Toys on Tap

<p>We sit down with <strong>Mechavirus</strong> for a fast-moving dive into his journey from Boston street art to kaiju customs to full-on vinyl production. Todd talks returning to the scene, the rise of DIY toy studios, and the spark behind his robot-meets-steampunk aesthetic. He breaks down early factory struggles, how tech changed the game, and why U.S. vinyl production is finally leveling up. Todd also teases his newest project, <strong>The Watchers</strong>, blending humanoid and mech forms. A killer look at creativity, craft, and reinvention.</p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/mechavirus/">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/mechavirus/"><strong>mechavirus</strong></a></p><p><strong>This Episode is Sponsored by:</strong> <strong>Empire Blisters</strong> – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code <strong>TOYSONTAP10</strong> at checkout for 10% off. <em>Patreon members</em> get 20% off another reason to join!</p><p><strong>Support the Show on Patreon</strong> Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/toysontap">patreon.com/toysontap</a></p><p><strong>Thanks to Our Supporters:</strong> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dketoys">@dketoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/massiveminihorse">@massiveminihorse</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dimensionxtoys">@dimensionxtoys</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/bootlegtoyco">@bootlegtoyco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/pocket_salsa">@pocket_salsa</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dirtyyetti">@dirtyyetti</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dan_overdorff_art">@dan_overdorff_art</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/zimotco">@zimotco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/barbarian_rage">@barbarian_rage</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/mannycartoonstudios">@mannycartoonstudios</a> | Shaun C. Downey | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/richiemanic">@richiemanic</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/recollectiontoys">@recollectiontoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/rubbercitytoys">@rubbercitytoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/acid9toys">@acid9toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/teneki_toys">@teneki_toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/angryhedgehog">@angryhedgehog</a></p><p><strong>Rate &amp; Review the Show!</strong> Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help <em>Toys on Tap</em> grow!</p>

<p>Kelly Barfield grew up without TV, without many toys… but surrounded by ancient Egyptian artifacts. Now she designs toys at Kid Robot by day and builds her own wonderfully strange fish-themed empire by night. We dive in with Kelly as she unpacks how museums shaped her imagination, why humor is hiding in history, and how her journey went from car modeling to Nerf blasters to art-toy storytelling. We explore the beauty of odd, inexplicable objects, the joy of making things that outlive the digital world, and the charm of keeping a brand simple: fish, pins, hats... done. Get ready for blind-box fish chaos, heartfelt creative philosophy, and the wild evolution of <em>The Last Goldfish</em>.</p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thelastgoldfish_toys/">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/thelastgoldfish_toys/"><strong>thelastgoldfish_toys</strong></a></p><p><strong>This Episode is Sponsored by:</strong> <strong>Empire Blisters</strong> – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code <strong>TOYSONTAP10</strong> at checkout for 10% off. <em>Patreon members</em> get 20% off another reason to join!</p><p><strong>Support the Show on Patreon</strong> Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/toysontap">patreon.com/toysontap</a></p><p><strong>Thanks to Our Supporters:</strong> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dketoys">@dketoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/massiveminihorse">@massiveminihorse</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dimensionxtoys">@dimensionxtoys</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/bootlegtoyco">@bootlegtoyco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/pocket_salsa">@pocket_salsa</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dirtyyetti">@dirtyyetti</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dan_overdorff_art">@dan_overdorff_art</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/zimotco">@zimotco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/barbarian_rage">@barbarian_rage</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/mannycartoonstudios">@mannycartoonstudios</a> | Shaun C. Downey | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/richiemanic">@richiemanic</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/recollectiontoys">@recollectiontoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/rubbercitytoys">@rubbercitytoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/acid9toys">@acid9toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/teneki_toys">@teneki_toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/angryhedgehog">@angryhedgehog</a></p><p><strong>Rate &amp; Review the Show!</strong> Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help <em>Toys on Tap</em> grow!</p>

<p>In this packed episode, we sit down with the legendary Paul Kaiju to trace his path from early model kits and “Wild West” vinyl experiments to becoming one of the most influential artists in the sofubi world. We dive into shipping nightmares, unexpected tariffs, and the obscure paint techniques behind iconic Japanese vinyl. Paul opens up about his early commissions, his transition into original designs, lessons from Goto-san’s workshop, and the evolution of events like SummerSlime and DesignerCon. If you care about toys, process, or the community that holds it all together, this is a must-listen.</p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/paulkaiju/">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/paulkaiju/"><strong>paulkaiju</strong></a></p><p><strong>This Episode is Sponsored by:</strong> <strong>Empire Blisters</strong> – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code <strong>TOYSONTAP10</strong> at checkout for 10% off. <em>Patreon members</em> get 20% off another reason to join!</p><p><strong>Support the Show on Patreon</strong> Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/toysontap">patreon.com/toysontap</a></p><p><strong>Thanks to Our Supporters:</strong> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dketoys">@dketoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/massiveminihorse">@massiveminihorse</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dimensionxtoys">@dimensionxtoys</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/bootlegtoyco">@bootlegtoyco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/pocket_salsa">@pocket_salsa</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dirtyyetti">@dirtyyetti</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dan_overdorff_art">@dan_overdorff_art</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/zimotco">@zimotco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/barbarian_rage">@barbarian_rage</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/mannycartoonstudios">@mannycartoonstudios</a> | Shaun C. Downey | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/richiemanic">@richiemanic</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/recollectiontoys">@recollectiontoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/rubbercitytoys">@rubbercitytoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/acid9toys">@acid9toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/teneki_toys">@teneki_toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/angryhedgehog">@angryhedgehog</a></p><p><strong>Rate &amp; Review the Show!</strong> Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help <em>Toys on Tap</em> grow!</p>

