The Playground Podcast

Sue Warfield is the president of ASTRA, and a good friend.She has been a passionate leader of her organization and an equally passionate proponent of play and its value in culture. In this episode, Chris talks with Sue about their shared perspectives on play and its role in child development, and the necessity of play in building healthy children. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, The Toy Guy® and Beacon Media Group.

He's created a sensation from his kitchen table. This is one of those wonderful, classic toy biz stories about a great idea that finds its way.With a combination of creativity, ingenuity, social media, and timing, Josh Carman has created a hit with Popdarts and along the way created a great family activity, a challenging game...and a new sport.Listen in to his story!

In this episode, Chris talks to Brea Brand, founder of the Australian-based magnetic tile company Connetix.With a combination of passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence, Brand and her company have made a strong entry into the highly competitive magnetic tile business.How she's built the brand and kept the focus on kids' play experiences make this a great conversation with some great tips for other visionary entrepreneurs.

One of the most important components of any toy program inthis highly competitive and crowded market is a strategic media program. Given the proliferation of platforms, changes in demographics and emerging product categories, it can be a challenge.Well, listen in because I sat down during New York Toy Fairwith three people who are at the forefront of this changing market and whose track record of success is truly impressive. Lisa Morgan of Generation Media, Denis Crushell of Precise.TV, and I began a conversation at the Nuremberg Toy Fair on these topics as part of that show's business forum, and we continue it here, joined by Lisa's colleagues Alex Taylor-Smith. It is truly exciting to share my conversation with thesethree industry leaders with you.

In this episode James Zahn of Toy Book and Toy Insider, John Baulch of Toy World UK, and Chris talk about the show, the products, the toy biz, and the year ahead.It's the 7th time these three industry experts have sat down to have a conversation about the toys and the times.Listen in to the conversation.

Chris talks with Greg Ahearn president and CEO of the Toy Association on the last day of the recent NY Toy Fair from the show floor.They talk about the almost universally positive response to the show, the future of the NY show, what's going on in LA, the exceptional work being done by the Association in DC, and the important work of The Toy Foundation.It's a somewhat wide-ranging conversation, but it's important listening for those who want to stay in the know about the work the Association is doing on behalf of the entire toy industry.

Chris talks to Billy Lagor about his stellar career, today's toy industry, and his role as the CEO of retailer Entertainment Earth.His insights on licenses, properties, successes and social media are a must-listen for anyone in the toy industry.

In this episode, Chris talks to Sophia Chong, acting executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, organizers of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. Chris & Sophia talk on the opening day of the fair about the show, the role of Toy Fairs in the industry, the growth of the toy business in the region, and the ongoing importance of Hong Kong on the global toy stage. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

As the 2025 Toy Fair season begins, we kick off Season 7 of The Playground Pocast. Chris talks with Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the Executive Board of the Spielwarenmesse about the upcoming Nuremberg show. They talk about the expansion of the show, trends to watch, and more. This is Ulrich's third appearance on The Playground Podcast, and you'll find him as insightful, entertaining and knowledgeable as ever. (And get ready for an even bigger show in Nurmeberg, if you an imagine!)

Listen in to our sixth annual conversation about the year just past...and what may be brewing on the horizon. James Zahn of The Toy Book and Toy Insider and John Baulch of Toy World UK sit down with Chris for a wide ranging conversation about what's up in the toy biz. This is one of our most-listened-to episodes of the year, and we know you'll be engaged and entertained by the conversation. The Playground Podcast is support by Global Toy News, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

