Simple and Clean: A Kingdom Hearts Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

GAWRSH! The final pillar of the core Kingdom Hearts trinity, Goofy & his trusty shield are often the grounding force for Sora and Donald, the voice of reason and honest virtue to balance their impulsivity. But is that really in line with his characterization in wider Disney media? It may have more to do with his status as the only real fatherly presence among the core Disney cast… which is why we spend an inordinate amount of time in this episode talking about his relationship with his son, Max. A-hyuck!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.

How could the distillation of every dark thought a person’s ever had be so… cute? The Heartless may be the manifestation of evil, but they’re also a part of the natural ecology of the Kingdom Hearts universe. The only problem, it seems, is when the hubris of man throws the natural ecology out of balance - sounding familiar? We’ll take a look at the different types of Heartless, where they come from, and why they do what they do, as well as calling out a few of our faves.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.

We can show you the world: shining, shimmering, splendid… Today we’re covering that desert jewel, that diamond in the rough, the world of Agrabah from the movie Aladdin. Its vast rolling dunes hide deep and rare magical secrets… but is it enough to make the world feel full for the video game? Is Agrabah an entire Cave of Wonders, or merely a place that’s flat and immense, where the heat is intense? Either way, as long as Genie’s still hanging out there, count us in!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.

Let’s get our feet wet! We’re talking about Donald Duck, that famously-hotheaded waterfowl from the core Disney cast. Because of his notable temper you might expect Donald to be placed in more of a melee-berserker role in the game… but as it turns out, Donald means much more to the makers of Kingdom Hearts than we may consider here in the West. Why does Donald get such a spotlight? Is there more to his contentious relationship with Sora than the games might imply? And where did a duck learn Zettaflare, one of the most powerful spells of the Square Enix Extended Universe?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.

You’d be forgiven for thinking a game that came out on a handheld console in between numbered installments is just a simple side game, easily ignored. Unfortunately, you’d be dead wrong! Today we’re covering the plot of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, a deckbuilding action game for the Game Boy Advance, with one hell of an impact on the wider KH story. As Sora & friends climb the many floors of Castle Oblivion, their memories laying before them like an open book, a mysterious force known then only as “The Organization” rolls up the sleeves of their cool black coats and gets elbow-deep in there to mess things around - and along the way, introduces an absolute trove of characters, whose staying power in the series (much like Larxene’s sick-ass lightning attacks) may shock you.Sponsors- Dispatch, a superhero workplace comedy game where choices matter. Pick it up now for PC or PS5!- 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.

We welcome filmmaker, podcaster & avid gamer David Tilstra back to the show to check back in on his KH progress! Some of the biggest twists, the baddest fights, and the best story beats happen in the back half of Kingdom Hearts 1 - how do they stack up against David’s expectations from Disney, other games, and storytelling in general? How many times did it take him to finally beat Riku? And what’s he looking forward to from the rest of the series?Sponsors- Dispatch, a superhero workplace comedy game where choices matter. Pick it up now for PC or PS5!- 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.

Few intellectual properties are as well-protected as the iconic Disney Princesses™. So how did this quirky little game handle having so many all at once? Enter: the “Princesses of Heart,” a translation of the cultural weight of those princesses (and also Alice) into the Kingdom Hearts cosmology. Who made the cut? Who else was left on the bench? And why don’t they ever make eye contact with each other? It’s kind of weird, actually.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.

As your world is crumbling to pieces all around you, and you fall into unknown depths of pure darkness… if you’re very lucky, you may find yourself deposited onto the gaslamp-lit streets of a cozy little haven. Today we’re talking about Traverse Town, the first hub world of Kingdom Hearts - packed tight with little shops, therapy dogs, and anything else you might need on your way through to worlds beyond, all who need shelter may call this place home, for however long they need it. (Which, y’know, might be a little less time overall, if Sora would quit goofing around and get to Keyblading already!)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.

Recording artist Pom Pom Squad - aka Mia Berrin, Mayanna’s younger sister - hops into the booth to gush with us about the music of Kingdom Hearts. A complex & mature score for what is purportedly a game for children, full of rich character details for a sprawling ensemble, the score of these games manage to weave together some of the most well-known musical themes of all time, original compositions and motifs whose beauty rivals the masters of classical Western music, iconic J-pop anthems, and mid-2000s-era video game technology into tracks that still get stuck in our heads to this day. We also got Mia’s thoughts on video game music as a whole from the professional music-maker’s side, as well as some more of that delicious Berrin family lore.Sponsors- Insert Coin - where you can get 10% off with code “SIMPLEANDCLEAN” at insertcoinclothing.com!Credits- Created & hosted by: Mischa Stanton & Mayanna Berrin- Guest: Pom Pom Squad- 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.