Best Animation Podcasts: 20+ Shows Every Animator Needs

Article by iAnimate

Discover the best animation podcasts for career growth, industry insights, and creative inspiration. From beginner tips to pro workflows - start here.

Introduction: Why Animation Podcasts Are a Must-Listen

The best animation podcasts have become an essential resource for animators at every stage of their career, offering insights that you simply can't get from tutorials alone. Whether you're commuting to the studio, taking a break between shots, or looking for that spark of inspiration during a creative block, these carefully curated shows connect you directly with industry veterans, emerging artists, and the stories behind your favorite animated films. At iAnimate, we know that continuous learning never stops, and the right podcast can be the difference between staying stuck and breaking through to your next level as an animator.

Our Top Picks: Essential Animation Podcasts

Look, we get it.

You're scrolling through endless podcast apps, wondering which shows are actually worth your time.
Which ones will help you level up your animation career instead of just filling dead air? Here's the thing - the best animation podcasts aren't just entertainment.

They're your secret weapon for staying sharp in this industry.

1. iAnimate Animation Podcast

What it's about: The iAnimate Animation Podcast features interviews with animation industry pros, behind-the-scenes, animator career advice, and insights on animation workflows. With over 100 interviews with the world's leading animation industry professionals.

Why you should listen: This isn't your typical surface-level chat show. We dig deep into the stuff that actually matters - how to break into studios, what directors really look for in demo reels, and the workflows that separate good animators from great ones. When you hear ILM supervisors and Pixar veterans sharing their actual process, that's gold you can't get anywhere else.

2. Animation Addicts Podcast

What it's about: The Animation Addicts Podcast deep dives into animated films from Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks with hosts who actually know what they're talking about.

Why you should listen: These folks break down storytelling choices and character development in ways that'll change how you watch movies. Perfect for understanding what makes animation work on an emotional level.

3. The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast

What it's about: The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast is where former Disney animators Tom and Tony Bancroft share war stories and interview talent from across the industry.

Why you should listen: When Disney legends talk, you listen. Their insights on traditional animation principles and studio culture are pure gold for anyone serious about character animation.

4. Animation Industry Podcast

What it's about: The Animation Industry Podcast from Stop-motion animator Terry Ibele focuses on the business side - self-promotion, essential skills, and navigating your animation career.

Why you should listen: Terry gets real about the stuff they don't teach in school. How to actually get work, build relationships, and survive as a freelance animator.

5. School of Motion Podcast

What it's about: School of Motion Podcast is a Motion design deep dive covering Cinema 4D, After Effects, and the business of motion graphics.

Why you should listen: If you're doing any motion design work, Joey Korenman and crew know their stuff. They break down complex software techniques into stuff you can actually use.

6. The Visual Storytelling Podcast

What it's about: The Visual Storytelling Podcast interviews with creatives from every stage of the visual storytelling process.

Why you should listen: Great for understanding how story decisions affect animation choices. Essential if you want to think beyond just moving characters around.

7. RubberOnion Animation Podcast

What it's about: RubberOnion Animation Podcast: Stephen Brooks and Rob Yulfo dive into animation history and technique with serious depth.

Why you should listen: These guys know animation history like nobody's business. Perfect for understanding why certain animation principles work the way they do.

8. Overly Animated Podcast

What it's about: Overly Animated Podcast is about analysis and discussion of animated films, TV shows, and industry trends.

Why you should listen: Great for staying current on what's working in animation right now. They spot trends before they become obvious.

9. Make It Then Tell Everybody

What it's about: Make it Then Tell Everybody: Dan Berry interviews illustrators, animators, and creative folks about their process and mindset.

Why you should listen: Sometimes the best animation advice comes from adjacent creative fields. Dan's conversations often spark new ways of thinking about your own work.

10. Skwigly Animation Podcast

What it's about: The Skwigly Animation Podcast offers in-depth interviews with leading figures in the animation field, according to a blog about animation.

Why you should listen: Interviews with world-famous industry legends and skilled craftspeople go.

Here's the deal: You don't need to listen to all of these.

Pick 3-4 that match where you are in your career right now. Binge a few episodes to see which hosts click with your learning style. Then make it part of your routine - commute listening, gym background, whatever works.

The animation industry moves fast and these podcasts help you keep up without burning out.

Discover Podcasts by Category

Here's the thing about finding the best animation podcasts - you don't need to listen to everything.
You need to listen to the right stuff for where you are right now. Trying to break into your first studio job? Focus is different from someone running their own animation business. Here's how to cut through the noise and find podcasts that actually move the needle for your specific goals.

For Industry Insights & Career Growth

These shows get real about the business side of animation. No sugar-coating the hard parts. No pretending talent is enough. These hosts understand that building an animation career takes strategy, not just skill.

• iAnimate Animation Podcast - Industry pros share what actually works, career advice, experiences that inspire, and success stories.
• Animation Industry Podcast - Terry Ibele breaks down self-promotion and essential skills
• Directing Animation Livecast - Leadership insights from directors who've shipped projects
• Motion Hatch: Helping Motion Designers Do Better Business - Client management that actually works
• The Business of Animation Podcast - Money talk for animation professionals
• The Animated Journey: Interviews with Animation Professionals - Career path deep-dives (archived interviews)
• Keeping You Animated - Black artists sharing real industry experiences
• Straight Ahead Animation Podcast - BIPOC voices in animation leadership
• Creators Society Animation Podcast - Building your creative business
• AnimDojo - Practical tips you can use tomorrow

Start here if: You're trying to level up your career, land better clients, or understand how this industry actually works behind the scenes.

For Deep Dives into Animated Films & TV Shows

Sometimes the best animation advice comes from understanding the story first. These shows dig into the creative process behind great work. How do you overcome creative blocks? What makes a story worth animating?

• The Visual Storytelling Podcast - Interviews covering every stage of creative projects
• Make It Then Tell Everybody - Storytelling, illustration, and artist life
• Draw me a Story - Animation podcast focused on narrative development

Start here if: You're struggling with story development, want to understand the creative process better, or need inspiration for your own projects.

By Industry Veterans & Legends

When animation legends talk, smart people listen. These hosts have decades of experience and connections you can't get anywhere else. Their war stories become your roadmap.

• The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast - Former Disney animators with insider perspective
• RubberOnion Animation Podcast - Stephen Brooks and Rob Yulfo dive deep into animation technique and history

Start here if: You want to learn from people who've been there, understand animation history, or get perspective from industry veterans.

For Animation History & Archive Content

Understanding where animation came from helps you see where it's going. These shows connect the dots between classic techniques and modern innovation.

• Cynical Cartoons - Forgotten corners of animation history
• Animation Cel-ery - Classic cartoon analysis and technique
• THE CARTOONERIFIC! ANIMATION PODCAST - Hand-drawn animation heritage
• Disney History Institute Podcast - Animation history with industry context

Start here if: You're curious about animation history, want to understand classic techniques, or love discovering forgotten gems.

For Diversity & Emerging Voices

The future of animation is being shaped by voices that haven't always been heard. These shows highlight perspectives and experiences that expand what animation can be.

• Keeping You Animated - Black artists in animation sharing real experiences
• Straight Ahead Animation Podcast - BIPOC voices and industry leadership
• BlkWmnAnimator: Animation Podcast - Black women's experiences in animation

Start here if: You want diverse perspectives, support underrepresented voices, or understand the full scope of who's shaping animation today.

Here's how to use this list:

Pick ONE category that matches your biggest need right now. Subscribe to 2-3 podcasts from that section. Listen to 3-4 episodes to see which hosts click with your learning style. Once you've got a routine going, then explore other categories. The goal isn't to listen to everything. It's to find the shows that actually help you get better at what you do.

Beyond Podcasts: Elevate Your Animation Journey

iAnimate Animation Podcast on YouTube

Look, the best animation podcasts are amazing. But here's what nobody tells you - podcasts alone won't get you hired. They won't land you that dream job at Pixar or help you build a freelance business that actually pays the bills. Podcasts are just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you combine listening with doing. When you take those insights and actually put them into practice.

So what does that look like? Let me break it down.

Continual Learning & Skill Development

Podcasts give you the "why" behind animation decisions. But you still need to master the "how."
Here's the truth about skill development - it never stops. The animators getting the best work are the ones who keep learning new things.

Essential skill-building resources:

• Online animation courses - Platforms like iAnimate, Animation Mentor, and School of Motion offer structured learning paths
• YouTube tutorials - Free deep-dives into specific techniques (search for your software + specific problem)
• Animation books - "The Animator's Survival Kit" and "Illusion of Life" are still gold
• Free workshops - Studios and schools often host free online events
• Demo reel breakdowns - Watch how pros analyze student work

Software skills that matter:

• 2D animation - Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Procreate
• 3D animation - Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D
• Motion graphics - After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop
• Character animation - Focus on facial expressions, body mechanics, animal motion
• Creature animation - Quadruped walks, flying cycles, fantasy creatures

Pro tip: Pick ONE new skill every quarter.

Don't try to learn everything at once. Master character turnarounds before moving to complex facial animation. Learn basic After Effects before diving into Cinema 4D. Small, consistent progress beats massive burnout every time.

Networking & Community Engagement

Here's something most animators get wrong - networking isn't about using people. It's about building real relationships with folks who share your passion. The animation industry runs on relationships.
People hire people they know and trust.