The Wow in the World podcast is the centerpiece of a groundbreaking entertainment platform--and an emerging licensing powerhouse. In this episode, Chris talks to Nicole Blake, chief brand office at Wonderry and Andy Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos. It's a conversation about a dynamic licensing program, that capitalizes on contemporary entertainment...with a healthy dose of classic play. Listen in as these two game changers talk about their individual and joint journeys. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode Chris talks to Nelo Lucich, one of the co-founders of Skyrocket Toys about the company and notably their introduction of Poe: The AI Storytelling Bear. Nelo and Chris talk about the process, the underlying structure and a little bit about the future of AI in the toy business. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, Th Toy Guy and Beacon Media Group. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Designing effective and engaging learning toys for children is always a challenge. It's one that Dr. Ben Miller has embraced. He's a learning scientist and senior learning designer for LeapFrog. He talks with Chris about the concept of purposeful play, designing for learning, the opportunities and challenges for AI in learning toys, and best practices for those developing learning toys. It's a wide-ranging conversation, but you'll be impressed by Ben's insight and passion for building play-based learning. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, Jay Foreman, CEO Basic Fun makes his fifth visit to The Playground Podcast. This is one of our most important and timely episodes to date as Jay and Chris discuss the current state of China, the reality of doing business, and the implications for our business if threatened economic developments occur. Jay is his usual frank self with insight, thoughtful commentary, and humor. Let this interview be your first step to examining the complex issues surrounding our relationship with China and what it means for toys. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, Chris talks to Barry and Jason of the eponymous Barry and Jason games about their careers, their work, the process of pitching games, and more. Listen in as two of the most entertaining and thoughtful guys in the business talk about what they're doing, and what's next. We promise you a good time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris talks to drag racing star Alex Taylor who has been a star in her field since she was 16. She is the co-host of Hot Rod Garage and has a popular YouTube channel as well. This is a story that goes beyond cars and talks about passion around which to build a life and career. Even more, it's a great tale for folks in the industry looking to build meaningful marketing relationships to build brands, and sales and expand franchises. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode Chris talks to industry veteran and technology whiz kid Josh Garrett about his career, his vision, and how leveraging technology in a kid-centric way contributes to positive, enriching, and immersive play experiences for kids. Josh is the chief creative officer for Readyland and vice president of design for Creativity, Inc. This is a "must-listen" episode for anyone looking to enhance toys and play through technology. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, Chris talks to Matt Nuccio, president of Design Edge. This full-service design, production, and marketing agency over its long history has been involved in groundbreaking innovation. From Tickle Me Elmo to POGS, to, yes, a very successful stick; the team has guided inventors and companies to exceptional successes. Matt talks about design, innovation, AI, what's needed to make a (hopeful) hit, and much more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, we talk to Greg Ahearn, the new president and CEO of The Toy Association. Greg takes the reins in a dynamic time for the 108-year-old organization, and talks about its vital role in the industry today and where it's going in the future. Listen in and get a new appreciation for all the association does, and much more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

With Pickleball a huge trend in the U.S. in 2024, leave it to savvy industry veterans Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler to adapt that into a clever, fun, and opportunistic game. Listen in as Chris talks to them about how they did it, how a popular sport became a card game, and how they Jeffrey and Frank are riding the trend to create a new game company. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris talks to Denis Crushell, chief commercial officer of London-Based Precise TV about his company, the power of contextual advertising for the current toy industry, and how to set your digital strategy to reach kids successfully. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris talks to veteran inventor Dan Klitsner about his new toy Sling-It. Dan was the genius behind Bop-It, but with this new venture, he's decided to manufacture and market under his own company. It's a wild toy, with an even wilder story. (We love wild stories.) Listen in, as he talks about development, manufacturing, and strategy for launch in the dynamic toy industry of 2024. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

There is a lot happening at the Toy Foundation! Near and dear to our heart is the new entrepreneurship program honoring Richard Gottlieb, but that's just part of it. Listen in as Chris talks to Pam Mastroka, executive director of the foundation about all the excitement...and your opportunities to get involved. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Build-A-Bear CEO Sharon John has driven the evolution of Build-A-Bear from a vertical retailer to a global toy company with legions of followers. And as she says, it was built, "One heart ceremony at a time." But it's the savvy combination of data and heart that have make this company the iconic success it is today. In our conversation, Sharon talks about the company's growth and why it's so much more than bears (and bunnies and hedgehogs.) And be sure to check out Sharon's book: Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love. You can get it here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

For 22 years, Cloud B has been an innovator in bedtime products--adding fun, health and peace of mind to the nursery and the bedroom for both kids and parents. In this episode, we talk to Thomas Deumier, CEO of PJ Distribution, parent company of Cloud B about innovation, building on what works, and staying the leader in a niche market. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

There are big changes ahead for the Toy Association. After months of work and listening, there's news about LA in the Fall (and Spring), New York, ongoing advocacy and much more. Andy Keimach, interim president and CEO of the Toy Association gives us the scoop on what's happening...and it's good news. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, Chris talks to author and historian Rob Goldberg about his fascinating book Radical Play. It's a look at the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s and how those challenged and changed the toy industry–and the ways in which the industry responded. We cover the major issues of the era–war toys and guns, race and gender–and look at the ways the world and by extension playthings changed. It's a lively and informative conversation. Listen in. And you can buy Rob's book here. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this episode, Chris talks with Sophia Chong on site at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair about the 50th Edition of the show, the value of toy fairs, and a vision for the show as an essential gateway to the Asian markets. This episode brings back The Endcap, and Chris talks about the impact of the Barbie movie, why it could only happen now, and why another movie out now misses the point completely. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, The Toy Guy, and the https://home.hktdc.com/https://home.hktdc.com/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In our fifth annual year-end conversation, Chris is joined by James Zahn of The Toy Book, The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider and John Baulch managing director and publisher of Toy World UK. Zahn and Baulch are two of the leading industry observers, analysts, and thinkers about the business of play. Their insights are entertaining, thoughtful, and clear-eyed. Listen in as we talk about innovation, entertainment, inventory, and the year ahead. The Playgorund Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, managers of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

In this conversation, Chris talks with Joost Poulus, chief product officer for Moose toys. They talk about Joost's 20-plus year career with Moose, building a culture that supports innovation and the company's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for the future. In a time when "innovation" can merely be a buzzword, Moose is one of the first companies to build, and publish, a series of metrics to determine how innovation as they define it is succeeding. Not surprisingly, it encompasses people, product and play. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Listen in on this great conversation as Chris talks to Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Abrahams discusses the book and how people can be more effective communicators, whether as managers, colleagues...or pitching a product. Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. He teaches at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and he has his own podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast. Enjoy this lively conversation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard Gottlieb's death on October 26 from ALS was a blow for the people who knew and loved him, the toy industry, and, of course, this podcast. In this short segment, Chris remembers and honors Richard and all his contributions, his amazing spirit and kindness, and much more. We also talk a bit about continuing this show both to serve the industry and to honor Richard's memory. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris talks to John Tong, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Toys Advisory committee. (Just one element of his diverse career.) They talk about Toy Fairs, opportunities in Hong Kong and how Hong Kong is coming back as a business center and gateway to Asia coming out of the pandemic. The conversation was recorded at New York Toy Fair, and Richard and Chris divided and conquered to see as much of the show as possible...and find new guests for the rest of the season. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk with Michele Litzky and Josslynne Welch about the history of Litzky Public Relations, the evolution of PR over the past quarter century, and the transition as Josslynne takes over the reins of the company. It's a great conversation about toy industry history, succession planning, and much more. Listen in as we talk to two major players in the toy industry. (Apologies for the cellphone going off. We didn't want to edit that out. Just pretend you're at a Broadway theater and annoyed. That's what Chris would do.) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris and Richard talk to Mary Couzin about her career, the creation of People of Play, the upcoming 21st edition of the Chicago Toys & Games Fair, and the Young Inventors Challenge. It's an energetic conversation, and you'll see why from her passion for play and the business to all she does why she's joining the Toy Industry Hall of Fame this year. Listen in...and get as excited as we are about Mary and her work. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris talked with Eric Poses of All Things Equal Games about the 25th Anniversary of Leading Questions and his repeat of the cross-country car trip he did to launch the game in 1997. We caught up with him just as he was leaving. for 22 cities, with a stop at New York Toy Fair. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk with game inventor Elan Lee about his hugely successful game Exploding Kittens, developing great games, and his new line of Kitten Games, which Elan developed with his 4-year-old daughter. This high-energy conversation will have you thinking about what makes a good game in the current market. Elan is also hugely entertaining and thoughtful about the role of games in our lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Serial inventor, professor, inveterate innovator and advocate of play Brendan Boyle of Fuse UK joins us for a lively and wide-ranging conversation. From his early career to his current gig with Fuse, Brendan has been a joyful advocate of play for kids, for organizations and for enhancing life overall. Join us for a super fun episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris and Richard talk to Alex Prieto, who calls himself director of fun for Toy. Zone. Of course, he does much more than that. Listen in as the wide-ranging conversation covers current issues, running a global company, AI, and what may be ahead for this company as we come out of the pandemic. Toy Zone defines itself as a 360° Toy & Entertainment Agency… we truly cover all areas of creative, design, development and sourcing a Toy Company or Entertaiment Brand needs to bring their products or IP to market. In just 4 years Toy Zone has grown from 3 including Alex, to a team of 35 creative minds, app game developers, product engineering, 3D animators, motion graphics and marketing specialists. Check them out here. The Playground Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Global Toy Experts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠The Toy Guy⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠Beacon Media Group⁠⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris and Richard, with Richard on the keys, have a conversation with Jessica Kallichman, director of marketing for WowWee about her career, the company's use of Tik Tok both to market and create community. They talk about why it works, what social media reveals, how a company run by Milliennials is different, and how engaging consumers with the real folks behind the scenes at a toy company (and behind some very popular toys) has been a winning strategy. The Playground Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Global Toy Experts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠The Toy Guy⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠Beacon Media Group⁠⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

