Toys on Tap

Ben, co-owner of ToyCon UK and Ko-Re Ko-Re , joins Toys on Tap to break down the highs and hurdles of the 2024 show. With 46 booths and 10 tables packed, the event hit full capacity, drawing global talent and even an appearance from Mutant Vinyl Hardcore. We dive into the logistical chaos of planning in London, from venue headaches to managing crowds with a queue lottery system. We also unpack the...

We are back at it again with Ron English in this fourth installment of his life. We journeyed through his toy making as he has taken on some of the most intense messaging and "propaganda". The same spirit we heard about with his billboards, we saw in his toys. From MC Supersize and Temper Tot, Ron knows no boundaries in making toys. Here how he has pushed the limits of what toys can be on this wee...

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 buildi...

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...

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 to...

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 C...

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 h...

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 immersi...

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...

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...

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 @...

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 Toy...

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 on...

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 commun...

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 B...

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...

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 Blis...

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 Commerci...

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 Blister...

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?...

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 @ chicken...

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 bliste...

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 Com...

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 Blist...

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...