#254: This Game Unites Boomers to Gen Alpha and It All Started in a Third-Grade Classroom with Tim Walsh

What if a simple classroom activity could unite generations? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re celebrating 30 years of Blurt with its inventor, Tim Walsh, and uncovering how a classroom exercise—reading dictionary definitions—sparked the creation of a game that’s built vocabularies, brought families together, and supported memory care.

Tim shares the journey of Blurt, from its beginnings as DeFUNitions to becoming a household favorite. We also spotlight the unsung heroes of the toy world—inventors who are “criminally unrecognized” despite creating cultural phenomena like UNO and LEGO. We explored how the industry can better recognize inventors, following examples set by Euro games that feature designers prominently.

Tim also highlights why play is essential for creativity, connection, and overcoming challenges—proving that toys are far more than just playthings.

Whether you’re a toy enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone who values the power of play, this episode will leave you inspired to think differently about toys—and the brilliant minds behind them.