podcast review: "milkfish"

MILKFISH is the brainchild of creators Jason Vu, Ben French, and Phoebe Herrera. This absolute rollercoaster of a show plunges the listener into a world full of music, cosmic dread, and talking chickens from outer space. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the show stand out, who it’s best suited for, and whether it’s worth adding to your queue.

SYNOPSIS

A baby chicken from outer space crash-lands on Earth and tells a ragtag bunch of misfits that they are the “Chosen Ones.” He then gives them the ability to summon and play instruments, so that they can use the power of music to save the universe from a threat beyond their comprehension.

QUICK FACTS

• Genre: Comedy fiction / Science fiction / Anime
  
  

• Average Episode Length: 7 - 35 Minutes (as of Season 1)
  
  

• Release Frequency: Last episode premiered on February 28th, 2025 (only one season is available at the time of this review).
  
  

• Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcast platforms.
  
  

• First Released: 2024

WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT

The show's creators describe MilkFish as "...a whiplash between a slice-of-life comedy and a surreal cosmic horror..." An apt description that proves itself in the pilot episode. The show is very fast-paced and relies heavily on its exploration of relationships and personal growth, all under the guise of a whacky anime. MilkFish has enough crazy quips and outlandish characters to bend the ear of the staunchest of anime fans while seamlessly blending with Lovecraftian concepts that don't let us forget the darkness bubbling beneath the surface of this wild world.

WHO WILL LOVE IT (AND WHO MIGHT NOT)

• ✅ Great for: Fans of anime, H.P. Lovecraft, and wacky yet heartfelt storytelling.
  
  

• ❌ Maybe skip if: You're not a fan of anime tropes or the darker themes of Lovecraftian literature.

OUR TAKE

MilkFish is a bonkers show that absolutely explores the strange and ridiculous (something we're all about here at Shoulder Knife). I can honestly say I've never listened to anything quite like it but have thoroughly enjoyed the ride so far. If I were to give a single critique, it would be that at times the male voice actors have a very similar tone, which makes it tricky to distinguish their characters without relying on context clues. However, this is a very small issue in light of the grand adventure that is MilkFish.

LISTEN HERE

https://open.spotify.com/show/5ABlFeG5h4zpbsR8ZUiZNI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/milkfish/id1780401721

RELATED PODCASTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY

If you like MilkFish, you might also enjoy:

• Escape From Morinia – A college student gets trapped in his brother's favorite video game.
  
  

• October Jones & Fish with Legs – A teenage girl and an optimistic fish in high heels go on a semi-epic quest to save the world.
  
  

• Tales of Etheriel – Jerry Berger is swept away onto a fantastical quest to save his homeland.