Story x Story

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Elizabeth Cox, the founder of Should We Studio, an independent production company dedicated to raising awareness of the most important issues shaping the future. She joins us to talk about her journey from the world of science to the animation industry and what her experience means for the stories she creates.

Elizabeth shares her experiences working on the studio's upcoming animated series Ada, a five-episode series exploring the ethical and social implications of new technologies. This episode is a great insight into the animation process and what it takes to produce new stories giving voice to underrepresented perspectives across history.

Tune in to discover:

How education prepared Elizabeth for the work she does today The challenges in transitioning from a science background to a creative role Insights into the animation industry

This week, Nigel and Tazziii venture out into the nuclear wasteland with a retrospective look at the Fallout video game adaptation (starting at 26:54), with a full house of guests: Content Creator Jack Mullen, Host and Presenter Aisha Ahmed, along with Cosplayer and Content Creator kayPOWXD.

We take a look at another video game adaptation that manages to sidestep a long line of below-par adaptations and deliver a narrative that faithfully brings the world of Fallout to new audiences while satisfying fans familiar with the games. It's all about the journey, and along the way are believable characters that bring emotional arcs and lore to its audience in a way that avoids endless exposition. It's a valuable lesson for future adaptations and a great listen for fans of the franchise!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Final Fantasy X (PlayStation), Final Fantasy XIII (PlayStation), Astro Bot (PlayStation), Little Goody Two Shoes (PC/Switch), Dandadan (Netflix), The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime), The Elder Scrolls Online (PC/Console), Life with an Ordinary Guy who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout (Crunchyroll), Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle (Netflix), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Xbox), Agatha All Along (Disney+), Bob's Burgers (Hulu/Disney+), Black Clover (Crunchyroll).

This week, we're revisiting a recent episode of our Studio77 show, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, the show where Nigel chats with another creator about their work and the craft of making comics!

It's about showcasing the human being behind the art as we discover each person's story. In this segment, Nigel is in conversation with Fantasy Artist & Colourist Eren Angiolini, whose titles include: Critical Role - The Mighty Nein Origins, Justice League, DC Pride, The Domain and Doctor Who.

Eren is returning for their second sit-down on the show, and we get to hear about the work they are currently making progress on, which includes a recent epic Kickstarter campaign! Eren also details their love for Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) and the manifesting journey that landed them the Critical Role comic gig, plus we get to know how they see their career as a massive plot twist!

Catch more shows live on the mayamada Twitch each month with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with an amazing duo of creatives! Producer and founder of Singer Studios, Eloise Singer, and Dr. Dave Ranyard, founder and CEO of Dream Reality Interactive and Executive Producer of Pirate Queen.

They join us to talk about their journey from paths outside of the games industry to eventually meeting and deciding to work on the now Emmy-nominated VR experience. This is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiration on breaking into video games when you're coming from different industries. We delve into how their experiences in film, TV, and music prepared them to bring the story of the legendary pirate Cheng Shih to life!

Join the conversation to appreciate the challenges and lessons that stuck with them, and gain insight into what really goes on at a fancy Hollywood party!

This week, we have a great Rewind episode for you with the audio from our autumn video game roundtable livestream! Nigel and Tazziii go live to recap the video games we've been playing before setting the stage for an exciting discussion on some of the biggest news stories that have captured our attention over the year so far.

As always, we're joined by an eclectic mix of video game professionals and have a bumper line up of guests: Host & Voice Over Artist Miabyte, Game Composer Chase Bethea, Twitch Streamer and Lego Gaming Community Manager Marta, and Cosplayer & Narrative Designer at Square Enix, Rhianne Murphy.

We cover news from the big three in gaming as well as other players in the industry and wider culture. So listen in as we give our thoughts on the latest failure in live service games, Xbox's Game Pass price hike, the price of the PS5 Pro and Nintendo's new cons—alarm clock?? Plus, we invite our cat to share their thoughts on the state of games today. Make sure you catch the debate and head over to the mayamada Twitch channel for our other Studio77 schedule of shows.

Video games we've been playing: Astro Bot, Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Magic: The Gathering, Chessmaster: The Art of Learning, Yakuza Kiwami, Fields of Mistria, Dragon Age books, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, The Gunk, Mario Wonder, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge - Dimension Shellshock DLC, Pico Park.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii go back to where it all started for a deep dive into Hayao Miyazaki's pre-Studio Ghibli masterpiece (starting at 28:55), with guest Laura Watton, a comic creator known as Pink Apple Jam.

We revisit this title 40 years on from its release and discuss how relevant its environmental themes still are, as well as compare the changes in the acceptance of lengthy animated stories with strong female characters. At the time, a reluctance led to the disastrous Western adaptation, but what is it that made producers nervous?

We examine the brilliant worldbuilding that can be learned from and discuss the perception of gender roles in media. This week's storytelling tip is about utilizing exposition in your story's dialogue.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Ranma ½ remake (Netflix), Bob's Burgers (Disney+), The Kid Who Would Be King (Disney+), WandaVision — "Agatha All Along" (Disney+), Black-ish (Disney+), Restaurant to Another World 2 (Crunchyroll), The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses (Crunchyroll), Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (Crunchyroll), Solar Opposites (Disney+), Terminator Zero (Netflix).

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Moo Yu, Creative Director at Team Artichoke and a founding team member of POC in Play.

He discusses his journey over 20 years in video games working on titles like Knights & Bikes, LittleBigPlanet, and Ratchet & Clank. He is now making a new game with his own team and allows us to delve into the transition from Gameplay Programmer to managing a team.

We get to hear how his work across AAA has prepared him to create an inclusive environment for others to thrive while making his new game Myth Match. Join the conversation to appreciate the rewards and challenges of indie game development.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii conduct what can only be described as a narrative autopsy as we dive deep into the shallow waters of the Borderlands film (starting at 22:55), with our guest and Content Creator Mark Ōu Chéng.

We do our best to pick out the storytelling lessons from a story with a barely serviceable plot, characters that lack motivation, and worldbuilding that all seems to do its best to move away from the source material of the video game series… but it's not all bad, as we at least enjoyed the conversation!

This is certainly a cautionary tale for storytellers, and we examine the key elements that bring this story down and debate which moments could have worked if given more (or any) attention and care to the video game material. This week's storytelling tip is about how failing to use foreshadowing and misdirection effectively leaves an audience emotionally disengaged.

Other stories we're enjoying include: The Dispossessed, The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash, A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring, Quality Assurance in Another World, The Way of Kings, and Shōgun.

We have a great Rewind episode for you with the audio from our latest Studio77 Report recording on Twitch. Each month, Nigel and Tazziii dive into our top video game stories of the month, which include the next evolution of The Sims franchise with Project Rene and the unexpected shutdown of PlayStation's new game 'Concord' just two weeks after launch.

We'll also share some valuable industry advice that reminds us of the importance of focusing on personal happiness and motivation. Finally, we reveal the new topic as we discuss the price of the PS5 Pro. Join the discussion and cast your vote!

Enjoy the audio, and if you'd like to watch us record it live, you can follow mayamada over on Twitch for this and other shows as part of our Studio77 platform: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

This week, Nigel flies solo as he chats with Myleah, the Founder of Lumikha Cosplay Resale, who works across multiple creative industries, including as a community manager in the video game industry. She reminisces over the family ties that brought her into the world of video games at an early age.

