Have you ever wondered about the captivating history of Barbie, the world's most iconic doll? Get ready to traverse the captivating timeline of Barbie, the world's most iconic doll. Discover the story behind this revolutionary toy, from the innovative mind of Ruth Handler to its evolution, significance, and controversies. Listen as The Toy Coach discusses Ruth's battle to persuade an all-male design team to develop Barbie, the struggles and triumphs of representation, the controversies around the doll's body shape, and the rebirth of the brand in recent years.

Beyond the historical aspects, we discuss the Barbiemania of today as well as the Barbie movie, driving the doll's resurgence and captivating fans worldwide. Tune into this episode for a deep dive into the fascinating world and history of Barbie, a timeless doll that has left an undeniable mark on generations of toy people.

In this episode, uncover the details behind Barbie's viral marketing success and learn valuable insights for toy businesses. Hosted by toy industry expert Azhelle Wade, this episode explores how Barbie's team created captivating marketing moves and set new industry standards. Learn how to break down these big budget marketing tactics into smaller budget approaches you can DIY for your toy brand. By the end of this episode you’ll be equipped to engage your audience with Instagrammable moments and elevate your toy business with creative strategies.

What happens when you’ve got a great idea for a toy, you have inventory, and you want to break into a major toy show or media event but you just simply don’t have the funds left to make it happen? Well, in the past there wasn’t an option, but now for NEW creators there is The Toy Coach Showcase. Listen to this Part 2 Episode where we explain what The Toy Coach Showcase is and how you can get involved. This showcase has become an industry game-changer as it provides a more affordable entry point for aspiring creators. In this episode, hear brief yet powerful interviews from showcase participants who are the creators of social emotional MESH toys, construction sets, dolls, and more, as they open up about their toy journeys.

Are you ready for a thrilling episode filled with innovation, inspiration, and the untold stories of toy and game creators? Join us as we delve into The Toy Coach Showcase, an extraordinary platform creating a revolutionary entry point for newbies in the industry. Get ready to be inspired as you hear firsthand from the creators themselves. Engage in brief yet powerful interviews, where they open up about their journeys, the motivation behind their creations, and the overwhelming response they've received. As you listen, you'll be amazed by their resilience, as they share stories of overcoming brain tumors, combating colorism during pregnancy, and finding solace through trauma toys. These creators have not only turned their struggles into triumphs but have also built vibrant communities around their brand missions.

Ever since my childhood fascination with Polly Pockets, I've been enamored with toys that allow you to build worlds of my own. When I came across an announcement of a Polly Pocket book on Instagram, I knew immediately I had to dig deeper and get to know the people behind the book. My first outreach was to Amy Greenbank, an accomplished artist and illustrator with a distinct style that calls back to the colorful pop art of the eighties and nineties. During this episode, we explore her artistic journey, from oil painting to digital illustration, revealing how being a consumer of products produced by the toy industry has significantly influenced the vibe of her work.

Amy Greenbank did not formally study illustration, but after building a passionate following of her artwork online, Amy got the attention of Maude Campbell, the author of the book “The Legacy of Polly Pocket, Mattel's Micro Moneymaker”. During this episode Amy takes us through the journey of finding her artistic style, experimenting with various media, finding her art people online, and how she creates artwork that gives you the feeling of your favorite toys from childhood.

This episode is a must-listen for all toy enthusiasts, artists, and those who simply love the nostalgia of their childhood treasures. Tune in and let Amy’s colorful journey inspire you!

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!

If you want to get your toy or game product into toy stores, have you considered starting with specialty stores first? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, learn how you can start selling your toys in specialty retailers. If you don’t know what a specialty toy retailer is, don’t worry! This episode has got you covered. You’ll learn what specialty toy retailers are, how to connect with owners of specialty toy stores, and why you might want to start your journey as a toy entrepreneur in the specialty market.

This episode provides insight into the upcoming toy trade show, the ASTRA Marketplace, and addresses the costs involved in setting up a booth, as well as pre-show preparations which can range from DIY solutions to professional setups. Discover what is most important to the retailers attending this show, find out what other manufacturers are attending, and learn how this opportunity can be a worthwhile investment for your toy business.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade and returning guest Marjorie Spitalnik dive into a sensitive but crucial topic - the impact of toy guns on children and the potential connection to real-life gun violence. Given the alarming statistics of gun violence in the U.S., they explore the responsibility of toy makers and the toy industry as a whole in shaping children's perceptions of violence and gun use. They discuss potential solutions and draw comparisons to a problematic toy from years ago.  The goal of this episode is not to provide definitive answers, but to spark a conversation about an issue that directly affects our children.

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.

Are you curious about how AI can revolutionize the toy industry? Do you want to know how AI can help in designing and marketing a toy product? If so, then this podcast episode is for you. Join The Toy Coach in this insightful episode as she explores the potential of AI in toy design and marketing.

