Ep. 252 Toys on Tap w/ Mecha Virus: Kaiju, Customs, and Comebacks

We sit down with Mechavirus 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, The Watchers, blending humanoid and mech forms. A killer look at creativity, craft, and reinvention.On Instagram: @mechavirusThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

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 The Last Goldfish.On Instagram: @thelastgoldfish_toysThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

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.On Instagram: @paulkaijuThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

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.On Instagram: @sebastiangomeztoysThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

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 Kaiju Coaching 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.On Instagram: @rickkitagawaThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

This week, we sit down with Theo Kane, the former battle rapper, filmmaker, and the creative force behind Slimehouse TV. From spitting bars to sculpting toys, Theo’s story is one of relentless creativity and reinvention. He shares how growing up with an antique-dealer father sparked his obsession with toys, how 90s plastic junk became modern treasure, and why authenticity always beats algorithms. They dig into the grind of building a niche YouTube empire, the evolution of toy culture, and the discipline it takes to stay true to your art. It’s nostalgia, hustle, and inspiration rolled into one, perfect for anyone chasing passion over popularity.On Instagram: @theo_cane_slimehouseThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

From a farm in Gilroy to the world of animation and sofubi, David's journey is one of grit, creativity, and community. In this episode, We sit down with the artist behind Secret Handshake Toys to talk about how Saturday morning cartoons sparked a lifelong love of animation and toy collecting. David shares his path from Hallmark animator to indie toymaker, how social media reshaped the collector scene, and what it takes to turn passion into production. From sculpting his first Kappa to launching his own brand, David’s story is a deep dive into the evolution from fan to creator and the secret handshake that connects them all. On Instagram: @davidjcoffmanThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

After 2 years away, Chance returns to Toys on Tap with a massive update. From running a 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse to streamlining his operation, Chance opens up about the grind, the downsizing, and the auctions that keep his empire alive. He’s created over 200 handcrafted figures, each sculpted, molded, and painted by hand, while balancing the late-night creative rush and the chaos of Comic Cons. We dive deep into the wild world of bootlegs, from rare Mexican TMNT figures to the hidden factories behind them, and even tease a coffee table book that could redefine the Ninja Turtle underground. This one’s a masterclass in creativity, hustle, and obsession, straight from a legend of the indie toy scene.On Instagram: @chances_toy_collectionThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | @pickmansvinyls Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

What happens when lifelong toy collectors turn their childhood obsessions into careers and creative ventures? In this episode of Toys on Tap, we sit down with Chris and Nick; tattoo artists, podcasters, and toy fanatics, to explore how toys have shaped every stage of their lives. From chasing the world record for Optimus Prime figures to turning nostalgia into sculpted art, they unpack the emotional heartbeat behind collecting and creating. Together they dive into the realities of toy production costs, the blurred line between art and business, and why soft vinyl still holds the crown. Whether you’re deep in the kaiju scene or just chasing that childhood spark, this episode reminds you why we never really stop playing.On Instagram: @toymonsterpodcastThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | @pickmansvinyls Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

This week on Toys on Tap, we sit down with Christian of Pope Toys for a deep dive into the wild intersections of collecting, customizing, and creating. From childhood Ninja Turtle hunts and Ghostbuster yard-sale scores to horror-inspired kitbashes and rare bootleg finds, the conversation traces how a love of toys evolved into a resin-casting practice that thrives on experimentation. Along the way, they unpack the challenges of painting, resin work in cold climates, and the realities of shipping indie toys across borders. Christian opens up about his creative journey; from music and stencil art to cult-themed toy lines and previews projects heading to DesignerCon, including his Halloween release Tuscan Chainsaw Massacre.On Instagram: @pope.toysThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – 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 TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | @pickmansvinyls Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!