Saved By 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

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

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

🎮 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

 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

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

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

🎲 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

In this episode of Saved by Gaming, we welcome Sam Hollis, creator of  @moondayss for a deep dive into how video games, especially Elden Ring, can impact mental health, creativity, and community.

Sam shares his personal journey, the transformative power of gaming, and the challenges and rewards of content creation. We also explore the broader culture of gaming, accessibility and the importance of art and self-expression in games.(00:00) Introduction(00:46) Sam's journey and the impact of Elden Ring.(01:50) Discovering Elden Ring and it's effect(02:30) Mental Health & Gaming(04:27) The story behind Sam’s viral Elden Ring video(07:10) Art, Interpretation, and Community(09:10) Stormveil Castle & Overcoming Challenges(12:10) The Power of Community(14:50) Long-form vs. Short-form Content(18:50) Other Comfort Games(24:00) Gaming Prescriptions(29:00) Accessibility & Difficulty in Games(32:00) Content Creation Burnout(37:00) Future Plans(40:00) Who next?(41:00) Closing ThoughtsSaved by Gaming PodcastYoutube http://youtube.com/savedbygamingpodSpotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4 Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Q Discord https://discord.gg/4hRctCGJua Sam HollisYoutube http://youtube.com/moondayssLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/samhollis72ziggychrisTwitch https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff Youtube http://youtube.com/ziggychris BlueSky 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/4U Watch: http://youtu.be/dMnWZ8tAUkU

🎙️ In this episode of Save By Gaming, we welcome Vicki Fieldhouse { @gtg_vicki ), Senior Community Manager at  @SecretMode  and founder of Girls That Game UK, for a heartfelt conversation about the power of games to connect, heal, and inspire.

(00:00) – Introduction & Vicki’s background

(01:28) – How gaming helped Vicki through depression and COVID

(02:20) – Processing grief through games like Pine Hearts

(03:22) – Building real-life friendships from online gaming

(04:54) – Escapism, Twitch, and finding community during tough times

(07:08) – The impact of community management and player stories

(08:13) – Nostalgia and the magic of World of Warcraft

(10:09) – Favorite games: Kingdom Two Crowns, Borderlands, and more

(14:48) – The importance of board games and founding Girls That Game UK

(16:02) – Taking risks, making friends as an adult, and the value of community

(20:46) – Addressing the “games are a waste of time” myth

(25:57) – How streaming and Kingdom Two Crowns led Vicki into the games industry

(34:05) – The value of neurodiversity and finding a place in the games industry

(36:59) – Closing thoughts

Saved by Gaming Podcast

Youtube https://bit.ly/3I3Js90

Spotify https://bit.ly/3FITNq4

Apple https://bit.ly/45GIA3Q

Discord https://bit.ly/43ZnCL7

Vicki Fieldhouse

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriasteeleYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@UC4X8JD1oLgNS1muzb7WXMGg

ziggychris

Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/ziggychristoff Youtube http://youtube.com/ziggychris

BlueSky 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