This week, Nigel welcomes writer, designer and educator James Wallis to unpack the story of his journey from Suffolk into tabletop game design James has seen the games industry grow up since his start and brings an extraordinary amount of knowledge and perspective for aspiring creative professionals to learn from.

We talk about the mindset needed to make a living in the games industry, why being perfect doesn't matter and the depth of storytelling in early Sonic games! This is a must-listen conversation for anyone looking to make a start in game design whether in tabletop or video games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-134-james-wallis/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are flying solo, and with no guests to keep us in check, you get to enjoy a bumper story segment before we journey to the Quantum Realm for a deep dive into Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (starting at 32:35).

The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe has received mixed reviews, but we put a positive spin on the scaled-down adventure as we discuss what we enjoyed about the film. From the superpowered family dynamic to the unique character designs and introduction of the MCU's new Big Bad, we share our thoughts alongside our critiques. This week's storytelling tip focuses on creating a strong inciting incident in your story, something that Ant-Man and The Wasp doesn't quite achieve.

Other stories we're enjoying: Lockwood and Co, Lookism, Community , It Takes Two, Umbrella Academy, Castlevania, The Last of Us.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-133-ant-man-and-the-wasp-quantumania/

This week's episode is a rewind from our Studio77 show, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators. Each month, mayamada co-founder Nigel speaks to a different creator to discover their journey and showcase the human behind the art form we love.

In this episode, Nigel was in conversation with Japanese manga creator and VTuber Mikiko for a one-hour Twitch livestream. The pair discussed Mikiko's journey from Japan to the UK, stereotypes of manga in the UK, and the debate around copyright and fan art.

We also get a lesson on the rise of VTubing, and how it can release the mental strain of livestreaming on a regular basis.

It's an intimate roundtable for three as Nigel and Tazziii are joined by content creator Miabyte for a deep dive into a selection of video game news stories from across the industry (from 32:51). 

We get into a host of topics, including the apparent death of live service games and headlines from each of the big three platform holders: Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. We also discuss the pricing of games amidst a cost of living crisis, as well as consider the impending AI fuelled future of video games.

Games we're enjoying: Metroid Prime Remastered, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, Crisis Core, The Sims 4, God of War Ragnarök.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-132-roundtable-for-three-please/

This week, Nigel and Tazziii welcome Comic Creator Sammy Ward to unpack the story of her journey into the world of illustration and sequential art. Sammy started making comics in 2018 and has since gone on to be  listed in Broken Frontier’s ‘Six to Watch’ for 2022. We talk about making the decision to go full-time as a freelance creator, the challenges that come with pricing your work, and how crowd funding platforms like Kickstarter and Ko-fi play a role in financially sustaining a creative passion. This is a great discussion for those looking to get started with making a living from your art.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-131-sammy-ward/https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-131-sammy-ward/

We're BACK! Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast starts today and we're kicking things off with Whiplash. Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Lao K and The Popcorn Podcast for a deep dive into this masterclass debut film from Damien Chazelle (from 31:33). 

The cutthroat musical drama gives us a lot to think about when it comes to storytelling and the pursuit (and cost) of greatness. We discuss the narrative and the thematically balanced characters as we consider our own creative journeys. This week's storytelling tip looks at introducing the key characters in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying: The Fabelmans, Tár, Babylon, Yoku's Island Express, Billions, Judgement, Ted Lasso, Rent A Girlfriend, Severance, Saga, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Squid Games.

Show notes: https://mayamada.com/story-x-story-130-whiplash/

We're almost ready to return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast! While you wait for new deep dives and discussion, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel speaks with Italian illustrator and comic artist Eren Angiolini for the one-hour Twitch livestream. The pair discuss just what exactly a Colourist does, our experiences at conventions and the many misconceptions around the craft of making comics.

We'll be back with new episodes next week - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February. In the meantime, enjoy a Rewind of our Creativity & Cosplay roundtable Twitch livestream from earlier this month. Host and content creator Tazziii talks with three different cosplayers, Izzy Kento, Midnight Pursona and Kasumikat. It's a conversation that spans continents and is definitely one of our most open and honest ever!

Keep your tissues at the ready as we get into the ups and very tearful downs of life as a cosplayer. From first cosplays to challenging times...and a lot of One Piece talk! We get into it all, so if you've ever felt the urge to cosplay but need a push, let this conversation be it. And if you just wanted to get more insight into what it takes to put together great outfits, then you'll surely enjoy this episode too.

We'll be back with new episodes in February - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel spoke with London based illustrator and comic artist Dominique Duong for the one hour Twitch livestream. They discuss the ups and downs of running a Kickstarter campaign, inspirations, and how Dominique's journey through games jobs led her to discover her passion for comic art.

We'll be back with new episodes in February - enjoy!

We're on a recording break and will return for Season 5 of the Story x Story podcast in February! In the meantime, enjoy a rewind of our Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, a mayamada show where we speak to a different creator each month to discover the human behind the artform. 

In this episode, Nigel spoke with Cantonese-Scottish comic creator Chris Manson in a one hour Twitch livestream. We discuss the ways that Chris explores different aspects of tradition, identity, and belonging in his work by drawing on both of his heritages. We also get into the (now successfully funded) Kickstarter campaign that Chris was part of in 2022. 

We'll be back with new episodes next month - enjoy!