Saved By Gaming

ziggychris
  • 0.0 (0)
  • VIDEO GAMES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

With the power to bring people together or just help us escape the world, gaming is more than just a game. From the comforting escape of a fantasy RPG to the life-changing power of adaptive controllers, games are breaking barriers. They’re helping people cope with anxiety, find community, and even recover from trauma. Each episode we speak to developers, content creators and gamers like you and me, to discover how each of us was saved by gaming. So whether you game to unwind, to connect, or to overcome—this is the show for you. Let’s press start on this conversation!

  1. 12/09/2025

    Airyn De Niro: Finding Identity and Escape Through Gaming

    Voice actress, model, and proud transwoman Airyn De Niro joins Chris to share how gaming has been both an escape and a source of empowerment. From childhood memories on the Nintendo 64 to the transformative magic of Kingdom Hearts, Airyn opens up about identity, chosen family, and representation in gaming. This episode dives into topics like Pokémon, League of Legends, Genshin Impact, Hoyoverse titles, and Hogwarts Legacy, exploring how games can heal, connect, and inspire. (0:00) Intro – Gaming as connection, escape, and healing (0:27) Meet Airyn De Niro – voice actress, model, proud transwoman (1:14) Why Airyn reached out – gaming as a hidden passion beyond acting & modeling (2:34) Childhood gaming memories – Nintendo 64, Pokémon, Banjo-Kazooie, Spider-Man, Kirby (3:44) Discovering Kingdom Hearts – Disney nostalgia meets Final Fantasy storytelling (5:35) Playing with siblings – Smash Bros. Melee and Pokémon battles (6:51) Gaming as a safe space – coping with family stress and identity struggles (9:04) Comfort games – Pokémon community and Kingdom Hearts escapism (12:26) Character customization. Exploring identity through female avatars and MMOs (14:53) Finding chosen family - Discord, League of Legends, and online tribes(16:07) Strong female characters – Zelda, Aqua, Ahri, Evelynn, Yae Miko (Genshin Impact) (17:28) Hoyoverse games – art style, addiction, and dream of voicing a character (19:36) Dream voice acting roles – League of Legends, Hoyoverse titles, Pokémon, World of Warcraft (21:40) Gaming prescriptions – Kingdom Hearts for mood, roguelikes for collaborative fun (22:56) Long‑distance friendships – connecting with scattered communities through gaming (25:46) Meeting online friends IRL – trust, vulnerability, and lasting bonds (27:17) Chris’s story – World of Warcraft community during tough times (29:04) Representation in games – Hogwarts Legacy’s trans character and inclusivity hopes (32:11) Broader representation – indie games, community feedback, visibility in mainstream titles (35:00) Future of gaming – diverse stories, strong female leads, trans representation (38:00) Building a career in VO – Erin’s aspirations and advice for newcomers (41:00) Chosen family revisited – how gaming communities sustain us through life changes (43:00) Closing thoughts – courage, creativity, and how gaming continues to save lives Referenced in this episode:https://youtu.be/aG9U8cgnR3o?si=6FMJjA6UZ-qAp4gWhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL34aCeJQEMUMLMDXL_j2yKvf5tTVjzYDT&si=7Nfn0fQrC2ABfsVR Saved by Gaming Podcast Spotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4 Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Qhttps://www.youtube.com/@SavedByGamingPod Airyn De Niro https://www.instagram.com/airyndeniro ziggychris https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoffhttp://youtube.com/ziggychrishttps://www.instagram.com/ziggychristoffBlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ziggychris.bsky.social Music creditSong: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    45 min

  2. 11/24/2025

    Gaming Without Sight: SightlessKombat on Accessibility, Agency, and Community

    In this episode of Saved by Gaming, Ziggychris sits down with Sightless Kombat. A gamer, streamer, and award‑winning accessibility consultant who plays without sight. From his first experiences with audio games to consulting on blockbuster titles like God of War Ragnarok and Sea of Thieves, SK shares how gaming has shaped his life, career, and community. We explore the challenges of accessibility, the joy of agency in gameplay, and the camaraderie that makes multiplayer experiences unforgettable. Whether you’re a developer, gamer, or simply curious about how games can break barriers, this conversation will open your eyes to the transformative power of play. (0:00) Opening, introductions, and SightlessKombat’s background (1:30) Early gaming experiences: PC titles, audio‑only games, and discovering interactive soundscapes (5:20) Transition to PlayStation classics, fighting games, and the challenges of inaccessible move lists (8:30) Genres that felt out of reach, modern accessibility struggles, and finally playing The Last of Us (11:30) Spoilers vs. agency, God of War Ragnarok, and why choice matters in gameplay (15:30) Multiplayer joy: Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, teamwork, and camaraderie (18:30) How gaming shaped SK’s career, travel, and community connections (22:00) Inside accessibility consultancy: feedback, reviews, conferences, and industry impact (26:00) Tools, setups, screen readers, and making hardware/software accessible (33:00) Audio description, AI mods, and hopes for future accessibility innovations (40:00) Emotional impact of games, co‑op memories, and tabletop roleplay (47:00) Ripple effects, gaming prescriptions, comfort titles, and most‑played games (55:00) Industry changes, closing thoughts, and how to support SightlessKombat Saved by Gaming Podcast Spotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4 Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Q https://www.youtube.com/@SavedByGamingPod ziggychris https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff http://youtube.com/ziggychris https://www.instagram.com/ziggychristoff Music credit Song: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    1 hr

  3. 11/10/2025

    The Positive Power of Play: How Games Heal and Connect Us, with Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer

    In this episode of Saved by Gaming, ziggychris welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer, a clinical psychologist and expert in using games for mental health.Dr. Kilmer also works with  @TakeThisOrg  and co-authored "Therapeutically Applied Role Playing Games.”, so they are the perfect person to discuss the power of positive play with! (00:00) Intro (00:44) Meet Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer, clinical psychologist and games-in-therapy expert. (01:56) How games like D&D and Animal Crossing support mental health. (04:14) Real therapy stories using video games. (08:14) The power of gaming communities and connection. (15:31) Dr. Kilmer’s work with Take This. (20:44) Tackling online toxicity and building positive spaces. (24:36) Healthy gaming vs. avoidance. (30:46) Game recommendations for growth and connection. (36:52) The future of games in therapy and a key takeaway for listeners. Saved by Gaming PodcastSpotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4 Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Qhttps://www.youtube.com/@SavedByGamingPod https://www.tiktok.com/@savedbygamingpod https://discord.gg/4hRctCGJua Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer Website elizabethkilmer.com Take This https://www.takethis.org/ ziggychris https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff http://youtube.com/ziggychris https://www.instagram.com/ziggychristoff Music creditSong: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    43 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    From Pixels to Pride: Stef Sanjati’s Journey Through Games and Identity

    🎮 Welcome to another episode of Saved by Gaming! Today, we sit down with the incredible Stef Sanjati, gaming and beauty creator, transgender advocacy expert, and World of Warcraft veteran. Together we discuss her journey of self-discovery, the power of gaming as a safe space, and how gaming and creativity have shaped her life. From early gaming memories to building inclusive online communities, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and a celebration of gaming’s impact.  (00:00) Intro & Welcome  (00:26) Stef’s Early Gaming Memories  (02:00) Gaming and Gender Identity  (03:59) Growing Up in Rural Canada  (05:27) The Power of Safe Spaces in Gaming  (06:47) World of Warcraft’s Impact  (11:45) Building Online Communities  (17:20) Shifting from Beauty to Gaming Content  (23:18) Embracing Competitive Gaming & Overcoming Anxiety  (27:31) Community Growth and Leadership  (32:38) Tabletop Gaming & Life Lessons  (36:38) Stef’s Gaming Prescription  (38:14) Quickfire Questions: Warm Hug Game, Games That Made You Cry, and More  (42:00) The Power of Gaming for Self-Discovery  (45:57) Final Thoughts & Where to Find Stef Chris explained how #worldofwarcraft saved him in this episode https://youtu.be/aG9U8cgnR3o?si=NoDMQmIaVf4WxfGh And for a nostalgic flashback to ziggy's #wow days, here is an old guild run https://youtu.be/v2bJkdBZZKs?si=VAWwy3F80royV7b0 Stef Sanjatihttps://youtube.com/@stefsanjatiofficial?si=z5v75KcGJBFf69CMhttps://www.twitch.tv/stefsanjati https://twitter.com/StefSanjati https://www.tiktok.com/@stefsanjati ziggychrishttps://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoffhttp://youtube.com/ziggychrishttps://www.instagram.com/ziggychristoffhttps://discord.gg/4hRctCGJua Music creditSong: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Plus we'd love to hear which game or gaming moments impacted you the most on your life journey x

