Life Lessons: The Gintama Manga Cast
By Colton Solem
Life Lessons: The Gintama Manga CastFeb 07, 2018
Episode Live Action - Jiro Sato is a Gift
What Happened to the Podcast and What’s to Come in 2018?
Episode 59 - Planet High Speed
Jumpin' Ahead Episode 4 - Be Forever Yorozuya
Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!
On this episode though, instead of an arc from the series, we discuss the 2nd Gintama movie from 2013, Be Forever Yorozuya, also known as the “Final Chapter” of the Gintama anime. We discuss not only our general thoughts on the movie, but also discuss the difference between watching it nowadays after more anime has obviously been produced since then as opposed to when it was actually relevant at the time of release. Is Be Forever Yorozuya really a good Gintama movie, or does it fall flat due to certain limitations even with contribution from Hideaki Sorachi himself!? Be sure to listen and find out! Enoy!
Jumpin' Ahead Episode 3 - Courtesan of a Nation
Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!
On this episode, we discuss Episodes 257 to 261 of the anime (Chapters 386 to 399), aka the Courtesan of a Nation arc. This is the most dense arc we discuss yet! We discuss different aspects such as how grand of a scale the events of this arc compare to arcs before it, how much info dump there can be at times, and Colton’s arguement for “White Knight” and why he thinks it works as a contextual localization of Gin’s war alias. Enjoy!
Spoiler warning for listeners who only follow the manga through Life Lessons!!
Jumpin' Ahead Episode 2 - Kintama
Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time!
On this episode, we discuss Episodes 253 to 256 of the anime (Chapters 372 to 380), aka the Kintama arc. We discuss everything from the exploration of Gintoki as a character using Kintoki as a device as such, to Colton’s attachment to this arc in particular. Enjoy!
Spoiler warning for listeners who only follow the manga through Life Lessons!!
Jumpin' Ahead Episode 1 - Thorny Arc
Welcome to our new mini podcast entitled “Jumpin’ Ahead“, where Colton jumps ahead of where Life Lessons is in the manga to discuss significant story arcs that aren’t officially translated by Viz with Jon (LeitungVG), who has just seen these arcs for the first time! On this episode, we discuss Episodes 244 to 247 of the anime (Chapters 365 to 370), otherwise known as the Thorny arc (or Baragaki). We discuss what Jon thinks of this arc in general, including some of the new characters introduced, Gin’s role in the arc, and his thoughts on Hijikata as a character up to this point. Enjoy!
Spoiler warning for listeners who are only as far into the series as Life Lessons is!!
Episode 58 - Shingeki no Macamademia
On this episode of Life Lessons, we celebrate our (late) 4th anniversary with special guest, Josh Dunham, from Senpai Coast to Coast and Wave Motion Cannon, as we start off the show with a lot of small talk, including the results of our first podcast survey and even an email from a listener (guess who). Afterwards, we discuss Chapters 85 and 86 during our double manga recap, in which we recount a romantic tale of Shinpachi’s encounter with a lovely cat-eared girl on the train ride home. We also discuss Lessons 85 and 86 during our Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison of Episodes 34 and 35 of the anime. Topics of discussion for this episode include the urban legend of the Densha Otoko (Train Man) of which this arc parodies, critique of both the humor what direction this story could or should have went in, and more of Josh and Colton’s terrible in-jokes.
Special thanks to all of our listeners and recurring contributors for making 4 years of this podcast possible! Only one more year until our 5th anniversary!!
0:00:00 Introduction/Small talk
0:13:24 About Densha Otoko
Episode 57 - Beetle Tendency
On this episode of Life Lessons, we are joined by returning special guest Japanese history enthusiast and professional Canadian, Niente de Nada, along with brand new special guest Jonathan, aka LeitungVG on Twitter. After Jonathan discusses some thoughts on his first watch of Gintama, we hop into the Manga Recaps of both Chapters 83 and 84, in which the Odd Jobs trio run into the Shinsengumi once again, this time while hunting for beetles!! Afterwards, we discuss both chapter titles during the Life Lessons segment, followed by an Anime/Manga Comparison segment discussing Episode 65 of the anime. Topics of discussion for this episode include topical sumo wrestling politics circa 2005, beetle collecting as it relates to Japanese culture, and the ever popular arcade and trading card game franchise known as Mushiking!!
