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

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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

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• Instagram:@toysontap
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• 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