    46 min

  5. 10/13/2025

    From consoles to community: How Gaming Powers Charity with Games Aid

    GamesAid Operations Coorindator, Mikey Walsh met with me to explore the power of gaming to create positive change! In this episode, Mikey shares his journey from gamer to Games Aid operations coordinator, reveals how the gaming community provides so much support and discusses the personal and communal impact of games. From heartwarming stories to practical ways you can get involved, this episode is a celebration of how gaming can truly save. (0:00) Introduction & Meet Mikey(0:54) What is Games Aid?(2:08) How gaming helps charity fundraising(3:54) Mikey’s path into Games Aid(5:14) Proud moments: Steam sale & bowling event(6:07) Where the money goes & charity impact(8:52) How gaming helps through tough times(11:03) Upcoming projects & streamer partnerships(12:40) How anyone can get involved(14:09) Stand Up for Games Aid & celebrity support(16:29) Dream collaborations & gaming influencers(18:00) Games as therapy: Mikey’s recommendations(20:39) Online friendships & the power of community(23:51) Challenging gaming stereotypes(26:31) Quickfire questions: favorite games & stories(30:56) Final thoughts: Why gaming matters Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories on the healing power of games :)Saved by Gaming PodcastSpotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Qhttps://www.youtube.com/@SavedByGamingPodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@savedbygamingpod https://discord.gg/4hRctCGJuaGames Aid & Mikey Walshhttps://www.gamesaid.org/https://www.youtube.com/@UCU_RX_X20H0kaL6p5aVldCQ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gamesaidhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwalsh93/ziggychrishttps://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoffhttp://youtube.com/ziggychrishttps://www.instagram.com/ziggychristoffBlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ziggychris.bsky.socialMusic creditSong: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    33 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    Equity, Accessibility, and Joy: The Healing Impact of Games with Paige Harvey

    In this episode of Save by Gaming, we chat with Paige Harvey, the Gaming Community Manager at Special Effect, a UK-based charity that's revolutionizing the way disabled gamers play. Paige also shares her personal journey with gaming from childhood through adulthood, detailing her own experiences as a disabled gamer, so grab your coffee, settle in and enjoy another chat from the heart on Saved By Gaming.(00:00) Welcome in!(01:21) Paige Harvey's Early Gaming Experiences(02:46) The Therapeutic Power of Gaming(05:55) Transitioning into the Gaming Industry(11:41) Joining Special Effect and Making an Impact(12:10) Heartwarming Stories from Special Effect(17:32) Collaborations and Accessibility in Gaming(21:25) The Importance of Accessibility in Gaming(22:04) Personal Experiences with Game Accessibility(23:16) Balancing Challenge and Accessibility(26:06) Supporting Special Effect and Inclusive Gaming(30:12) Dreams for the Future of Accessible Gaming(33:22) Recommended Games and Final ThoughtsSaved by Gaming PodcastSpotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3QYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@SavedByGamingPodDiscord https://discord.gg/4hRctCGJuaPaige Harveyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paigeamharvey/ http://www.youtube.com/@specialeffectcharity https://www.twitch.tv/specialeffectteamziggychrisTwitch https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoffYoutube http://youtube.com/ziggychrisBlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ziggychris.bsky.socialMusic creditSong: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release]Music provided by NoCopyrightSoundsFree Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4UWatch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    43 min

