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. 3d ago

    Story x Story #263: A Nickel Slick & Penny Change (Spider-Man: Brand New Day)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into the latest Tom Holland Spider-Man outing, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (starting at 28:00), with our guest and filmmaker Jed Shepherd…who also shares a brilliant Tom Holland story (stay tuned till the end!). We unpack a more grounded Spider-Man story in the aftermath of the collective memory loss inflicted by Dr Strange, as Peter does his best to cut personal ties and lose himself in his work. Along the way, we debate the impact (and fatigue) of MCU cameos, the relevance of introducing the X-Men at this stage, and whether Peter Parker’s struggle to control the monster within still lands among all the wider universe-building. This week’s storytelling tip is all about warning characters: the foils who show your protagonist what they could become if they don’t change. Other stories we're enjoying include: Bitesize Terror (TUBI), Silo (Apple TV), Colony, Silo Wool (Book), Behold the Man (Book), The Ashes and The Star-Cursed King (Book), The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent(Crunchyroll), Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (Crunchyroll), Adults (Hulu), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch), The Boys (Amazon Prime), The Paper (Sky), Acme vs Coyote (Cinema) Connect with Jed online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jedshepherdTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jed_shepherd 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 #263: A Nickel Slick & Penny Change (Spider-Man: Brand New Day)
  2. Sep 26 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean (Story Club)

    In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our Story Club livestream on Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean with Ian Urbina, director of The Outlaw Ocean Project and Will Segal, composer, educator and project’s co-executive producer. We unpack how the production came together, then dig into the project’s unique narrative approach — including the transformative creative decision to feature cast members from Hamilton. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ian’s reporting has been transformed through Will’s musical direction, rooted in a deep love of hip hop, to tell a hard-hitting animated documentary story with emotional honesty. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/YnPpEwFhORE Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Thank you to the team at London Breeze Festival. London Breeze was established in 2016 to showcase emerging filmmakers from across the UK and around the world. The organisation is committed to championing new, diverse, and underrepresented voices in film through festival events and screenings, both in cinemas and on its online film hub, Breeze Online. It is also committed to growing the next generation of filmmakers through children and youth showcases and a new 19–25 young adult competition launching in 2026, alongside its community programmes. Connect with Will online: Will wrote the music and lyrics of Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean. He recruited and led the project’s seventeen performers, animators, and musical producers. A classically trained musician with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University, he has been working since 2006 at the intersection of rap and musical theatre. Website: https://rhapsody.theoutlawocean.com Connect with Ian online: The Outlaw Ocean Project is a non-profit journalism organization based in Washington D.C. that produces investigative stories about human rights, environment and labour concerns on the two thirds of the planet covered by water. Before founding The Outlaw Ocean Project, Urbina spent roughly 17 years as a staff reporter for The New York Times. He has received various journalism awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, two George Polk Awards and an Emmy. Several of his investigations have also been converted into major motion pictures. Website: https://theoutlawocean.com/ian-urbinaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ian_urbina 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 Rewind: Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean (Story Club)
  3. Sep 17

    Story x Story #262: Behind The Story With Breeton Boi (Music)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Breeton Boi, a UK-based rap artist and entertainer, to talk about his journey into music and how he’s built an independent career by combining formal education with a lot of self-learning. eyond the music, he gets into what it takes to stay grounded in an industry full of unexpected pressures and why having the right support system can be the difference between burning out and building something sustainable. A must-listen if you’re working towards your own independent creative career. Connect with Breeton Boi online: Website: https://spoileralert.worldInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/BREETONBOIOFFICIALTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breetonboiTwitter: https://x.com/BreetonBoiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@breetonboiTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/breetonboi Connect with mayamada mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's 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 #262: Behind The Story With Breeton Boi (Music)
  4. Sep 12

    Story x Story #261: Hold My Beers (Supergirl)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii don the spandex and dive deep into Supergirl (starting at 27:07), with guest Vik Deluca, comic creator, historian, and scholar at Forbidden Planet. We unpack why DCU Kara Zor-El’s introduction had a less than solid landing, with a story short on emotional punch even as the lead performance showed real promise…and source material that’s truly top tier. Along the way we explore themes that the film makes steps towards but executes unevenly, and what we were still hopeful of by the end from a hero who brings a more grounded, realistic perspective that should contrast beautifully with Superman’s boy-scout image. We debate what’s working, what isn’t, and what this film says about the cycle of violence and dealing with trauma and grief. This week’s storytelling tip focuses on crafting opening sequences that build emotional investment from the very first scene. Other stories we're enjoying include: Onimusha: Way of the Sword (PS5), Bugle Call: Song of War (Manga), Tower Dungeon (Manga), Mujina into the Deep (Manga), One Piece (Crunchyroll), Shifting Gears (Disney+), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Reborn as a Vending Machine (Crunchyroll), Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs (Crunchyroll), The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent (Crunchyroll), I Shall Survive Using Potions (Crunchyroll), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Mob Psycho 100 (Crunchyroll), Black Clover (Crunchyroll), The Boys (Prime Video) Connect with Vik Deluca online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikdelucacomicsSubstack: https://substack.com/@vikdelucacomicsAnime In The Mainstream MCM Comic Con Panel (Video): https://youtu.be/pucTf_Il4EMAnime In The Mainstream MCM Comic Con Panel (Audio): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/mayamada/episodes/Story-x-Story-Special-Anime-in-the-Mainstream-Panel-MCM-Comic-Con-e3kodgn 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/mayamadaJoin our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    Story x Story #261: Hold My Beers (Supergirl)
  5. Aug 29 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind - Casual Conversations With Cat Aquino & Dominique Duran (Comics)

    In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Cat Aquino and Dominique Duran from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators Episode 48. Nigel digs into the origins of their new release, *Champion of the Rose*, discovering what it takes to build a compelling world for your story, and the real work behind research and worldbuilding. The pair also share what the journey looks like as you’re heading towards your first published manga (Viz Originals) and the support and challenges that come with a publisher. From early influences and inspirations to the practical realities of getting a book ready for release, we also talk about creative partnership: what makes a creative collaboration work, how you stay aligned across the process, and how that relationship strengthens the final story. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with Cat online: Website: https://cataquino.netInstagram: http://instagram.com/cat.aquinoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cataquino_ Connect with Dominique online: Website: https://artominique.carbonmade.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/artominique 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 Rewind - Casual Conversations With Cat Aquino & Dominique Duran (Comics)
  6. Aug 22

    Story x Story #259: On Yer Bike Son (Akira)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii get on their bikes and dive deep into Akira (1988) - the cyberpunk anime classic that still resonates today - with our guest Daniel Morrison of Creative Genius Games. It’s an anime classic and we unpack the film’s heavy themes and the characters that carry them with real quality, and debate why Akira went on to inspire so many stories after it. From its gripping narrative momentum to animation that set a new standard, we explore what makes the film feel so urgent decades later. This week’s storytelling tip is about exposition through character relationships. Other stories we're enjoying include: Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive), Once Upon a Time (Disney+), That Time I got reincarnated as a slime (Crunchyroll), Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (Novel), Gachiakuta (Crunchyroll), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Better Call Saul (Netflix). Connect with Daniel online: Website: https://www.creativegeniusgames.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativegeniusgamesTwitter: https://x.com/CreativeGeniusGTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativegeniusgames 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 #259: On Yer Bike Son (Akira)
  7. Aug 15

    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)

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!