundamentally includes an element of the player’s control of the narrative, video games are a fascinating way to explore our relationships to storytelling - and the way Kingdom Hearts relies on its own nature, re-contextualizing versions of some of the most classic stories in our cultural canon, captivates and enthralls us. How did one scene where Sora watched himself falling out of the sky influence Aysha’s own work in games?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Aysha Farah- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 4/5/26 | ![]() Where is Twilight Town? | Twilight Town is a bustling burb bathed perpetually in a perfect orange glow, and don’t you just want to watch that sunset on that clocktower forever? The halfway point on the Twilight Road to Nightfall (and the Road to Dawn), a story about the interplay between the forces of Light and Darkness revels in the enormous and deep story moments they’re able to tell in this otherwise sleepy-looking place. It’s a town so beautiful, we wish we could stay there forever… but it’s also a place where the shadows begin to lengthen, foretelling the dangers yet to come. It’s also got tons of sidequests, crevices, and hidden treasures to explore - perfect for a teenager coming of age and his best friends! If you’re planning on going, grab us a sea-salt ice cream, would you?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
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| 3/29/26 | ![]() How Does Combat Feel In Kingdom Hearts? with Julian Mundy | We put the controller in the talented hands of artist, podcaster and game connoisseur Julian Mundy for a deep look at KH’s combat. We know the story is deep, the characters are rich and the aesthetics are iconic, but how does it actually feel to play the Kingdom Hearts games? As one of the primary modes of interaction with the object itself, each game’s combat mechanics contribute so much to shaping the player’s experience. What feeling does each game’s combat try to convey? What’s up with that weird battle menu? What makes the games so fun to play - even when they can be so frustrating at the same time? Plus, hear how their love of Kingdom Hearts helped two kids build a lifelong friendship, strong even when they’re far apart.Check out this awesome custom keyblade design that Julian drew just for us!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Julian Mundy- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 3/22/26 | ![]() What's The Latest Kingdom Hearts News & Rumors? #1 | Kingdom Hearts has always flown in the eye of a swirling storm of rumors. It’s been a part of the fandom going back as long as we can remember - and honestly, to a certain extent, that’s probably how the game devs want it! But with wild rumors come wild (and even sometimes impossible) runaway expectations. In the first half, we’ll examine the role of the KH rumor mill in our beloved community: How much of a rumor mill is fun and healthy? And when does passion become poison? And in the back half, we’ll take a look at the latest rumor across the transom: is a KH1 Remake secretly on its way? Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 3/15/26 | ![]() What If Kingdom Hearts Was A TV Show? with Caldwell Tanner | We welcome writer, illustrator, YouTube artist & podcaster Caldwell Tanner onto the pod to pour over the unaired Kingdom Hearts animatic pilot! Hot on the heels of the release of the first game, Disney ordered the creation of a pilot episode for a potential KH animated series. But in 2003, anime and Japanese media had not quite taken hold in the US - and so unlike the games which take so many cues from anime, this pilot leans in a decidedly Disney direction. How do these choices stand up 20 years on? What might we change, now that anime is slightly more mainstream among Western audiences? And what other juicy details can Caldwell give us from working inside the Disney animation machine himself?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Caldwell Tanner- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 3/8/26 | ![]() Are Ya Winnin’ Son? with David Tilstra #3 | The son returns! Game master and podcaster David Tilstra’s back, and boy is he winnin’ son! David had high praise for the first Kingdom Hearts game even though it’s been over 20 years since its release. So, rather than squander that goodwill on a card-based battle system, Mayanna’s brought him right to the good stuff: Kingdom Hearts 2. What’s David’s favorite new world? What does he think about the changes to combat, exploration, the Gummi Ship, and more? Have the lessons continued to resonate for an adult finding the series for the first time? Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: David Tilstra- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 3/1/26 | ![]() What's Up with Kingdom Hearts Merch? | As passionate fans of a media property, sometimes all you want is to be able to display that love in your house, or on your body to others. But for Kingdom Hearts fans, the search for cool merchandise was a long and often fruitless one for many years. The merch landscape has changed drastically in the years since Kingdom Hearts first released, and where in our childhoods we often had to resort to homemade stuff, in 2026 there’s thankfully a plethora of options to wear your KH love on your sleeve. What is the role of merchandise in fandom? And what is it about little plastic guys that means so much to Mayanna?Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 2/22/26 | ![]() What is a Gummi Ship? | The epic quest of Kingdom Hearts takes Sora, Donald, and Goofy through space, hopping from world to world. But how are they like, physically doing it? Enter the Gummi Ship, the blockiest ride since the Scion xB. The Gummi Ship is a staple feature of the major console installments, giving these big marquee games a sense of size and scale that handheld consoles simply can’t contain while also giving the game’s biggest opportunity for customization… even if the Gummi Ship Builder is pretty clunky. It’s also one feature of the games that gets a major overhaul every time it appears - from a slow-moving obstacle to fun in KH1, to an adrenaline-fueled bullet-hell in KH2, to a wide-open space to explore in KH3. So we gotta ask, after all this iteration… is the Gummi Ship fun?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 2/15/26 | ![]() What Happens in Kingdom Hearts 2 (2005)? with Oscar Montoya | It’s bigger, it’s badder, it’s popping off all over the place!! Kingdom Hearts 2 attempts to expand upon its predecessor in every fathomable direction. Sora, Riku & Kairi are back and have never looked better, Jack Sparrow’s weirdly-more-realistic face is oddly endearing, Mulan and Tifa and Tron and Yuna Rikku & Payne (it’s showtime girls) are all here, and not only is Mickey Mouse fully in the game but he’s PLAYABLE! We’re dual-wielding keyblades, we’re fighting epic bosses with custom in-battle cutscene moves… Even the Gummi Ship is fun now?? No wonder the fandom widely considers this the best game of the series. The only way we’re going to properly react to it all is to bring back our OG recapper and good friend Oscar Montoya to laugh, cry, gasp & gag along with us.For an even deeper dive, check out this edit of MC Chris’ “KHII vs RE4” rant, which has been stuck in Mischa’s head for over 20 years. (Warning: it’s rough. It’s a 20-year-old Internet comedy video.)Sponsors- Neighborhood House, support communities built by immigrants & refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Oscar Montoya- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 2/8/26 | ![]() Who is Axel? | He may wield the element of fire, but Axel might just be the coolest character in this (or indeed, any) game series! Long red spiky hair, piercing green eyes, a smirk that makes teens swoon, and a heart that literally grows in front of your very eyes… no wonder Saïx can’t get over him. Step with us through the story as Axel goes from fun-loving street teen to wild scheming assassin - and then, somehow, despite enormous odds, back again. And now that he’s got his heart back, along with a Keyblade and a set of solid friends at his back, where might his next quest take him in future games?Sponsors- Neighborhood House, support communities built by immigrants & refugees on St. Paul’s West Side for over 128 years. Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 2/1/26 | ![]() Where is Hollow Bastion / Radiant Garden? | Where once shone a beacon of light among the many worlds, now stands an empty fortress upon a shattered landscape. Its inner workings, once dedicated to the betterment of all through the study of science and magic, are now twisted to suit Xehanort’s dark schemes, leaving a gaping wound in the skin of the world. Can those who were forced to flee the Hollow Bastion return, and restore it to its former glory? With all it’s been through, can the hearts of those who love it make the Radiant Garden shine again?Sponsors- Whittier Alliance, a neighborhood group providing support to families impacted by ICE kidnappingsCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 1/25/26 | ![]() What is Organization XIII? With Julia Schifini | We welcome our friend Julia Schifini aboard to get a rundown of Organization XIII, the meanest mugs this side of the Dark Meridian. We’ll get the lowdown on their plan (replacing the hearts they once gave up for dark powers), we’ll break down the stats all 14 members (yes, that’s right), we’ll learn how this motley crew works together (and how they don’t), and maybe we’ll learn where they all get those rad dark coats (they’re very expensive). We’ll also take a good look at what the Kingdom Hearts fandom looked like back in Julia’s day, and we’ll learn how to spell the name of her very own Org-sona. Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Julia Schifini- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 1/18/26 | ![]() Who is Roxas? | As Sora’s Nobody, Roxas has a lot to live up to. He’s got responsibilities at work, he’s got a mysterious destiny he never asked for, he’s figuring out what emotions are, and he’s got no memories of who he used to be, even though everyone else seems to know him. All he wants is to sit on the clocktower in Twilight Town, and eat sea-salt ice cream with his friends! Can we just let a boy have friends or what?? Can Xemnas & DiZ ever just leave him alone? And if he has to give his body back to Sora to save the universe, how will Roxas ever make it to the beach for summer vacation?Sponsors- GFW Clothing, button-up shirts for all bodies. Use the code “SIMPLE12” for 12% off your first order!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 1/11/26 | ![]() Where is Deep Jungle? | Deep Jungle, based on Disney’s Tarzan, is such a vast and exciting world in the first Kingdom Hearts game, one that really shows off what their level design could do… which was then legally barred from ever being mentioned in a KH game again. In a game series built on the backs of bedraggled and sleepless IP lawyers working out how all these properties can work together, how did Tarzan become the most convoluted example? Was one appearance enough for us?Sponsors- Cornbread Hemp, USDA-certified organic CBD products grown in Kentucky. Use code “simpleandclean” for 25% off your order at cornbreadhemp.comCredits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 1/4/26 | ![]() What is a Nobody? | Welcome to the new year - what some might consider our “Year of the Nobody.” And so we really needed to get this one out of the way early! A remnant of the body left behind when the heart falls to darkness, Nobodies are a new enemy type for Kingdom Hearts 2, sure… but as they can retain their form and memories after the transition, the term “Nobodies” encompasses many crucial characters to come as well. What does this change of nature mean for the dynamics between these characters? What does someone without a heart do, in a game where “Hearts” is literally in the name? What do they want… and is there any chance they could have gotten it in a less cruel and evil fashion - simply by chilling perhaps?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 12/14/25 | ![]() Who is Naminé? | The colorful and cartoonish aesthetic of Kingdom Hearts masks some deep tragedies - and perhaps none suffers underneath bright streaks of color more than Naminé. She’s a sketchbook-wielding "witch" with the power to change the hearts of those closest to Sora, born an anomaly among anomalies, imprisoned as the villains’ plaything, and convinced of some of the worst lies Nobodies tell themselves… because for her, in her unique situation, they might just be true. She’s also an icon for indoor kids everywhere, and her impact on the major players of the KH story is felt long after she leaves the board. Is she only ever meant to manipulate others, cursed to be a tool for evil or good but never for herself? Or can she find her way to a tranquil beach she’s never seen, but one that her heart still remembers?Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
| 12/7/25 | ![]() What Happens in Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories Reverse/Rebirth (2004)? | While Sora struggles against the machinations of the Organization in the floors above, Riku climbs his way out of his own personal darkness in the basement of Castle Oblivion in Reverse/Rebirth, the secret second half of Chain of Memories. Where Sora’s journey is about the lies others tell him, Riku’s journey is more about the lies he tells himself. But luckily, in this game he’s got King Mickey by his side (and finally in a Kingdom Hearts game for realsies!), so not even whatever the hell the cryptic DiZ is up to can keep him from eventually finding the right path.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Music: “Sunset Dew” by Lupus Nocte- A member of Multitude- Support us on PatreonAbout UsSimple and Clean is a show where hosts Mischa Stanton and Mayanna Berrin (and friends) talk about Kingdom Hearts, a little video game franchise about really big feelings. We attempt to unravel how this deceptively expansive game series has touched an entire generation of deeply earnest weirdos - and along the way, we may realize that what we’re talking about might not be just a video game, but a whole lot more. Never heard of Kingdom Hearts? That’s okay! We’re here to break it down for you, explain why we love it, and hopefully to convince you that this weird little story deserves a place in your heart. Join us as we discuss the plot, characters, world building, music, fashion, fanbase, and societal impact of a thing that by all means, probably shouldn’t even exist. New episodes every Sunday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
8 placements across 7 markets.
Chart Positions
8 placements across 7 markets.

























