Story x Story

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (starting at 19:58), with our guest SARE, a music artist and DJ from London. The third instalment in the Sonic film franchise brings some darker themes with the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog while maintaining its family-friendly appeal. But does the balance work when the lead character brings enough slapstick for the entire cast? We examine how director Jeff Fowler has adapted the source material for younger audiences, navigating more complex themes of grief and revenge, and discuss why storytelling approaches look different when creating content for family audiences. This week's storytelling tip is about making good use of flashbacks. Other stories we're enjoying include: Summer Pockets (Steam), The Fragrent Flower Blooms with You (Crunchyroll), Sonic Racing Crossworlds Open Beta (PlayStation/Xbox), Metaphor Refantazio (PlayStation), Dance with the Devil Musical Anime (Crunchyroll), Abbot Elementary (Disney+), Castle (Disney+), Gamer (BBC iPlayer), Heaven Official's Blessing (Crunchyroll), Destiny Rising (iOS), Out and About (Steam), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Dandadan (Netflix), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (Comic), Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+) Connect with SARE online: https://officialsare.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/officialsarehttps://www.tiktok.com/@officialsare

This week, Tazziii is away for one more week so Nigel is joined by guest co-host Aisha (aka Doomed Prinny) for an insightful conversation about cosplay culture in 2025. We dive into a discussion on the evolution of cosplay in the digital age, we explore how technology has transformed the craft, culture and our perceptions of what makes a good cosplay. We debate the boundaries between digital enhancement and traditional costume crafting, the impact of social media on cosplay standards, and the tension between cosplay as a personal hobby versus a professional career. Listen for a fantastic analysis of authenticity, craft, and values in cosplay culture! Connect with our guests online: Aisha (Doomed Prinny) https://twitter.com/Hades_kittyhttps://www.instagram.com/Aisha_kicks_asshttps://bsky.app/profile/doomedprinny.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@Aisha_anime Bekzxx http://instgram.com/bekz.xxhttps://www.twitch.tv/bekzxxhttps://www.tiktok.com/@bekz.xx Dani (Hijabi Hoo) https://x.com/hijabihoohttps://www.instagram.com/hijabihoohttps://www.tiktok.com/@hijabihoohttps://www.twitch.tv/hijabihoo Coco https://twitter.com/CallingMeCocohttps://www.instagram.com/callingmecoco

This week, Tazziii is away so Nigel goes solo with guest Des Gayle from Altered Gene to dive deep into the new Superman film (starting at 20:14), directed by James Gunn. The latest addition to the DC Universe is a fresh take on the iconic superhero, introducing a new cast and new lead, but does it succeed as a narrative beyond being the first film in James Gunn's DCU reboot? We examine how this version differs from previous Superman iterations, debate whether the large cast works, and discuss why it's so difficult to make a compelling Superman film. The episode also explores the wider DCU and MCU outlook amidst general audience superhero fatigue at the box office - can these films return to their former glory? This week's storytelling tip is about effective extended dialogue scenes in fixed locations. Other stories we're enjoying include: Nightwing, Superman (DC). Bosch (Amazon Prime Video). Shinobi Art of Vengeance (PlayStation), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Bob's Burgers (Disney+) Connect with Des online: https://www.alteredgene.co.ukhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/desgaylehttps://twitter.com/Kid_Desimo

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Tom Jenkins, Creative Director at Spud Gun Studios, to hear about his journey from North West London to being part of a leading team in British online animation. Listen as we delve into how navigating challenging educational experiences shaped his approach to creativity and content creation, leading him to Mashed — formerly owned by Channel 4 and now an independent powerhouse with billions of views! We get to hear Tom explain why authentic storytelling matters more than view counts, with must-hear insights for content creators at any stage of their own creative journey. Connect with Tom Jenkins online: https://spudgunstudios.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-jenkins-544b6916https://x.com/wimbizzle

