On this episode of Toys on Tap , we dive deep into the incredible career of legendary artist and toy maker Mark Nagata , a pioneer in the world of sofubi and the creative force behind Max Toy Company . From childhood days obsessing over kaiju figures to airbrushing at the Academy of Art, Mark takes us on a wild ride through freelance illustration, Goosebumps covers, magazine publishing, and building a toy empire with his son Max. Hear how a chance encounter with artist Kazuhiko Sano sparked a li...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 46 min
This week we're diving into the mind of Fabricio, a Brazilian-born 3D artist and toy designer whose creative path spans continents and mediums. From drawing comic book heroes in a small town to animating Pokémon films in Japan, Fabricio’s journey is packed with bold moves, artistic grit, and a love for storytelling through sculpture. Hear how a childhood obsession with G.I. Joe and a Marvel mentor set the stage for his evolution as a creator, and how he’s now breaking into the indie toy world wi...
Jun 30, 2025•44 min
In this episode of Toys on Tap , we dive deep with Shane, the creative force behind “Hints and Spices,” a name born from a university project that now defines his hidden-detail, genre-blending toy design ethos. From glow-in-the-dark surprises to cultural nods in resin and vinyl, Shane takes us on a journey from Adelaide’s meat pies to Japan’s Wonderfest. Hear how anime like Evangelion and Kaiju toys transformed his tastes and led him to create toys like Wani Fant and the uniquely local Frog Cake...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Summer Slime is back and we’re diving into its roots, growth, and the community that makes it one of the most beloved events in the indie toy scene. In this episode, we sit down with Quang of Creature Bazaar to unpack the origin story of Summer Slime, originally started by legendary artist Paul Kaiju, and how it evolved into the vibrant, backyard-style toy gathering it is today. Quang shares how Creature Bazaar stepped in to host the show after it lost its original venue, and how they’ve turned ...
Jun 23, 2025•34 min
On this episode of Toys on Tap , we dive deep with Michael Bogle , the tattoo artist-turned-toy designer behind Tolsar Toys . Based in New Orleans and inspired by dark fantasy and gothic aesthetics, Michael shares how 18 years in tattooing led him to create ambitious, large-scale kaiju figures that push the boundaries of indie toy design. We explore: How New Orleans culture and ‘90s media shaped his spooky, metal-infused style The evolution of his original character Kraju and its growing univers...
Jun 16, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Toys on Tap , we sit down with the multidisciplinary artist behind MumBot , founder of Ghost Club creative community, and creator of the MumBot World brand. From felt plush to vinyl toys and blockchain-based art, Mumbot takes us through her evolution as an artist and toy designer, shaped by personal experiences. We dive into: Her transition from handmade toys to Web3 and immersive installations The importance of educating others about the value of creative work Her unique appr...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 29 min
The dynamic duo, prawn mouse and moss dolls comes on the podcast to talk about their long journey with toys! The ups and the downs, from losing sculpts in packages to not being able to make things work. After all of that, they pushed through and made some amazing work come to life! You can hear all about it this week on toys on tap! On instagram @ prawnmouse @ mossdolls Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that ca...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 7 min
From music to graphic design to toy making and sofubi, to future blind box making, Bleeding Edges has done so many things in art and is about to keep this party going with a potential blind box coming! Listen in to hear all about being a professional artist for a company why making your own toy dreams come to life! On instagram @ bleedingedges Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be because of this c...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min
This week, not only do we bring on Josh, Miranda, and Jesse to talk through clutter, but we also get to hear about the new changes coming for Five Points Fest! If you saw the passion that I got to see in their eyes, you would absolutely be pumped about the event coming up! Listen up!! On instagram @ fivepointsfest @ cluttermagazine Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be because of this community! Th...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This week is not your typical episode about toys! We bring on Thom from Bull Airs to talk all things shoes and shoe design. He has been making custom shoes and they are absolutely killer! When you see these shoes you know they are Bull Airs! Listen up to this week's episode!!! On instagram @ bull_airs_official Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be because of this community! Thank you for all of the...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min
The one and only Wonder Goblin comes on the podcast and really brings the heat! We dive into his beginnings and really look at how he was unsatisfied with the paint that was available and made something else happen! Take a listen this week! On instagram @ wondergoblin Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be because of this community! Thank you for all of the support! Barfy: if you'd like to grab one ...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Episode 3 of Ron English the Chronicle is here! This time we are looking at his journey into the gallery scene and taking a solid look at what this was like for him moving from street artist to professional artist. On instagram @ ronenglish Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be because of this community! Thank you for all of the support! Barfy: if you'd like to grab one of these radioactive lizards...
Apr 28, 2025•40 min
If you are a listener in the United States you, like me, are dreading the tariffs that are coming down the pipe line. If you are listening in another part of the world you see the idiocy that is our current presidency. Tyler Ham, with all of his experience in the toy industry, helps us understand what is to come and why this matters. On instagram @ tylerjham Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that can only be be...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 43 min
This week is an incredible artist, Eric Adams of the Crawlah Club comes on to talk life, toys, and sofubi! Jump on this week to hear more! On instagram @ harddragon Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Toys: KMB : was a huge success and that call only be because of this community! Thank you for all of the support! Barfy: if you'd like to grab one of these radioactive lizards, click here Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look n...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 45 min
Welcome to the past! We bring on Matt from Smashtokyotoys to talk through his years in toys both the tragedies and the heights! If you want to hear history in action listen to this week's episode! On instagram @ smashtokyotoys Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of bliste...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 44 min
There is a special place in toy heaven for the creators that are able to keep nostalgia alive and well by merging old toy lines with new ideas...The front runner for this is definitely Treasure Monster Toys with the Shadowline and of course the production of the army ant! If you haven't seen these, it's time to head over and check it out for sure! On instagram @ treasure_monster_toy_group Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Bliste...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min
We got to interview an incredible artist across the pond! Sam of Angry Hedgehog Toys walks us through his journey in making toys, both the highs and the lows. You won't want to miss this episode! Plus this week we bring back the Nitty Gritty on the Patreon! On instagram @ angryhedgehogtoys Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs,...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min
It's time to celebrate! Toys on Tap turns 4 years old! After being harassed to switch places on the pod, we thought this would be the best opportunity! Come hang out with me and my best friend as we talk toys and dive into my history! On instagram @ yuckotoys Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With ...
Mar 17, 2025•2 hr 6 min
Coming out of nowhere and bursting on to the toy scene with not one but two designer toy sellouts is an unbelievable feet! Well Crax Toy did it! If you haven't heard of Crax Toy you are going to want to tune in because on top of spilling all his history, there are also some major leaks for the future! On instagram @ craxtoys Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blis...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min
If you were around target during Halloween 2024 you saw the crazy fun skull Ice Cream design! This week we talk all about his journey and how he got to the point where Target sold his design! Listen up turds! This is a great week! On instagram @ bryanbrutherford Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. Wi...
Mar 03, 2025•51 min
This week we take on Part 2 of the incredible saga with Ron English! We look at the Billboard Liberation years of his life. This looks a the scary parts of actually putting the billboard covers on and potentially getting arrested! You also get to hear a little about his political views in light of our current cultural climate in the United States. Listen up this week! On instagram @ ronenglish Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire B...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Bearly Available came on the podcast to talk through his life and journey with toys! I you haven't seen his work or heard anything about what he is doing, this episode is a great place to start! On instagram @ bearlyavailable Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of blister...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Scott is back!!! Barbarian Rage jumps back on to tell us all about his pivot in toys! he is moving away from comics and really simplifying his focus on toys! Tune in for more! On instagram @ barbarian_rage Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of blisters and bundle deals y...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 19 min
The kaiju tattooer is in the house! You know his work, not you get to know his story! Octal does a reveal all to tell us who he really is and where he has come from! On instagram @ octeeltattoo Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of blisters and bundle deals you can't go ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 27 min
We are now finally giving AJ his own slot! We have never had him on to talk his past with toys and making, but once I got him on we had a blast! Also we figure out how dumb I am with the knowledge I have about Australia! On instagram @ weird.kid.club Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 d...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Manny Cartoons jumps on for a second episode to talk about his experience as a new toy creator at his first toy convention, Designer Con! Don't wait, go listen! On instagram @ mannycartoonstudio Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of blisters and bundle deals you can't go...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Luke Chueh came back on the podcast to really just chant it up about random stuff! It's always a pleasure getting him to come on and talk art! On instagram @ lukechueh Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19 different types of blisters and bundle deals you can't go wrong! Use code: TOYSONTAP...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 39 min
This week we have one of the most prolific pop artists of the 21st century. Ron English has undoubtedly changed the landscape of art, pop culture, culture jamming, and more! Most know Ron as an incredible artist, but there was a kid before the artist and this is his story...Welcome to the early years! On instagram @ ronenglish Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Bl...
Jan 06, 2025•54 min
This week we have a newer artist on, but don't let that full you! Acid9toys is creating some amazing work with great articulation! They are going to be making their way in this scene in no time yet! Take a listen this week to hear more! On instagram @ acid9toys Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. Wit...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 20 min
The paint god comes on this week to share how he got to this point. We talk childhood and art journey all the way to paint collabs! Praise be Kachina Kachina! Take a listen to this week and just try to soak up the talent! On instagram @ kachina_kachina Commercials brought to you by Chicken Burger Disco On instagram @ chickenburgerdisco Sponsors: Empire Blisters Are you looking for blisters? Look no further than Empire Blisters! For all of your blister needs, they've got you covered. With over 19...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 16 min