Myleah is currently working on the first annual FRAY World Game Jam, an immersive 48-hour game jam experience, alongside our own events team at mayamada. Listen to the discussion to hear how discovering anime and manga led her to becoming a cosplayer and a to a business journey that has taken her through a variety of life shaping experiences with communities around the world.

You can join the FRAY World Game Jam at https://frayworld.com/jam

And follow Myleah too!

Twitter: https://twitter.com/METTALEAH

Instagram: https://instagram.com/flyhinata

https://LumikhaCosplay.com

This week, Nigel and Tazziii engage in some fourth-wall-breaking corporate synergy as we do a deep dive on Deadpool & Wolverine (starting at 28:31), with Mega City Comics' Vik Deluca.

Deadpool's first foray into the MCU has led it to become the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time, but does it function well enough as a narrative without the mix of humor and nostalgia?

We examine the buddy cop dynamic as we follow this combustible (and indestructible) pair through the void, debating which moments work and whether the story's themes shine through well enough to matter. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing dual protagonists in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Black Myth: Wukong, Igazuri, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, Futurama, Core Keeper, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Fallout, Zom 100 and The Boys.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Mike Armstrong, a designer and cartoonist who is one of the co-organisers of WIP Comics, a global community of comic creators. He talks to us about his artistic upbringing and transition from working in advertising to the world of comics, highlighting the unique experiences that made him the artist he is today.

Mike is currently working on the 2024 WIP Comics anthology, "Tall Tales and Short Stories," which is the group's latest successful Kickstarter campaign due for release later in the year. Mike shares his journey to becoming part of the community and what goes into organising over 70 artists to produce their best work on time—or close enough to it!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii head to the Land of the Dead for a deep dive into Pixar's Coco (starting at 23:21), with Content Creator Coco!

We take a look back at this narrative deeply rooted in Mexican culture and discuss how it was handled and the considerations around creating stories informed by different experiences. In back-to-back Pixar deep dives, we also get to revisit the ongoing topic of the "Pixar Slump".

Then we look at the Hero's Journey and explore Miguel's wholly relatable quest to pursue a creative dream when all others around him say "no". It's an emotional journey and one that is sure to result in a tear or two by the end. This week's storytelling tip is about using foreshadowing and misdirection to lead your audience to a plot twist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Naruto, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Futurama, Fairy Tail, Blue Lock, Andor, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive into the complex, wide-ranging topic of video game preservation and ownership with indie developer and founder of Asobi.tech, Quang Nguyen. The subject of how we preserve the games we love playing and what it means to own a title in the modern age comes with many difficult considerations, and we’re here for them all!

We take a look at the evolution of game ownership over the years, before examining what it means to preserve generations of culture and the barriers to ensuring the history of the medium is still accessible to future generations in years to come.

We then look at present-day efforts in preservation, including remakes and remasters that bring a modern-day refresh to classics, before considering how game subscription services have impacted the way we view game ownership and what it means going forward.

We’re back from our recording break with new episodes for the second half of Season 6! This week, Nigel and Tazziii delve headfirst into our subconscious for a deep dive into Inside Out 2 (starting at 26:46), with our very own Illustrator Pinali.

It’s been a while since we talked about new stories, so we have a bumper “Stories We’re Enjoying” segment, before we get into the discussion of this Pixar favourite sequel and now the biggest animated film of all time! We talk about whether the story represents an end to the “Pixar Slump” or just another in a long line of successes for the Disney-owned studio.

Then we get existential as we analyse the new more complex emotions and how they resonate with us as adults today as well as young people navigating an ever more complex world around them. We’re talking narrative too, including a debate on whether this sequel stays too close to safety when it comes to worldbuilding and character development. This week's storytelling tip is about having fun with analogy in your narrative to bring complex ideas to a broad audience.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Sweet Tooth, The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos, My Hero Academia (manga), Grown-ish, The Imaginary, Jobless Reincarnation, Zombie 100, Spice and Wolf, Valorant, Call of Duty, Peaky Blinders, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Rick and Morty, Fallout, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Lock, Your Lie In April (Theatre).

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in early August. Until then, join us for sun, sand (or pebbles), and stories in this special live recording of the Story x Story podcast! Nigel & Tazziii are discussing the video games industry, as we recap the Develop:Brighton experience with a series of guests who attended the conference.

We invited attendees to share their stories, as well as best practices and initiatives for fostering a more inclusive gaming community. Over this recording, you'll hear from Content Creator Jack Mullen, Bonsai Collective Community Manager Shawny Alison, and aspiring video game professional Sheena Malam as they share their experiences of Develop, what they are currently playing, and favorite games to relax on a beach with…the answers may surprise you!

Enjoy our final Rewind episode of the summer. We’ll be back recording for Season 6 in August next week.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of the amazing conversations we've had over the past year and have a Rewind of Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, the show where we speak with fellow creators about their work and the craft of making comics!

It’s about showcasing the human being behind the art as we discover each person's story. In this segment, Nigel is in conversation with writer Christian Carnouche. We hear about Christian’s travels, how networking led to his break into making comics, and his new graphic novel “TUNIS TO SYDNEY” coming out at the end of July 2024, published by Fairsquare Comics.

Stay tuned for more Rewind episodes, and we’ll be back recording for Season 6 in August!

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of the amazing conversations we've had over the past year and have the third and final part from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream.

In this segment, Nigel and Tazziii met with Content Creator Michael Akpowowo and indie developer Leon Ivey. We get to learn the origin story for each guest, plus discover more about the secret to effective networking…including some of our embarrassing networking moments!

Stay tuned for more Rewind episodes, and we’ll be back recording for Season 6 in August.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of the amazing conversations we've had over the past year and have the second of three parts from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream.

In this segment, Nigel and Tazziii met with C Bedford, Founder of à la mode games, and Troy Aidoo, Content Creator at Stream Cast. We get to explore the ins and outs of both making and commentating on games as we discover what diversity means to each of our guests.

Stay tuned to hear part three, and we’ll be back recording for Season 6 in August!

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of the amazing conversations we've had over the past year, starting with the first of three parts from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream.

In this segment, Nigel and Tazziii talked with indie developer Sarah Harrison and Hivefolio founder Declan Talbert about careers in the video game industry. Whether you're aspiring to break into the industry or just curious about what it takes to build a career in gaming, this conversation is full of insights.

Stay tuned to hear parts two and three, and we’ll be back recording for Season 6 in August!

This week, Nigel is hosting solo as he welcomes two of our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Campaign 40 members to the podcast for the first time to talk about the games we've been playing and the summer of video games, along with the deluge of showcases that come with it (starting at 22:29). Marketing Manager & Chair of DEI, Jerreau Henry, alongside Content Creator and Gaming Ambassador, Trevor Graham, bring their thoughts to the games news...which there is plenty of!

We discuss the Summer Game Fest showcase, the games on display, and its place in the video game announcement landscape following the confirmed demise of E3. We also get to talk about the rumors around new consoles and whether we need an upgrade to the PS5 this year, plus the backlash to diversity in video game narratives.

