Big feelings can be tough for little ones to handle but what if play could make those emotions easier to understand? 

In this episode, we’re sitting down with licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and new mom Melissa Brody, who turned her passion for emotional wellness into Emotipals, a plush toy line that helps kids express their feelings through mix-and-match faces. Inspired by her late father, a pediatric neurologist, Melissa shares how she went from private practice to product creation, what motherhood taught her about balance, and why narrowing your niche might be the key to growing your brand.

In this episode, you'll hear Jana Hallam share the origin story of The Kindness Mouse and why kids instantly connect with this unlikely hero. We dive into how empathy, SEL, and the idea of “wiring them young” became the foundation of Wonderwell Toy Co. Jana shares how trusting her gut (and even starting over) was key to moving forward, how Toy Creators Academy helped her navigate product safety, playtesting, and manufacturing, and why community is essential when you're building a brand from scratch.

In this episode, toy industry veteran Gerardo Davila shares how, despite his years at Mattel, he turned to Toy Creators Academy to bring his own heartfelt toy brand to life. You'll hear how he created Angelitos Mágicos, a magical plush line that comforts kids at bedtime with positive messages, and how TCA gave him the tools to refine his packaging, boost his website, and break into retail with confidence. If his story sparks something in you, it might be time to start your own toy journey with Toy Creators Academy. Learn more at toycreatorsacademy.com. 

In this episode, we're celebrating the incredible full-circle journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games! From her first pitch at our Virtual Event to landing a game in Barnes & Noble and launching her own product line, Chrissy's growth is nothing short of inspiring. This highlight reel pulls together key moments from past episodes and a new interview with fellow TCAer Virginia Lett to show just how far she’s come. If her story sparks something in you, it might be time to start your own toy journey with Toy Creators Academy. Learn more at toycreatorsacademy.com. 

Toy people, I know you’re juggling it all,  building your brand, pitching your ideas, managing costs, and answering emails at 3AM. But what if AI could help you do it smarter? In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m sharing 3 powerful ways I’ve used AI to save money, cut my ad costs in half, boost sales with chatbots, and even simulate playtesting with ChatGPT. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this episode will help you make the most of your time and money and if you’re ready to take it further, join my AI-powered toy bootcamp on Sept 23 at learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp.

A spooky-cute monster toy, a $49K Kickstarter goal, and nearly $19K raised… but pledges have stalled. In this episode, I coach Toy Creators Academy alum Michael Harring through what’s working, what’s missing, and how to move forward with a small email list and a big idea. You’ll hear the kind of real strategy and mindset shifts we focus on inside Toy Creators Academy, the ones that turn love into sales and help your toy brand grow with purpose.

For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you’re not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. Using a mind map, I’ll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it’s caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who’s rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape.

Factory communication can make or break your toy project and one vague comment or rushed approval can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m breaking down the three biggest slip-ups new toy makers make when working with overseas factories, from skipping Pantone colors to approving samples too soon. Tune in to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and level up your production process like a pro.

Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly,  but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and shifting global policies force toy makers to look elsewhere?

Messy blanket forts are out! Meet the toy that makes forts gorgeous. Architect and TCA Accelerator student Carrie Shaked turned the messy blanket forts of childhood into stunning, buildable cardboard domes you’ll actually want in your living room.

In this episode, you’ll hear how she designed a toy unlike anything else, made families cry (in a good way!) during playtesting, and found confidence to manufacture overseas. Plus, we share tips for collecting emails, marketing when you’re camera-shy, and why the current manufacturing climate can favor small startups.

Are you a new mom who’s tired of your home looking like a daycare? In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, interior designer turned toy creator Courtney Smithee shares her journey designing neutral-toned toys that double as stylish home décor. We explore how her brand, Playcor, is redefining baby play with two-in-one silicone toys and decor, and how she’s building a toy business that works for her life as a mom of three. Tune in to learn how to market toys with Instagram and email, even if you’re not always “on” and how design-forward toys are winning the hearts of modern parents.

Some of the most innovative toy ideas come from outside the industry and Dr. Kieche O’Connell is proof. As the creator of Catoms, she blended her love of science and the periodic table into a collectible plush line with characters inspired by real chemical elements.

In this episode, we dive into her journey from scientist to toy creator, how Toy Creators Academy helped her bring Catoms to life, and why authentic storytelling is key to marketing educational toys.

Ever feel like your toy or game idea is too niche or wonder if you’ve got what it takes to break into the industry? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a killer concept or already knee-deep in prototypes and second guesses.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m chatting with TCA alum and current Accelerator student Manish Punwani, who proves that with the right guidance and passion, even unexpected game themes can thrive. Manish shares his journey from merchandising to launching Cricket or Nothing, a suspense-filled card game that turns cricket into a poker-like duel.

You’ll hear why he walked away from his first concept and how TCA coaching helped him see his idea and audience in a whole new light.

If you want to be a part of Toy Creators Academy and get the opportunity to join the Accelerator as a graduate, visit toycreatorsacademy.com today.

Have you ever had a game idea pop into your head and thought, “This could be huge… but how do I even pitch it?” Or maybe you’ve been sitting on a prototype, wondering if it’s really “good enough” to show a big toy company. If you’ve been dreaming of getting your game on store shelves, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re bringing back an oldie but a goodie conversation that I had with Tanya Thompson, Senior Director of Inventor Relations and Innovation for Hasbro Gaming. Tanya started out as a math teacher before making her way into the toy industry, and now she’s the gatekeeper for inventor-submitted game ideas at one of the biggest companies in the world.

Tanya shares what she looks for in a prototype, what your sizzle video must include, and how long it really takes to get feedback after a pitch. You’ll also hear why being first matters  and the #1 mistake new inventors make.

If you're ready to pitch like a pro, grab a notebook and hit play!

If you've ever wished you could sit in on a real coaching call inside Toy Creators Academy, today’s your lucky day. This episode brings you inside the TCA Accelerator for a one-on-one strategy session with Joanna, the creator of Fren Forest.

Joanna is a sculptural artist with a love for cozy characters and dreamy desk décor. She went from crafting mini clay creatures in her studio to fully funding a collectible toy on Kickstarter.

You’ll hear how she turned her hand-sculpted characters into a toy brand without a business degree or marketing team, the smart moves that helped her hit 50% of her Kickstarter goal on day one, and why she scrapped flocking but kept her fan-favorite toe beans.

We’ll also chat about balancing creativity with business and how small media wins can build big brand momentum. Joanna’s journey proves that with the right tools and support, your toy dream is possible.

Can your hobby become the next best selling board game? If you've ever dreamed of turning your weekend passion into something both magical and marketable, this episode is for you.

I’m recapping the best insights from my chat with Elizabeth Hargrave, the creator of Wingspan, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what she shared. We dive into why real-life experience is the key to immersive game design, how Elizabeth’s love of birding shaped her hit game, and how the right creative community can give your project a serious boost.

You’ll also hear the pitch strategy that helped her land her very first game deal, plus a fun brainstorm where I turn my salsa dancing hobby into a game concept that might just get your wheels turning too!