If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your games aren't resonating with fans and delivering the powerful and rewarding experiences you envisioned, then you are not alone! You may be investing countless hours in game development, pouring your creativity into every detail, but still not capturing the essence of the fandom. Instead of the desired result, you might be facing lukewarm reactions from players who fail to connect deeply with your games.

We are delighted to introduce Deirdre Cross, an esteemed veteran in the toy and game industry since 2007. Her impressive career began at Forrest-Pruzan Creative, where she swiftly moved up the ranks from production manager to an influential partner. Deirdre has actively participated in the creative development of over 500 products across varied game publishers, solidifying her presence in the industry. Now, she serves as the general manager of emerging brands for Funko, heading both Funko Games and Mondo. Her recent masterpiece, Disney Villainous The Game, won Game of the Year at the 2019 TOTY Awards.

In a world where game development meets fandom, Funko Games has mastered the art of creating immersive gameplay experiences. Join Deirdre Cross as she reveals their secret sauce: understanding the essence of a brand and collaborating with a passionate team.

If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your games aren't resonating with fans and delivering the powerful and rewarding experiences you envisioned, then you are not alone! You may be investing countless hours in game development, pouring your creativity into every detail, but still not capturing the essence of the fandom. Instead of the desired result, you might be facing lukewarm reactions from players who fail to connect deeply with your games.

We are delighted to introduce Deirdre Cross, an esteemed veteran in the toy and game industry since 2007. Her impressive career began at Forrest-Pruzan Creative, where she swiftly moved up the ranks from production manager to an influential partner. Deirdre has actively participated in the creative development of over 500 products across varied game publishers, solidifying her presence in the industry. Now, she serves as the general manager of emerging brands for Funko, heading both Funko Games and Mondo. Her recent masterpiece, Disney Villainous The Game, won Game of the Year at the 2019 TOTY Awards.

In a world where game development meets fandom, Funko Games has mastered the art of creating immersive gameplay experiences. Join Deirdre Cross as she reveals their secret sauce: understanding the essence of a brand and collaborating with a passionate team.

Long form episode description goes here.9 to 5 Warriors, and it's a nineties inspired toy line that aims to recapture the magic of the Saturday morning cartoon era. The founder o 9 to 5 Warriors, Brandon Braswell, is sharing his experience pitching a show idea and toy line at the TCA Virtual Pitch Event, we'll discuss what he's done with the brand so far, he'll share his pitch video, and share tips for making your best IP pitch yet. Have you ever dreamed of seeing your show idea turned into a hit animated series or action figure line by the iconic toy company, Hasbro? Well that’s a dream you share with the guest of today’s podcast episode, Brandon Braswell! Lucky for you, Brandon sat down with The Toy Coach to share his experience of building his toy brand and TV show, and ultimately pitching it to Hasbro at the TCA Virtual Pitch Event. 

Follow along Brandon's toy journey, including his early ideas, the mistakes he made along the way, and why he wishes he’d found Toy Creators Academy sooner! During this episode, The Toy Coach asks Brandon questions that YOU want to hear the answers to, including how he found funding to develop his first production run, how his show pitch was received, and how he built his following online. But that’s not all! You’ll also get to hear the exact tv show pitch that Brandon presented to Hasbro, featuring his brand 9 To 5 Warriors. If you’re a visual person, head over to youtube.com/thetoycoach to watch the entire pitch.

In this episode of "Making It in The Toy Industry" podcast, host Azhelle Wade aka The Toy Coach interviews Dr. Amanda Gummer, a research psychologist and founder of Good Play Guide, a service that provides independent product evaluations and accreditations for children's toys and games. Azhelle asks Dr. Gummer, about her work and the importance of evaluating toys for children's development. Dr. Gummer talks about her passion for helping people make good toys for kids and raising standards within the industry. She also shares details about Good Play Guide's accreditation program and how it helps prevent products that could damage a brand's reputation.

The conversation talks about the Toy Associations new STEAM accreditation, established in 2021 and details how it follows the same principles as the Good Play Guide. The Toy Coach and Dr. Gummer discuss the value of having an independent, research-based evaluation program for toys and games that involves children in the testing process. Dr. Gummer shares some of the most recent Good Play Guide award winners, as well as construction toys that are becoming more environmentally friendly.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the importance of independent toy evaluations and how they can help the industry create better products for children's educational development.

If you’re wondering how to break into toys, just know this. There are MANY paths into the toy industry. Get ready to hear how a self-published author found herself as the VP at a major toy company leading Marketing and Emerging IP’s. Discover a path for creatives seeking for lucrative self-publishing options that allow you to keep upwards of 70% of profits instead of the typical 5% royalty. If you have ever had an idea for children’s book, then this is an excellent episode for you to dive into.

What does it take to create a hit kids’ TV show? Well in today’s episode, Farnaz Esnaashari, Creator of the hit kids’ tv show Shimmer and Shine joins us to answer that question and so many more. Farnaz shares her journey in the world of production and media, starting from her first internship and taking us to her first few pitches. This episode is for you if you’re a budding toy entrepreneur with a new show idea, OR you’re an established toy company seeking to make your existing IP more toyetic. Get ready to gain a fresh perspective on how to approach and connect the development of your IP and your future toy line.

The Toy Coach presents a mini-series: Getting To Know Black Women In Toys and Entertainment. In this mini-series, The Toy Coach asks four interviewees the same 10 questions, in an effort to celebrate their career achievements in toys and entertainment, connect on a personal level, reminisce about toys from their childhood, and share their valuable life lessons.

In celebration of Black History Month, The Toy Coach presents a mini-series: Getting To Know Black Women In Toys and Entertainment. In this mini-series, The Toy Coach asks four interviewees the same 10 questions, in an effort to celebrate their career achievements in toys and entertainment, connect on a personal level, reminisce about toys from their childhood, and share their valuable life lessons.

Ever toyed with the idea of creating a children’s book but unsure where to start? Today’s guest, Afro Latina author and illustrator Yesenia Moises, knows exactly what it takes. She’ll offer valuable advice on getting your work in front of the right person when first starting out, finding an agent using a great online resource, and her tried-and-true secret to making your artwork stand out.

Silly Sparkles utilizes interactive balloon play, comedy, and magic to entertain and engage with kids. Regina comes on the show today and shares with us the latest trends she’s noticing with kids since COVID-19, from the kinds of characters they like to a surprising change in their attention span.