Tune in next episode when we'll be having special guest, Josh Dunham, founder of Wave Motion Cannon, to discuss the Train Samurai arc for our 4th anniversary of the podcast!
0:00:00 Introduction/Jon's thoughts on Gintama thus far
0:25:19 Manga Recap: Chapter 83
1:02:53 Manga Recap: Chapter 84
1:46:55 Life Lessons 83 & 84
2:05:28 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 65
2:34:44 The End
Episode 56 - Original Character Do Not Steal
0:00:00 Introduction/Thoughts on Dub
0:09:35 Manga Recap: Chapter 82
1:02:07 Life Lesson 82
1:07:53 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 68
1:26:14 The End
1:34:50 Outtakes
Episode 55 - Shinobi Laser Tag
On this episode of Life Lessons, Colton is joined by local professional stand up comedian from Seattle, Washington, Lisa Wallen, who talks about her anime fandom and what she thinks about Gintama thus far. Afterwards, we have a Manga Recap of Chapter 81, in which Gintoki gets all fired up about while trying to stay cool and look for an electric fan, followed by our Life Lessons segment discussing the title of the chapter (If You Go to Sleep With the Fan On, You’ll Get a Stomachache, So Be Careful). Note that there is no Anime/Manga Comparison this episode, but is still enough points to discuss as far as Episode 21 goes.
Topics of discussion include what Lisa thinks of Gintama from the perspective of a stand up comedian and how it compares to western humor sensibilities, Lisa’s trip to Japan, and Colton’s encounter with a cicada one hot summer’s day! Enjoy!
Join us next time when we will be joined by Jess of JessReviews to cover Chapter 82 of the manga!!
Episode 54 - "Go Read Fullmetal Alchemist!" (Infant Strife Part 2)
Please take our Life Lessons podcast survey to help improve the show however possible, and look forward to hearing the results this April during our 4th anniversary!!
0:00:00 Introduction0:09:21 Manga Recap Chapter 790:58:49 Manga Recap Chapter 802:07:08 Life Lessons 79 & 802:18:45 Anime/Manga Comparison Eps 51 & 522:40:44 The End
Episode 53 - Baby Geniuses 3
After an unexpected hiatus, Life Lessons has returned to cover the entirety of the Infant Strife arc! On this episode in particular, Colton is joined by unofficial Gintama translator, Bomber D Rufi, as they cover the first half of the arc in chapters 77 & 78, in which Gin finds an unpleasant surprise on his front doorstep. After both manga recaps, we talk about both chapters titles during our Life Lessons segment, and thats about it for the episode. Stay tuned on Wednesday, February 15th for the second half of the arc with chapters 79 & 80!! Until then, enjoy!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:08:48 Manga Recap Ch 77
0:51:58 Manga Recap Ch 78
1:42:04 Life Lessons 77 & 78<
Episode 52 - Boss Coffee
Join us next episode, as we cover the Infant Strife arc with unofficial Gintama translator, Bomber D Rufi!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:06:12 Manga Recap: Ch 76
1:08:16 Life Lesson #76
1:31:32 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 48(B)
1:45:58 The End
Episode 51 - Samurai Don't Eat Popcorn
Join us next time as we cover Chapter 76 with Josh Dunham (Wave Motion Cannon) and Doctor!!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:10:13 Manga Recap Ch 75
0:52:37 Life Lesson 75
1:03:15 The End
Episode 50 - The Big Dom
Join us next time for Episode 51 as we are joined by yet another Gintama Youtube personality known as JessReviews to cover Chapter 75!
0:00:00 Introductions
0:19:45 Manga Recap: Chapter 74
1:05:03 Life Lesson 74
1:15:38 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 46
1:31:03 Email
1:48:28 End
Episode 49 - Moof or Boof?
