Toys on Tap

Drew joins Toys on Tap to talk about QUZU Critters, a new electronic toy that lets you discover collectible creatures and more hiding inside everyday QR codes. What started as something Drew wanted to build with his son quickly turned into something much bigger. We talk about: • Growing up with weird '90s electronic toys • Pokémon, Barcode Battlers, and scanner toys • Building the first prototype out of cardboard • Drew’s “duct tape method” • Designing the electronics from scratch • Fitting dozens of creatures into tiny amounts of memory • Hand-designing every monster • Turning lost internet data into creature lore • Trading cards, rarity, and exclusive creatures • Wireless trading and competition • Why QUZU Critters uses AAA batteries • Refusing to gut the product just to make it cheaper • Building toward Kickstarter It feels nostalgic without simply copying the past. And somehow, every barcode becomes part of the game. On Instagram: @ quzucritters Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Scott Cherry of Barbarian Rage is back and somehow we had to record this episode TWICE. This time we dig into a year of conventions, creative obsession, GWAR, black velvet paintings, and the biggest toy Scott has tackled yet: The Destroyer. We talk about: • Going all-in on conventions this year • WonderFest, Kaiju Go, and KaijuFornia • Sculpting The Destroyer as if it were his last toy • Entering the “valley of despair” • Constantly trying to outdo himself • Making GWAR figures in seventh grade • Finding those SAME toys in a gallery 30+ years later • Twenty years of painting on black velvet • Why creative limitations can actually help • What Barbarian Rage does next On Instagram: @ barbarian_rage Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Neil Ewing of Bombastic Plastic is back, and this one goes everywhere. Fresh off a trip to Japan, Neil joins Toys on Tap for a brutally open conversation about what it actually takes to survive as an independent toy maker. We talk about: • Selling toys in Japan vs. the U.S. • Why some conventions just aren’t worth it • Losing $2,800 at a show • Original IP vs. “art hacks” • Pricing toys realistically • Gatekeeping, education, and factory secrets • Why collectors can smell a cash grab • Ego, jealousy, failure, and artist drama • Why craftsmanship still matters • Supporting artists instead of punching down • His upcoming Big Pounder Kickstarter Neil puts it perfectly: It’s easier than ever to make a toy. Making a GOOD toy is another story. On Instagram: @ neil_ewing On Instagram: @ bombastic_plastic Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Space Rabbit Studio joins Toys on Tap to talk about turning a creative escape into their full-time life. They started Space Rabbit with no business plan, just two creatives who wanted somewhere to make their own work. Then a logo became a character. The character became a resin toy. And eventually they quit their jobs and went all in. We talk about: • Growing up with Care Bears and giant robots in Taiwan • How Space Rabbit started as a website logo • Teaching themselves resin casting • The VERY rough first Space Rabbit • Building Mellow Meow and God! Gelato • Creating a strong character universe • Quitting their corporate careers • Taking Space Rabbit around the world • ToyCon UK and their first international show • Why making toys isn’t for everyone • AR, animation, projection mapping, and what comes next Space Rabbit started as an escape. Now it’s the thing they built their lives around. On Instagram: @ space_rabbit_studio Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Tattoo artist and toy maker Chris Reed of Creeder Toys joins Toys on Tap to talk about what happens when decades of tattoos, horror movies, Japanese art, vintage toys, and monster obsession all collide. Chris started apprenticing as a teenager and has spent nearly 30 years tattooing—but eventually collecting turned into sculpting, mask making, resin casting, monster banks, and finally sofubi. We talk about: • Tattooing at 17 • Punk, skateboarding, and horror movies • Falling into vintage toy collecting • Japanese tattoo history and yokai • Making latex masks from scratch • Sculpting and casting his own toys • Why his first sofubi HAD to be made in Japan • Collaborating with Chaz • Selling out his first toy shows • Resin vs. vinyl collector obsession • Kong banks, Frankenstein, and what comes next Chris may not have a master plan. He just wants to keep making cool shit. On Instagram: @ creedertoys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Bob Johnson of Bay Area Film Events joins Toys on Tap to talk about the wild evolution of Godzilla Fest, from a seven-day movie marathon to a full-blown convention. Bob has spent decades turning the movies he loves into experiences people remember. We talk about: • Discovering Godzilla and Ultraman as a kid • The first Godzilla Fest in 2004 • Hosting legendary actors, directors, and suit