Toys on Tap

Jeff from Kaleo Legends joins the show to talk about creating a new kind of action figure line rooted in biblical inspiration, mythology, and storytelling.
We dive into his journey from youth ministry to working at Mezco, and eventually taking the leap to build his own toy company. Jeff shares the challenges of entering a niche that barely exists, navigating production costs, and preparing for a Kickstarter launch.
We also explore how theology, ancient narratives, and creative design come together to form something entirely new in the collectible space.
This episode is about risk, creativity, and building something where there’s no clear roadmap.
On Instagram: @kaleo_legends
This 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!
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Sergey Safonov joins the show to share a completely different path into the world of character design and art toys.
Growing up in the Soviet Union with limited access to toys and pop culture, Sergey developed a unique creative voice rooted in storytelling and original character creation. From early internet art collectives to building his own toy line, he walks through how his work evolved into deeply narrative-driven design.
We talk about his approach to world-building, creating original IP without nostalgia, and the challenges of producing toys while being disconnected from the global scene.
This episode offers a rare perspective on creativity, culture, and what it really means to build something original.
On Instagram: @sergeysafonov
This 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/toysontap
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!

Chris and Alex from Seismic Toys join the show to talk about building a licensed toy company from the ground up.
From meeting at G-Fest to producing officially licensed Ultraman and Astro Boy figures, they break down what it actually takes to move from collector to creator. We dive into their first toy launch, the challenges of working with factories, and the reality of scaling a toy business.
They also share the story behind their Kickstarter for The Last Dinosaur, including an 8-month hunt to track down the licensing rights and why blind box toys aren’t as easy as they seem.
This episode is packed with real insight for anyone serious about making toys.
On Instagram: @seismictoys
This 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/toysontap
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!

Hakon Collectibles is doing something most people wouldn’t even attempt, building a designer toy scene in Scotland where there is much of one.
In this episode, we talk about his journey from growing up on Ghostbusters and Ninja Turtles to spending 12 years teaching kids how to rollerblade… all while slowly developing his path into graphic design, streetwear, and eventually resin toys.
We get into the realities of making toys, the mistakes artists make when starting out, and what it actually takes to open a shop that supports over 30 independent creators.
This episode is about persistence, creativity, and choosing to build something—even when there’s no clear roadmap.
On Instagram: @hakoncollectibles
This 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/toysontap
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!

In this episode, we sit down with South African toy maker Ali Bates, a creator pushing the boundaries of what toys can be in a place where the scene is still just beginning. From rediscovering art during lockdown to building characters like his iconic bag-head figures and emotional devil sculptures, Ali walks us through his journey of experimentation, identity, and making without limits. We talk about creating in isolation, building a toy culture from the ground up, navigating production challenges, and why staying flexible as a “maker” matters more than fitting into one lane. This is a story about starting from nothing, trusting your instincts, and creating something entirely your own.
On Instagram: @alibate.makes
This 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/toysontap
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!