Video games we're playing: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Hollow Knight, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, eFootball, Fortnite, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii delve into the war between humans and simians for a deep dive into Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (starting at 26:46), with The Popcorn Podcast Host Dylan.

We discuss the legacy of this franchise and the value of another instalment after a strong initial reboot trilogy. With some impressive motion capture and CGI showcasing this thoughtful narrative, we examine the franchise's new protagonist who is leading the way. We get into a serious debate about the meaning of Noa’s revenge mission and what we learned by its end. This week's storytelling tip is about truly revealing character through the difficult decisions they must make over the story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: The Fall Guy, Love Lies Bleeding, Mad Max & Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, The Boys, The Bear, House of the Dragon Season 2, One Piece, The Kingdom, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Invincible, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, The Mitchells vs. the Machines.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Jupiter Hadley, a community manager and freelance journalist, to discuss their literal and figurative journey from Upstate New York to building communities and reporting across the UK games industry. Listen as we delve into how their love of indie games prepared them to make a splash in a brand new country, becoming MCV/DEVELOP’s 30 Under 30 in 2023.

Join the conversation to appreciate the value of not letting the opinions of others be a barrier to your goals, and the importance of parental support for young aspiring talent...whether they understand video games or not!

In this Story x Story Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our recent "Games Industry Explained: All Quirks Required" roundtable discussion.

Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Talent Acquisition Consultant, Terrence Cua, to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of the video game industry and the skills, talents, and qualities needed for a successful career.

This event, originally a livestream, was part of the "Do I Look Like a Gamer?" campaign and took place at King's London headquarters, the makers of Candy Crush. Tune in to gain invaluable advice whether you're employed, a freelancer, or an indie developer aspiring to make your mark in the gaming industry.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii talk to the new comic duo, Emmanuel Ojo and Camex Udeh. Their first published entry together placed them 4th out of 10 shortlisted in the 2024 Manga Jiman Competition. We learn how they collaborated to produce an award-winning story and their future plans in the world of manga.

In this comprehensive interview, we delve into the process behind comic collaborations. We discuss the story the pair produced for the theme "Forward", their respective roles, and how they handled creative conflict. We also talk extensively about ambition, motivation, and reaching your full potential. It's an energetic conversation you won't want to miss, especially if you're a first-time comic creator or about to publish your first work.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get folded up and fly as they enter the world of stop-motion for a deep dive into Kubo and the Two Strings (starting at 20:15), with Content Creator Manny Moon.

We get caught up in the animated marvel that brings a lot of texture to a Hero’s Journey that sees some serious and complex themes brought to a children’s feature. As well as the great representation on display, we examine the narrative and subvert the expectations of a cinematic climax to really lean into compassion in its characters and themes. This week's storytelling tip is all about non-violent ends to your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Final Fantasy Remake and Rebirth, My Hero Academia, Avatar the Last Airbender live action, X-Men 97, Summertime Rendering, Jujutsu Kaisen.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii talk to content creator and cosplayer Abi, also known as Opal Ink Cosplay. By day, she works as a publishing executive at Future Friends Games, and by night, she dresses as her favourite fictional characters.

We hear how an early passion for games has turned into a promising career balancing multiple creative pursuits. We also hear Abi's perspective on tackling burnout, and the amazing story behind her becoming the official Atreus cosplayer for God of War Ragnarök, a role that allowed her to work alongside Santa Monica Studio!

Abi is a fantastic example of how putting your talents out into the world can bring fantastic opportunities back to you and one you don’t want to miss.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii blur the lines between reality and fantasy as they chase dreams through time for a deep dive into the Satoshi Kon anime, Millennium Actress (starting at 16:50), with Content Creator Izzy Kento and Comic Creator Feff Silvers.

We get to grips with this boundary-pushing narrative that explores the pursuit of love and goals in a way only the acclaimed late Japanese director can do. A simple plot carries a meaningful theme and we debate the expectation of anime among different audiences as we dig into the novel narrative structure that frames a love story for the ages. This week's storytelling tip is about establishing these themes in the opening sequence of your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Stardew Valley, Spy x Family: Code White, Baby Reindeer, Delicious in Dungeon, Avatar The Last Airbender Live Action, The Fall Guy, X-Men 97, Andor.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit with fantasy author Janelle McCurdy, creator of Mia and the Lightcasters, to discuss her early life journey to becoming a fully-fledged writer and video game content creator.

Listen as we discover how discouragement at college led to 10 years of perseverance that prepared her to achieve agency representation and create worlds of diverse characters that reach readers worldwide. Janelle tells us how she dealt with rejection and found the need to make space to feel negative emotions so she could still celebrate small wins.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are going it alone as they figure out the secret to cloning for a deep dive into the genre-mashing mystery, They Cloned Tyrone (starting at 24:23), without our usual guest spot.

We take a look at this feature-length debut and examine why it resonates as an entertaining piece that wraps a meaningful message about the treatment of communities by the powers that be. The strong cast carries the material as it moves deeper and deeper into a dark conspiracy, making both dramatic and comedic stops along the way. This week's storytelling tip is all about developing a Mystery Box narrative in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Station 19, Monsters at Work, Peaky Blinders, Good Times, X-Men '97, and Summer Time Rendering.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Jasmine Moore, a Games Producer & Narrative Designer, to talk about the skills and personal qualities needed to navigate the challenging journey into the video games industry.

Jasmine has worked for some of the biggest companies in games as well as working on her own projects. In the episode, she shares the early life moments that sparked her interest in games and the advice given along the way to an ongoing career in the industry. We get the outside perspective from someone born in the US, with key insights for aspiring professionals...and lots of book recommendations too!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are pulled through a vegan portal for a deep dive into the latest adaptation of the cult hit, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (starting at 18:28), with Content Creator MiyukiPanda and Executive Producer at Radical Forge, Des Gayle.

We examine the differences between the popular film, comic source material, and this new story being told in an animated medium as we delve into the particular strengths of a world seen from a new set of eyes.

This version of the story allows us to dig deeper into characters who have been given more fleshed-out arcs that add to the many themes that are delivered in a seemingly adolescent wrapper. That's not to say the animation is anything less than impressive, so the only question is whether we want to see more Scott!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Legend of Korra, Dune 2 and Cars, The Wicked and The Divine, Mr & Mrs Smith, Apothecary Diaries, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Lightyear Frontier, Spider-Man 2, Andor, X-Men '97

This week, we have a rewind of a recent Story Club livestream special! Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Vik Deluca from Mega City Comics as they dive into the Eisner Award-winning graphic novel, "Superman For All Seasons." This introspective narrative explores the transformation of Clark Kent from farm boy to (arguably) the world's greatest superhero. Our discussion not only focuses on Clark's extraordinary powers but also his relationships, struggles, and the responsibilities that come with his abilities.

We also confront the age-old debate: Is Superman a boring character? This episode might change the minds of the sceptics among us (i.e. Nigel). Tune in as we delve into the early life of Superman, the impact of his journey on his character, and the influence of his story on the perception of the Man of Steel.

You can catch future Story Club, and other livestream shows on the mayamada Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Navy Bird, a comic artist and writer specialising in fantasy comics, to discuss how manga, anime, and novels from major authors have shaped her career. Navy is part of the WIP Comics group and contributed to their recent "Change" anthology that was successfully Kickstarted in 2023.

