Ready, Set, Play!

Earlier this year, I published a Blog about parenting from a distance. Based on your reaction, I explored this topic deeper by interviewing Gene Harding.  Gene Harding has multiple degrees from Indiana University, Northwestern University, American Military University and Purdue University. Harding started his career with the local newspapers as a photojournalist photographing everything from NBA games to a family raising a tilapia farm in a swimming pool in their basement. Harding believed this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, but changes in technology and popularity in becoming a photographer changed that. Gene then changed career fields and began teaching. Gene taught many different subjects for 8 years to include  English 9-12, Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Holocaust Studies and WWII History.   Harding also had a passion to join the military his entire life.  His dad had served as a cavalryman with the 11 th Armored CAV in Germany. Almost every male in his family had served in every war the US had been involved in going back to the Revolutionary War and prior. One could say it was in his blood. in 2011, Harding enlisted to become a 19D or cavalry scout. Currently, he is conducting a three year tour of duty with the Indiana Army National Guard as a Deputy State Training Officer.  Harding’s current interests are playing with his kids whenever possible, enjoying his wife’scompany, archery, wood working, brewing libations, reading the classics (because there are no newideas), studying Ancient History, and writing. He is currently working on another master’s degree inApplied Behavioral Analysis in Psychology at Purdue and building a wood burning pizza oven in hisbackyard. Harding resides with his beautiful wife, Kara and his four children on their small farm.   Brought to you by Timeless Toys, Let's Play Blog and ASTRA    

It is Screen Free Week! Let's talk about screen free play!  What effects does screen time have on your kid?  Why do we use screens? What can we do instead? In this 9 minute episode, we discover some simple facts and suggestions to help us start a screen free/ limited screen lifestyle.    Don't forget to visit us at timelesstoyschicago.com Find your local toy store at astratoy.org    

Today I interview Jillian Lakritz, CEO and Founder of Yoee Baby.  We talk about her product and about how to develop infants through play as soon as they are born.  Find out more about Yoee Baby at http://www.yoeebaby.com/

Creative Education was established in 1989 when Joyce Keelan, an engineer and mother of three, could not find appealing, educational toys for her children. She started the business by creating the Pic-A-Puppet Velcro puppet kit that went on to win the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio’s S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Adaptable Play) Award. Although this product is long since gone from the portfolio, it did inspire the name for the company and the focus on “Pretend Play” that forms the basis for the dress up costumes in the line today. Great Pretenders was born. Joyce still heads the financial, design and product development aspects of the company with 3 warehouses and over 40 employees globally. 

Today I traveled to Milwaukee to visit with Robert Sheets, National Sales Manager for Mukikim.   Mukikim is a great toy manufacturer that has products across multiple toy categories.  They have received multiple awards in the toy industry as well as in the music industry.  They just received the ASTRA Best Toy For Kids Award for 2018!  Visit them at http://www.mukikim.com/  

Isabelle Richards holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has also completed her Level I training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Her years of clinical experience have taken her from preschools, schools, and advocacy agencies to medical clinics and rape crisis centers. She practices Child-centered Play Therapy and specializes in the importance of play.   We discuss the steps of play and how to play with your kids. 

Greg and I sit down and talk about board games!  Greg is the Senior Vice President of Sales for University Games.   He comes to the “gaming world” with a bit of a unique career path. He actually spent a lot of his time on the brand and marketing side of the business working for large companies like Procter & Gamble, Polaroid, and Jarden.   However, Greg found his passion in the sales arena building smaller companies into larger ones and after stints where he had some very impressive growth numbers with companies like AT-A-Glance, Novelty Inc and Duncan he is now attempting to do the same with University Games.  Let’s see what he is doing with them and what makes University Games special to the market place.

Live from ASTRA Marketplace and Academywith Cassidy Smith of Hape!  He will tell us all the amazing things Hape has to offer and why their toys are so special.  I will also introduce you to a few store owners from across the US.  Don't forget to visit astratoy.org to find the toy store closes to you! 

Daryl has been the president of Oyo Sports since 2013. Oyo Sports engages fans through licensed sports minifigures and building block field and play sets. The licenses they carry include MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, Colleges and auto racing. OYO Sports is all about the sports fan, of any age. Made in the USA, the OYO minifigure is authentic to your favorite pro sports player,with custom printing on the entire minifigure and hundreds of unique characteristics so that you can #playlikeapro! OYO minifigures can play the sport, or play with Legos, and other construction toy brands. They can fly an XWing fighter jet, or your Lego Darth Vader can come to the plate on one of our Cubby field sets. Collect them all today at Timeless Toys, where they are 20% off, and follow OYO Sports on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Join one of the many OYO leagues on instagram for even more fun with your OYOs. New for 2018, Yu Darvish, new Batting Helmet carts, and coming soon Eloy Jimenez for the White Sox.    Mention this podcast to get 1 free figure! 

Today, I talk to Nira Berry.   Nira is a motivational speaker, happiness coach and founder of LaughingRx laughter wellness programs.  We will discuss family happiness, laughing, and bringing joy to every day!  You can find out more about Nira and LaughingRx Laughter Wellness Prgrams at https://www.laughingrx.net/

In this episode, I chat with Kim Mosley, the President of the American Specialty Toy Retailers Association(ASTRA).  We discuss trends in the toy industry and child development and where you can go to find amazing specialty toy stores across the country.  Don't worry if you are not a retailer, Kim still has information that's good for everyone! 

Welcome to the Ready, Set, Play Podcast!  Let me tell you what we are all about and get you ready for a world of adventure.