0:00:00 Introductions
0:34:29 Chapter 71
1:06:16 Chapter 72
1:33:52 Chapter 73
1:57:32 Life Lessons 71-73
2:05:56 Anime/Manga Comparison Ep 45
2:25:58 The End
Episode 48 - The Heart of Mahjongg
Discussion points include BDR’s experiences in translating Gintama, how the structure of a manga chapter may or may not affect the story being told, and why you should watch both Kaiji and Akagi.
Special thanks to BDR for coming on the show this episode! And join us next time as we go over Chapters 71-73 of the manga, aka the Dog God arc, with special guest Doctor of Just A Gintama Podcast and the SSAA Podcast. Enjoy!
0:00:00 Introduction(s)
0:27:31 Manga Recap: Chapter 70
1:24:02 Life Lesson 70
1:39:13 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 49
2:14:47 The End
Episode 47 – Ninshitsu
After covering the arc, we decide to skip out on the Anime/Manga Comparison for the episode after accidentally talking about it during the Manga Recaps, so afterwards, we o over all three chapter titles in the Life Lessons segment and the show comes to an end, but don’t worry, this episode is pretty long! Discussion points include Josh’s critiques of the art and panel layout throughout the arc, ideas for new Gintama podcasts, and what we can do to make Gintama great again.
Apologies for how late the episode is, but look forward to Episode 48 with Colton and another VERY special and secret guest! Who could it be? Stay tuned to find out, but until then, enjoy the episode!
Josh Dunham's Thoughts on Gintama (Eps 1-48)
Episode 46 - Two More Years (Part 2)
We want to thank everyone for all of the feedback they’ve sent into the show. It was a lot fun recording this and answering people’s emails.
Special thanks to everyone who has ever contributed or listened to the podcast over the past year, we couldn’t have done it without you! Enjoy!!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:05:18 Emails and Feedback
2:11:00 Spoilers Discussion for Ch 502 onwards
2:36:12 The End/Special Thanks
Episode 46 - Two More Years (Part 1)
The episode features an interview with Niente de Nada, the occasional ghost contributor to the podcast that Colton and Josh Dunham have mentioned and praised a ton in the past! She is also a very active member of the Gintama fan community who is seemingly the most knowledgeable of the real Japanese history that makes up the foundation of Gintama. The interview also features a few stories about a few different historical figures in which a majority of the cast are based on, so don’t miss it! Special thanks to Nada especially for coming on the show.
This episode also marks the first episode to ever be released in two separate releases. Thats right, this episode was so long and so many people were asking for it, that it was decided that it’d be best to release half of it a bit early. The feedback segment for this episode was ESPECIALLY huge, so that other half of the episode (Part 2) will be released this Monday, April 18th, so look forward to it!
We’ll say it again, but thank you to everyone for listening to Life Lessons for however long you’ve been listening, we appreciate all of your support and hope to keep this up for many years to come, now enjoy the first half of the episode!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:13:21 Manga Recap: Ch 66
1:00:29 Life Lesson 66
1:07:53 Anime/Manga Comp: Ep 47
1:32:00 Interview with Nada
2:50:06 The End (For Now...)
(Fake) Episode 46 - From April Fools Day, don't even bother
Episode 45 - Can I Get a Favorite?
Topics of discussion for this episode include why Golgo 13 is one of the most influential manga published in Japan, the subtle foreshadowing to Hijikata’s love life, as well as Colton and Josh’s first dates! Enjoy!!
Join us next episode for the third anniversary of the podcast in mid-April, featuring King Recon! Leave us as much feedback concerning Gintama and/or the podcast as possible!!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:09:53 Manga Recap: Chapter 65
1:52:31 Life Lesson 65
2:02:20 Anime/Manga Recap Episode 35
2:16:40 Emails
2:50:57 The End
3:11:00 Outtakes
Episode 44 - "Its All About Me! Kagura!" (Umibozu Arc Part 3)
Episode 43 - Spanking the Meat (Umibozu Arc Part 2)
Episode 42 – An Alien, Inside of an Alien, Inside of a Robot, etc. (Umibozu Arc Part 1)
Episode 41 - Mario Kart: Gintama Circuit
Join us next year as we cover chapters 57-63, aka the Umibozu Arc!