Where to meet other animators:

• Animation festivals - CTN, Annecy, SIGGRAPH bring together pros from everywhere
• Local animation meetups - Check Facebook groups and Meetup.com for your city
• Online animation communities - Discord servers, Reddit forums, Facebook groups
• Student showcases - Great way to meet emerging talent
• Alumni networks - Stay connected with classmates - they're your future colleagues

How to network without being weird:

• Ask questions, don't pitch yourself - "How did you solve that rigging problem?" beats "Here's my demo reel"
• Share useful stuff - Found a great tutorial? Share it with your community
• Celebrate others' wins - Congratulate people on new jobs, finished projects, promotions
• Offer help first - "Need feedback on that walk cycle?" builds better relationships than asking for favors

Mentorship matters:

Finding a mentor changes everything. But here's the thing - you don't just ask someone to be your mentor. You build a relationship first, engage with their work, ask thoughtful questions, and show up consistently. The mentorship happens naturally.

Mastering the Business Side of Animation

Most art schools don't teach this stuff. But understanding the business side is what separates hobbyists from professionals.

Freelance career essentials:

• Contract basics - Know what you're agreeing to before you sign anything
• Rate setting - Research industry standards, factor in your experience level
• Client management - Clear communication prevents 90% of project problems
• Time management - Track your hours, understand how long tasks actually take
• Demo reel strategy - Show your best work, not everything you've ever made

If you're aiming for studio work:

• Demo reel review etiquette - Follow submission guidelines exactly
• Portfolio presentation - Online portfolios beat physical ones every time
• Interview preparation - Practice talking about your work and creative process
• Industry knowledge - Know the studios you're applying to, understand their style

Business skills that pay off:

• Project management - Understanding pipelines and deadlines
• Communication - Giving and receiving feedback professionally
• Problem-solving - Every animation project hits unexpected roadblocks
• Adaptability - Styles change, software updates, client needs shift

Money talk nobody wants to have:

Animation is a business. Great work deserves fair compensation. Don't work for "exposure."
Don't undercharge because you're "just starting out." Know your worth and communicate it clearly.

Here's the bottom line:

The best animation podcasts will inspire you and teach you. But podcasts + practice + community + business knowledge = actual career success.

Your next steps:

1. Pick 3 podcasts from our list and make them part of your routine
2. Choose 1 new skill to focus on this quarter
3. Join 1 animation community and start participating
4. Set up your business basics - contracts, rates, portfolio

Don't try to do everything at once. Pick one area and make real progress. Then move to the next. The animation industry rewards people who show up consistently and keep getting better. Podcasts are just the beginning of that journey.

Conclusion: Your Next Step in Animation

So where do you go from here? You've got a list of the best animation podcasts sitting in front of you. But I know what you're thinking - "Will listening to these actually make me a better animator?"

Here's the honest answer: Only if you let them.

Podcasts aren't magic. They won't automatically level up your animation skills or land you a job at Disney, but they will do something equally important. They'll keep you connected to why you fell in love with animation in the first place.

Why Animation Podcasts Actually Matter

Look, animation is hard work.

Long hours, tight deadlines, endless revisions. Some days you question if you're cut out for this industry. That's when the best animation podcasts become your lifeline.

They remind you that:

• Everyone struggles - Even Pixar animators have bad days
• Skills can be learned - That technique you're struggling with? Someone's figured it out
• The industry is bigger than you think - There are more opportunities than just the big studios
• Your voice matters - Animation needs diverse perspectives and storytelling approaches
• Growth never stops - Even veterans are still learning new tricks

They keep your work fresh by:

• Exposing you to new techniques - Workflows you've never considered
• Sharing different perspectives - How other cultures approach storytelling
• Breaking down recent projects - What worked, what didn't, and why
• Connecting industry dots - How business decisions affect creative choices
• Inspiring new projects - Ideas you wouldn't have thought of alone

Here's What You Do Next

Stop overthinking it. Pick 3 podcasts from our list that match where you are right now.

If you're just starting out:

• iAnimate Animation Podcast
• Animation Industry Podcast
• The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast

If you're growing your skills:

• iAnimate Animation Podcast
• The Visual Storytelling Podcast
• RubberOnion Animation Podcast

If you're building a business:

• Motion Hatch
• The Business of Animation Podcast
• Animation Industry Podcast

Subscribe to them right now.

Don't bookmark this page to "read later." Don't add them to some list you'll never check. Open your podcast app and hit subscribe.

Make It Part of Your Routine

Listen while you:

• Commute to work or school
• Exercise or walk
• Do repetitive tasks like cleanup or rendering
• Take breaks between focused work sessions
• Cook dinner or clean up

The goal isn't to listen to everything. It's to stay connected to the larger animation community.
To hear different voices and perspectives. To remember that you're part of something bigger than just your current project

Keep Learning Beyond Podcasts

Podcasts are just the beginning. Your animation education should include:

• Structured training - iAnimate Online Animation Training and Workshops offer industry-standard curriculum
• Community engagement - Join forums, Discord servers, local meetups
• Mentorship - Find experienced animators willing to share their knowledge
• Practical projects - Apply what you learn to real work
• Feedback loops - Get your work reviewed by people better than you

The most successful animators combine passive learning (podcasts) with active practice (hands-on training). They listen to industry insights while commuting. Then they apply those insights in structured courses and personal projects.

Your Call to Action

Here's what I want you to do in the next 15 minutes:

1. Pick your 3 podcasts Choose based on your current needs, not what sounds most impressive.
2. Subscribe and download 2 episodes each Start with recent episodes to get current industry perspectives.
3. Block 30 minutes this week for listening Put it on your calendar like any other important appointment.
4. Consider structured learning If podcasts inspire you to dig deeper, check out iAnimate's online animation training and workshops for hands-on skill building.
5. Connect with one person Join an animation community and introduce yourself.

The Bottom Line

The best animation podcasts aren't just entertainment. They're your connection to a community of people who understand the challenges and joys of bringing characters to life. They're your reminder that every professional animator started where you are now. They're proof that this industry has room for your unique voice and perspective. But only if you start listening. And more importantly, only if you start doing. So stop reading and start listening. Your animation journey is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animation Podcasts

1: Which animation podcast should I start with as a beginner?

Start with the iAnimate Animation Podcast.

Here's why - it covers everything from basic career advice to advanced industry insights. The hosts interview professionals from every level, so you'll hear perspectives that match where you are now and where you want to be.

Other beginner-friendly options:

• Animation Industry Podcast - Great for understanding the business side
• The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast - Disney veterans share foundational principles
• Animation Addicts Podcast - Helps you analyze what makes good animation work

Pro tip: Don't try to listen to everything at once. Pick one, listen to 3-4 episodes, then decide if the style works for you.

2: How often should I listen to animation podcasts?

2-3 times per week is the sweet spot. More than that and you'll spend more time listening than doing. Less than that and you'll lose momentum and miss industry trends.

Best times to listen:

• During your commute (if you have one)
• While doing repetitive tasks like cleanup or rendering
• During exercise or walks
• As background during less focused work

Remember: Podcasts are input, not output. Balance listening with actually practicing your animation skills.

3: Are animation podcasts worth it for experienced animators?

Absolutely - but for different reasons than beginners. Experienced animators use podcasts to:

• Stay current with industry trends and new techniques
• Hear different perspectives on creative problem-solving
• Connect with the broader animation community
• Get insights into business and leadership aspects
• Find inspiration when stuck in creative ruts

Best podcasts for experienced animators:

• The iAnimate Animation Podcast
• Directing Animation Livecast - Leadership and project management
• The Business of Animation Podcast - Running studios and freelance businesses
• Motion Hatch - Advanced client management and pricing strategies

The key: Choose podcasts that challenge your current thinking, not just confirm what you already know.

4: Can listening to podcasts actually improve my animation skills?

Yes, but not directly. Podcasts won't teach you how to animate a walk cycle or set up proper lighting.

What they will do:

• Help you understand WHY certain animation choices work
• Expose you to techniques and workflows you haven't considered
• Keep you motivated during difficult projects
• Connect you to the larger animation community
• Spark ideas for personal projects

Think of podcasts as:

• 20% education (industry insights, career advice)
• 30% inspiration (keeping you motivated and creative)
• 50% community connection (feeling part of something bigger)

For actual skill building, combine podcasts with hands-on training, courses, and practice.

5: How do I find time to listen to animation podcasts with my busy schedule?

Stop thinking you need dedicated "podcast time." The beauty of audio content is you can multitask.

Easy ways to fit podcasts into your day:

During work:

• Background listening during repetitive tasks (cleanup, rendering, organizing files)
• Quick 15-minute episodes during lunch breaks
• While commuting to/from work or school

Outside work:

• During exercise, walks, or gym sessions
• While cooking, cleaning, or doing household tasks
• Before bed as a wind-down routine (pick calmer, discussion-heavy episodes)

Time-saving strategies:

• Download episodes ahead of time for offline listening
• Use 1.25x speed for information-heavy podcasts (1.5x once you're used to it)
• Save longer episodes for longer activities (commutes, gym sessions)
• Keep shorter episodes for quick breaks

Start small: Just 15 minutes twice a week. Build the habit first, then increase frequency.

Bottom line: If you have time to scroll social media, you have time for podcasts that actually help your career.