performers • Turning a film festival into a convention • Growing from one hotel floor to two • Vendors, Artist Alley, cosplay, card tournaments, and retro games • Working with Toho, Tsuburaya, and Toei • Why the goal is a “Godzilla Wonderland” • What’s new for SF Godzilla Fest • Bob’s dream of taking over even more of San Francisco This episode is equal parts fandom, event-building, and proof that sometimes the thing you loved as a kid can become the thing you build for everyone else. On Instagram: @ sfgodzillafest Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Bullmart founders Jerry and Shiti join Toys on Tap to talk about building a collectible that doesn’t really fit into any existing category. It’s leather. It’s weighted. It uses magnets. It comes with premium packaging and a handwritten letter, and it was created by a team new to toys. We talk about: • Why Jerry wanted to make a bull • Designing for adult male collectors • Turning ambition into a physical character • Choosing leather over traditional toy materials • Going from TWO handmade bulls a day to a real business • Shipping costs nearly destroying the margins • Why collecting is really about emotion • Collaborating with Inter Milan • Building sports and lifestyle partnerships • Creating Bullmart’s own identity • The upcoming Bank of Bull collection BullMart is here trying to create something worth collecting right now. On Instagram: @ bullmartglobal Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

Kaiju Go co-founder Chaz joins Toys on Tap to break down how two friends turned a love of kaiju films and toys into one of the most talked-about small toy events around. And the philosophy is simple: throw a great party and take care of the artists. We talk about: • Growing up obsessed with dinosaurs and monsters • Starting Kaiju Go in 2023 • Combining designer toys with classic kaiju films • Why artists table for FREE • Keeping the event intentionally small • Curating sofubi, resin, and kaiju artists • Fans lining up hours before doors open • Volunteers keeping everyone hydrated in the Texas heat • Designing Kaiju Go’s killer merch • What could change next year Kaiju Go isn’t chasing massive growth. It’s chasing longevity, community, and one ridiculously good day every year. On Instagram: @ Kaiju_go Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram: @toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook: @toysontap Youtube: @Toysontap SubStack: @toysontap Palmstreet: Toys on Tap: Live on Sundays 6pm

WhiskeyJack Toys founder joins Toys on Tap to talk about the brutal, expensive, and incredibly rewarding reality of making 3.75-inch action figures. Darren wanted to make toys since discovering G.I. Joe as a kid, but getting there included lost molds, failed production runs, a $100,000 factory disaster, and one very expensive education. We talk about: • Falling in love with G.I. Joe • Buying his first toy company • Losing $100K in overseas production • Starting over with Whiskey Jack Toys • Building Hidden Force • Why action figure tooling gets so expensive • Relaunching a failed Kickstarter • Reusing parts without making figures feel repetitive • Factory delays, QC, and production nightmares • Designing toys kids can actually play with • Impact, Chaos, and what comes next This one is packed with toy-business lessons, painful mistakes, and proof that sometimes getting absolutely crushed is just part of figuring out how to do it right. On Instagram: @ whiskeyjacktoys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Photographer, collector, and first-time toy maker Robert of Manic joins Toys on Tap for a deep dive into the obsession behind the collection. From Godzilla, horror movies, skateboarding, and photography to spending $320 on designer vinyl on day one, Robert’s path into toys went from zero to full rabbit hole FAST. We talk about: • Discovering Kidrobot and blind boxes • Falling hard for sofubi • Owning 57 Cinema Monsters and 83 Obake Dogs • Turning toy photography into Manic Images • Working alongside Amy at Lulubell • Learning toy production in Japan • Carrying Amy’s influence forward • Creating his first figure, Spooky • Halloween buckets, punk rock, cats, and hoodies This one is funny, emotional, and extremely toy-nerdy, in the best way. At its core, it’s about why the objects matter less than the people, memories, and excitement we attach to them. On Instagram: @ manic_svxcc Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Egyptian artist Marwan Shahin joins Toys on Tap to tell the wild story of how one piece of street art completely changed his life. During the Egyptian Revolution, Marwan created the Anonymous Pharaoh, a stencil that became a symbol of the uprising, landed in museums, and eventually helped launch an international art career. We talk about: • Growing up and collecting toys in Egypt • Creating the Anonymous Pharaoh • Art during the Egyptian Revolution • Moving to the United States • Meeting