Are today's digital-native children still charmed by the simple pleasure of receiving a physical letter? In Episode 226 of the "Making It in the Toy Industry" podcast, Virginia Lette engages with Wendy Lattimore, a successful graduate of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), to explore this fascinating topic. Wendy's inspiring journey from traditional mail to innovative toy creation will challenge your perceptions of outdated communication methods.

Ever wondered why brands like Barbie have products in unexpected categories? Or, why licensed products often come with a premium price tag? Well, you might just be intrigued by the lesser-known complications and exhilarating opportunities that lie within the licensing labyrinth. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviews Anita Castellar to unveil the complex dance of toy licensing, where every step—from initial outreach to the final signature—matters immensely. More often than not, it's not just about the big names or flashy trademarks, but also about sustainable strategies and the ever-evolving consumer engagement through social media platforms.

Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of Nine to Five Warriors is sharing the ups and downs of developing and producing his own action figure line.

Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's development? Get ready to level up your toy-creating game with some insider knowledge from this must-listen episode.

Welcome Rachele Harmuth, Head of ThinkFun who is back on the podcast to highlight her latest work in the toy industry. Rachele's got the lowdown on something called "MESH" - think emotional veggies for your kid's growing mind - and she's here to spill the beans on why it's cool (and crucial) to weave problem-solving and emotional smarts into playtime. She's not just talking the talk; she'll guide you through what it really means to create a toy that earns the MESH stamp of approval.

If you're ready to toss the old playbook and craft toys that'll stand out in a heart-and-brain-healthy way, plug into this episode and learn all you can about the new MESH Accreditation program. Oh, and once you're all fired up, don't forget to bounce over to thetoycoach.com for links from today's episode.

Join Azhelle Wade as she takes you inside Toy Fest 2024, the ultimate toy industry trade show in Las Vegas. Discover the top-selling categories, emerging trends, and innovative products showcased on the floor. Plus, learn about the power of networking and collaboration in this relaxed and friendly environment where industry experts come together to share successes and learn from each other.

Discover how Ehi Oviasu-Kahn's journey from attorney to toy inventor was inspired by her daughter's birth during a pandemic. In this episode, Ehi shares how motherhood fueled her passion for creating educational toys and how she navigates the competitive toy industry with creativity and data.

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of consumer product marketing with Robert Yusim. Discover the keys to turning ideas into successful products, even if they're not patentable. Explore Robert's journey in the toy industry, his role in launching iconic products, and his recent ventures guiding inventors, reducing manufacturing costs, optimizing Amazon sales, and finding strategic partners. Get insights from a seasoned pro on creating thriving consumer product campaigns.

Ever wondered how a beloved character from a children's book can leap off the pages and become a real toy? This episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry" reveals the transformative journey of a TCA Alumni who turned a character from their storybook into a cherished 12-inch plush toy.

Explore the impact of California's gender-neutral toy law with The Toy Coach. Learn about the key changes in Assembly Bill 1084 and the strategies for toy creators in this shifting landscape. Join The Toy Coach as she revisits a pivotal episode from October 2021, discussing the implications of Assembly Bill 1084. Discover the key changes in the bill and explore insights into consumer sentiments and strategies for toy creators navigating this new landscape.

Embark on a detailed, month-by-month journey to launch your toy idea in 2024 with The Toy Coach. From setting SMART goals to networking, prototyping, and pitching, this episode is a perfect starting point for early stage toy and game creators.

How is AI reshaping the toy industry? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the world of AI and its transformative impact on toy design and creation. Discover how tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva, and Amazon are integrating AI to enhance their services and change the game for how consumers experience products and how professional toy creators promote them.

In episode 199, The Toy Coach explores the practical applications of AI in the toy industry, from speeding up the toy invention process to navigating legal considerations. Learn about Adobe Firefly's approach to copyright issues and get tips on effectively using AI tools for generating compelling content and designs.

Have you ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the toy industry? From speeding up the toy invention process to comparing traditional and AI-assisted methods, AI is transforming how we create and innovate. Dive into this engaging exploration of AI’s role in the toy industry.

In this episode, join The Toy Coach as she shares insights from her talk at the People of Play Innovation Conference. Discover how AI can enhance market research, ideation, product visualization, and even prepare you for your next big pitch. Get ready to be amazed by practical AI applications that are reshaping the toy development landscape.

This episode is brought to you by Publisher Services, Inc. (https

://www.pubserviceinc.com)

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Zabina Bhasin, a child psychiatrist and founder of In KidZ, who has brought diversity and inclusivity to the forefront of the toy industry. Dr. Zee shares her journey from mental health specialist to toy industry insider, discussing her experiences as an entrepreneur and her strategies for staying true to her mission. She provides insight into her efforts to educate children about different cultures and create a sense of belonging for all. With two toy industry award nominations, Dr. Zee's work is not only recognized but celebrated. This episode also touches on Dr. Zee's childhood and the game that sparked her love for toys. Her advice for budding entrepreneurs is insightful, rooted in her own humble beginnings.

Calling all game people! In this week’s episode, we delve into the captivating world of game development with Christian Castro, Director of Product Development at Relatable. Christian's conversation highlights the story behind "Search Party Chaos at the Park," a first-of-its-kind 3D board game that's been nominated for the prestigious Toy of the Year Award. 

The game, a family-friendly cooperative experience, introduces a unique blend of storytelling, search-and-find gameplay, and stunning three-dimensional pop-up structures. As we explore the development process from ideation to TOTY nomination, Christian unveils the challenges faced, the creative collaborations undertaken, and the milestones achieved. The undertaking of this complex project was well worth it in Christian’s eyes, as the result was a game-changing (hopefully award winning) board game experience that bridges the gap between flat board games and immersive three-dimensional play.

If you plan to submit your own game for a TOTY nomination, this is an episode you should dive right into. We kick off with an overview about the award itself, and share where you can find more information on how to apply. Our guest provides insights on what it takes to actually BE nominated, encouraging you to push the envelope on your next toy or game creation to snag a future TOTY nomination for yourself!

If someone tells you to close your eyes and picture a red wagon, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably the classic Radio Flyer red wagon. In this week’s episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robert Pasin, the Chief Wagon Officer of Radio Flyer.

We dove into the origin story and transformation of the iconic toy company. From nostalgic red wagons to innovative new products, Robert shares the challenges, lessons, and successes that have shaped Radio Flyer into the beloved brand it is today. Radio Flyer has humble beginnings as a family business. In our chat, Robert recounts the story of his grandfather, Antonio Pasin, who immigrated to America and started the company in 1917. Robert even reveals the true inspiration behind the name “Radio Flyer” and what the brand might have been called if it was born in another time. We discuss a pivotal period when Radio Flyer faced an existential crisis. Robert shares the challenges they encountered and how they navigated through a changing market.

If you are working on a brand that is in need of a customer-focused refresh, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. So grab your earbuds and listen in!

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.