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. 21h ago

    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)

  2. Sep 3

    Story x Story #260: Behind The Story With Marco Ng (Video Games)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Otterweave Games Studio Director and Founder Marco Ng to explore his journey into indie game development! Marco shares what inspired him, how he keeps the journey sustainable, and takes us inside his current project, EMITIME. From the impact of promotional events and a supportive community to the realities of building a game and bringing it to the public, the conversation gives us great insight into the early stages of game development and how to manage expectations when bringing a game to market. Connect with Marco online: Website: https://otterweavegamesstudio.comBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/otterweavegamesstudio.comDiscord: https://discord.gg/2sYhdEZDUS 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 #260: Behind The Story With Marco Ng (Video Games)

  3. 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)

  4. 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)

  5. 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)

  6. 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)

  7. 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)

  8. 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)
See All (367)

Trailer

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!

Information

  • Creator
    mayamada
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    367
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © mayamada
  • Show Website
    Story x Story