Story x Story

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Greg Donert, an illustrator, developer and comic creator to discuss his journey from Software Developer to creating his own world through the Riff Reality series of comics, combining his love of music and 80s neon aesthetic. We get into what it's like to create while juggling other work responsibilities, the value our community when starting out as a creative and how Greg has combined craft with his passions to make work that stands out. We also get into the realities are going viral with all the opinions, positive and negative, sudden Internet fame brings. And we still have time to talk One Piece and get new classic anime recommendations too. This is a conversation for those looking for a push to get started in bringing their ideas into the world! Connect with Greg online: Website: https://riffreality.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riffreality Twitter: https://x.com/phoenixstudios Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into the latest Tom Holland Spider-Man outing, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (starting at 28:00), with our guest and filmmaker Jed Shepherd…who also shares a brilliant Tom Holland story (stay tuned till the end!). We unpack a more grounded Spider-Man story in the aftermath of the collective memory loss inflicted by Dr Strange, as Peter does his best to cut personal ties and lose himself in his work. Along the way, we debate the impact (and fatigue) of MCU cameos, the relevance of introducing the X-Men at this stage, and whether Peter Parker’s struggle to control the monster within still lands among all the wider universe-building. This week’s storytelling tip is all about warning characters: the foils who show your protagonist what they could become if they don’t change. Other stories we're enjoying include: Bitesize Terror (TUBI), Silo (Apple TV), Colony, Silo Wool (Book), Behold the Man (Book), The Ashes and The Star-Cursed King (Book), The Saint's Magic Power is…

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our Story Club livestream on Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean with Ian Urbina, director of The Outlaw Ocean Project and Will Segal, composer, educator and project’s co-executive producer. We unpack how the production came together, then dig into the project’s unique narrative approach — including the transformative creative decision to feature cast members from Hamilton. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ian’s reporting has been transformed through Will’s musical direction, rooted in a deep love of hip hop, to tell a hard-hitting animated documentary story with emotional honesty. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/YnPpEwFhORE Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Thank you to the team at London Breeze Festival. London Breeze was established in…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Breeton Boi, a UK-based rap artist and entertainer, to talk about his journey into music and how he’s built an independent career by combining formal education with a lot of self-learning. eyond the music, he gets into what it takes to stay grounded in an industry full of unexpected pressures and why having the right support system can be the difference between burning out and building something sustainable. A must-listen if you’re working towards your own independent creative career. Connect with Breeton Boi online: Website: https://spoileralert.world Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BREETONBOIOFFICIAL TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breetonboi Twitter: https://x.com/BreetonBoi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breetonboi Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breetonboi Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii don the spandex and dive deep into Supergirl (starting at 27:07), with guest Vik Deluca, comic creator, historian, and scholar at Forbidden Planet. We unpack why DCU Kara Zor-El’s introduction had a less than solid landing, with a story short on emotional punch even as the lead performance showed real promise…and source material that’s truly top tier. Along the way we explore themes that the film makes steps towards but executes unevenly, and what we were still hopeful of by the end from a hero who brings a more grounded, realistic perspective that should contrast beautifully with Superman’s boy-scout image. We debate what’s working, what isn’t, and what this film says about the cycle of violence and dealing with trauma and grief. This week’s storytelling tip focuses on crafting opening sequences that build emotional investment from the very first scene. Other stories we're enjoying include: Onimusha: Way of the Sword (PS5), Bugle Call: Song of War (Manga), Tower Dungeon (Manga),…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Otterweave Games Studio Director and Founder Marco Ng to explore his journey into indie game development! Marco shares what inspired him, how he keeps the journey sustainable, and takes us inside his current project, EMITIME. From the impact of promotional events and a supportive community to the realities of building a game and bringing it to the public, the conversation gives us great insight into the early stages of game development and how to manage expectations when bringing a game to market. Connect with Marco online: Website: https://otterweavegamesstudio.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/otterweavegamesstudio.com Discord: https://discord.gg/2sYhdEZDUS Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website:…

