Shows
Saved By GamingAiryn De Niro: Finding Identity and Escape Through GamingVoice actress, model, and proud transwoman Airyn De Niro joins @ziggychris to share how gaming has been both an escape and a source of empowerment. From childhood memories on the Nintendo 64 to the transformative magic of Kingdom Hearts, Erin opens up about identity, chosen family, and representation in gaming. This episode dives into topics like Pokémon, League of Legends, Genshin Impact, Hoyoverse titles, and Hogwarts Legacy, exploring how games can heal, connect, and inspire.(0:00) Intro – Gaming as connection, escape, and healing(0:27) Meet Airyn De Niro – voice actress, model, proud transwoman(1:14) Why Airyn reach...
2025-12-0945 minSaved By GamingGaming Without Sight: SightlessKombat on Accessibility, Agency, and CommunityIn this episode of Saved by Gaming, @ziggychris sits down with @SightlessKombat . A gamer, streamer, and award‑winning accessibility consultant who plays without sight.From his first experiences with audio games to consulting on blockbuster titles like God of War Ragnarok and Sea of Thieves, SK shares how gaming has shaped his life, career, and community.We explore the challenges of accessibility, the joy of agency in gameplay, and the camaraderie that makes multiplayer experiences unforgettable. Whether you’re a developer, gamer, or simply curious about how games can break barriers, this conversation will open your eye...
2025-11-241h 00Saved By GamingThe Positive Power of Play: How Games Heal and Connect Us, with Dr. Elizabeth KilmerIn this episode of Saved by Gaming, @ziggychris welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer, a clinical psychologist and expert in using games for mental health.Dr. Kilmer also works with @TakeThisOrg and co-authored "Therapeutically Applied Role Playing Games.”, so they are the perfect person to discuss the power of positive play with!(00:00) Intro(00:44) Meet Dr. Elizabeth Kilmer, clinical psychologist and games-in-therapy expert. (01:56) How games like D&D and Animal Crossing support mental health.(04:14) Real therapy stories using video games.(08:14) The power of gaming communities and connection.(15:31) Dr. Ki...
2025-11-1043 minSaved By GamingFrom Pixels to Pride: Stef Sanjati’s Journey Through Games and Identity🎮 Welcome to another episode of Saved by Gaming! Today, we sit down with the incredible Stef Sanjati, gaming and beauty creator, transgender advocacy expert, and World of Warcraft veteran. Together we discuss her journey of self-discovery, the power of gaming as a safe space, and how gaming and creativity have shaped her life. From early gaming memories to building inclusive online communities, this episode is packed with inspiration, honesty, and a celebration of gaming’s impact. (00:00) Intro & Welcome (00:26) Stef’s Early Gaming Memories (02:00) Gaming and Gender Ide...
2025-10-2746 minSaved By GamingFrom consoles to community: How Gaming Powers Charity with Games Aid GamesAid Operations Coorindator, Mikey Walsh met with me to explore the power of gaming to create positive change! In this episode, Mikey shares his journey from gamer to Games Aid operations coordinator, reveals how the gaming community provides so much support and discusses the personal and communal impact of games.From heartwarming stories to practical ways you can get involved, this episode is a celebration of how gaming can truly save.(0:00) Introduction & Meet Mikey(0:54) What is Games Aid?(2:08) How gaming helps charity fundraising(3:54) Mikey’s path into Games Aid(5:14) Proud moments: Steam sale & bowling event(6:07) Where the money goes & cha...
2025-10-1332 minSaved By GamingEquity, Accessibility, and Joy: The Healing Impact of Games with Paige HarveyIn this episode of Save by Gaming, we chat with Paige Harvey, the Gaming Community Manager at Special Effect, a UK-based charity that's revolutionizing the way disabled gamers play. Paige also shares her personal journey with gaming from childhood through adulthood, detailing her own experiences as a disabled gamer, so grab your coffee, settle in and enjoy another chat from the heart on Saved By Gaming.(00:00) Welcome in!(01:21) Paige Harvey's Early Gaming Experiences(02:46) The Therapeutic Power of Gaming(05:55) Transitioning into the Gaming Industry(11:41) Joining Special Effect and Making an Impact(12:10) Heartwarming Stories from Special Effect(17:32) Collaborations and Accessibility in...
2025-09-2942 minSaved By GamingComfort in the Dark: How Horror and Cozy Games Save UsIn this episode of 'Saved By Gaming', we’re joined by Amelia Lemoncat, a Twitch streamer known for her unique blend of horror and coziness. We explore the comforting aspects of horror games, the impact of gaming during tough times, and the importance of community in the gaming world. Amelia reveals her personal experiences with games like Halo and Stardew Valley, discussing how they provided solace during challenging periods in her life.Most importantly, as always, we uncover the healing power of gaming, the significance of finding one's tribe, and how each of us can be...