Listen as we delve into her experiences working with other creators versus being solo on projects. She also explains the meanings behind her fantastical stories and imagery. We also hear about her journey through education and discover how an art teacher who couldn't draw influenced her outlook today.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii take a stroll through South London for a deep dive into the refreshing Rom-Com, Rye Lane, (starting at 29:47) with Presenter and Broadcaster Shay Thompson.

We revel in this positive and recognisable depiction of love in one of London's lesser-known boroughs when it comes to mainstream representation. Despite a narrative built on familiar genre underpinnings, Raine Allen-Miller manages to keep things feeling fresh in her feature directorial debut. We cover its infinitely relatable characters and appreciate role reversals in a sharp and timely telling of finding hope when it comes to love. This week's storytelling tip is all about using foil characters in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Baldur's Gate 3, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Witch and the Beast, Snow White with the Red Hair, Halo Infinite, Futurama, Andor, and Dune: Part Two.

We're back talking about AI and creative industries! This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by University of the Arts London Lecturer and Game Developer Thom Kaczmarek to discuss the impact AI is having on creative industries and the students studying today with hopes of entering those industries tomorrow.

We delve into the recent rapid advancements in AI technology and how these tools are impacting the way professionals work. We also take a view from an educational perspective and consider how young people will need to adapt and change the skills they develop to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

AI can be a powerful tool for creativity, but we will need to adapt ourselves to stay ahead in the future…so are we changing AI or is AI changing us…are we the tools?!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii head to the Italian Riviera as we take a deep dive into the deep blue sea for Luca (starting at 27:44) with Cosplayer Coco.

A pandemic-affected release didn't seem to impact the reception of this coming-of-age story, and we get into the reasons for its successful outing with audiences of all ages. We explore the themes of latent "otherness" beneath the surface and what they mean for the arcs of the characters as well as the real world around us. This week's storytelling tip is all about building allegory through dual narratives.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Avatar the Last Airbender (Netflix), Good Doctor, Sweet Reincarnation, I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Reborn as a Vending Machine I Now Wander the Dungeon, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World, Black Clover, Call of Duty: Mobile, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Ranking of Kings, Peaky Blinders, Mea Culpa.

We've got a great Rewind episode for you! In addition to the Story x Story podcast, we also have other livestream shows here at mayamada, and throughout the season, we want to introduce more of them to you.

So, each season, we'll be sharing audio from some of those shows for you to check out. This week, it's the recording of The Studio77 Report, a show where Nigel and Tazziii discuss video game news stories that have caught our interest over the past month before we talk about announcements, events, and news from the mayamada universe.

If you'd like to hear us record it live, then you can follow us over on Twitch for this and other shows as part of our Studio77 platform: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

It's our first video game roundtable of 2024! This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome brand new guests to the podcast to talk about the games we’ve been playing and the outlook for the three main platform holders over the year (starting at 30:31).

Content Creators Atari and Mini Midas both bring their perspective to what has already been a busy start to the news cycle, as we debate Microsoft’s apparent multiplatform strategy, the relentless move to games as a service model, and how video game publishers may have lost the romance and mystery when it comes to promoting games to their audience.

Games we’re enjoying (or not): Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Dinkum, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Tekken 8, Apex Legends, Lies of P, Ratchet and Clank, (reluctantly) Palworld, Call of Duty Mobile, Nintendo Game Garage Builder, Dreams, GameMaker, Gears of War 4, Hi-Fi Rush, Rollerdrome, Mario Wonder, Spider-Man 2, Ori and the Will of the Wisps.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit with Alexandra McCarthy, a Birmingham-based illustrator and comic creator, to discuss how art became a release in her early years and how it has become her profession today. We learn more about her experiences through education and what makes the difference when supporting young creative talent.

Listen as we delve into her experiences creating her own manga and stepping out of her comfort zone to market her work. We get to appreciate her process as both a writer and an artist...and art teachers who just don't get your best jokes!

We're back for another season of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii take their racing wheels into the real world for some high-octane excitement as they do a deep dive into the film Gran Turismo (starting at 29:26) with Content Creator MiyukiPanda and Sim Racer Rayokarna.

Inspired by real-life events, this underdog story had us following the emotional exploits of Jann Mardenborough, who turned his racing sim passion into a full driving career. We explore the balance that comes with adapting a true life story for Hollywood, as we debate the exciting twists and turns of this narrative with strong themes of pursuing goals and overcoming the doubts of those around you. This week's storytelling tip is all about creating conflict through character motivations.

Other stories we're enjoying include: The Creator, Arcane, Rurouni Kenshin, MF Ghost, Banished from the Hero's Party, Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie, Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!, Arte, Banished From The Hero's Party, I Decided To Live A Quiet Life In The Countryside, Summer Time Rendering, I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss, The Color Purple, Akuma-kun, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Spider-Man 2, Godzilla Minus One, Peaky Blinders, The Brothers Sun.

As we prepare to return for Season 6 of Story x Story, we continue our series on video games with this special conversation about diversity in the industry. Nigel talks to Dom Shaw, EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Coordinator at Ukie, and Liz Prince, Business Manager at Amiqus, about the journey of developing the newly launched Empower Up website.

This collaboration between Ukie’s #RaiseTheGame initiative and the specialist games recruitment agency aims to be a toolkit and guide for employers of all sizes to improve their diversity and inclusion efforts as we work towards an industry that continues to involve diverse perspectives and experiences in the process of making and selling its games.

Enjoy this Behind The Story look at the motivation behind the website, and check out our own "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign for more positive representation in video games.

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 6 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy this Rewind episode: Part 4 of our recent "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" International Future Summit livestream from December 2023. We rounded off the campaign with this special event, taking stock of the video game industry in 2023 from the people in it.

In this episode, Tazziii talks with the co-founder of À la Mode Games, C.B., to discuss their game, Sorry We're Closed. The game is in development, and we get a behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of video game development, and what they're looking forward to in 2024. We'll be back with a new season next month, starting with a special discussion on video games and diversity - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 6 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy this Rewind episode: Part 3 of our recent "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" International Future Summit livestream from December 2023. We rounded off the campaign with this special event, taking stock of the video game industry in 2023 from the people in it.

In this episode, Nigel and Tazziii speak with Vicktorija Koluzajeva, Games Submission Manager at ID@Xbox, and JJ Fox, Founder and Creative Director of Canine Games, for a roundtable looking towards the future of the games industry.

We delve into AI and how it will shape the game development process from the perspectives of both indies and AAA studios. We also discuss the changing nature of video game marketing, which has seen a shift away from E3-style events to online efforts. Part 4 is still to come, and we'll be back with a new season next month - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 6 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy this Rewind episode: Part 2 of our recent "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" International Future Summit livestream in December. We rounded off the campaign with this special event, taking stock of the video game industry in 2023 from the people in it.

In this episode, Nigel speaks with Radical Forge’s Des Gayle about the difficult year in the video games industry that has seen large-scale layoffs at many studios. Nigel then brings the same discussion to an international panel of Marketing Manager Destinee Cleveland, Indie Developer Nils Slijkerman, Games Lecturer Thom Kaczmarek, and games student Gianluca Montaque. We also talk about the games we've enjoyed in 2023 and what we're looking forward to in 2024.