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Cat Aquino and Dominique Duran from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators Episode 48. Nigel digs into the origins of their new release, *Champion of the Rose*, discovering what it takes to build a compelling world for your story, and the real work behind research and worldbuilding. The pair also share what the journey looks like as you’re heading towards your first published manga (Viz Originals) and the support and challenges that come with a publisher. From early influences and inspirations to the practical realities of getting a book ready for release, we also talk about creative partnership: what makes a creative collaboration work, how you stay aligned across the process, and how that relationship strengthens the final story. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report,…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get on their bikes and dive deep into Akira (1988) - the cyberpunk anime classic that still resonates today - with our guest Daniel Morrison of Creative Genius Games. It’s an anime classic and we unpack the film’s heavy themes and the characters that carry them with real quality, and debate why Akira went on to inspire so many stories after it. From its gripping narrative momentum to animation that set a new standard, we explore what makes the film feel so urgent decades later. This week’s storytelling tip is about exposition through character relationships. Other stories we're enjoying include: Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive), Once Upon a Time (Disney+), That Time I got reincarnated as a slime (Crunchyroll), Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (Novel), Gachiakuta (Crunchyroll), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Better Call Saul (Netflix). Connect with Daniel online: Website: https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgames Twitter:…

Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Animator, Producer and Storyboard Artist Seraphina Bewick to hear the early-stage story of developing her independent anime, Magic Gyaldem - an idea she’s been carrying since the age of 15! Seraphina shares the realities of bringing animation to life while juggling full-time work at a major studio, what she took away from the BBC Ignite programme, and the challenges of working with a mainstream developer to shape an idea for public consumption. We also dig into her anime origin story, what’s next on the road to getting Magic Gyaldem made… and, somehow, end up going deep on gardening. One for the animation curious and green thumbs alike! Connect with Seraphina & Magic Gyaldem online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicgyaldem TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicgyaldem YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicgyaldem Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative…

We're back from our mid season break and recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Toy Story 5 (starting at 28:26), asking the big question a fifth film has to answer: after 30+ years, does this franchise still have something new to say…and does this sequel justify its existence? We dig into the film’s shift in focus as Jessie takes centre stage, and Bonnie’s journey through a digital world with devices that are taking the place of traditional toys and imaginative play. From there, we unpack how the story deals with its “villains”, whether it’s the devices themselves, cyberbullying, and the way tech reshapes childhood. This week’s storytelling tip is about executing on your story’s thematic question: committing to what your narrative is trying to argue, and following that idea through to an earned payoff. Other stories we're enjoying include: The Disappearances of Lydia Fontaine (Audiobook), The Little Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), The Ashes and the…

We've been on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the great conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year's Campaign 40 photoshoot). You'll hear advice on networking and building a career in the creative industries, alongside great insight from people who are actively living it. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with mayamada's own Alex Duval, a creative who has taken his career to a professional level. Alex shares his experiences navigating the industry, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it was like networking at EVO in the United States - one of the world's biggest fighting game events. Whether you're just starting out or…

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot). You’ll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and game designer Symoné, alongside eSports and Game Design Lecturer Ivan Phillips. Together, they dig into what game design really means beyond mechanics, how designers can welcome different kinds of players without losing their creative vision, and the mindsets that help make games culture more inclusive.…

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest, including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This first segment features Tazziii and Nigel in conversation with Community Manager Dan Finch, who gives a wealth of insight into building inclusive online communities and takes us through his love for Destiny and D&D. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month — see you then! Connect with Dan online: Website:…

This week, Nigel sits down with Learning & Community Curator Leah Dungay to explore Behind the Screens, the National Videogame Museum’s new exhibition opening in summer 2026, which aims to transform how UK videogame heritage is collected and understood. It’s a response to the challenges of preserving video games and takes a people-centred approach, with community-led partnerships that reflect the complexity of games: documenting developers and their creative processes, and recording the social histories of gameplay and the fandoms within it. We talk about Leah’s role within the project, why preservation matters (especially as games, platforms, and marketplace access change), and what “community” really means within gaming culture. We also share what to expect from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” diversity campaign, which is set to be featured in the exhibition! Leah also reflects on her own journey with games - from N64 favourites to the joys of Pokémon Snap. NOTE: This is the last episode recorded before our…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Community Manager of Out Making Games Dan Finch and GamesAid Vice Chair Dom Shaw for our summer video game roundtable (from 26:19). We dig into the newly revealed Steam Machine pricing, whether the hardware is worth it, and what it says about gaming becoming too expensive. Then we get into a little game called GTA VI launching without a disc, how much Rockstar can charge for the world’s most anticipated game launch, what “ownership” looks like in a download-only future, and whether today’s world is ready for GTA’s infamous satire. And there’s still time to debate the many missteps of the major platform holders, plus what we’re actually looking forward to in the games industry. Games we're enjoying this week include: Destiny 2 (Windows), 007 First Light (PS5), My Hero Ultra Rumble (Windows), R.E.P.O (Windows), Cult of Lamb (PC), Halo: Infinite Multiplayer (Xbox), Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix), Fall Guys (Windows), Marvel Rivals (Windows), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS5)…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Nareice Wint, a producer and game developer at Miami Avalon, to discuss her journey into games and finding her way from AAA to indie development. We look at the differences and realities of two very different landscapes, from the structure and scale of AAA studios to the personal responsibility and creative freedom of building something independently. Nareice also gives us a look at the challenges of that personal journey, as we get real about navigating games while facing hurdles like the Job Centre and the negative perception of video games in society. With a decade of experience behind her, and off the back of a successful game release with Ascend, Nareice shares how her path has led her to redefine what success now means. Connect with Nareice online: Miami Avalon Website: https://www.miamiavalon.com Ascend on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1944260/Ascend LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nareicejwint Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nareice Connect…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii live, die, and repeat once more for a dive deep into All You Need Is Kill (from 25:06), with Comic Creator and WIP Comics Member Lara Callaghan. We compare this new anime adaptation to earlier versions (including Edge of Tomorrow) and explore whether it brings anything new to the table. From there, we dig into the film’s distinctive visuals and its more internal, character-led perspective, looking closely at the arcs, relationships, and themes that come up across its many loops. This week’s storytelling tip is about third-act constriction: how narrowing a protagonist’s options, space, and agency can intensify tension and force decisive character choices. Other stories we’re enjoying include: Zerocalcare (Books), The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), Interview with the Vampire (Netflix), Love Through a Prism (Netflix), The Art of Sarah (Netflix), My Demon (Netflix), Cannon Busters (Netflix), Invincible (Amazon Prime), Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (Book), Daredevil: Born…

In this special episode of Story x Story, we’re sharing the audio from our Anime in the Mainstream panel at MCM Comic Con London (May 2026). Anime is no longer as niche as it once was, and is now defining entertainment for a whole generation. Our panel explores what makes anime land emotionally, how streaming and social media are accelerating its rise, and what is at stake as Hollywood and global platforms invest more into the medium we’ve been enjoying for years. Nigel is moderating the panel, which features Lara Callaghan, Vittorio Deluca, Marta Camilo, and Marcus Tan, with audience questions at the end. Whether you’re familiar with, or new to, the world of anime, this conversation will help give a clearer picture of how anime is different from much of Western animation, plus insight into the question of adaptations, anime-inspired work, and more. Don’t forget to tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual…

Nigel and Tazziii head to the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham for a special in-person episode recording! We're hitting the track for a deep dive into 100 Meters (the anime adaptation of Uoto’s manga). This is an existential story that asks one central question: “Why do you run?” and then explores multiple answers through characters whose ambitions, anxieties, and identities collide in subtle ways. We unpack the character arcs, and why anime often does grey areas well in a way that lands differently from many Western narratives. It’s a heavy story, and we debate how well it works as both an emotionally intense narrative and a thematic argument about purpose, pressure, and self-worth. We also discuss how well adaptations can work even if you have never read the source material. This week’s storytelling tip is about four corner opposition from an internal and ideological viewpoint rather than a purely external conflict. Other stories we're enjoying include: Ranma 1/2 (Netflix), The Warrior Princess and…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by executive producer Jerome Mazandarani - the producer behind Cannon Busters - for a behind-the-scenes industry look at how anime has gone from niche subculture to mainstream global entertainment. We dig into Jerome’s journey producing Cannon Busters, what it actually takes to get an anime made, and what it’s like navigating Japanese production pipelines and fan expectations as someone coming from outside the industry. We also explore the impact technology and streaming have had on anime’s rise, the pressures that come with increased global demand, and the big question: as anime becomes more widespread in funding, audiences, and production…will it stay “anime”? Connect with Jerome: The Accidental Otaku - https://jeromemazandarani.substack.com Connect with mayamada: mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new…

