Journey to the East - A Dragon Ball Podcast

October of 2026 is a big month for the Dragon Ball World! This episode is all about Muten Roshi! The guys discuss the legacy of the legendary voice actor for the old sage himself, Mike McFarland, and anticipate the upcoming release of the revamped Dragon Ball Super series. They get back to the story where a certain pervy turtle hermit suddenly shows why he is quite possibly the world's strongest martial artist. They also discuss whether or not Toriyama meant to give Goku a tail and what he planned to do with it, how Roshi's flying Gamera ride was inspired by the kaiju movies that Toriyama grew up watching, and the inspiration and design of the most influential energy blast in all of anime. Join us as we continue our deep dive into Toriyama's legendary masterpiece, Dragon Ball.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering: Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing: Jack Albert

Artwork and Logo Design: Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Ezekiel Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

After a brief hiatus, the guys are back to explore chapters 10 and 11 of the Dragon Ball manga. We also discuss how Asian storytelling tropes, space operas, martial arts, Journey to the West and...Playboy? all come together to tell the story of these chapters. We get Goku vs. Yamcha round 2, meet a certain small but mighty girl with a laser beam/axe helmet and her gigantic father, and take some time to debrief after we finish Volume 1 and look forward to Volume 2. Join us as we dive deep into Toriyama's legendary work, Dragon Ball.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and Logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Ezekiel Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

Happy Kamehameha day!

We begin the episode with a deep discussion on creativity and artistic process and then dive into the the next few chapters and episodes, including Yamcha vs Goku, some RV shenanigans, and a little preview at one of the most iconic and best moments in shonen.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

In which we meet the intrepid pig companion – Oolong.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

We finally meet Kame'sennin in this chapter, whilst waxing and waning about artistic intent overall.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

Finally, after much preamble, Jack and Danny dive into the beginning of the story proper.

Chapters 1-2 of the manga and episodes 1-3 of the anime are covered in this episode.

Disclaimer: The following episode includes discussions of consensual sex and sexual assualt some listeners may find disturbing. Discretion advised.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

The journey finally begins (after a brief recap on Genkidamatsuir 2026) and immediately Danny and Jack begin to analyze and pick apart what inspired and kicked off the Dragon Ball series, who were the creative stakeholders that played a significant part in its genesis, and what just might be the most awe-inspiring real-life connection to Dragon Ball. Follow along as we begin actually opening the pages of Dragon Ball.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

Danny and Jack - two lifelong Dragon Ball fans - continue their epic Journey to the East. They discuss things like GT, Super, and their analysis approach moving forward on deep diving into the series. Join them for the second (and final) part of the intro of their dive deep in the Dragon Ball series.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Intro Recap provided by Zeke Drews

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors

Danny and Jack - two lifelong Dragon Ball fans - start their epic Journey to the East. They discuss how they became fans of Dragon Ball, the aspects of the series they enjoy the most, reflect on Toriyama's influence, and more! Join them for part 1 as they dive deep in the Dragon Ball series.

Go Go, Dragon Soul!

Hosts: Jack Albert and Danny Hafenstein

Recording and Mastering - Danny Hafenstein

Editing and Publishing - Jack Albert

Artwork and logo Design - Jack Albert

Support this podcast (and others we work on) here: https://buymeacoffee.com/jackalbertors