Story x Story

mayamada

Welcome to the Story x Story podcast! We're having great conversations on stories we love plus giving you tips on creating your own. Join mayamada co-founder Nigel and gaming lifestyle content creator Tazziii every week as they talk about stories across pop culture. From deep dives into the most interesting film, TV, comics, anime and video game stories, to interviews and in-depth discussions with incredible guests each time!

  1. 4d ago

    Story x Story #258: Behind The Story With Seraphina Bewick (Animation)

    Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Animator, Producer and Storyboard Artist Seraphina Bewick to hear the early-stage story of developing her independent anime, Magic Gyaldem - an idea she’s been carrying since the age of 15! Seraphina shares the realities of bringing animation to life while juggling full-time work at a major studio, what she took away from the BBC Ignite programme, and the challenges of working with a mainstream developer to shape an idea for public consumption. We also dig into her anime origin story, what’s next on the road to getting Magic Gyaldem made… and, somehow, end up going deep on gardening. One for the animation curious and green thumbs alike! Connect with Seraphina & Magic Gyaldem online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicgyaldemTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicgyaldemYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@magicgyaldem Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #258: Behind The Story With Seraphina Bewick (Animation)
  2. Aug 6

    Story x Story #257: You Got A Friend In Meat Space (Toy Story 5)

    We're back from our mid season break and recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Toy Story 5 (starting at 28:26), asking the big question a fifth film has to answer: after 30+ years, does this franchise still have something new to say…and does this sequel justify its existence? We dig into the film’s shift in focus as Jessie takes centre stage, and Bonnie’s journey through a digital world with devices that are taking the place of traditional toys and imaginative play. From there, we unpack how the story deals with its “villains”, whether it’s the devices themselves, cyberbullying, and the way tech reshapes childhood. This week’s storytelling tip is about executing on your story’s thematic question: committing to what your narrative is trying to argue, and following that idea through to an earned payoff. Other stories we're enjoying include: The Disappearances of Lydia Fontaine (Audiobook), The Little Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Book), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Gachikuta (Crunchyroll), Angel's Egg (Cinema), The Alloy of Law (Book), The Odyssey (Cinema), Disco Elysium (Steam), Dragon Striker (Disney+). Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #257: You Got A Friend In Meat Space (Toy Story 5)
  3. Jul 31 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 3 (Video Games)

    We've been on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the great conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year's Campaign 40 photoshoot). You'll hear advice on networking and building a career in the creative industries, alongside great insight from people who are actively living it. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with mayamada's own Alex Duval, a creative who has taken his career to a professional level. Alex shares his experiences navigating the industry, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it was like networking at EVO in the United States - one of the world's biggest fighting game events. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your professional presence, there's plenty to take away from this one. Check out the previous segments on the podcast feed and get ready as we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then! Connect with Alex online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextheman76TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alextheman76Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/alextheman76 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Campaign Website: 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. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 3 (Video Games)
  4. Jul 25 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 2 (Video Games)

    We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot). You’ll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and game designer Symoné, alongside eSports and Game Design Lecturer Ivan Phillips. Together, they dig into what game design really means beyond mechanics, how designers can welcome different kinds of players without losing their creative vision, and the mindsets that help make games culture more inclusive. We’ll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we’ll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month! Connect with Symoné online: Website: https://www.symoneperformingartist.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/productionsbysymone “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” Campaign Website: 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. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 2 (Video Games)
  5. Jul 19 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 1 (Video Games)

    We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026. Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest, including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry. This first segment features Tazziii and Nigel in conversation with Community Manager Dan Finch, who gives a wealth of insight into building inclusive online communities and takes us through his love for Destiny and D&D. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month — see you then! Connect with Dan online: Website: https://www.outmaking.gamesBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outmakinggames.bsky.social “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” Campaign Website: 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. Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

    Story x Story Rewind: "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" 2026 Campaign Launch Part 1 (Video Games)
  6. Jul 11

    Story x Story #256: Behind the Screens With Leah Dungay (Video Games)

    This week, Nigel sits down with Learning & Community Curator Leah Dungay to explore Behind the Screens, the National Videogame Museum’s new exhibition opening in summer 2026, which aims to transform how UK videogame heritage is collected and understood. It’s a response to the challenges of preserving video games and takes a people-centred approach, with community-led partnerships that reflect the complexity of games: documenting developers and their creative processes, and recording the social histories of gameplay and the fandoms within it. We talk about Leah’s role within the project, why preservation matters (especially as games, platforms, and marketplace access change), and what “community” really means within gaming culture. We also share what to expect from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” diversity campaign, which is set to be featured in the exhibition! Leah also reflects on her own journey with games - from N64 favourites to the joys of Pokémon Snap. NOTE: This is the last episode recorded before our mid-season break. Over the next month, we’ll be sharing audio from our “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign launch livestream, and will be recording new episodes of the Story x Story podcast in August! Connect with Leah online: Behind the Screens website: https://thenvm.org/behind-the-screensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenvmukTwitter: https://twitter.com/nvmukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #256: Behind the Screens With Leah Dungay (Video Games)
  7. Jul 4

    Story x Story #255: Roundtable Surrounded By Rakes (Video Games)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Community Manager of Out Making Games Dan Finch and GamesAid Vice Chair Dom Shaw for our summer video game roundtable (from 26:19). We dig into the newly revealed Steam Machine pricing, whether the hardware is worth it, and what it says about gaming becoming too expensive. Then we get into a little game called GTA VI launching without a disc, how much Rockstar can charge for the world’s most anticipated game launch, what “ownership” looks like in a download-only future, and whether today’s world is ready for GTA’s infamous satire. And there’s still time to debate the many missteps of the major platform holders, plus what we’re actually looking forward to in the games industry. Games we're enjoying this week include: Destiny 2 (Windows), 007 First Light (PS5), My Hero Ultra Rumble (Windows), R.E.P.O (Windows), Cult of Lamb (PC), Halo: Infinite Multiplayer (Xbox), Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix), Fall Guys (Windows), Marvel Rivals (Windows), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS5) Connect with Dom online: Website: https://www.gamesaid.orgWebsite: https://www.gameworkers.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicshaw94LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/sussex-games Connect with Dan online: Website: https://www.outmaking.gamesBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/outmakinggames.bsky.social Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #255: Roundtable Surrounded By Rakes (Video Games)
  8. Jun 27

    Story x Story #254: Behind The Story With Nareice Wint (Video Games)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Nareice Wint, a producer and game developer at Miami Avalon, to discuss her journey into games and finding her way from AAA to indie development. We look at the differences and realities of two very different landscapes, from the structure and scale of AAA studios to the personal responsibility and creative freedom of building something independently. Nareice also gives us a look at the challenges of that personal journey, as we get real about navigating games while facing hurdles like the Job Centre and the negative perception of video games in society. With a decade of experience behind her, and off the back of a successful game release with Ascend, Nareice shares how her path has led her to redefine what success now means. Connect with Nareice online: Miami Avalon Website: https://www.miamiavalon.comAscend on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1944260/AscendLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nareicejwintTwitter: https://twitter.com/Nareice Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation. Website: https://mayamada.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayamadatvTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayamadatvBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mayamada.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/mayamadatvTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #254: Behind The Story With Nareice Wint (Video Games)

About

Welcome to the Story x Story podcast! We're having great conversations on stories we love plus giving you tips on creating your own. Join mayamada co-founder Nigel and gaming lifestyle content creator Tazziii every week as they talk about stories across pop culture. From deep dives into the most interesting film, TV, comics, anime and video game stories, to interviews and in-depth discussions with incredible guests each time!