<p>We sit down with 3D artist and toy designer Sebastian to explore his incredible journey from Chile to the U.S., where he arrived without knowing a word of English and found his voice through art and toys. From sketching Thundercats and TMNT to sculpting for Disney and landing a licensing deal with Mondo, Sebastian shares how a childhood love for collecting became a full-fledged creative career. We dive into his work in animation, digital sculpting, and custom toy design for his son, all while balancing life in Ohio and a thriving artistic passion. It’s a story of resilience, nostalgia, and pure creative drive.</p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/sebastiangomeztoys/">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/sebastiangomeztoys/"><strong>sebastiangomeztoys</strong></a></p><p><strong>This Episode is Sponsored by:</strong> <strong>Empire Blisters</strong> – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code <strong>TOYSONTAP10</strong> at checkout for 10% off. <em>Patreon members</em> get 20% off another reason to join!</p><p><strong>Support the Show on Patreon</strong> Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/toysontap">patreon.com/toysontap</a></p><p><strong>Thanks to Our Supporters:</strong> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dketoys">@dketoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/massiveminihorse">@massiveminihorse</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dimensionxtoys">@dimensionxtoys</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/bootlegtoyco">@bootlegtoyco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/pocket_salsa">@pocket_salsa</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dirtyyetti">@dirtyyetti</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dan_overdorff_art">@dan_overdorff_art</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/zimotco">@zimotco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/barbarian_rage">@barbarian_rage</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/mannycartoonstudios">@mannycartoonstudios</a> | Shaun C. Downey | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/richiemanic">@richiemanic</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/recollectiontoys">@recollectiontoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/rubbercitytoys">@rubbercitytoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/acid9toys">@acid9toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/teneki_toys">@teneki_toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/angryhedgehog">@angryhedgehog</a></p><p><strong>Rate &amp; Review the Show!</strong> Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help <em>Toys on Tap</em> grow!</p>

<p>What if the monsters in your head could help you grow? In this episode, we sit down with Rick; artist, toy designer, and creator of <em>Kaiju Coaching</em> which helps to explore how “inner monsters” can fuel creativity instead of fear. From his early days in screen printing and co-founding a San Francisco print shop to sculpting vinyl figures, Rick’s story weaves art, anxiety, and empowerment into one wild narrative. Hear how he blends mythology, mental health, and monster metaphors to coach creatives toward confidence. If you’ve ever faced imposter syndrome, battled burnout, or wondered how to turn chaos into art, this episode’s for you.</p><p>On Instagram: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/rickkitagawa/">@</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n x18oe1m7 x1sy0etr xstzfhl x972fbf x10w94by x1qhh985 x14e42zd x9f619 x1ypdohk x3ct3a4 xdj266r x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak xexx8yu xyri2b x18d9i69 x1c1uobl x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1q0g3np xs83m0k xeuugli x1n2onr6 _a6hd" href="https://www.instagram.com/rickkitagawa/"><strong>rickkitagawa</strong></a></p><p><strong>This Episode is Sponsored by:</strong> <strong>Empire Blisters</strong> – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code <strong>TOYSONTAP10</strong> at checkout for 10% off. <em>Patreon members</em> get 20% off another reason to join!</p><p><strong>Support the Show on Patreon</strong> Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://patreon.com/toysontap">patreon.com/toysontap</a></p><p><strong>Thanks to Our Supporters:</strong> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dketoys">@dketoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/massiveminihorse">@massiveminihorse</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dimensionxtoys">@dimensionxtoys</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/bootlegtoyco">@bootlegtoyco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/pocket_salsa">@pocket_salsa</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dirtyyetti">@dirtyyetti</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/dan_overdorff_art">@dan_overdorff_art</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/zimotco">@zimotco</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/barbarian_rage">@barbarian_rage</a> <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/mannycartoonstudios">@mannycartoonstudios</a> | Shaun C. Downey | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/richiemanic">@richiemanic</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/recollectiontoys">@recollectiontoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/rubbercitytoys">@rubbercitytoys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/acid9toys">@acid9toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/teneki_toys">@teneki_toys</a> | <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="" href="https://instagram.com/angryhedgehog">@angryhedgehog</a></p><p><strong>Rate &amp; Review the Show!</strong> Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help <em>Toys on Tap</em> grow!</p>