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting a great conversation from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators with Rachael Smith who is back for her third visit to our livestream series. Rachael breaks down what goes into making a successful Kickstarter, with the recently funded Nap Comix as a real-world case study. We dig into the behind-the-scenes work that helps a campaign succeed, from planning and audience building to communication, scope, and delivery. We also talk about awards and recognition, what it really takes to promote your work as an artist without burning out, and the excitement of stepping into new narratives as Rachael gives us a special announcement about an upcoming new comic project. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii set sail into One Piece Season 2 (from 26:11), joined by our crew of guests Dom Shaw, Lao K and Louise Karunwi. It’s a wide‑ranging discussion with some views you might not expect, as we get into how faithful the live‑action adaptation feels, what changes land (and which ones don’t), and whether a story this big can ever truly make the leap to live action. We also dig into the places we visit, the colourful costume work, and the themes Season 2 brings to life, pulling out what’s working and what still feels like it’s finding its sea legs. Other stories we're enjoying include: Go For It, Nakamura! (Crunchyroll), The Ramparts of Ice (Crunchyroll), You and I Are Polar Opposites (Crunchyroll), Abbott Elementary (Disney+), Hogwarts Legacy (PlayStation), Invincible (Prime Video), Black Mirror (Netflix), Tales of Arise (Xbox), Bad Sisters (Apple TV+), Prime Target (Apple TV+), Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (Prime Video), Little Kitty, Big City (Xbox), The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Mereida Fajardo, a Bristol-based comic and zine-maker, illustrator, and arts facilitator, to explore her journey and deep relationship with the physical medium of comics. Mereida shares how The Dark Knight first got her into comics, and the critical education decision that saw her follow her passion rather than what was expected of her by others. We also dig into her work as an event organiser and what she is building in Bristol for comic and zine makers through Zinezilla. Connect with Mereida online: Website: https://www.mereida.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.ereida Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mereida.bsky.social Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.com Instagram:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (starting at 25:29) with script editor Sashi Gopalakrishnan and Games Aid chair and member of Games London's Ensemble Sara Veal. We talk about the franchise’s incredible success in film form, even as the sequel’s narrative can feel loose and under-structured, and what that trade-off means for its different audiences. From a storytelling and fan perspective, we get into what works in the execution, what feels thin, and the value of stories supposedly “for kids” in a TikTok generation. This week’s storytelling tip is about developing an earned redemption arc. Other stories we're enjoying include: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix), Fullmetal Alchemist (Crunchyroll), Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home (Book), Paradise (Disney+), Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice (Disney+), The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting (Crunchyroll), Buddy Daddies (Crunchyroll), I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Be (Crunchyroll), Castle in the Air & House of…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by CEO of Kunta Content, Dean Gichukie, for a conversation about video games as a way to explore culture. We get to dig into the legacy of games that take players into worlds inspired by diffeent places, histories, and mythologies beyond our own, and what it looks like when studios get cultural exploration right…as well as the pitfalls that come up when they get it wrong! We also talk about making games in Africa through Kunta Content’s work on HIRU, the online controversies and backlash cycles that can come with efforts to make games more culturally diverse, and what we want to see from the industry in the future as cultural storytelling in games continues to evolve from early days of Street Fighter to today’s more expansive cultural swings. Connect with Kunta Content online: Website: https://kuntacontent.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/kunta_content Connect with mayamada: mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and…