MadaoCon will be held online on Saturday, December 19th! Follow them on Twitter (@madaocon20xx) for instant updates!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:10:23 Manga Recap: Chapter 56
0:55:57 Life Lesson 56
1:07:02 Anime/Manga Comparison: Ep 38(b)
1:16:43 The End
Episode 40 - Daggers of Snark
Special thanks to @joyofthejoui on Twitter for her insightful comments on this episode’s life lesson!
Episode 39 - Mokichi’s Bizarre Adventure
Special thanks to King Recon for coming on the show! Check out his Youtube channel and follow him on Twitter!
Apologies for the shaky quality around the email segment and onwards.
0:00:00 Podcast Update
0:04:22 Introductions/News
0:18:59 Manga Recap: Ch 54
1:02:25 Life Lesson 54
1:09:20 Anime/Manga Comp: Episode 33
1:35:20 Emails/Feedback (SLIGHT SPOILERS)
1:48:31 The End
Episode 38 - My Kid Is Deader Than Your Mom
0:00:00 Introduction/Discussion
0:28:03 Manga Recap: Ch 53
1:29:13 Life Lesson 53
1:42:51 Anime/Manga Comp: Episode 37(b)
2:03:23 The End
Episode 37 - Hijinks Ensue
Special - Episode J-Stars
Special thanks to Josh for letting us put this up! Go listen to his podcast, check out his blog, and follow him on Twitter (@Josh_Dunham) for his first viewing of the Gintama anime, along with whatever other shows he may be watching!
Hopefully everyone enjoys this special bonus while Colton is away, but even with Colton gone, look forward to the next actual episode of Life Lessons!
Episode 36 - Osaka Style
Episode 35 - Mr. The Edo
Special thanks goes to Josh for joining us! Be sure to check out both his blog and podcast at senpaicoasttocoast.wordpress.com!!
0:00:00 Introduction
0:26:03 Manga Recap: Chapter 47
1:24:44 Life Lesson 47
1:48:22 Anime/Manga Comp. Ep 29b
2:12:28 The End
2:19:19 Outtakes
Episode 34 – Even From Death, He’s on Standby
0:00:00 Introduction
0:08:17 Manga Recap: Ch 46
0:37:11 Life Lesson 46
0:40:55 Anime/Manga Comparison: Ep 90
0:53:26 The End
Episode 33 - God Hates Kondo
This episode of the podcast was broadcast and recorded live on Youtube through Google Hangouts, which can be viewed over at youtube.com/gintamangacast. As such, this episode has been left mostly unedited in order to keep the integrity of the original stream (also, because I’m lazy). Enjoy!
0:00:00 Introduction/News
0:27:17 Manga Recap: Chapter 45
1:05:09 Life Lesson 45
1:14:09 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 28
1:40:32 The End
1:52:14 Bullsh*t
We're Doin' it Live!
Special - Episode Hijikata: The Hijikata Special
Other topics of discussion this episode include how much of an influence mayonnaise has had on Jay’s life, what other characters the podcast should cover and just how much Colton cries at even the mention of Mitsuba. Enjoy!
WARNING: For those who follow the manga along with the podcast, we start talking about material that hasn't been covered yet around 49 minutes in, so tons of SPOILERS are abound
Podcast Ideas: Character Spotlight and Live Streams
If you would like to see us record an episode of the podcast live or have ANY thoughts about Hijikata that you would like to share, please email us at gintalifelessons@gmail.com!
Episode 32 - Characters With Scars On Their Face Are Always Cool
Afterwards, they cover manga chapters 42-44, otherwise known as the Rengokukan Battle Arena arc, where the Odd Jobs trio stalks and meets a demon who seeks redemption. We also have Life Lessons segment covering all three chapter titles and an Anime/Manga Comparison segment on Episode 27 of the anime. Colton even gets to sit down and talk to Doctor from the SSAA Podcast and Just a Gintama Podcast about the origins of his podcasting career and just what he loves about Gintama. Last but not least, we even have some feedback to cover before we end the show. Topics of discussion for this episode include death throughout the series, why Gintama isnt popular overseas, and just how much we forget about this arc and the existence of the Tendoshuu.