2025-09-1547 minSaved By GamingFrom D&D to Game Therapy UK: Exploring Therapeutic Gaming with Gary Colman🎲 This episode we sit down with Dr. Gary Colman. Comedian, Doctor, and Chairman of Game Therapy UK, to continue our exploration into the healing power of games and the rise of therapeutic gaming.Game Therapy UK, supports evidence-based therapeutic gaming for socially isolated groups, using tabletop RPG's, boardgames and more. So who better to speak to on our quest to celebrate the power of positive play :)(0:00) Introduction & the theme of games as a force for good.(2:45) Gary shares his early gaming experiences and how they shaped his outlook.(4:20) The origins of Game Therapy UK(7:00) Exploring the therapeutic benefits of tab...
2025-09-0140 minSaved By GamingMore than a game: How Elden Ring sparked creativity and communityIn this episode of Saved by Gaming, we welcome Sam Hollis, creator of @moondayss for a deep dive into how video games, especially Elden Ring, can impact mental health, creativity, and community.Sam shares his personal journey, the transformative power of gaming, and the challenges and rewards of content creation. We also explore the broader culture of gaming, accessibility and the importance of art and self-expression in games.(00:00) Introduction(00:46) Sam's journey and the impact of Elden Ring.(01:50) Discovering Elden Ring and it's effect(02:30) Mental Health & Gaming(04:27) The story behind Sam’s viral Elden Ring video(07:10) Art, Interpretation, and...
2025-08-1841 minSaved By GamingLeveling Up Through Life: Mental Health, Friendship & the Games that Saves Us, with Victoria Fieldhouse🎙️ In this episode of Save By Gaming, we welcome Vicki Fieldhouse { @gtg_vicki ), Senior Community Manager at @SecretMode and founder of Girls That Game UK, for a heartfelt conversation about the power of games to connect, heal, and inspire.(00:00) – Introduction & Vicki’s background(01:28) – How gaming helped Vicki through depression and COVID(02:20) – Processing grief through games like Pine Hearts(03:22) – Building real-life friendships from online gaming(04:54) – Escapism, Twitch, and finding community during tough times(07:08) – The impact of community management and player stories(08:13) – Nostalgia and the magic of World of War...
2025-08-0436 minSaved By GamingPixels, Purpose, and Pinch-Me Moments, with Behaving BeardlyIn this episode of "Saved by Gaming," ziggychris welcomes the charismatic Twitch streamer Beardly. Together, they dive deep into the power of gaming communities, the impact of games on mental health, and the journey from casual gamer to full-time content creator. Beardly shares heartfelt stories about the positive influence of his community, the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in gaming, and the life-changing friendships forged online. Expect laughs, emotional moments, and plenty of nostalgia for classic games.Timestamps(0:00) Welcome & Introduction(0:35) Meet Beardly: Elevator Pitch...
2025-07-2131 minSaved By GamingHow Gaming Builds Community and Changes Lives, with Jarvs TaskerIn this heartfelt episode of "Saved by Gaming," ziggy sits down with Jarvs Tasker, Head of Communications at Happy Volcano, Lead Social Media Manager for Nothing Without Us, Women in Games ambassador, and Certified Accessibility Consultant. Jarvs shares their powerful journey from losing a beloved teaching career to disability, to finding new purpose and community through gaming.Discover how games like Death Stranding and Hades became lifelines, how building an online community transformed isolation into connection, and why accessibility in games matters more than ever. Jarvs also discusses breaking into the games industry...
2025-07-0741 min
Saved By GamingComedy, Community & Charity with Imran YusufIn this episode of "Saved by Gaming," host Ziggychris sits down with the multi-talented Imran Yusuf—stand-up comedian, former games industry pro, and passionate charity advocate. Imran shares his journey from childhood gaming obsession to a career in comedy, and how video games became a lifeline during tough times. Discover how Imran now pays it forward as a patron of Games Aid, using laughter and gaming to make a real-world impact.Episode Highlights & Time Stamps:(00:00) Welcome & Guest Intro(00:59) The Power of Gaming Community(02:38) Early Gaming Memories(04:33) Ov...
2025-06-2338 minSaved By GamingSaved by Gaming: How Video Games and Community Changed My LifeWelcome to the very first episode of the Saved by Gaming podcast! Join your host, ziggychris, as he shares the deeply personal story behind the show’s name and mission. In this solo episode, Ziggy opens up about how gaming—and the friendships forged within online communities—helped him through some of life’s toughest moments.(00:27) Introduction: Meet ziggychris and the vision for Saved by Gaming(01:53) What is “Saved by Gaming”? The story behind the name(02:56) The power of gaming communities during tough times(06:26) How online friends became real-life support(09:07) The emotiona...
2025-06-2309 minSaved By GamingSaved By Gaming TrailerFrom comforting RPG's to the life changing power of adaptive controllers, games are breaking barriers.They're helping people cope with anxiety, find community and even recover from trauma. Each episode we speak to developers, content creators and gamers like you and me, to discover how each of us was saved by gaming. So whether you game to unwind, to connect, or overcome - this is the show for you.Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts and let's press...
2025-06-0501 min