Parts 3 and 4 are still to come in January, and we'll be back with a new season next month - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 6 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy this Rewind episode: Part 1 of our recent "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" International Future Summit livestream in December. We rounded the campaign off with this special event taking stock of the video game industry in 2023 from the people in it.

In this episode, Tazziii speaks with content creator and disability advocate Mollie Evans plus Associate Artworker at Activision, Theo Waldron. They get into personal achievements and milestones for the year.

Parts 2, 3 and 4 will be posted over January and we'll be back with new season next month - enjoy!

It's the final episode of 2023!! For our Season 5 Wrapped episode, Nigel and Tazziii have put together their personal top five favourite stories of the year. There's also room for 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're going on a recording break over January, but will be back in February with Season 6 of Story x Story. In the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy some great bonus Rewind episodes until we start recording again in 2024 - Happy New Year!

We've arrived at the end of another year, so it’s time to look back at the past 12 months of great story discussions! In this special episode, you'll hear the best highlights, pre-show chats, and (many, many) bloopers from Season 5 of the podcast, brought to you by Nigel, Tazziii, a variety of amazing guests...and a now well-behaved Craig?!

We've crammed our favourite moments into the episode from a year that saw us go from Whiplash to Mario, Barbie, to Parasite, and more as we discussed stories across pop culture with new and returning guests across comics, manga, TV, and video games. So sit back and enjoy the ups, downs, wise advice, and everything in between as we recap another season of Story x Story!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii invite digital illustrator and concept artist Ravi Nkengfack to discuss his life as a comic creator and the journey from education to the world of freelance work. We get to discover how his time studying Computer Games Arts prepared him to produce illustrations and commissions for a range of clients, as well as his own WEBTOON series "WORLD'S STRONGEST".

In the conversation, we get to appreciate the importance of family support for a young creator, and the value of networking...as well as the fear most people have with it!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii join the race to become King of the Pirates in this retrospective on Netflix’s One Piece live-action adaptation with Content Creator Izzy Kento (starting at 27:20).

We praise the adaptation that got it right as we examine the aspects of this series that stayed true to the source material while working for this new medium. Izzy brings their love for the manga series as Tazziii shares experiences from over 600 episodes of the anime for us to judge what works and why our favourite moments land so well. We also get into the characters and why they work so well from a storytelling perspective.

There's also room made to talk about the podcast favourite Zoro...though not enough time by the sound of it!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Baldur's Gate 3, One Piece (Manga), Pom Poko, Scott Pilgrim: Takes Off, Shadow and Bone, Family Switch, Invincible, Obliterated, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Ranking of Kings.

We're rewinding to an episode of Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we talk to a different creator each month to discover the person behind the comic art. Nigel sits down with WIP Comics member Lara Callaghan the week before they head out to the Thought Bubble Comic Convention, November 11th - 12th.

Lara talks about her experiences with WIP Comics' recent successful Kickstarter campaign and what it's like to bring new material to a convention. She also reflects on her love of manga and tells us what her life looks like as the protagonist of her own story.

Stay tuned for more new episodes next week, the last few of Story x Story Season 5!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii play with fire as they do a deep dive into Pixar's Elemental with our very own illustrator Pinali (starting at 27:14).

We debate the reasons for the animation's disappointing box office performance, while giving our take on how this film stacks up to similar entries in the Pixar catalogue. We also discuss the story's portrayal of the immigrant tale and how diverse stories can connect us. This week's storytelling tip is all about the “Fun & Games” section or your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Blue Eye Samurai, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Sicko Shock 2 (Anime Sickos), Jobless Reincarnation, Shadow and Bones, The Marvels, Primal, Mami Wata, Invincible.

This week's episode is a rewind of our livestream adventures at the Insomnia 71 festival in September 2023! Nigel and Tazziii recorded live from the show floor with a variety of guests as we discussed the (mostly) failures and (some great) successes of video game adaptations on the big and small screens.

In the first segment, we're joined by Content Creators Miss Bubbles and Voyveda Rose as we cover The Witcher's missteps and more. Then in the second segment, we welcome Content Creator Miyuki Panda and cosplayer Sammi Dodger as we reminisce over hits like Cyberpunk and podcast favourite Arcane.

We'll be back with the final few episodes of Story x Story Season 6 from next week!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome video game content creator LilChaos to learn more about her journey in building a career as a content creator. There's a lot to unpack as we learn where the "Chaos" name came from, and how she has overcome significant hurdles on the road to growing a personal brand through Twitch and other social media platforms. We cover the highs and lows and provide a relatable and realistic perspective on the challenges of content creation.

LilChaos also talks about her passion for cosplay and how she has learned patience and resilience from her creative skills. There is a wealth of advice in this conversation for those looking to follow a similar path, or anyone interested in what a creator goes through to bring you entertaining content.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii examine socioeconomic constructs while avoiding peaches as they do a deep dive into the Academy Award winning film Parasite (starting at 25:20).

This meticulously constructed work masterfully explores many meaningful themes and symbols as it juggles genre and tone so well throughout. It tackles topics from wealth disparity to the challenges of upward social mobility, all communicated through dialogue and visuals. We also investigate why this non-English language film resonated with a global audience. This week's storytelling tip is all about using symbols and motifs to reinforce your themes.

Other stories we're enjoying include: L'etreinte, One Piece, One Punch Man, Power Book IV Force TV Show, Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, My Happy Marriage, Ōoku: The Inner Chambers, Attack On Titan, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Haikyuu!!, Beckham

This week, we delve into the controversial AI debate! Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Freelance Art Director Lucy Kyriakidou, and Graphic Designer Kevin Li to discuss the impact AI is having and will have on art. We examine the moral considerations as well as the commercial implications of this new and sometimes intimidating technology that seems to be taking over all aspects of human expression.

We take a philosophical look at the pros and cons of the technology, as well as the similarities to previous technological changes throughout human history. This is one for those in the business of art, as well as those concerned about the increasing AI-ificaton of everything we do.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are dissecting stop motion excellence as we are joined by NextGen Skills Academy Programme Administrator Charlie Blay for a deep dive into the hauntingly good Wendell & Wild (starting at 24:12).

We talk about creating stop motion horror for younger audiences in the coming-of-age narrative with an Afro Punk twist. Along the way, we delve into the narrative as we debate whether you can have too much story. We also give our thoughts on the diversity on display and how that has been handled through its cast of characters. This week's storytelling tip is all about creating scenes that turn in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Persona 5, Cowboy Bebop, What a Shame, Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs, My Dress-Up Darling, The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Spider-Man 2.

This week is a rewind from our autumn video game roundtable livestream over on Twitch. Nigel and Tazziii were joined by Alan from Melanin Gamers and Andy from StreamCast to talk about the game we're playing and the video game news stories that have caught our attention.

We discuss Unity's decision to abruptly overhaul their pricing structure to the absolute displeasure of everyone, before moving onto other topics around the industry. Microsoft's deal to purchase Activision Blizzard has finally come to an end, but we’re also looking further into the horizon and debate whether games are becoming too big to enjoy. Oh, and Tazziii reveals she is a witch!

You can catch our range of Studio77 livestream shows on the mayamada Twitch channel each month.

Game we’re enjoying this week(ish): Starfield, Mortal Kombat 1, Lies of P, Marvel's Spider-Man, Pokémon Shield, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, Tekken 8, We Were Here Expeditions, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.

This week, Nigel talks with SenseiTash, a variety Content Creator, to discuss their journey in the creative space starting from a young age and the process of becoming an independent creator. We explore how their passion for dancing, gymnastics, and martial arts translated into video games and the balance between playing games for personal enjoyment versus catering to an audience.

We first met Tash during our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign, and they share their thoughts on diversity in video game culture. They also highlight ways to make the path of a content creator more accessible for future generations.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are on a mission to close doors as we are joined by manga creators Inko and Chie for a deep dive into another visually impressive Makoto Shinkai anime film, Suzume (starting at 27:43).

We talk about the Hero's Journey that Suzume goes on to unpack the trauma in her life. Along the way, we delve into the methods used to convey meaningful themes and whether they work together to deliver the story’s message. We also discuss the visual excellence on display as we consider the reasons why this may not be seen as the masterpiece some of Shinkai-san's previous work. This week's storytelling tip is all about creating a story where your protagonist perceives things as their fault.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Endeavour, The Fairy Tale One Piece (Live Action), JYami no Shizuku, The Devil is a Part-Timer!, Rent a Girlfriend, Sword Art Online: Alicization, Black Mirror, Demon Slayer.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by cosplayer Coco, who loves to dress up as characters from video games, comics, and anime. We learn how her middle eastern background influences her costume choices as she shares a wealth of tips for cosplaying on a budget!

After meeting at the Insomnia Gaming Festival, Coco shares her experiences traveling to various conventions across the country and her most memorable interactions at comic conventions and gaming festivals. We also get an education on the nuances of "tea," "supper," and the different types of bread in the north of England.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-154/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii go pink to take on the patriarchy as we’re joined by content creators Saskia Cole and Gael Level for a deep dive into Greta Gerwig's thought-provoking take on the pop culture icon that is Barbie (starting at 23:13).

The discussion this week is wide-ranging, from the origins of the famous doll and previous attempts at a movie adaptation to the narrative itself. We delve into this story’s use of familiar film tropes as we compare Barbie to the Matrix, and give our take on the deeper meaning of the film including the issues of feminism and the female perspective. This week's storytelling tip is all about delivering a message through your narrative as a creator.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Someday Maybe, Call of Duty, Starfield, The Penthouse, The Flower of Evil, Beau Is Afraid, Primal, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, Little Nightmares 2, Winning Time, Fruit Basket.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/?p=81815&preview=true

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Chase Bethea, known as the "Swiss army knife of video game composition", to discuss his role in bringing video game sounds to life. We explore our personal definitions of creativity and the significance of treading your own path in the creative industries.

In the interview, Chase shares his experience growing up with a diverse musical background in Chicago. He also reveals how a connection to the Greek pantheon sparked his realization that he could create music for video games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-151-2/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get to grips with a time mechanic as we’re joined by Bish from GAL Podcasts for a deep dive into Mamoru Hosoda’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (starting at 31:14).

We salute the effective messaging delivered in this short runtime as we examine the themes on display and the way they are delivered through the light and humorous use of time manipulation. Tazziii is also on hand to help us navigate the mind of an adolescent girl discovering feelings of romantic love for the first time! In this episode's storytelling tip, Nigel discusses how to create significant meaning in your story through low stakes.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Chivalry of a Failed Knight, Lollipop Chainsaw, The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague, Blue Beetle, Sakamoto Days, Dr. Stone, and One Piece (Live Action).

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-151/

This week Nigel and Tazziii welcome writer and illustrator Mina Ghosh to talk about the manga medium and its adoption outside of Japan. We get into where our love for the medium (and related medium anime) started, as we explore the tricky line betwen appreciation of the form and appropriation without proper consideration of its cultural roots.

Whether you're a consumer or a producer, this is a discussion that you'll gain new perspective from hearing!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-150/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii roll a D20 to determine whether the podcast will happen or not. Joining us on our deep dive into Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (starting at 23:00) are Session Zero Sorceress BillieTrixx and Game Designer James Wallis.

We delve into this latest attempt at capturing the D&D Zeitgeist, and thankfully, this is a much more successful effort than in 2000! The heist format makes for a great structure to tell a D&D-inspired narrative, and we examine the narrative decisions that allowed what was once a niche hobby to be brought to mainstream audiences. In this episode's storytelling tip, Nigel talks about creating a reactive protagonist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Divergent, Manifest, Zombieland Double Tap, Vita Nostra, The Sword Defiant, Fruit Basket, Rent-A-Girlfriend, The Proposal, One Piece, Lookism, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Primal, and Marlon.

Show notes:https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-149/

This week, Nigel welcomes Mori Mori Studio Co-founder Mandy Wong to discuss her journey into the world of animation. We delve deep into her upbringing in Hong Kong and how she used her artistic skills to communicate and express herself in a new country.

We then explore the path that led her to create the pre-school show Millie and Lou. Mandy explains how the impact of early friendships influenced the story being told today. Additionally, Mandy reveals what she learned from multiple rejected pitches and how she navigates having a significant other as a business partner.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-148/

We are back from our mid-season break and are recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel searches for his place in the multiverse with comic artist Ryan Jenkyns and Wesley Louis, Director at The Line Animation. We delve into Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (starting at 23:00) and the incredible animation on display in this epic feature.

The film delivers amazing visuals and takes Miles on a great journey, with plenty of relatable themes to explore. We discuss the challenge of breaking up one story into two parts and the skill with which this diverse narrative comes together on the big screen. In this episode's storytelling tip, we talk about creating a story with two protagonists.

Other stories we're enjoying: How to Think When You Draw, Batman Superman World's Finest, UltraMega, Kroma, Breaking Bad, Train to Busan, My Adventures with Superman, Secret Invasion, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Oppenheimer, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and Primal.

Show notes:https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-147/

Enjoy the final Rewind episode before we return from our recording break next week! In this episode of Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we talk to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the comic art, Nigel sits down with mayamada Illustrator Pinali about her journey from math graduate to anthropomorphic manga artist.

You'll hear about how a chance meeting at the London Comic Con led to a creative partnership that continues to produce stories a decade later. We also discuss getting inspiration from mediums other than comics...and how much effort goes into making fur suits.

Stay tuned as we'll be resuming Season 5 of Story x Story from August 10th!

We're on a recording break over July but still have some great conversations for your podcast feed!

This week's Rewind is from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we talk to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the comic art.

Nigel talks with French Marvel, DC and Image Comics arts Geoffo about his journey to becoming a comic artist at the world's biggest comic publishers. We also discuss maintaining your health when producing art consistently and look inwards at what makes Geoffo tick as a creator.

Stay tuned to hear more Rewind episodes before we resume Season 5 of Story x Story from August 10th - enjoy!

We're on a recording break over July but still have some great conversations for your podcast feed!

This week's Rewind is the last segment from our mid-season livestream special. We discuss our stand-out stories in the world of video games as Nigel and Tazziii are joined by presenter Shay Thompson, indie developer Glen Henry and musician Chase Bethea. We delve into each guest's origin story, debate the merits of the Summer Games Fest...and perform the very British act of spending arguable far too much time discussing the weather!

Stay tuned to hear more Rewind episodes before we begin recording for Season 5 in August.

We're on a recording break over July but still have some great conversations for your podcast feed!

This week's Rewind episode is from our mid-season livestream special. We discuss our stand-out stories of the year so far and in this second segment, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by new and experienced cosplayers alike with Agent3 and Frighty Face. We reveal some of the stories we've been enjoying recently, highlight some that we're looking forward to...and talk a whole lot about Zelda! Stay tuned to hear the second and third segments from the livestream before we begin recording for Season 5 in August.

We're on a recording break over July but still have some great conversations for your podcast feed!

This week's Rewind episode is from our mid-season livestream special. We discuss our stand-out stories of the year so far and in this first segment, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by the present and future of the mayamada team. We reveal some of the stories we've been enjoying (or not) recently including Berserk, Kill Bill and Whiplash...while doing our best to avoid spoilers, some better than others! Stay tuned to hear the second and third segments from the livestream before we begin recording for Season 5 in August.

It's the Summer of Games, and Nigel and Tazziii welcome a panel of first-timers to discuss the games we're playing and the abundance of game showcases (starting at 32:57). Game Over Beer Podcast host Tom Maya, content creator Saskia Cole, and game designer Danny Colclough are all on hand to debate the merits of Geoff Keighley's efforts to get us all hyped about video games. We also talk about the lack of representation at the show, upcoming releases we're excited for and gaming news across Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo.

Games we’re enjoying (or not): Call of Duty, Gone Home, Road 96, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Subnautica, Shadow of the Colossus, Sonic the Hedgehog, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Cozy Grove and yet to play it! Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Final Fantasy XVI, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-146-video-games-roundtable/

We’re doing it LIVE! This week's episode is a rewind from the MK Film & Comic Con, making it the first podcast recorded at a comic convention in podcast history. Nigel and Tazziii discuss big-budget adaptations of comic, manga, and video game franchises in front of a studio audience. We question why Hollywood continues to invest in adaptations despite the number of flops and examine some of the best and worst adaptations to understand why some have fared better than others.

In addition, Nigel and Tazziii talk to the audience and ask for examples of the good, bad and ugly. This discussion analyses the reasons behind the failures of the Uncharted and The Last Airbender films, as well as the great examples set by Arcane and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. So whether you're a fan of the original source material or just a movie buff, you’re in for a great walk down memory lane…and maybe one or two reminders of adaptations you tried to forget!

This week on the podcast, Nigel and Tazziii search for the Christmas Spirit in Tokyo and take a deep dive into Tokyo Godfathers (starting at 28:09). We discuss the surprisingly relatable themes in Satoshi Kon's most grounded and realistic work. The film delivers a wonderful mix of complex and nuanced subtlety in its themes, as we have come to expect from the late Kon's work. In this episode's storytelling tip, we focus on making the narrative location a central character in your story.

Other stories we’re enjoying: The Castle of Otranto, The Hourglass, Honkai: Star Rail, Demon Slayer, One Piece, Ted Lasso, Good Omens, Platonic, Little Witch in the Woods, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Lookism, Robin Robin, and Primal.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-145-tokyo-godfathers/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome the Marketing Manager at Freedom Games and Founder of Dames 4 Games, Destinee Cleveland. We get into the rise and fall of E3 and where we go from here when marketing video games to a passionate audience.

From the murky future for E3 to the recent supremacy of Geoff Keighley and the Summer Games Fest, we're discussing how video game marketing has changed and what we want to see for it to improve in the future. We also get the perspective from someone working in the games industry on how you can make a career marketing video games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-144-video-games/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii head into the vastness of space for a deep dive into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with Jason and Rich from the Woo Long Talks Podcast (at 28:27). We delve into James Gunn's final entry in the series and the MCU as he heads to DC. It's a triumphant send-off, and we're here for the emotional rollercoaster that is Rocket's story, masterfully incorporating the arcs of all the Guardians' found family members. This episode's storytelling tip is about delivering on an ensemble cast.

Other stories we're enjoying: Hajime no Ippo, Succession, Yasuke, Jujutsu Kaisen, Redfall, One Piece, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Barry, Haikyu!!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-143-gotg-vol-3/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Aniboxx Founder Jide Johnson to talk about his journey to the world of animation. We delve deep into his early days and learn how his passion for music ignited creativity and his ability for self-expression.

We also navigate tricky conversations with parents, delving into the pivotal moment when Jide stepped away from a conventional career path to embrace a life of animated storytelling. This journey is must listen for anyone with an interest in the process of animation!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-142-jide-johnson/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii throw away the instructions and get creative in Bricksburg for a deep dive into The Lego Movie with Content Creator Dan's Distillery (at 28:55). We discuss the way this story has shaken off its commercially minded origins to deliver a well-executed, funny and thoughtful narrative that explores the balance between conformity and creativity. The episode's storytelling tip is about breaking the routine of your story's first act.

Other stories we're enjoying: A Space for the Unbound, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Euphoria, Star Wars Jedi: Jedi Fallen Order, Kotoro Lives Alone, Barry, Air.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-141-the-lego-movie/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome cosplayer Manny Moon to unpack the story of her journey into the world of costume design and cosplay. In this conversation, Manny tells us the personal impact cosplay can have on confidence and self-image as we hear about lessons from her first cosplay efforts.

We talk about mental health, diversity and the debate between accuracy and interpretation when it comes to cosplayers of colour. This is a great discussion to get an insight into the world of cosplay and the individuals who bring it to life!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-140-manny-moon/

This week on the podcast, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Vik Deluca from Mega City Comics (at 34:00) as they delve into the futuristic world of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In this 10-episode season retrospective, they explore the tragic themes of corporate greed, doomed relationships, and the desire to be special.

Set in a visually stunning anime adaptation, the story follows a headstrong protagonist and a group of mercenaries known as "edgerunners" as they take on dangerous jobs in a world where technology has advanced beyond human control.

In addition to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, we're also enjoying a variety of other stories, including Diablo IV, Dungeons & Dragons, Sweet Poolside, Link Click, Servant, Jedi Fallen Order, God of War Ragnarok, Red Flower Stories, Umbrella Academy, and Hustle.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-139-cyberpunk-edgerunners/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii take a trip to the Mushroom Kindom with a deep dive into The Super Mario Bros. Movie with Safe In Our World Partnerships & Training Officer Sky Tunley-Stainton and British Manga Creator Laura Watton (at 30:17). We get into the well animated though very safe animation to talk about how well this latest adaptation does in erasing the ghosts of the 1993 film. You're in for a treat with a great debate on production quality, fan service and intertextuality in film. The episode's storytelling tip is about developing contrast in your characters.

Other stories we're enjoying: The Last Unicorn, Smallville, Cobra Kai, The Mandalorian, Kimi ni Todoke, Ikebukuro West Gate Park (IWGP), Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, The Owl House, Minecraft Legends, The Rising Of The Shield Hero, Life Lessons With Uramichi Oniisan, Kotaro Lives Alone, Nobody, Power Rangers: Once & Always.