Join Richard (on the keys) and Chris as they talk with inventor Dan Klitsner, creator of Bop-It about his newest puzzle Free Fall from ThinkFun. They talk about this new innovation, the challenges and rewards of inventing and delve into the topic of AI and what it might mean for creatives and everyone in the toy business. You wont' want to miss this lively conversation. The Playground is sponsored by ⁠Global Toy Experts⁠, ⁠The Toy Guy⁠, and ⁠Beacon Media Group⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support

We kick of season five of The Playground Podcast with Madame Alexander's VP of sales, David Morgenstern. Richard, Chris, and guest host Chris Bensch from The Strong Museum of Play chat about this history, the legend, and what's new for the next chapter in the life of this iconic brand. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Chris was back in Hong Kong for the 49th annual Toys & Games Fair… for the first time since 2020. Listen to what's going on at the Fair—and hear the folks who are making the most of this transitional edition. The Playground is sponsored by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Christian Ulrich from Spielwarenmesse about the upcoming Nuremberg Show. What's new, what to expect, and the general excitement of gathering once again at the world's largest Toy Fair. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk with John Baulch from Toy World UK and James Zahn from The Toy Book for our 4th Annual year-end conversation. From inventory levels to new challenges, to the potential for the revitalized Toys "R" Us, to, of course, the issue of Toy Fairs, the panel looks back at 2022 and ahead to 2023 and beyond. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Josh Loerzel of Sky Castle Toys about his career and his ongoing success in using social media to create hits. From his early days at Zing where he made a monster hit out of Stikbot, Josh talks about how he did it and the three important elements of building a social media strategy. Moreover, how has social media changed the landscape for the trade? Josh will clue you in. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk with Jim and Donna Pressman about their new book, A Century of American Toys & Games: The Story of Pressman. They talk about the company's colorful history over the past century. It was a labor of love, and it's an important book for anyone who loves toys...the process all started with an elephant. After you listen, you'll want to buy the book. It makes a great holiday gift for anyone who loves toys. Find it at Amazon! The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Ron Solomon, creator and CEO of MAPPTrap, an online software service that allows manufacturers to monitor compliance with minimum advertised pricing policies across all distribution channels (even ones they may not know about.) They discuss how it works, why it's important, and why the "race to the bottom" on pricing hurts manufacturers and retailers. It's an important conversation that can help everyone in the merchandising area and an intriguing look at how Solomon and his team have effectively countered price cutting...and where everyone wins. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA. From his earliest days to having unprecedented success in the industry, Isaac talks about his vision, how he's built the company, worked with his team, and what the toy industry means to him. In this exclusive conversation, Isaac shares what it takes to make it in the toy industry, how it's a non-stop challenge, and why it's actually good to be paranoid. (It's a business strategy that drives non-stop innovation.) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Sue Warfield, president of ASTRA and board members Tom Rushton and Cassidy Smith about ASTRA's Toy Boat next February. Find out why this actually is a great opportunity to cost-effectively reach the specialty trade. Also, they talk about the state of specialty, particularly coming out of COVID, what specialty means today and the terrific opportunities for both retailers and manufacturers. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support

Richard and Chris talk to Bill Nichols and Peter Cmiel co-presidents of Blip Toys about their careers, their strategies, the benefits and challenges of just being a "Blip" on the radar of the toy industry (despite major successes) and how they manage to keep the company lean, creative, and successful. Plus, they chat about Chris's favorite active play toy of 2022. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-playground-podcast/support