This week, Nigel and Tazziii are by themselves as they dive deep into Bong Joon Ho's darkly funny sci-fi satire, Mickey 17 (starting at 28:06).
We explore the film's anti-capitalist themes and how it uses the concept of "expendables" to critique exploitation of workers under capitalism.
We also talk about Pattinson's impressive dual performance playing two versions of Mickey, and how the film depicts leadership and political figures in a really negative light…raising questions about what this means for our real-world perception of leaders.
Finally, we debate whether Mickey 17 strikes the right balance in characterisation, or if it gives us too little of it. This week's storytelling tip is about the right balance of characterisation in your story.
Other stories we're enjoying include: A Touch of Darkness (Book), The Great Cleric (Crunchyroll), Secrets of a Silent Witch (Crunchyroll), The Case Study of Vanitas (Crunchyroll), I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (Crunchyroll), Little Nightmares 2 (Steam), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (IDW Publishing), Vinland Saga (Netflix/Crunchyroll), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), The Last of Us Season 2 (Sky Atlantic).
This week, we've got an Rewind episode for you with the audio from our autumn video game roundtable livestream! Due to an unexpected last-minute change, it's just Nigel and Tazziii alongside our faithful chat community, diving into the games we've been playing and the biggest news stories shaking up the industry right now.
We tackle some of the most pressing questions in gaming today: Has Xbox Game Pass's massive price hike pushed gaming into luxury territory? Are showcase livestreams like Sony's State of Play still worth watching (though we can't deny that Wolverine gameplay looked great)? What does Nintendo's aggressive patent strategy mean for developers and games like Palworld? And with EA's record-breaking takeover, how are business decisions and geopolitical movements reshaping the games we play?
We cover the big three platform holders as well as the wider industry, so tune in for our takes and catch us live next time on the mayamada Twitch channel for more live Studio77 shows.
Games we've been playing: Dead Space 2, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Destiny: Rising, Astro Bot, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Marina Díez, an award-winning game designer and Forbes Under 30 lister, to discuss her extraordinary journey as the first guest who was encouraged to get into games by their parents!
She’s now CEO of her own game studio, Three of Cups Games and we delve into how a proactive approach to creating opportunities helped her break into the gaming industry rather than waiting for doors to open.
Join the conversation and hear about the challenges of not only designing emotionally impactful games but also running an entire studio built on diversity and ethical foundations.
Connect with Marina online:
In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting our Story Club discussion of The Colors Within, where Nigel and Tazziii invite guest for a novel twist om the book club format.
This episode features Film Scholar Rayna Denison, making her first appearance on the show, and returning guest Bish from GAL Podcasts. Together, they delve into explore this beautifully animated coming-of-age film that explores friendship, music and perception.
We cover how this film takes a different approach to other music-centred stories like Blue Giant and Whiplash, with less focus on technical excellence and more on using music to bring outcast friends together. We explore the use of colour to represent emotions and perception, how religious themes thread meaningfully through the narrative, and debate whether leaving character motivations to the imagination helps or hurts the storytelling.
Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content: The Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.
Guest Links
Connect with Dr Rayna Denison
Connect with Bish & GAL Podcasts
This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into KPop Demon Hunters (at 29:58), with guests Comic Creator Liza N. Cooper, and Watercolourist Tony Moy.
This Netflix animation has become overnight sensation and we explore how it manages to make the local global, connecting with not just KPop fans but mainstream audiences of all ages (ourselves included!). The film uses simple, emotional storytelling to keep things moving, alongside fantastic songs that we break down and debate which we enjoyed best. But does it succeed as a narrative beyond its catchy tunes and vibrant animation?
We examine the film's themes of friendship, identity and demon-hunting heroics, debating which moments work and how well the story's themes resonate. This week's storytelling tip is about designing a trio of protagonists for your story.
Other stories we're enjoying include: Bring Her Back (Cinema), Weapons (Cinema), Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book), Tulsa King (Paramount+), Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll), The God and the Gumiho (Book), The Scarlet Veil (Book), The Comic Shop (Kickstarter), Dragon Goes House Hunting (Crunchyroll), Astrobot (PS5), Dandadan (Netflix), The Paper (Sky), Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (PS5), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (Comic),Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)
Connect with Liza N. Cooper:
Connect with Tony Moy:
- Website: http://www.tonymoy.art
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonymoyart.bsky.social
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonymoy88
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tony_moy
- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tony_moy
- Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tony_moy
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tony_moy
In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting one of our Studio77 shows, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, where Nigel sits down with a different creator to explore their work and the craft of making comics.
This series is all about highlighting the people behind the art as we uncover their unique stories. This episode features a conversation with award-winning creators Rachael Smith and Paul Cornell, whose impressive portfolios include Quarantine Comix, Doctor Who, and work for Marvel and DC Comics.