In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio from a Story Club livestream where Nigel and Tazziii break down a great story with guests live. This episode sees us revisit the 2025 anime The Last Blossom with guests Lara Callaghan and Rayna Denison, exploring a film that moves with a thoughtful pace and flow. Even though the narrative is set in the world of the Yakuza, this story is less about crime and more about love and reflection. The conversation unpacks the film as a character study and considers the impact of an elderly yakuza's actions on the people around him. There are some heavy themes and emotional depth, and we dig into the ways the story balances vulnerability, redemption and masculinity. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community, including Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with Lara online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callag_documentality Twitter: Connect with…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into GOAT (starting at 29:28), with animator and illustrator Fahim Motahar. GOAT is a sports animation that feels nearly there with strong individual elements, but they do not always click together into a fully satisfying whole. We get into where the narrative works and doesn’t beyond its impressive look and all star cast. We also examine the sport itself and how authentic the animation feels to the rhythms of play, then unpack the narrative journey with questions around both the protagonist and antagonist, where the themes land (or fall short), and what it really means to make stories for younger audiences. This week's storytelling tip is about clear skill progression for your protagonist. Other stories we're enjoying include: Outer Wilds (Xbox), The Anarchy (book), Loot (Apple TV), Severence (Apple TV), Arcana Academy (book), Dan Da Dan (Netflix), Jack of All Trades (Crunchyroll), Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix), Project Hail Mary (Cinema), Louis Theroux:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Alizée Musson to explore her internationally winding path to a career in animation, and the making of her first published book, The Art of Writing Animation: Storytelling Craft for Writers & Animators. We dig into why she took on the challenge of publishing a book , the amazing range of animation talent she spoke to for it, and what she learned along the way. Alizée shares so much from hr journey and gets to the heart of why sharing your voice matters when telling a story. This conversations is a must-listen for anyone interested in writing for animation and the craft of storytelling in any form. Connect with Alizée online: Website: https://www.alizeemusson.com Buy The Art of Writing Animation: Storytelling Craft for Writers & Animators: https://www.kamerabooks.co.uk/bookpage.php?isbn=9780857306173 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alizeemusson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alizee_musson Connect with mayamada: mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii do a retrospective of Fallout Season 2 (from 14:35) with Content Creator Jack Mullen. After an excellent first season, we explore what makes the series so consistently high quality, from its world-building to its craft, and how season 2 adds depth to its protagonists as their motivations and arcs become more complicated and intriguing to follow. We also unpack the balance the season strikes between tying up key narrative threads and leaving just enough unresolved to set up what we now expect to come next, and talk about how well the show carries over the games’ core themes into this TV adaptation…and which character we would be in the wasteland! Other stories we're enjoying include: Resident Evil Requiem (PS5), Final Fantasy (Various), Arcana Academy (Book), Dan Da Dan (Netflix), Family Plan (Apple TV+), Extraordinary (Disney+), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix), Gardens of the Moon (Book), Bob's Burger (Disney+), The Simpsons (Disney+) Connect…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Raquel Turner, Corporate Strategy Manager at Talkmind, to discuss her journey into mental health work and her passion for creating accessible mental health resources for people across pop culture. We get to explore her experiences creating the Talkmind zine, its reception at MCM Comic Con, and how she balances her professional work with her own mental health journey. And we also get to talk some anime and manga, revealing the deeper layers in stories that only come with repeat viewings! Connect with Raquel Turner online: Website: https://www.talkmind.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-turner-508831162 Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.com Instagram:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Zootopia 2 (starting at 24:05), with writer and producer behind the Write for Animation channel, Pietro Schito. Disney's sequel to the wildly popular 2016 film returns with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde facing new challenges. We focused on how the film develops the relationship between the two lead characters, and how much change we expect from a sequel. There are a ton of new characters to explore, as well as visually impressive environments and themes that continue to be relevant in society today. We consider whether the sequel manages to build on the original's foundation, and debate whether the third act's revelations work to bring the narrative to a satisfying end. Other stories we're enjoying include: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox), Bugonia (Cinema), "Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None" (Crunchyroll), The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Crunchyroll), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Arcana Academy (Book), Vinland Saga (Netflix) and God of War Ragnarok:…

In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio version of The Studio77 Report livestream. It's our seasonal gathering where the creative community can check in on progress, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges on the creative journey. Nigel and Tazziii explore the spring theme of Renewal, before getting into some creative industry news with more examples of anime's mainstream success and significant leadership changes at Xbox. We also hear insights from Inel Tomlinson on making space to be creative, Nareice Wint on working across different disciplines in indie development, and Corey Brotherson on being selective with your work as you grow. And for our guest segment, HaZ Dulull joins us to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for Astro Burn, creating a physical edition of his indie game that celebrates game preservation. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your skills in a new direction, this show is about identifying what you want to grow and taking intentional steps towards it. Episode links:…