artists he once looked up to • Turning his artwork into designer toys • Building Shahin Studios with his brother • Printing artwork on real Egyptian papyrus • Creating Nine Lives • Bringing more Egyptian culture into toys From revolution to resin, this episode is about making art that actually means something On Instagram: @ shahinstudios @ marwanshahin Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Fixed Temple Toys joins Toys on Tap to talk nostalgia, street art, resin casting, and the strange little creatures taking over his world: the Glorbles. What started as stickers and woodcuts grew into resin toys, sofubi, costumes, videos, secret codes, and a full sci-fi universe packed with agents, cults, robots, and soul-sucking blobs. We talk about: • Dragon Ball Z, Spawn, and Jurassic Park • Skateboarding, Nirvana, and street art • Learning mold making and resin casting • Discovering the designer toy community • Building the Glorble universe • Wearing a giant Glorble head at conventions • Turning booth displays into storytelling • Sofubi, scented toys, and future releases • Working inside a vintage toy store This episode is weird, funny, creative, and full of the kind of energy that makes you want to stop overthinking and start making. On Instagram: @ fixedtempletoys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Blake Wright, publisher and editor-in-chief of Toy Collector magazine, joins Toys on Tap to talk Star Wars, lost toy history, and keeping print alive. Blake shares how a childhood love of action figures grew into a journalism career, the Toys That Time Forgot book trilogy, and a magazine built to sit proudly beside the toys on your shelf. We talk about: • Growing up with the original Star Wars toys • Hunting figures in the early internet era • Uncovering unreleased toy lines and prototypes • Creating Toys That Time Forgot • Funding three books through Kickstarter • Preserving stories before they disappear • Launching Toy Collector magazine • Landing exclusive reveals for 25 covers • Running nearly every part of the magazine himself • His graphic novel Moon Man Zero This episode is a fast, fun look at collecting, publishing, and why toy history deserves to be saved in print. On Instagram: @ toycollectr Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Illustrator, toy designer, filmmaker, and lifelong storyteller Chogrin joins Toys on Tap to trace a creative journey shaped by two cultures and an unstoppable love of characters. Growing up in Ecuador, Chogrin absorbed everything from Super Sentai and Japanese heroes to Ghostbusters, Ninja Turtles, and classic rubber-hose animation. After moving to the United States and starting over, he turned that mix of influences into a career that led from Cartoon Network to Adventure Time, gallery shows, designer toys, filmmaking, and Magic: The Gathering. We talk about: • Rebuilding his childhood toy collection • Working behind the scenes on Adventure Time • Finding his voice through illustration • Turning art-show ideas into 3D objects • Creating Guru del Toro and his “Guru” toy series • Designing toys inspired by TMNT and Jurassic Park • Opening your own doors instead of waiting • His next short film, Sector 1218 This episode is a fast, inspiring look at what happens when curiosity, persistence, and genuine fandom collide. On Instagram: @ chogrin Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Steven Nunes, aka Steve Beef the “Sofubi Shy Guy", joins Toys on Tap to talk horror, collecting, and the creation of M.U.D. Toys. Steven traces his obsession from Ninja Turtles, Goosebumps, vintage masks, and early sofubi discoveries in New York to partnering with longtime friend and turning their monster ideas into Japanese vinyl. We talk about: • Discovering sofubi at the Mishka store • Collecting NAG, Super7, masks, VHS, and sneakers • Photography, tattoo shops, and creative influence • Living with anxiety and agoraphobia • Launching M.U.D. Toys • Creating Barfy, Grim Bones, and Grim Oni • Hand sculpting vs. digital sculpting • Collaborations and community support • Clothing and accessories for toys • What M.U.D. Toys is making next This episode is funny, honest, and packed with monster-toy energy. Steven proves you do not need to have everything figured out, or be the loudest person in the room to make something unforgettable. On Instagram: @ m.u.d.toys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

In this episode, Andrew, also known as Spaceboi, returns to Toys on Tap to talk about the evolution of Space Boi and the growing universe around the character. Since his last appearance, Spaceboi has expanded far beyond one figure. What started as different versions of Space Boi has grown into Space Girl, Space God, plushies, resin toys, sofubi, vehicles, mechs, blind bags, and large-scale booth displays that feel like their own world. We also dive into the realities of being an artist in a changing economy. He talks about shifting toward plushies, keychains, small resin toys, and useful accessories while still pushing bigger creative ideas forward. He also discusses the importance of trusted artist communities, honest feedback, and learning how to separate your ego from your work. All of this episode leads us to the upcoming Space God custom show at Indie Toy in Alhambra, featuring custom sofubi pieces from over 25 artists, new Space God colorways, blind bag plushies, and a full shop takeover. If you have ever wanted to see world building in action. Look no further! On Instagram: @ spaceboidega Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMVsuiDuwYxfqoUY4G4ekQRm8lDREEhQ43xRmjH0H_2lv-Jw/viewform?usp=header Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

In part two of this conversation, Quang Le shares the story behind the creation and evolution of Creature Bazaar. After years spent collecting toys, building relationships, and learning the industry from the inside, Quang and Brandon turned an idea into one of the most recognizable names in the sofubi community. Quang discusses traveling throughout Japan to meet artists where they lived, launching Creature Bazaar, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, transforming into a web store almost overnight, and eventually helping grow events like SummerSlime into community staples. More than anything, this episode explores what it means to build something that lasts. Rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake, Creature Bazaar has focused on relationships, history, and creating experiences that bring collectors and artists together. Whether you’re a toy maker, collector, or creative entrepreneur, Quang’s perspective on community building, adapting through change, and playing the long game offers valuable lessons far beyond designer toys. On Instagram: @ photosalaquang On Instagram: @ creature_bazaar Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Quang Le joins the show for part one of a two-part conversation about collecting, creativity, and the foundation that eventually led to Creature Bazaar . Before Creature Bazaar and SummerSlime, Quang was a lifelong toy collector shaped by Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Japanese robot cartoons, Asian market imports, punk shows, D&D, photography, fashion, and underground art culture. We talk about his early connection to toys, touring with The Aquabats, working in photography and fashion, discovering Japanese soft vinyl through Giant Robot and Super7, and eventually finding himself surrounded by artists, collectors, and makers who would help shape the modern sofubi scene. This episode is about community before business, collecting before creating, and the relationships that quietly build something bigger. On Instagram: @ photosalaquang On Instagram: @ creature_bazaar Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Mike Die joins the show to share the journey that led him from New York graffiti artist to creator of the Rock Protectors toy line. Growing up surrounded by He-Man, Battle Beasts, Transformers, and Ninja Turtles, Mike always dreamed of making toys. After years spent in graffiti, custom Dunnys, street art, and enamel pins, he eventually found his way back to action figures through 3D printing and character design. Today, the Rock Protectors have become one of the most recognizable independent toy lines online, blending fantasy storytelling, retro toy influences, and modern creator culture into something completely unique. We talk about: Toy collecting in the 80s and 90s Graffiti and street art Kidrobot's impact on designer toys Custom vinyl and resin figures The enamel pin explosion Building a toy universe from scratch Selling independent action figures Zolocon and toy conventions Community in the toy world Future graphic novel plans A great conversation about creativity, persistence, and making the toys you wish existed. On Instagram: @ mikedie Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap

Tony Coppolillo (SioPio) joins the show to share his incredible creative journey from architecture student to Hollywood movie poster artist, visual effects professional, and independent toy creator. Over the course of his career, Tony has contributed to major film campaigns, worked in visual effects, taught 3D design, and eventually discovered a passion for bringing his own characters and ideas into the physical world through 3D printing and toy design. We talk about: Movie poster production Working on blockbuster films Burnout in creative industries Learning 3D printing DesignerCon experiences Building the SioPio brand The creation of Nubs Toy manufacturing realities Creativity after 50 Why community keeps creators going If you've ever wondered what it takes to keep reinventing yourself as an artist, this episode is packed with wisdom and perspective. On Instagram: @ sio.pio Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow! Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap