Story x Story

In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio version of The Studio77 Report livestream. It's our seasonal gathering where the creative community can check in on progress, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges on the creative journey. Nigel and Tazziii explore the spring theme of Renewal, before getting into some creative industry news with more examples of anime's mainstream success and significant leadership changes at Xbox. We also hear insights from Inel Tomlinson on making space to be creative, Nareice Wint on working across different disciplines in indie development, and Corey Brotherson on being selective with your work as you grow. And for our guest segment, HaZ Dulull joins us to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for Astro Burn, creating a physical edition of his indie game that celebrates game preservation. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your skills in a new direction, this show is about identifying what you want to grow and taking intentional steps towards it. Episode links: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-236-Behind-The-Story-With-Inel-Tomlinson-Acting--Hosting-e3chganhttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-Rewind-Next-1UP-2025---Indie-Dev-Gameplay-Interviews-Livestream-e3e3mf7https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-Rewind-Casual-Conversations-With-Corey-Brotherson-Comics-e3fb7ahhttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/beyondthepixels/astro-burn-limited-edition-physical-indie-gameTune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with the mayamada team and community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. ✅ Share your challenge entry and meet other on the creative journey in the mayamada Studio77 Discord: https://discord.gg/Dq8JXAp

NOTE: We recorded this episode before Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond left Microsoft. For Nigel and Tazziii’s initial take on that news, watch The Studio77 Report for Spring 2026 on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9Tw-70R9as4?t=1805 Our first video game roundtable of 2026 sees Nigel and Tazziii sit with Mathew Allcock, Wayne Emanuel, and Janelle McCurdy to discuss the games they're playing and the video game news stories that have caught their attention (from 21:31). We get into a range of stories including the implications of Valve's Steam Machine and Steam Frame delays caused by the ongoing RAM crisis and debate what rising RAM prices mean for the cost of gaming as well as the potential impact on next-generation console release schedules. The conversation then turns to whether Xbox's multi-platform strategy is actually working and the cost to their brand, while also looking into Larian Studios' controversial AI troubles and Nintendo's ambitious cinema plans. Games being enjoyed this week: Reanimal (PC), My Little Puppy (PC), Resident Evil Village (PS5), The Alters (PC), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PC), Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (Xbox 360), FC26 (PS5), Divinity Original Sin 2 (PC), Lego Fortnite (PC), Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4), Animal Crossing (Switch), Lego Fortnite (PC), Sifu (PC), God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (PS5) Connect with Wayne online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-emanuel-7846a812https://www.instagram.com/_wayneemanuel Connect with Mat online: https://thewobblygamer.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/thewobblygamerhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thewobblygamerhttps://www.twitch.tv/thewobblygamer Connect with Janelle online: https://janellemccurdy.comhttps://www.instagram.com/janellemccurdyyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@janellemccurdyhttps://bsky.app/profile/janellemccurdy.bsky.social

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

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

Were back from our recording break with Season 8 of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into F1: The Movie with our guests: content creator Mavitivo plus filmmaker and inventor Jabril Muse. We explore how Brad Pitt's role in Hollywood may be reflecting the film's themes of redemption and the dynamic between experience and youth on the race track. Despite its straightforward narrative, we discuss how F1 is shows that a simple story can still be effective when executed at a high level, proving that a story can be greater than the sum of its parts. This week's storytelling tip focuses on designing protagonists who learn from each other, creating character relationships that drive growth. Other stories we're enjoying: Poker Face (Peacock), Hijack (Apple TV+), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO/Max), Sentimental Value (Cinema), It Was Just an Accident (Cinema), Silo (Apple TV+), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Shrinking (Apple TV+), Children of Benin Kingdom by Dinah Orji (Book), Ameku MDDoctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), Spy x Family (Crunchyroll), Rick and Morty (Netflix), His & Hers (Netflix), Carry-On (Netflix), People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix), Marty Supreme (Cinema) Connect with Mavitivo online: http://www.instagram.com/mavitivohttp://www.twitter.com/mavitivohttp://www.tiktok.com/@mavitivo

This week, we're sharing the closing roundtable from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream. Nigel and Tazziii are joined by three prominent voices from the gaming community: Sally Sheppard (game educator and founder of Wyrdren Games), InDeeDee (content creator and community builder), and Daniel Morrison (founder of Creative Genius Games). This conversation explores what community means for the future of gaming - especially as major UK events like EGX and Insomnia have closed their doors as standalone events. We also discuss what needs to improve in games education to better prepare the next generation of developers, and what gives them hope as we look towards 2026. It's an insightful discussion about resilience, representation, and the responsibility we all share in shaping a more welcoming gaming industry. This is our final Rewind episode before Season 8 begins next week! We'll be back in February with brand new interviews, discussions, and stories from across the creative industries. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night. Connect with Sally online: Connect with InDeeDee online: Connect with Daniel online: https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgameshttps://x.com/CreativeGeniusGhttps://www.tiktok.com/@creativegeniusgames

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting three gameplay interview segments from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Tazziii played indie games live while Nigel interviewed the developers behind them. First up, Vicky and Luxille from Studio Lavacado showcase their cosy tiling puzzle game Floramino. Then HaZ Dulull from Beyond The Pixels brings us Astro Burn, a nostalgic cute-em-up shooter featuring a jetpack-wearing cat astronaut. Finally, Nareice Wint of Miami Avalon shares her transition from AAA to indie development whilst showcasing Ascend. These conversations explore fantastic and practical insights from each developer, from understanding scope and building awareness around your game to the challenges of moving from AAA to the indie space. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of indie game development. This is Part 3 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February! Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night. Connect with Studio Lavacado online: Connect with HaZ & Beyond The Pixels online: Website: https://www.beyond-the-pixels.com Connect with Nareice online:

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting the first roundtable discussion from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Nigel talks with three super supportive voices from across the games industry. Joining the conversation were Jarvs Tasker, Head of Communications at Happy Volcano and an award-winning accessibility advocate; Roshelle Patterson, a games UX researcher whose work spans AAA titles like World of Warcraft and indie projects focused on climate and social issues; and Dom Shaw, a passionate champion for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities with over a decade of experience across events, charity, and advocacy work. This roundtable explored the personal lessons each took from a difficult year in 2025, the invaluable power of community in sustaining creative work, the importance of putting your work out into the world even when it feels unpolished, and the real value of industry awards and recognition. Despite rocky times in games, we managed to pick out great encouragement and some practical wisdom for anyone navigating the games industry during uncertain times. This is Part 2 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February! Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night. Connect with Jarvs https://x.com/Jarvdusa Connect with Roshelle https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-212-Behind-The-Story-With-Roshelle-Patterson-Video-Games-e31t99lhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/roshelleantoinette Connect with Dom https://x.com/DominicShaw94

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

It's the final episode of 2025!! For our Season 7 Wrapped episode, Nigel and Tazziii are back with their personal top five favourite stories of the year. And this year we're adding some new categories including 'In Memoriam' for stories we've said goodbye to, and 'Personal Story Highlight' for those moments that really stood out. Of course, we've still covering honourable mentions, stories that surprised and disappointed us, as well as our favourite ongoing or unfinished stories. So join us as we recap our favourite comic, anime, TV, film and video game stories that made us stop and take notice over the past 12 months. We want to hear from you too! What were your favourite stories of 2025? Which moments or characters stood out to you? Join the conversation in our Discord and share your own picks with us. We're going on a recording break over January, but will be back in February with Season 8 of Story x Story. In the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy some great bonus Rewind episodes until we start recording again in 2026 - Happy New Year!

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

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

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (starting at 31:40), with guests Sky Tunley-Stainton from Safe in our World and comic creator Pigeon. Del Toro's darker retelling of the classic tale brings stop-motion craftsmanship and new emotional depth to Carlo Collodi's original story. But how does it succeed as a narrative beyond great visuals and thematic ambition? We discuss the value of stop-motion animation, and how the film connects audiences to a character's Ghost. Plus powerful themes woven throughout every aspect of the narrative, what it means to be disobedient, and our favourite moments in this retelling of an old story with a del Toro twist. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing a rule-based system that is tied to the emotional core of your narrative. Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch's Egg (Graphic Novel), Bone Broth (Graphic Novel), Mother (Graphic Novel), BLOB (Graphic Novel) Tress of the Emerald Sea (Book), Wake Up Dead Man: Knives Out (Cinema), 2 Guys and a Girl (ITVX), Minx (ITVX), Artful Dodger (Disney+), Minor Arcana (Comic), A Game of Fate (Book), Animal Control (Channel 4), Running Man (Cinema), Two Black Boys in Paradise, Only a Child, Mental Roots and Meow or Never (Disrupting the Narrative screening), Dandadan (Netflix), Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (PS5), Klara and the Sun (Book), A Thousand Blows (Disney+) Connect with Pigeon online: Website:https://www.pigeonmakesart.co.ukInstagram:https://instagram.com/pigeonxpersonTwitter:https://twitter.com/yourlilpigeonBluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/pigeonface.bsky.social Connect with Sky online: Story x Story #138: A Yoshi Sized Easter Egg (Super Mario Bros. Movie) - https://podcasters.spotify.com/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-138-A-Yoshi-Sized-Easter-Egg-Super-Mario-Bros--Movie-e236agmWebsite: https://safeinourworld.orgGood Game Playbook:https://safeinourworld.org/symptoms/good-game-playbookInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/pr3sident_kangTwitter:https://twitter.com/pr3sidentkangBluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/presidentkang.bsky.social

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are by themselves as they dive deep into Bong Joon Ho's darkly funny sci-fi satire, Mickey 17 (starting at 28:06). We explore the film's anti-capitalist themes and how it uses the concept of "expendables" to critique exploitation of workers under capitalism. We also talk about Pattinson's impressive dual performance playing two versions of Mickey, and how the film depicts leadership and political figures in a really negative light…raising questions about what this means for our real-world perception of leaders. Finally, we debate whether Mickey 17 strikes the right balance in characterisation, or if it gives us too little of it. This week's storytelling tip is about the right balance of characterisation in your story. Other stories we're enjoying include: A Touch of Darkness (Book), The Great Cleric (Crunchyroll), Secrets of a Silent Witch (Crunchyroll), The Case Study of Vanitas (Crunchyroll), I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (Crunchyroll), Little Nightmares 2 (Steam), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (IDW Publishing), Vinland Saga (Netflix/Crunchyroll), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), The Last of Us Season 2 (Sky Atlantic).