In this episode of the Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast, The Toy Coach shares her experience in using an AI language model called Agent GPT to generate ideas for a toy product. From creating a unique toy name to identifying edgy influencers for marketing, Agent GPT proved to be a valuable tool in the toy industry. One interesting thing that was learned is how AI can save time and resources in conducting research and analysis, ultimately leading to faster and more responsive product development. Teased in this episode are insights on using mid-journey, an AI tool for generating high-quality images, and a mind map on the future of AI in the toy industry.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look into how AI can help with various aspects of toy design, from generating new ideas to finding social media influencers to work with. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of AI in the toy industry and how it may shape the future of toy design. Don't miss this episode if you're interested in the intersection of AI and toy design.

Are you curious about how AI can revolutionize the toy industry? Do you want to know how AI can help in designing and marketing a toy product? If so, then this podcast episode is for you. Join The Toy Coach in this insightful episode as she explores the potential of AI in toy design and marketing.

In this episode of the Making It In The Toy Industry Podcast, The Toy Coach shares her experience in using an AI language model called Agent GPT to generate ideas for a toy product. From creating a unique toy name to identifying edgy influencers for marketing, Agent GPT proved to be a valuable tool in the toy industry. One interesting thing that was learned is how AI can save time and resources in conducting research and analysis, ultimately leading to faster and more responsive product development. Teased in this episode are insights on using mid-journey, an AI tool for generating high-quality images, and a mind map on the future of AI in the toy industry.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look into how AI can help with various aspects of toy design, from generating new ideas to finding social media influencers to work with. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of AI in the toy industry and how it may shape the future of toy design. Don't miss this episode if you're interested in the intersection of AI and toy design.

There are many paths you can take in the toy industry, but the 3 most common paths that most new creators fall into are Inventor, Entrepreneur, and Executive! In today's episode, The Toy Coach is back to explain the differences between the two and point out why you might be both. Azhelle walks you through the meaning of each toy path, what you can expect, and how you could benefit from even switching your toy path.

In today’s toy podcast, you will learn what aspects of being a Toy Entrepreneur, Toy Inventor, and Toy Executive are the same, which are very different, and the strengths and weaknesses of each path. Once you’re done listening, Azhelle invites you to take a toy path quiz, to help you figure out what your toy path is and what your best next steps are to be successful on that path.

Data is a precious thing. Data allows companies to make growth projections, develop products based on consumer needs, and write messages based on consumer desires. But where do you go to find precious data? Well, in the toy industry, there are several research and analytics companies that will gather that data all year long, offering trend reports and future cast predictions much like the one we’ll be reviewing in today’s podcast episode. In today’s podcast episode I will review a 2023 future forecast provided by The Insights Family. This report has 12 recommendations for the year based on the agency’s research.

During today’s podcast episode, you’ll learn about how you can use Connection Campaigns, Promotional Campaigns, Abandoned Cart Campaigns, and ReEngagement Campaigns to sell your toy or game product. The key to using email is great subject lines and even better storytelling. If you don’t enjoy writing emails to your customer list…your customer probably doesn’t enjoy reading them! Let’s fix that in 40 minutes with my latest audio masterclass, The Art & Science of Successful Toy Biz Email Campaigns.

Today’s podcast episode is something completely new and different. It’s the first time we’ve done an interview at the manufacturer's office and warehouse to see how the toys are really being made! You will get to see how bubble magic is made at South Beach Bubbles and Toys. Plus, you’ll get to hear some amazing advice and tips from the company’s “bubble dads,” the two friends who founded the business. 

In today’s episode, Ron Weizman and Shooki Grasiani, the founders of South Beach Bubbles, give you an insider tour of their new office and warehouse space. They just moved into a space that is double the size of their old one and are still decorating, so don’t judge the lack of art on the walls. However, they have all their manufacturing and business operations up and running in their new space and you get to see it! You will see how the bubbles are mixed and packaged. Plus, you’ll learn some tips about how to find a great business partner, why the company uses their own warehouse, and why they decided to work with Amazon. Plus you’ll get to see how much fun it is to play with their amazing bubbles!

To watch the full video of today’s episode, head over to youtube.com/thetoycoach and subscribe to our channel.

Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real this year with accountability and guidance from The Toy Coach team! Inside this Bootcamp, you’ll get step by step training and accountability to visualize and validate your toy or game idea FAST.  We’ll spend 5-days in a private Facebook community, where I’ll teach you my streamlined 6-step concept development process over 3 LIVE trainings. In just 3 hours and 5 days you can completely change the way you approach toy development from scratch.

If you have an idea that you aren’t sure is a “toy”, stick around for the second half of this week’s episode. I share an extended version of an episode that will help you answer the question, is this really a toy product? Learn 3 exercises to help you identify if your idea falls into the category of toy, game, or general kids products. 

Once you figure out where your idea falls, I’d love to welcome you into The GREAT Toy & Game Idea Bootcamp. It starts March 27th, it’s only 5 days long with 3 training sessions and a private Facebook group for all members.

To join visit: https://learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp