The Playground Podcast

Listen in on this great conversation as Chris talks to Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Abrahams discusses the book and how people can be more effective communicators, whether as managers, colleagues...or pitching a product.

Chris and Richard talk to Alex Prieto, who calls himself director of fun for Toy. Zone. Of course, he does much more than that. Listen in as the wide-ranging conversation covers current issues, running a global company, AI, and what may be ahead for this company as we come out of the pandemic.

Chris and Richard, with Richard on the keys, have a conversation with Jessica Kalichman, director of marketing for WowWee about her career, the company's use of Tik Tok both to market and create community. They talk about why it works, what social media reveals, how a company run by Milliennials is different, and how engaging consumers with the real folks behind the scenes at a toy company (and behind some very popular toys) has been a winning strategy.

Richard and Chris talk to Christian Ulrich from Spielwarenmesse about the upcoming Nuremberg Show. What’s new, what to expect, and the general excitement of gathering once again at the world’s largest Toy Fair.

Richard and Chris talk with Jim and Donna Pressman about their new book, A Century of American Toys & Games: The Story of Pressman. They talk about the  company's colorful history over the past century. It was a labor of love, and it's an important book for anyone who loves toys...the process all started with an elephant. 

Richard and Chris talk with Toy Industry Hall of Fame designer Jeffrey Breslow about his career, his time with Marvin Glass and associates, the inspirations and tragedies that shaped his career. "Brez," as he's known, entered the toy industry when he was hired by Glass on the spot and spent the next 41 years developing games, and ultimately leading the company. 

The conversation covers all that and more, as well as advice for young toy designers looking to enter the business. Breslow's book telling the full story A Gamemaker's Life will be out in August, and The Playground Podcast has an exclusive first look. Listen in!

Richard and Chris talk with Chad Gharring of Boley about the dramatic rise of the company as a private label, brand building company and as an innovator in sustainability--and increasingly hot and important topic in the toy industry. They also talk about the advantages of being a Chinese/American hybrid company. You'll want to know more about this big and competitive company that, till now, has largely flown under the radar. 

Richard and Chris talk to Kenny Davis, CEO of the start-up Action Face about the new platform that allows users to create avatars, action figures and much more using advanced scanning technology, right on the phone. They discuss the evolution of the concept, Kenny's background, and how managers can maximize the new virtual world of work. 

Richard and Chris talk with Aaron Muderick, executive chairman of the Toy Association, about Toy Fair in New York in 2023, Dallas in 2022, and related issues. They also talk about the Association's efforts on lobbying and challenges and opportunities for the industry as it moves into a new era. Muderick's thoughtful and insightful comments make this a must-hear interview for this dynamic industry. 

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about a recent survey about price increases in the toy industry and what that may mean for the rest of the year ahead.

CEO of Star Stable Entertainment Johan Sjöberg calls his game "World of Warcraft...for girls." The hugely successful game is now making its move into toys under a licensing agreement with Just Play. In this episode, Richard and Chris talk with Sjöberg about the development of the brand, how they engage with kids and the expansion onto iOS and Android platforms as well as the strategy that has made the game a hit in more than 180 countries.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard have a serious talk about animated characters...and have a bit of fun as well. 

Richard and Chris talk to Choon Ng, inventor of the Rainbow Loom and new CEO Chris Tidwell about the history of this phenomenon, how the company has grown, strategies for keeping kids engaged and the always-present challenge of fighting infringements and knock-offs. It's a great story, and Choon's management philosophy: "I want to have fun." is an inspiration for everyone. 

In The Endcap Chris and Richard talk about advertising to children. Though it comes under a lot of fire from consumer groups, there are benefits in teaching kids to be intelligent consumers in a consumer society. It's a lighthearted conversation with some memories of comic book purchases and much more. 

Richard and Chris talk to Andrew Yanofsky and Syndey Wiseman of WowWee, both second generation toy people. More than just a legacy, however, these dynamic professionals are at the forefront of product development, research, consumer knowledge and leveraging new media platforms to develop enthusiastic communities of consumers. Their great perspectives and insights and their passion for toys as a new generation of toy industry professionals make this a lively and informative conversation. You won't want to miss it.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the implications for the global toy industry from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Over and above the human tragedy of this war, which of course is the main story, businesses are facing challenges that will last for years. 

Producer Brian Volk-Weiss joins Richard and Chris for a second time. This time to talk  about the launch of his new toy company--Nacelle Toys. Brian is the producer of the successful Netflix series The Toys that Made Us and A Toy Store Near You, now entering its fourth season. In this lively conversation, Brian talks about the decision to roll out toys based on The Great Garloo, Robo Force and others...and the old schools "let's put on a show" passion that's driven this new venture. From trusting his gut to building a network of distributors, Brian is a classic toy impresario who's just going for it. Listen into this fun and fast-paced chat.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the implication for Russia deciding to suspend IP rights for properties such as Peppa Pig and others and what that means for the global IP and toy markets.  

In this special episode, Richard and Chris largely turn over the mic to Jay Foreman, chairman of the Toy Association Trade Show Committee. He lays out the case for the September Toy Fair in New York in light of the changing dynamics of the industry, the needs of manufacturers, buyers, and more, and the historic shift in the show that this move represents. 

Foreman makes compelling cases and digs into the the benefits to the industry from the date and the venue. He adds that the change has been many years in the making as production and purchasing schedules shift along with the role of the show in the industry. 

It's must-listening for people in the toy business.

This conversation about the recently announced move of New York Toy Fair to September 2023 looks at the challenges, opportunities and the industry-wide implications of this move. Richard and Chris talk about what it might mean for companies of all sizes and how the move reflects the dynamic toy business.  

Richard and Chris talk with Thomas Kaeppeler, president of Ravensburger North America about the puzzle business and hot it all fits together in this dynamic environment. From puzzler personas to the hit (non-puzzle) toy Gravitrax, Thomas provides insight, perspective and thoughts for the toy industry on the company's success.

In the Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the move of Toy Fair to September in 2023, what that means for the industry, the show, and companies of all sizes. 

Richard and Chris talk to Steve Markey, newly named VP Sales and Marketing for Hog Wild Toys about the return of a Toy Fair in London, and what it means for the business, the emergence of alternative channels of retail, and the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2022.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the ongoing issue of the fate of New York Toy Fair. Will it stay in NYC? When will it be? 

In the second of their conversations recorded last November at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochesters, NY, Richard and Chris talk with games curator Nicolas Ricketts. Listen in as they talk about the histories of some of the games in the collection. From great stories about how the games were acquired to their impact on the culture, this lively conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in game history.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard discuss the 13 percent increase in retail sales recently reported for 2021 by the NPD Group...and what that really means in the context of the industry and inflation overall. 

Richard and Chris talk with Christian Ulrich, one of the directors of the Spielwarenmesse, aka The Nuremberg Toy Fair, about the fair, what's ahead, what's new, outlook for attendance and, of course, safety protocols. 

In the Endcap, Chris has another One-Minute Toy Story. He tells how the classic game Twister almost didn't happen.

In this brief, special episode Richard and Chris remember Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner and discuss his impact on the toy industry, past, present and future. 

Richard and Chris talk with Deirdre Cross, VP Funko Games, about the growth of the company, game development, licensing, and much more. In this spirited conversation, Deirdre talks about the hits, the misses and life in a game studio, now a part of Funko. 

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard remember industry icon Reuben Klamer, all he contributed to the toy industry over the better part of a century, and a great story about his involvement with Star Trek from the earliest days.