  7. 09/15/2025

    Comfort in the Dark: How Horror and Cozy Games Save Us

    In this episode of 'Saved By Gaming', we’re joined by Amelia Lemoncat, a Twitch streamer known for her unique blend of horror and coziness. We explore the comforting aspects of horror games, the impact of gaming during tough times, and the importance of community in the gaming world.  Amelia reveals her personal experiences with games like Halo and Stardew Valley, discussing how they provided solace during challenging periods in her life. Most importantly, as always, we uncover the healing power of gaming, the significance of finding one's tribe, and how each of us can be ‘saved by gaming’. (0:00) Intro (0:25) Welcome in Amelia Lemoncat.  (1:23) Discussing the comfort of the horror genre.  (6:48) Why people love watching horror games on Twitch.  (9:05) Games that helped Amelia through tough times (12:35) The impact of Stardew Valley during depression.  (17:14) Chris and Amelia discuss the role gaming as a coping mechanism.  (23:55) The importance of finding community and acceptance online.  (34:31) Amelia’s favorite and most-played games (38:10) Comfort games and the appeal of zombie survival (39:56) Amelia’s gaming prescription for tough times (44:09) Advice to younger self Saved by Gaming Podcast Youtube https://bit.ly/3I3Js90  Spotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4  Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Q  Discord https://bit.ly/43ZnCL7  Amelia Lemoncat https://twitch.tv/amelialemoncat https://instagram.com/Amelialemoncat https://flow.page/amelialemoncat ziggychris Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff  Youtube http://youtube.com/ziggychris  BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ziggychris.bsky.social  Music credit Song: Convex - 4U (feat. Jex Jordyn) [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/4U Watch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

    48 min

  8. 09/01/2025

    From D&D to Game Therapy UK: Exploring Therapeutic Gaming with Gary Colman

    🎲 This episode we sit down with Dr. Gary Colman. Comedian, Doctor, and Chairman of Game Therapy UK, to continue our exploration into the healing power of games and the rise of therapeutic gaming.Game Therapy UK, supports evidence-based therapeutic gaming for socially isolated groups, using tabletop RPG's, boardgames and more. So who better to speak to on our quest to celebrate the power of positive play :)(0:00) Introduction & the theme of games as a force for good.(2:45) Gary shares his early gaming experiences and how they shaped his outlook.(4:20) The origins of Game Therapy UK(7:00) Exploring the therapeutic benefits of tabletop RPGs, board games, and video games.(10:00) Discussing the evidence and research behind therapeutic gaming.(13:00) The role of community and connection in gaming for wellbeing.(16:00) How Game Therapy UK’s approach differs from the US model, and supporting vulnerable groups.(20:00) Real-life stories: Impact on military veterans, schools, and homelessness projects.(25:00) Gaming across generations and the evolution of gaming culture.(28:00) Addressing scepticism and the mainstream acceptance of “geek” culture.(31:00) Game Therapy UK’s expansion across the UK and how to get involved.(34:00) Gary’s favourite games, advice for listeners, and why the people you play with matter most.(38:00) How to volunteer, propose projects, and upcoming events at Game Therapy UK.(40:00) Final thoughts on community, connection, and finding your tribe through gaming.You can find Gary's recommended episode here https://youtu.be/np6Ipt9n8Fs?si=4PfKqPzYruQz1J2BSaved by Gaming PodcastYoutube https://bit.ly/3I3Js90Spotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4 Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Q Discord https://discord.gg/4hRctCGJua Gary Colman - https://www.monkeysbloodproductions.com/gary-colmanGame Therapy UK - https://www.game-therapy.co.ukIMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5487731/ziggychrisTwitch https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff Youtube http://youtube.com/ziggychris BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/ziggychris.bsky.social

    41 min
See All (15)

Trailer

About

With the power to bring people together or just help us escape the world, gaming is more than just a game. From the comforting escape of a fantasy RPG to the life-changing power of adaptive controllers, games are breaking barriers. They’re helping people cope with anxiety, find community, and even recover from trauma. Each episode we speak to developers, content creators and gamers like you and me, to discover how each of us was saved by gaming. So whether you game to unwind, to connect, or to overcome—this is the show for you. Let’s press start on this conversation!

Information

  • Creator
    ziggychris
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © ziggychris
  • Show Website
    Saved By Gaming