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. Story x Story #252: Stretch Before Listening (100 Meters)

    3d ago

    Story x Story #252: Stretch Before Listening (100 Meters)

    Nigel and Tazziii head to the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham for a special in-person episode recording! We're hitting the track for a deep dive into 100 Meters (the anime adaptation of Uoto’s manga). This is an existential story that asks one central question: “Why do you run?” and then explores multiple answers through characters whose ambitions, anxieties, and identities collide in subtle ways. We unpack the character arcs, and why anime often does grey areas well in a way that lands differently from many Western narratives. It’s a heavy story, and we debate how well it works as both an emotionally intense narrative and a thematic argument about purpose, pressure, and self-worth. We also discuss how well adaptations can work even if you have never read the source material. This week’s storytelling tip is about four corner opposition from an internal and ideological viewpoint rather than a purely external conflict. Other stories we're enjoying include: Ranma 1/2 (Netflix), The Warrior Princess and the Barbarian King (Crunchyroll), The Light in the Mist (Puzzle Game), The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime), Gardens of the Moon (Novel), and Bob’s Burgers (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/mayamadaJoin our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    1h 51m
  2. Story x Story #251: Growing With The Mass Appeal (Anime Industry)

    May 29

    Story x Story #251: Growing With The Mass Appeal (Anime Industry)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by executive producer Jerome Mazandarani - the producer behind Cannon Busters - for a behind-the-scenes industry look at how anime has gone from niche subculture to mainstream global entertainment. We dig into Jerome’s journey producing Cannon Busters, what it actually takes to get an anime made, and what it’s like navigating Japanese production pipelines and fan expectations as someone coming from outside the industry. We also explore the impact technology and streaming have had on anime’s rise, the pressures that come with increased global demand, and the big question: as anime becomes more widespread in funding, audiences, and production…will it stay “anime”? Connect with Jerome: The Accidental Otaku - https://jeromemazandarani.substack.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/mayamadaJoin our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    1h 5m
  3. Story x Story Rewind: Casual Conversations With Rachael Smith Podcast Audio

    May 25 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: Casual Conversations With Rachael Smith Podcast Audio

    In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting a great conversation from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators with Rachael Smith who is back for her third visit to our livestream series. Rachael breaks down what goes into making a successful Kickstarter, with the recently funded Nap Comix as a real-world case study. We dig into the behind-the-scenes work that helps a campaign succeed, from planning and audience building to communication, scope, and delivery. We also talk about awards and recognition, what it really takes to promote your work as an artist without burning out, and the excitement of stepping into new narratives as Rachael gives us a special announcement about an upcoming new comic project. 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 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

    55 min
  4. Story x Story #250: The Right Kind of Pantomime (One Piece Season 2)

    May 17

    Story x Story #250: The Right Kind of Pantomime (One Piece Season 2)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii set sail into One Piece Season 2 (from 26:11), joined by our crew of guests Dom Shaw, Lao K and Louise Karunwi. It’s a wide‑ranging discussion with some views you might not expect, as we get into how faithful the live‑action adaptation feels, what changes land (and which ones don’t), and whether a story this big can ever truly make the leap to live action. We also dig into the places we visit, the colourful costume work, and the themes Season 2 brings to life, pulling out what’s working and what still feels like it’s finding its sea legs. Other stories we're enjoying include: Go For It, Nakamura! (Crunchyroll), The Ramparts of Ice (Crunchyroll), You and I Are Polar Opposites (Crunchyroll), Abbott Elementary (Disney+), Hogwarts Legacy (PlayStation), Invincible (Prime Video), Black Mirror (Netflix), Tales of Arise (Xbox), Bad Sisters (Apple TV+), Prime Target (Apple TV+), Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (Prime Video), Little Kitty, Big City (Xbox), The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video), Daemons of the Shadow Realm (Crunchyroll) Connect with Dom online: Website: https://www.gamesaid.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sussex-gamesConnect with Lao online: Website: https://laokservices.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/laokarunConnect with Louise online: Website: https://www.youtube.com/@NoMoreDrafts 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

    2h 12m
  5. Story x Story #249: Behind The Story With Mereida Fajardo (Comics & Events)

    May 8

    Story x Story #249: Behind The Story With Mereida Fajardo (Comics & Events)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Mereida Fajardo, a Bristol-based comic and zine-maker, illustrator, and arts facilitator, to explore her journey and deep relationship with the physical medium of comics. Mereida shares how The Dark Knight first got her into comics, and the critical education decision that saw her follow her passion rather than what was expected of her by others. We also dig into her work as an event organiser and what she is building in Bristol for comic and zine makers through Zinezilla. Connect with Mereida online: Website: https://www.mereida.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.ereidaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mereida.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/mayamadaJoin our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

    1h 4m
  6. Story x Story #248: Loose String of Fun Moments (The Super Mario Galaxy Movie)

    May 1

    Story x Story #248: Loose String of Fun Moments (The Super Mario Galaxy Movie)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (starting at 25:29) with script editor Sashi Gopalakrishnan and Games Aid chair and member of Games London's Ensemble Sara Veal. We talk about the franchise’s incredible success in film form, even as the sequel’s narrative can feel loose and under-structured, and what that trade-off means for its different audiences. From a storytelling and fan perspective, we get into what works in the execution, what feels thin, and the value of stories supposedly “for kids” in a TikTok generation. This week’s storytelling tip is about developing an earned redemption arc. Other stories we're enjoying include: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix), Fullmetal Alchemist (Crunchyroll), Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home (Book), Paradise (Disney+), Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice (Disney+), The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting (Crunchyroll), Buddy Daddies (Crunchyroll), I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Be (Crunchyroll), Castle in the Air & House of Many Ways (Book), Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair (Disney+), Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV), Wonder Man (Disney+), Margot Got Money Troubles (Apple TV), Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix), Saga (Comic). Connect with Sashi online: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashi_sketches Connect with Sara online: Website: https://www.huhbub.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalbruhahaTwitter: https://twitter.com/digitalbruhaha 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

    1h 47m
  7. Story x Story #247: For The Exploration of Culture (Video Games)

    Apr 23

    Story x Story #247: For The Exploration of Culture (Video Games)

    This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by CEO of Kunta Content, Dean Gichukie, for a conversation about video games as a way to explore culture. We get to dig into the legacy of games that take players into worlds inspired by diffeent places, histories, and mythologies beyond our own, and what it looks like when studios get cultural exploration right…as well as the pitfalls that come up when they get it wrong! We also talk about making games in Africa through Kunta Content’s work on HIRU, the online controversies and backlash cycles that can come with efforts to make games more culturally diverse, and what we want to see from the industry in the future as cultural storytelling in games continues to evolve from early days of Street Fighter to today’s more expansive cultural swings. Connect with Kunta Content online: Website: https://kuntacontent.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/kunta_content 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

    1h 16m
  8. Story x Story Rewind: We Came Here For Crime (The Last Blossom)

    Apr 17 ·  Bonus

    Story x Story Rewind: We Came Here For Crime (The Last Blossom)

    In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio from a Story Club livestream where Nigel and Tazziii break down a great story with guests live. This episode sees us revisit the 2025 anime The Last Blossom with guests Lara Callaghan and Rayna Denison, exploring a film that moves with a thoughtful pace and flow. Even though the narrative is set in the world of the Yakuza, this story is less about crime and more about love and reflection. The conversation unpacks the film as a character study and considers the impact of an elderly yakuza's actions on the people around him. There are some heavy themes and emotional depth, and we dig into the ways the story balances vulnerability, redemption and masculinity. Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community, including Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night. Connect with Lara online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callag_documentalityTwitter: Connect with Rayna online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayna.denisonStory x Story Rewind: The Colors Within - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7aBtL2ho8VBot3GP6n5p4B?si=vL8faSf7Qz-AVuO1AGyV9w 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

    1h 37m
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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
    353
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © mayamada
  • Show Website
    Story x Story