NOTE: We recorded this episode before Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond left Microsoft. For Nigel and Tazziii’s initial take on that news, watch The Studio77 Report for Spring 2026 on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9Tw-70R9as4?t=1805 Our first video game roundtable of 2026 sees Nigel and Tazziii sit with Mathew Allcock, Wayne Emanuel, and Janelle McCurdy to discuss the games they're playing and the video game news stories that have caught their attention (from 21:31). We get into a range of stories including the implications of Valve's Steam Machine and Steam Frame delays caused by the ongoing RAM crisis and debate what rising RAM prices mean for the cost of gaming as well as the potential impact on next-generation console release schedules. The conversation then turns to whether Xbox's multi-platform strategy is actually working and the cost to their brand, while also looking into Larian Studios' controversial AI troubles and Nintendo's ambitious cinema plans. Games being enjoyed this week:…

In this Rewind episode, we've got the audio from the February 2026 episode of Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, where Nigel talks to comic creators around the world to explore their work and the craft of making comics. This series is all about highlighting the people behind the art as we uncover their unique stories, and this month features Corey Brotherson, an award-winning writer, editor and creative consultant whose extensive portfolio spans comics, video games and more. Corey is joining for his second appearance on the show, and once again shares honest insights about his transition from video game writing to comics, why self-confidence plays such a big role as a freelancer (your income depends on it!), and the value of taking opportunities when they're presented. It's a candid look at the ups and downs of a freelance career from someone who has been doing it for 20+ years! Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 shows with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Jade Leamcharaskul, a composer and game audio producer, to discuss her journey from game development to focusing on music composition. We get open and honest as we talk about dealing with imposter syndrome, knowing your worth, and the value of networking to gain major opportunities. This is a great conversation with a long-time freelancer packed with lessons for those looking to build a creative career path in video games. Connect with Jade online: Website: https://www.jdwasabi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdwasabi Twitter: https://twitter.com/JDWasabi YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jdwasabi

Were back from our recording break with Season 8 of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into F1: The Movie (starting at 23:53) with our guests: content creator Mavitivo plus filmmaker and inventor Jabril Muse. We explore how Brad Pitt's role in Hollywood may be reflecting the film's themes of redemption and the dynamic between experience and youth on the race track. Despite its straightforward narrative, we discuss how F1 is shows that a simple story can still be effective when executed at a high level, proving that a story can be greater than the sum of its parts. This week's storytelling tip focuses on designing protagonists who learn from each other, creating character relationships that drive growth. Other stories we're enjoying: Poker Face (Peacock), Hijack (Apple TV+), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO/Max), Sentimental Value (Cinema), It Was Just an Accident (Cinema), Silo (Apple TV+), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Shrinking (Apple TV+), Children of Benin Kingdom by Dinah Orji (Book),…

This week, we're sharing the closing roundtable from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream. Nigel and Tazziii are joined by three prominent voices from the gaming community: Sally Sheppard (game educator and founder of Wyrdren Games), InDeeDee (content creator and community builder), and Daniel Morrison (founder of Creative Genius Games). This conversation explores what community means for the future of gaming - especially as major UK events like EGX and Insomnia have closed their doors as standalone events. We also discuss what needs to improve in games education to better prepare the next generation of developers, and what gives them hope as we look towards 2026. It's an insightful discussion about resilience, representation, and the responsibility we all share in shaping a more welcoming gaming industry. This is our final Rewind episode before Season 8 begins next week! We'll be back in February with brand new interviews, discussions, and stories from across the creative…

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting three gameplay interview segments from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Tazziii played indie games live while Nigel interviewed the developers behind them. First up, Vicky and Luxille from Studio Lavacado showcase their cosy tiling puzzle game Floramino. Then HaZ Dulull from Beyond The Pixels brings us Astro Burn, a nostalgic cute-em-up shooter featuring a jetpack-wearing cat astronaut. Finally, Nareice Wint of Miami Avalon shares her transition from AAA to indie development whilst showcasing Ascend. These conversations explore fantastic and practical insights from each developer, from understanding scope and building awareness around your game to the challenges of moving from AAA to the indie space. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of indie game development. This is Part 3 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new…

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting the first roundtable discussion from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Nigel talks with three super supportive voices from across the games industry. Joining the conversation were Jarvs Tasker, Head of Communications at Happy Volcano and an award-winning accessibility advocate; Roshelle Patterson, a games UX researcher whose work spans AAA titles like World of Warcraft and indie projects focused on climate and social issues; and Dom Shaw, a passionate champion for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities with over a decade of experience across events, charity, and advocacy work. This roundtable explored the personal lessons each took from a difficult year in 2025, the invaluable power of community in sustaining creative work, the importance of putting your work out into the world even when it feels unpolished, and the real value of industry awards and recognition. Despite rocky times in games, we managed to pick out great…

Happy New Year! In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting the opening interview from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Nigel sat down with Dean Gichukie, CEO and Game Producer at Kunta Content. Dean shares his journey founding an African game studio with a vision to make great African games. We talk about his experience building Kunta Content in Kenya, and the inspiration behind their Maasai-inspired 3D game HIRU. This conversation explores what representation means from an African lens, the unique opportunities and challenges in the global gaming industry, and Dean's advice for aspiring game developers in underrepresented regions looking to break into the industry. This is Part 1 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February! Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual…

It's the final episode of 2025!! For our Season 7 Wrapped episode, Nigel and Tazziii are back with their personal top five favourite stories of the year. And this year we're adding some new categories including 'In Memoriam' for stories we've said goodbye to, and 'Personal Story Highlight' for those moments that really stood out. Of course, we've still covering honourable mentions, stories that surprised and disappointed us, as well as our favourite ongoing or unfinished stories. So join us as we recap our favourite comic, anime, TV, film and video game stories that made us stop and take notice over the past 12 months. We want to hear from you too! What were your favourite stories of 2025? Which moments or characters stood out to you? Join the conversation in our Discord and share your own picks with us. We're going on a recording break over January, but will be back in February with Season 8 of Story x Story. In the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy some great bonus Rewind episodes until we start recording…

The end of another means it's time to look back at the past 12 months of incredible story discussions! This special episode brings you the best highlights, pre and post-show chats, and (many, many) bloopers from Season 7 of the podcast, featuring Nigel, Tazziii, and a brilliant line-up of guests from across the creative industries. We've packed our favourite moments into this episode, celebrating the fantastic guests who've joined us throughout the year and the unforgettable bloopers that kept us entertained over many recording sessions - from forgetful moments and unexpected laughs to mute button mishaps. Season 7 has been filled with insightful and entertaining conversations with diverse voices across comics, manga, TV, and video games. So sit back and enjoy the ups, downs, insightful wisdom, and everything in between as we recap another season of Story x Story! A huge thank you to everyone who has joined us as guests and also listened to another year, and here's to more great stories ahead 🎉

This week on our final interview episode of 2025, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Inel Tomlinson, a multi-talented actor, comedian, gaming host and presenter. We had a wide-ranging conversation about making a creative career across stand-up comedy, hosting, video games and acting. Inel shares invaluable insight on navigating the difficult schedules in television, the importance of being consistent when building a career, and the value of supporting friends making their way in the industry (get the fire emoji ready 🔥). This episode is packed with advice from someone who is working across industries today and a must-listen for anyone wanting to build their creative career! Connect with Inel online: Website: https://inel.tv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inelious Twitter: https://twitter.com/inel

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (starting at 31:40), with guests Sky Tunley-Stainton from Safe in our World and comic creator Pigeon. Del Toro's darker retelling of the classic tale brings stop-motion craftsmanship and new emotional depth to Carlo Collodi's original story. But how does it succeed as a narrative beyond great visuals and thematic ambition? We discuss the value of stop-motion animation, and how the film connects audiences to a character's Ghost. Plus powerful themes woven throughout every aspect of the narrative, what it means to be disobedient, and our favourite moments in this retelling of an old story with a del Toro twist. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing a rule-based system that is tied to the emotional core of your narrative. Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch's Egg (Graphic Novel), Bone Broth (Graphic Novel), Mother (Graphic Novel), BLOB (Graphic Novel) Tress of the Emerald Sea (Book), Wake Up Dead Man: Knives Out…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Martha Julian from Thought Bubble and Abi Wright from Festival of the Girl, two event organisers running national events at large scale. We explore what drives them to create these community spaces and the impact events can have on attendees across creative interests. From the logistics of planning and the realities of funding to the challenges of sustaining events year after year, we delve into what it takes to keep going in an increasingly digital age. This is a must listen for event organisers and packed with valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to understand the dedication behind the events they love. Connect with Martha online: Website: https://thoughtbubblefestival.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbubblefestival Twitter: https://x.com/ThoughtBubbleUK Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thoughtbubbleuk.bsky.social Connect with Abi online: Website: https://www.festivalofthegirl.com Instagram:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Pixar's Elio (starting at 26:45), with guests mayamada illustrator Pinali and Lao K, the other mayamada co-founder. Pixar's latest animation didn't receive the warm reception the studio might have hoped for. We explore the off-screen drama that impacted the on-screen narrative, why Elio felt disconnected and made it difficult to connect with certain characters, the Pixar "bean mouth" problem and what we expect from our animation today, as well as how well the film executed its themes of grief, loneliness and identity. Not everything can be a home run, and we look at which moments did work and what we want to see from Pixar animation in future. This week's storytelling tip is about getting your protagonist's Ghost right. Other stories we're enjoying include: Predator franchise (film series), Hazbin Hotel (Prime Video), Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (Netflix), Sifu (Epic), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Moving Out (Steam), Howl's Moving Castle (Spotify), The Flight…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Chitra Soundar, an award-winning children's author and executive producer, to discuss her journey from telling stories in Chennai, India to producing them for UK television. We delve into the long process of bringing an idea to our screens in the form of animation, and how Chitra brought the Nikhil & Jay show to life on CBeebies. Chitra tells us why representation matters and how she is opening pathways for those from South Asian backgrounds and talent of colour in the industry, plus the preparation needed to ensure you are in the right position when opportunity comes - even if you have to create the opportunity yourself! This conversation is a must listen for anyone interested in the work and business moves behind bringing animation to our screens. Connect with Chitra online: Website: https://www.chitrasoundar.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chitrasoundar YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChitraSoundar

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into The Last of Us Season 2 (from 19:36), with a special voice note from Mr Midas sharing his thoughts on the game for context. NOTE: Unfortunately, we experienced technical difficulties during recording which resulted in lost audio that we couldn't recover. This affected the Stories We're Enjoying segment and the start of the main story discussion. We apologise for any disruption this may cause. You'll hear Nigel and Tazziii's thoughts on the latest adapted season from the genre-defining game. We discuss how faithfully the game's most emotional moments were translated and explore the difficulties of adaptation when only half of the source material has been covered in season 2, with season 3 expected to adapt the rest of the game. We also examine narrative issues around Ellie and Abby's characters in the season, along with the television-specific moments that did impressed us. Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch Watch (Crunchyroll), Zenshu (Crunchyroll), The…

In this Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our live panel at MCM London Comic Con in October 2025: Anime 101 - Why It Hits Different. Joining Nigel and Tazziii are Simone Giampaolo kayPOWXD, and Badgerz as they explore why anime creates such powerful emotional connections and why it's making an even bigger splash in the mainstream. This is a new format we're aiming to do more of next year - sharing audio from our IRL panels and roundtables to the podcast. So bear with us on the audio quality (we’re still working out the logistics) and we hope you enjoy the conversation about anime's unique storytelling power and its growing cultural impact. Special moment alert: At the 37:49 mark, Badgerz proposes to kayPOWXD on stage! ✨💍 Definitely a first for us and huge congratulations to the newly engaged couple! Check out our YouTube channel for the video of this panel (plus engagement) and other mayamada content from MCM Comic Con. Guest Links Simone Giampaolo Instagram:…

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Michael Nakan, a creative entrepreneur working at the intersection of media and technology. Michael shares his journey from (unexpectedly) British roots into the worlds of film, TV, and now comics, including his work founding Envision Entertainment and creating content across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. We get into the scary decline in reading for pleasure amongst young people in the UK and why comics are uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge of getting kids reading again. Michael tells us about Comixit, the inspiring comics app for kids he's building and what features his team are preparing to launch. He also reminds us of the essential balance between creativity and business awareness that every creative entrepreneur needs to learn for success and sustainability. Connect with Comixit online: Website: join the Comixit waitlist at http://www.comixit.app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comixitapp