Show notes: Story x Story #138: A Yoshi Sized Easter Egg (Super Mario Bros. Movie)

This week, Nigel welcomes Rebellion's Senior Accessibility Designer Cari Watterton to unpack the story of her journey from a young aspiring actor to a career making video games accessible for more people. In this conversation, we get to learn about the process of designing games to be more accessible and challenge assumptions about including accessibility as we look at popular examples in modern day games.

We talk about why accessibility does just equal disability, and how it brings value to all players. Cari also talks about the role her family played in her early career and what success in life looks like to her. This is a great discussion for those unfamiliar with the impact accessibility has in the games we play!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-137-cari-watterton/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome manga creator Edward Welch to unpack the story that is his journey from British Museum to full-time manga creator. Edward is the 2021 winner of the Japanese Embassy's Manga Jiman competition and gives us his perspective on finding your way as an independent comic creator.

We talk about how he has used his academic background in history and experiences from other industries to power the work he does today. We also get into the manga Edward is reading...and why keeping dinosaurs in Zoo doesn't always end in disaster!

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-136-edward-welch/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii take a trip to the wild west with a deep dive into The Harder They Fall with mayamada team member Lara-Lee Green (at 21:04). This is a western with a twist with a predominantly Black cast and director in his feature length debut. We examine the narrative decisions made in the stylish Western and the impact of representation on its audience. This week's storytelling tip focuses on developing a good Obstacle Character in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying: The Last of Us, Your Honor, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Ted Lasso, Red Flower Stories, Haikyuu!!, John Wick

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-135-the-harder-they-fall/

This week, we're rewinding to our first Studio77 Report recording of the year with a discussion of our top video game related stories of the past month. In a members-only segment that we're sharing on the public podcast feed, we delve into the death of live service games and James Gunn's new plans for video games in the DC Extended Universe.

If you want to watch us record the Report live each month, be sure to follow us on Twitch. And don't forget to tune in next week for another in-depth discussion. Enjoy!

This week, Nigel welcomes writer, designer and educator James Wallis to unpack the story of his journey from Suffolk into tabletop game design James has seen the games industry grow up since his start and brings an extraordinary amount of knowledge and perspective for aspiring creative professionals to learn from.

We talk about the mindset needed to make a living in the games industry, why being perfect doesn't matter and the depth of storytelling in early Sonic games! This is a must-listen conversation for anyone looking to make a start in game design whether in tabletop or video games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-134-james-wallis/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are flying solo, and with no guests to keep us in check, you get to enjoy a bumper story segment before we journey to the Quantum Realm for a deep dive into Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (starting at 32:35).

The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has received mixed reviews, but we put a positive spin on the scaled-down adventure as we discuss what we enjoyed about the film. From the superpowered family dynamic to the unique character designs and introduction of the MCU's new Big Bad, we share our thoughts alongside our critiques. This week's storytelling tip focuses on creating a strong inciting incident in your story, something that Ant-Man and The Wasp doesn't quite achieve.

Other stories we're enjoying: Lockwood and Co, Lookism, Community , It Takes Two, Umbrella Academy, Castlevania, The Last of Us.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-133-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania/

This week's episode is a rewind from our Studio77 show, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators. Each month, mayamada co-founder Nigel speaks to a different creator to discover their journey and showcase the human behind the art form we love.

In this episode, Nigel was in conversation with Japanese manga creator and VTuber Mikiko for a one-hour Twitch livestream. The pair discussed Mikiko's journey from Japan to the UK, stereotypes of manga in the UK, and the debate around copyright and fan art.

We also get a lesson on the rise of VTubing, and how it can release the mental strain of livestreaming on a regular basis.

It's an intimate roundtable for three as Nigel and Tazziii are joined by content creator Miabyte for a deep dive into a selection of video game news stories from across the industry (from 32:51). 

We get into a host of topics, including the apparent death of live service games and headlines from each of the big three platform holders: Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. We also discuss the pricing of games amidst a cost of living crisis, as well as consider the impending AI fuelled future of video games.

Games we're enjoying: Metroid Prime Remastered, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Crisis Core, The Sims 4, God of War Ragnarök.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-132-roundtable-for-three-please/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Comic Creator Sammy Ward to unpack the story of her journey into the world of illustration and sequential art. Sammy started making comics in 2018 and has since gone on to be  listed in Broken Frontier’s ‘Six to Watch’ for 2022. We talk about making the decision to go full-time as a freelance creator, the challenges that come with pricing your work, and how crowd funding platforms like Kickstarter and Ko-fi play a role in financially sustaining a creative passion. This is a great discussion for those looking to get started with making a living from your art.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-131-sammy-ward/https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-131-sammy-ward/

We're BACK! Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast starts today and we're kicking things off with Whiplash. Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Lao K and The Popcorn Podcast for a deep dive into this masterclass debut film from Damien Chazelle (from 31:33). 

The cutthroat musical drama gives us a lot to think about when it comes to storytelling and the pursuit (and cost) of greatness. We discuss the narrative and the thematically balanced characters as we consider our own creative journeys. This week's storytelling tip looks at introducing the key characters in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying: The Fabelmans, Tár, Babylon, Yoku's Island Express, Billions, Judgement, Ted Lasso, Rent A Girlfriend, Severance, Saga, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Squid Games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-130-whiplash/

We're almost ready to return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast! While you wait for new deep dives and discussion, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel speaks with Italian illustrator and comic artist Eren Angiolini for the one-hour Twitch livestream. The pair discuss just what exactly a Colourist does, our experiences at conventions and the many misconceptions around the craft of making comics.

We'll be back with new episodes next week - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February. In the meantime, enjoy a Rewind of our Creativity & Cosplay roundtable Twitch livestream from earlier this month. Host and content creator Tazziii talks with three different cosplayers, Izzy Kento, Midnight Pursona and Kasumikat. It's a conversation that spans continents and is definitely one of our most open and honest ever!

Keep your tissues at the ready as we get into the ups and very tearful downs of life as a cosplayer. From first cosplays to challenging times...and a lot of One Piece talk! We get into it all, so if you've ever felt the urge to cosplay but need a push, let this conversation be it. And if you just wanted to get more insight into what it takes to put together great outfits, then you'll surely enjoy this episode too.

We'll be back with new episodes in February - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel spoke with London based illustrator and comic artist Dominique Duong for the one hour Twitch livestream. They discuss the ups and downs of running a Kickstarter campaign, inspirations, and how Dominique's journey through games jobs led her to discover her passion for comic art.

We'll be back with new episodes in February - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel spoke with Cantonese-Scottish comic creator Chris Manson in a one hour Twitch livestream. We discuss the ways that Chris explores different aspects of tradition, identity, and belonging in his work by drawing on both of his heritages. We also get into the (now successfully funded) Kickstarter campaign that Chris was part of in 2022. 

We'll be back with new episodes next month - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy a rewind of our GamePad Report show where Nigel and Tazziii talk about the video games stories that have caught their attention over December 2022.

Tazziii discusses a new effort to bring the joy of playing video games to Man's Best Friend, while Nigel continues to be drawn to the ongoing battle for gamer eyeballs as the fight between the Summer Games Fest and E3 looks set to get even more intense this year.

We'll be back with new episodes next month - enjoy and happy new year!