Thank you to everyone who has been listening to us for the past year and special thanks to Doctor for coming on the show! Its the longest episode we've had in a while, so we hope you enjoy it!
0:00:00 Introduction/Podcast Talk
0:21:32 Manga Recap: Chapter 42
0:48:20 Manga Recap: Chapter 43
1:17:06 Manga Recap: Chapter 44
1:42:47 Life Lessons 42-44
1:53:54 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 27
2:01:19 Special Interview with Doctor!
3:09:24 Emails and Feedback
3:50:19 The End
Special - Top 10 Anime Episodes (Just a Gintama Podcast Episode 82)
WARNING: FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW THE MANGA ALONG WITH THE PODCAST, PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS, AS THERE MAY BE SPOILERS!
Episode Valentine's Day
WARNING: THIS SPECIAL IS SPRINKLED WITH MANGA SPOILERS! SO PLEASE USE THESE TIME CODES TO AVOID SAID SPOILERS AS BEST AS YOU CAN!
0:05:40 – Ofusa and Kantarou
0:12:00 – Yamazaki and Tama
0:20:09 – Shinpachi and Otsuu
0:25:36 – Katsura and Ikumatsu
0:31:30 – Otae and Kyubei
0:38:14 – Hijikata and Mitsuba
Episode 31 - I Don't Care, I'm a Bear
Our 2nd Anniversary is Coming Up and We Want Your Feedback!
What we will be covering:
Manga Chapters 42-44
Anime Episode 27
The Chapter Titles and how you think they relate to the chapter: “Grab Your Dreams with Your Fists”, “All Men Are Romantics”, “Some Things You Can’t Cut with a Sword”
ANYTHING related to Gintama (SPOILERS ARE OKAY!)
ANYTHING related to our Podcast \
Send Doctor and Foxy from Just a Gintama Podcast and the SSAA Podcast a question or two while you’re at it!
Where you can leave us feedback:
Gintama Subreddit
Life Lessons tumblr
Email us at gintalifelessons@gmail.com
Any and all feedback will be accepted until March 31st! Again, March 31st!! Until then, thanks in advanced!
Episode 30 - Marriage Isn't All Rainbows and Butterflies
0:00:00 Introduction
0:09:16 Manga Recap: Chapter 40
0:38:27 Life Lesson 40
0:46:48 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 22
1:32:25 The End
Episode 29 - Saigo, The Sweetest Transvestite
0:00:00 Introduction
0:09:07 Manga Recap: Chapter 38
0:39:40 Manga Recap: Chapter 39
1:12:12 Life Lessons 38 and 39
1:25:57 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 24
1:34:54 Emails
1:47:15 The End
1:56:31 Outtakes
Episode 28 - Friends Forever
0:00:00 Introduction
0:15:15 Manga Recap: Chapter 36
0:47:50 Manga Recap: Chapter 37
1:18:23 Life Lessons: Lessons 36 and 37
1:26:50 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 26
1:37:45 Emails/Feedback
1:50:23 The End
1:56:54 Outtakes and Other Stupid Stuff
Episode 27 - There's No Return Policy on Life
0:00:00 Introduction
0:17:02 Manga Recap: Chapter 35
0:43:43 Life Lesson 35
0:53:55 Anime/Manga Comparison: Episode 29(a)
1:09:21 Outro
1:24:16 Outtakes
Special - Episode Christmas: The Life Lessons Holiday Special
Hello everyone! We bring you tidings of great joy and fun! As Colton takes the magazine spines from the past year’s run of Weekly Shonen Jump makes a game out of them for Jon and Jay to play! We laugh, we cry, and we cringe in frustration while celebrating this joyous time of the year. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
Want to follow along? You can find the album containing every spine on the Facebook Page