The duo joins us to share insights about their creative processes and journey in the industry, with a special focus on their exciting new collaboration Who Killed Nessie? - a comedy cryptozoological whodunnit launching at Waterstones in September and showing at Thought Bubble in November. We explore how this mystery graphic novel came to life and discover the fascinating twists and turns of their creative partnership.
Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.
Connect with Rachael Smith online:
Connect with Paul Cornell online:
This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Fergo and Judy Powell, two comic creators at different stages of their creative journeys, to discuss their paths into the world of independent comics.
From introspective perspectives…to stories about premeditated murder (true story!), we explore what drives them to persevere through the challenges of the creative process. We delve into their contributions to the new WIP Comics infinity-themed anthology and their unique approaches to the project.
Join us for valuable tips and inspiration for both new comic creators and those looking to keep momentum going on their own creative paths.
Connect with Fergo online:
Connect with Judy online:
Website: https://www.judypowell.online
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpowell470
This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (starting at 19:58), with our guest SARE, a music artist and DJ from London.
The third instalment in the Sonic film franchise brings some darker themes with the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog while maintaining its family-friendly appeal. But does the balance work when the lead character brings enough slapstick for the entire cast?
We examine how director Jeff Fowler has adapted the source material for younger audiences, navigating more complex themes of grief and revenge, and discuss why storytelling approaches look different when creating content for family audiences. This week's storytelling tip is about making good use of flashbacks.
Other stories we're enjoying include: Summer Pockets (Steam), The Fragrent Flower Blooms with You (Crunchyroll), Sonic Racing Crossworlds Open Beta (PlayStation/Xbox), Metaphor Refantazio (PlayStation), Dance with the Devil Musical Anime (Crunchyroll), Abbot Elementary (Disney+), Castle (Disney+), Gamer (BBC iPlayer), Heaven Official's Blessing (Crunchyroll), Destiny Rising (iOS), Out and About (Steam), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Dandadan (Netflix), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (Comic), Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)
Connect with SARE online:
This week, Tazziii is away for one more week so Nigel is joined by guest co-host Aisha (aka Doomed Prinny) for an insightful conversation about cosplay culture in 2025.
We dive into a discussion on the evolution of cosplay in the digital age, we explore how technology has transformed the craft, culture and our perceptions of what makes a good cosplay. We debate the boundaries between digital enhancement and traditional costume crafting, the impact of social media on cosplay standards, and the tension between cosplay as a personal hobby versus a professional career.
Listen for a fantastic analysis of authenticity, craft, and values in cosplay culture!
Connect with our guests online:
Aisha (Doomed Prinny)
Bekzxx
Dani (Hijabi Hoo)
Coco
This week, Tazziii is away so Nigel goes solo with guest Des Gayle from Altered Gene to dive deep into the new Superman film (starting at 20:14), directed by James Gunn.
The latest addition to the DC Universe is a fresh take on the iconic superhero, introducing a new cast and new lead, but does it succeed as a narrative beyond being the first film in James Gunn's DCU reboot?
We examine how this version differs from previous Superman iterations, debate whether the large cast works, and discuss why it's so difficult to make a compelling Superman film. The episode also explores the wider DCU and MCU outlook amidst general audience superhero fatigue at the box office - can these films return to their former glory? This week's storytelling tip is about effective extended dialogue scenes in fixed locations.
Other stories we're enjoying include: Nightwing, Superman (DC). Bosch (Amazon Prime Video). Shinobi Art of Vengeance (PlayStation), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Bob's Burgers (Disney+)
Connect with Des online:
This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Tom Jenkins, Creative Director at Spud Gun Studios, to hear about his journey from North West London to being part of a leading team in British online animation.
Listen as we delve into how navigating challenging educational experiences shaped his approach to creativity and content creation, leading him to Mashed — formerly owned by Channel 4 and now an independent powerhouse with billions of views!
We get to hear Tom explain why authentic storytelling matters more than view counts, with must-hear insights for content creators at any stage of their own creative journey.
Connect with Tom Jenkins online:
We're back from our recording break with brand new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii get into the family spirit with a deep dive into The Fantastic Four: First Steps (starting at 26:39), with special guest filmmaker Jed Shepherd.
We discover whether third time is the charm with yet another reboot of Marvel's first family. Now under Marvel's stewardship, is this the story to succeed in telling a coherent, comics-accurate narrative where many have failed before?
We examine this relatively simple but effective story and debate whether light-touch storytelling works to ensure an emotional bond with the ensemble cast and themes of sacrifice. This week's storytelling tip is about creating an effective ensemble cast.
Other stories we're enjoying include: A Short Stay in Hell (Book), Piranesi (Book), The Toxic Avenger (Shudder), Bring Her Back (BBC iPlayer), Watch the Skies (Channel 4), Kpop Demon Hunters (Netflix), Grounded 2 (Xbox), Wings and Embers (Netflix), A Court of Frost and Starlight (Netflix), A Court of Silver Flames (Netflix), You are Ms Servant (Crunchyroll), Wise Man's Grandchild (Crunchyroll), I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History (Crunchyroll), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Superstore (Netflix), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Ironheart (Disney+), Dandadan (Netflix)
Connect with Jed online:
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 conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.
Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals.
This final segment features Nigel in conversation with Tazziii and our headline guest Cinzia Musio, Interim CEO for Code Coven and award-winning Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. We spoke with them about the economic and diversity challenges facing the gaming industry today, and got into some great insights on how to create more inclusive spaces. This is the last Rewind segment of our recording break, and we'll be back with brand new episodes in August - see you then!
Campaign Website
"Do I Look Like A Gamer?": 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.
Guest Links
Cinzia Musio
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 conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.
Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals.
This second segment features Nigel in conversation with indie developer Daniel Morrison, Content Creator Curly Locks, and sibling gamers Michael & Kin Hoang as they discuss the ins and outs of effective networking skills. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll resume recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then!
Campaign Website
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.
Guest Links
Daniel Morrison
Curly Locks Gamer
Michael Hoang
Kin Hoang
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.
Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and is packed full of amazing guests, including some of those who took part in the 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 second segment features Tazziii in conversation with the indie development team behind JoveGuille's Jordi & Oslo game, Content Creator Damien Pedryc, alongside Streamer & Presenter GoldiRoxs. 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!
Campaign Website
"Do I Look Like A Gamer?": 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.
Guest Links
Guillem Jove
Callum May (GoldiRoxs)
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.
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 in conversation with indie developers C Bedford of à la mode games and Felix Li, creator of the game Pool 2, alongside Podcast Host Cameron Keywood.
We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast in next month - see you then!
Campaign Website
“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”: 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.
Guest Links
Cameron Keywood
C Bedford
Felix Li
This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit at the video game roundtable with games journalist and author Gary Swaby, content creator Cameron Keywood, and producer and voice artist Radiant G.
In the first half of the show, we dive into the games we've been playing before launching into a great discussion on some major gaming stories that have caught our attention.
We discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's record-breaking launch, Microsoft's partnership with Asus for a new handheld and what it means for Nintendo's future, plus we give our assessment on Geoff Keighley's latest iteration of the Summer Game Fest!
Video games we're playing: Civilization VII (PC), Marvel Rivals (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Monster Hunter Wilds (PlayStation, Xbox), Apex Legends (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Blue Prince (PC), Sniper Elite: Resistance (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Doom: The Dark Ages (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword & Echo's of Wisdom (Switch), Astro Bot (PlayStation), Sifu (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), GTV 5 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), South of Midnight (Xbox)
Connect with our guests online:
Gary Swaby
Cameron Keywood
Radiant G
This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with UK-based electronic music artist SARE to talk about their self-taught journey from video game and anime fan to their current position as a singer-songwriter, remixer, and DJ.
Listen as we delve into how their experience within a creative family led them to take their formal training to another level by learning how to make their own music based on a love of geek culture—which is taking them across the globe!
Hear how they prepare for shows, the impact social media has on their following, and what they learn from collaborating with other artists in the industry. A must for aspiring professionals looking to turn their passion into a budding creative career.
Connect with SARE online:
⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines
This week, Nigel and Tazziii get heavy as they dive deep into the heart-wrenching anime film A Silent Voice (starting at 21:51), with Comic Creator Feff Silvers.
A redemption story with a bully at its core, this complex narrative explores many issues including bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. We explore whether it is able to weave those topics together in a narrative that makes us care about the journey…and wow is there a lot of feelings to explore here!
We look at the way issues characters deal with in the past impact them in the present day and whether everyone is deserving of forgiveness, debating which moments affected us the most and how the story's themes are so important for society today. This week's storytelling tip is about designing an unlikable protagonist.
Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Apothecary Diaries (Crunchyroll), Once Upon A Witch's Death (Crunchyroll), The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Switch), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Superstore (Netflix), South of Midnight (Xbox), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Win or Lose (Disney+)
This week, Nigel and Tazziii are overrun with memes as they dive deep into A Minecraft Movie (starting at 21:12), with our guest Danni Unbox, an Award-Winning Tech, Gaming & Lifestyle Creator.
It's a story based on the best-selling video game of all time, but one we went in with little to no expectations... so did it deliver? We take a serious look at a decidedly non-serious story to pick apart the journey to save the creative spirit!
We examine the very fast-paced plot, eclectic characters, and loose themes to see if it all works as a coherent story, debating which moments work and whether the story's themes manage to break through the chaotic energy of the plot to resonate effectively. This week's storytelling tip is about how not to do character exposition.
Other stories we're enjoying include: Minecraft (Xbox), AtomFall (PC), Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney+), Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye (Cinema), The Unaware Atelier Meister (Crunchyroll), The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows (Crunchyroll), Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll), Wild Card (Netflix), Superstore (Netflix), GTA V (PlayStation/Xbox/PC), Astrobot (PlayStation), Black Mirror (Netflix).
Connect with Danni Unbox online:
