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.

What happens when a frustrated parent channels her passion into playtime? For Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy Co., it sparked The Kindness Mouse - an ingenious plush toy system inspiring kindness and empathy in kids through irresistible storytelling and activities. Tune in for her inspiring entrepreneurial journey and how Toy Creators Academy became an integral part of it.

Are you giving your toy's package the attention and budget it deserves? If your answer isn't an immediate "Heck yes Azhelle, ALWAYS." then it's time to listen to part 2 of of Ivan and Brittany's interview on this podcast. At the top of the episode, Ivan and Brittany share their secret on staying up to date with trends and spotting what's exciting in packaging. They remind us to step out of our comfort zones and to explore everything from boutique shelves to big-box stores to uncover what really makes packaging pop.

In this episode, I had the privilege of diving deep into the art of communication in packaging design with Brittany and Ivan Wesley, the masterminds behind Anchor Creative. With over two decades of experience in branding and packaging, they've turned the concept of packaging into a storytelling art form, with bits of “magic” worked in here and there. One fascinating insight they shared was the strategic use of awards and accreditations on packaging—how to showcase them effectively without overwhelming your audience. But that's just the tip of the iceberg; we also explored the nuances of communicating a toy's digital features and the secrets behind packaging that sells.

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.

Right now you might feel like an outsider in the toy industry. But it’s important to remember that we ALL started out that way. The goal of today’s podcast episode is to show you how you can go from zero connections in the world of toys, to thousands! Yep, thousands.

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.

Are you struggling to crack the networking code in the toy industry? Tune in to episode #207 of The Toy Coach Podcast: Making It In The Toy Industry as Azhelle Wade, unveils the secrets behind successful networking. Spoiler? It's easier than you think. The host debunks myths surrounding industry connections and shares invaluable tips for building meaningful relationships that drive professional growth.

Join us as we chat with Cathy Tenaglia, a graduate of Toy Creators Academy, who shares her journey and insights into navigating the toy industry. From debunking myths to discussing the importance of pitching, Catherine offers invaluable advice and experiences gained through her 12-weeks in TCA.

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.

Do you remember the original tiny world of Polly Pocket? In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the history, secrets, and surprises behind this iconic toy with Maude Campbell, author of the upcoming book The Legacy of Polly Pocket: Mattel's Micro Moneymaker. Join us as we explore how a simple button inspired inventor Chris Wiggs to fashion an iconic toy out of a makeup compact. Learn about the transition from Bluebird to Mattel, the ups and downs of Polly's size changes, and the enduring love fans have for this miniature wonder.It all began with a simple idea – the concept of a miniature world that could fit in the palm of your hand.

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.

To celebrate Episode 200 of Making It in The Toy Industry, something special is underway. Joining The Toy Coach, also known as Azhelle Wade, is Virginia Lette, an accomplished Australian radio and television presenter. She is renowned for co-hosting Eclipse Music TV for three years and serving as a Weekend News and Sport Presenter for WIN News Tasmania. Virginia has also hosted over 500 episodes of the Morning Kids Podcast. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated mother, entrepreneur, and an aspiring toy creator.

Azhelle Wade is thrilled to have her on the show, picking up where the 100th episode left off. They discuss Azhelle's background with Sesame Street and in the toy industry and delve into her motivations for starting the podcast. Azhelle shares her enthusiasm for assisting creators in transforming their ideas into finished products. Virginia poses several unexpected questions, ranging from Azhelle's thoughts on imposter syndrome to addressing sustainability challenges in the industry. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into The Toy Coach's journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.

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.