#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 across decades? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re celebrating 30 years of Blurt with its inventor, Tim Walsh, and uncovering the incredible story behind the game that connects Boomers to Gen Alpha.
Discover how a third-grade classroom exercise—reading dictionary definitions aloud—sparked the creation of a timeless game that’s built kids’ vocabularies, brought families together, and even supported memory retention for older adults. Tim takes us through the evolution of Blurt, from its humble beginnings as a prototype called DeFUNitions to becoming a household staple.
But this episode isn’t just about one game. It’s about the unsung heroes of the toy industry—inventors who remain “criminally unrecognized” despite shaping cultural phenomena like UNO and LEGO. Tim and I explore why toy creators deserve the same recognition as musicians and authors, how Euro games are leading the way in celebrating designers, and what the industry can learn from them.
Tim also shares invaluable lessons for aspiring toy creators: why resilience and persistence are critical, why timing can make or break a product, and why you should always focus on generating multiple ideas instead of pinning your hopes on just one. You’ll also hear how toys like Operation have inspired careers in fields like healthcare and engineering and how play is essential for creativity, connection, and overcoming life’s challenges.
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.
Listen For These Important Moments
[01:44] - The Surprising Anonymity of Toy Designers
[04:16] - The Origin Story of Blurt
[07:33] - Blurt's Impact and Evolution
[21:58] - Challenges and Successes in the Toy Industry
[24:10] - The Power of Play in Creativity and Connection
[26:17] - Insights from Toyland: Interviews with Legendary Inventors
[28:33] - The Concept of 'Entreplayneur' and Embracing Playfulness
[34:31] - Play Throughout Life: Lessons from Blurt and Beyond
[38:12] - Advice for Aspiring Toy and Game Inventors
[40:40] - The Influence of Childhood Toys on Future Careers