We're back from our recording break with brand new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii get into the family spirit with a deep dive into The Fantastic Four: First Steps (starting at 26:39), with special guest filmmaker Jed Shepherd. We discover whether third time is the charm with yet another reboot of Marvel's first family. Now under Marvel's stewardship, is this the story to succeed in telling a coherent, comics-accurate narrative where many have failed before? We examine this relatively simple but effective story and debate whether light-touch storytelling works to ensure an emotional bond with the ensemble cast and themes of sacrifice. This week's storytelling tip is about creating an effective ensemble cast. Other stories we're enjoying include: A Short Stay in Hell (Book), Piranesi (Book), The Toxic Avenger (Shudder), Bring Her Back (BBC iPlayer), Watch the Skies (Channel 4), Kpop Demon Hunters (Netflix), Grounded 2 (Xbox), Wings and Embers (Netflix), A Court of Frost and Starlight (Netflix), A Court of Silver Flames (Netflix), You are Ms Servant (Crunchyroll), Wise Man's Grandchild (Crunchyroll), I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History (Crunchyroll), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Superstore (Netflix), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Ironheart (Disney+), Dandadan (Netflix) Connect with Jed online: https://twitter.com/Jedshepherdhttps://www.instagram.com/jedshepherdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@jed_shepherd

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 conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals. This final segment features Nigel in conversation with Tazziii and our headline guest Cinzia Musio, Interim CEO for Code Coven and award-winning Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. We spoke with them about the economic and diversity challenges facing the gaming industry today, and got into some great insights on how to create more inclusive spaces. This is the last Rewind segment of our recording break, and we'll be back with brand new episodes in August - see you then! Campaign Website "Do I Look Like A Gamer?": https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Guest Links Cinzia Musio http://cinziamusio.co.ukhttps://twitter.com/geekybakinghttps://www.instagram.com/geekybaking

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 conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals. This second segment features Nigel in conversation with indie developer Daniel Morrison, Content Creator Curly Locks, and sibling gamers Michael & Kin Hoang as they discuss the ins and outs of effective networking skills. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll resume recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then! Campaign Website The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Guest Links Daniel Morrison https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.ukhttps://x.com/CreativeGeniusGhttps://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgameshttps://www.tiktok.com/@creativegeniusgames Curly Locks Gamer http://Instagram.com/curllocksgamerhttps://x.com/Curlylocksgamerhttps://tiktok.com/@curlylocksgamerhttps://twitch.tv/gamergirlwiththecurls Michael Hoang https://x.com/mrchineseboy10https://www.instagram.com/mrchineseboyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mrchineseboy Kin Hoang https://www.instagram.com/kimiko_22xhttps://www.tiktok.com/@Kimiko_22x

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. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and is packed full of amazing guests, including some of those who took part in the 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 second segment features Tazziii in conversation with the indie development team behind JoveGuille's Jordi & Oslo game, Content Creator Damien Pedryc, alongside Streamer & Presenter GoldiRoxs. 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! Campaign Website "Do I Look Like A Gamer?": https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Guest Links Guillem Jove https://www.instagram.com/joveguillehttps://www.instagram.com/jordioslocomics Callum May (GoldiRoxs) https://x.com/GoldiRoxshttps://www.tiktok.com/@goldiroxs

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. 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 in conversation with indie developers C Bedford of à la mode games and Felix Li, creator of the game Pool 2, alongside Podcast Host Cameron Keywood. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast in next month - see you then! Campaign Website “Do I Look Like A Gamer?”: https://looklikeagamer.com The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are. Guest Links Cameron Keywood https://cameronkeywood.weebly.comhttps://x.com/cameron_keywood C Bedford https://x.com/alamodegameshttps://bsky.app/profile/alamode.gameshttps://instagram.com/alamode.games Felix Li https://x.com/flxli227http://Instagram.com/felix_li_projectshttps://www.tiktok.com/@felix_li_projectshttps://bsky.app/profile/flxli227.bsky.social

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit at the video game roundtable with games journalist and author Gary Swaby, content creator Cameron Keywood, and producer and voice artist Radiant G. In the first half of the show, we dive into the games we've been playing before launching into a great discussion on some major gaming stories that have caught our attention. We discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's record-breaking launch, Microsoft's partnership with Asus for a new handheld and what it means for Nintendo's future, plus we give our assessment on Geoff Keighley's latest iteration of the Summer Game Fest! Video games we're playing: Civilization VII (PC), Marvel Rivals (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Monster Hunter Wilds (PlayStation, Xbox), Apex Legends (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Blue Prince (PC), Sniper Elite: Resistance (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Doom: The Dark Ages (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword & Echo's of Wisdom (Switch), Astro Bot (PlayStation), Sifu (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), GTV 5 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), South of Midnight (Xbox) Connect with our guests online: Gary Swaby https://thekoalition.comhttps://twitter.com/GarySwabyCameron Keywood https://cameronkeywood.weebly.comhttps://x.com/cameron_keywoodRadiant G https://pressspacetojump.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/radiantg.bsky.social

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with UK-based electronic music artist SARE to talk about their self-taught journey from video game and anime fan to their current position as a singer-songwriter, remixer, and DJ. Listen as we delve into how their experience within a creative family led them to take their formal training to another level by learning how to make their own music based on a love of geek culture—which is taking them across the globe! Hear how they prepare for shows, the impact social media has on their following, and what they learn from collaborating with other artists in the industry. A must for aspiring professionals looking to turn their passion into a budding creative career. Connect with SARE online: https://officialsare.bandcamp.comhttps://www.instagram.com/officialsarehttps://www.tiktok.com/@officialsare

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines This week, Nigel and Tazziii get heavy as they dive deep into the heart-wrenching anime film A Silent Voice (starting at 21:51), with Comic Creator Feff Silvers. A redemption story with a bully at its core, this complex narrative explores many issues including bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. We explore whether it is able to weave those topics together in a narrative that makes us care about the journey…and wow is there a lot of feelings to explore here! We look at the way issues characters deal with in the past impact them in the present day and whether everyone is deserving of forgiveness, debating which moments affected us the most and how the story's themes are so important for society today. This week's storytelling tip is about designing an unlikable protagonist. Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Apothecary Diaries (Crunchyroll), Once Upon A Witch's Death (Crunchyroll), The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Switch), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Superstore (Netflix), South of Midnight (Xbox), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Win or Lose (Disney+)

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are overrun with memes as they dive deep into A Minecraft Movie (starting at 21:12), with our guest Danni Unbox, an Award-Winning Tech, Gaming & Lifestyle Creator. It's a story based on the best-selling video game of all time, but one we went in with little to no expectations... so did it deliver? We take a serious look at a decidedly non-serious story to pick apart the journey to save the creative spirit! We examine the very fast-paced plot, eclectic characters, and loose themes to see if it all works as a coherent story, debating which moments work and whether the story's themes manage to break through the chaotic energy of the plot to resonate effectively. This week's storytelling tip is about how not to do character exposition. Other stories we're enjoying include: Minecraft (Xbox), AtomFall (PC), Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney+), Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye (Cinema), The Unaware Atelier Meister (Crunchyroll), The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows (Crunchyroll), Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll), Wild Card (Netflix), Superstore (Netflix), GTA V (PlayStation/Xbox/PC), Astrobot (PlayStation), Black Mirror (Netflix). Connect with Danni Unbox online: https://www.youtube.com/@Bigboxlittleboxunboxhttp://instagram.com/bigboxlittleboxunboxhttp://www.twitter.com/biglittleunboxhttp://www.tiktok.com/@bigboxlittleboxunbox

This week, Nigel sits down with Fahim Motahar, an Animator on the Cbeebies show Nikhil & Jay, to discuss his journey from studying journalism to finding his passion in animation - a path that led him to one of the most ground-breaking preschool shows in recent times. We hear how his early love for '90s cartoons and supportive parents, who exposed him to various creative activities across cultures, inspired him to pursue animation as a career. This experience prepared him to join a team of over 30 animators in creating the show's initial 52-episode run. This episode is great for anyone wanting to learn more about the animation process and what it's really like working on a new show for a major distributor. We also get to dive into anime influences along the way! Connect with Fahim online: - Website: https://fahimation-art.webflow.io - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fahimation_art

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with C.B. and Tom, the husband and wife team also known as à la mode games, to discuss their journey from part-time to full-time indie game development! In a bumper interview, we delve deep into both the technical and human side of bringing a video game to market with a team doing it for the very first time. We get to hear insights into how their technical and creative backgrounds prepared them to bring their debut game "Sorry We're Closed" to life, including the challenges and lessons learned along the way to developing and marketing a game for real. This is a must-listen if you're planning to make your first game, or interested in the behind-the-scenes of working on a creative project with a close friend or significant other. Connect with à la mode games online: - Website: https://alamode.games - Twitter: https://x.com/alamodegames - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alamodegames - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alamodegames.bsky.social

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are going alone as we fly south for the winter with our deep dive into DreamWorks' emotional ride, The Wild Robot (starting at 20:44). It's a new spin on the fish out of water story and one that tugs hard on the heartstrings and makes us question whether kindness can be a survival skill. But does its somewhat predictable plot impact the emotion of its journey? We examine how a narrative that revolves around robots and animals manages to tell such a human story about adapting to harsh environments, parenthood, friendship and growing beyond your programming. This week's storytelling tip is about designing a Fool Triumphant narrative journey. Other stories we're enjoying include: Slime ISEKAI Memories, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Four Seasons, Resident Alien, Gangs of London, Sakamoto Days, Thunderbolts*

In this Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our monthly Studio77 Report with Nigel and Tazziii discussing their reactions to the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console! Join us as we break down the recent Nintendo Directs and views on the console itself, from newly revealed specs, including surprise inclusion of 4K gaming… to the surprise increase in pricing. We'll share our reactions to the hardware features, launch titles from Mario Kart World to third party, and what this means for Nintendo's next generation of gaming. You can catch the Studio77 Report live on Twitch and YouTube each month: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada and https://youtube.com/mayamadatv

This week, Nigel and Tazziii upgrade their operating systems to metaphysical levels for a dive deep into Spike Jonze's scarily accurate Her (starting at 26:52), with Comic Creator Nathan Hawthorne and Community & Member Engagement Lead Sara Veal as guests. Even over a decade old, we discuss how relevant this story is to today's world post mass ChatGPT adoption. Even in its pastel tones, it manages to capture our growing dependence on AI companions from a professional and relational level...but does it work as a narrative beyond its foreshadowing? We examine its surprisingly human themes of moving past the pain of breakups, loneliness in a technologically connected world, and what our relationship with AI means for our relationships with the flesh-and-blood people around us, debating which themes about what makes love special for humans resonate effectively. This week's storytelling tip is about creating a meaningful job role for your protagonist. Other stories we're enjoying include: Wild Card: Let the Tarot Tell Your Story (Book), You (Netflix), It Takes Two (Xbox), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Beastars: Final Season Part 1 (Netflix), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Crunchyroll), Campfire Cooking in Another World (Crunchyroll), The Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), The Apothecary Diaries (Manga & Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+), South of Midnight (Xbox), Sinners (Cinema). Connect with Nathan online: Website: https://www.hawthornearts.com Twitter: https://x.com/hawthornearts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawthornearts Connect with Sara online: Twitter: https://twitter.com/digitalbruhaha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalbruhaha and https://www.instagram.com/sirena.curiosa

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Roshelle Patterson, a UX Researcher and Writer, to discuss her journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force to working in the video games industry across both AAA and indie titles, including Blizzard's World of Warcraft: The War Within and the climate-focused indie project Waves of Jeju. We hear how she navigated her path with intention and a desire to positively impact others. Join the conversation and discover how taking stock of what motivates you can lead to opportunities that are the perfect fit for you. This is a must listen for anyone worried about missing the “conventional” path to games...there is none! Connect with Roshelle online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshelleantoinette

This week, Nigel and Tazziii explore what it means to be an introvert, extrovert and everything in between in the creative industries with Bridget Banton, television executive and founder of Dear Creative Gurl. In this candid conversation, we delve into what makes different personality types tick and how they manifest in professional settings. From navigating networking events to managing energy levels during meetings, we share invaluable insights from our years of experience across mayamada, television, consultancy, and lessons learned along the way. We also look at practical strategies for being your best self whilst pursuing creative entrepreneurship so that you can stay true to what energises you, discussing everything from sustainable work routines to authentic relationship-building. This week's episode is essential listening for anyone looking to better understand and leverage their personality type in the creative industries. Guest Links Connect with Bridget online: - Website: https://www.dearcreativegurl.com - LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbanton - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearcreativegurl - Substack: https://dearcreativegurl.substack.com/p/a-seat-at-the-table