The Less Desirables Recorded in The Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza .
Tim welcomes Stallone Frazier and Tony Brendel to discuss the upcoming Kawaii After Dark 2, an anime nightlife experience happening February 28th at The Den. This isn’t your typical costume party—it’s a celebration of anime and cosplay culture in Winston-Salem, where fans can dress as their favorite characters, enjoy anime-themed music and K-pop, and connect with a diverse community that shares their passion. The conversation explores how anime has exploded into mainstream pop culture, from its humble beginnings on late-night Cartoon Network to becoming a worldwide phenomenon that unites people across all backgrounds.
The trio dives deep into anime history, tracing its evolution from obscure VHS tapes and Saturday morning cartoons to streaming platforms and major cultural influence. They discuss everything from Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop to Studio Ghibli films, examining how Japanese animation has influenced American comics, movies, and even superhero franchises. The conversation takes delightful detours into Spider-Man’s Japanese variants, the role of adult content in technology adoption, and why Face-Off might be Nicolas Cage’s best acting work.
Stallone shares his vision for making Winston-Salem a destination for anime culture events, inspired by Larry Leon Hamlin’s bringing the National Black Theatre Festival to the city. Tony discusses his philosophy of keeping The Den intimate—a 70-capacity venue designed as a stepping stone for artists rather than competing with larger venues. With tickets available until Valentine’s Day, cosplay contests, burlesque performances, and games planned, Kawaii After Dark 2 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of fandom, community, and local talent.
Special thanks, as always, to Top Leaf Cigar Lounge , Soft Golf , Coffee Park Airstream , Dream Kreams , and X1 Communications .
“Touch Your Body” by Stallone Frazier is the song of the week.