Podcasts about how to make

“There are no tired brands, just tired marketers.” That quote alone has been living rent-free in my head since this interview. It has challenged me to take a look at my own brand and ask, am I doing everything I can to keep it thriving?In this episode, Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Chairwoman of the Toy Association, shares how she turned around a failing classic brand, and ushered it into a new era of profitability and heart. Sharon walked me through her approach to brand transformation, from how she finds hidden profit in the smallest details to how she leads with data, with a focus on building resilience even through the toughest times. Sharon is a master of reframing for a positive mindset. When the pandemic hit, she renamed her daily team meetings from “COVID calls” to “success calls.” And that mindset shift worked wonders. 2021 became Build-A-Bear's most profitable year ever.If you're sitting on a brand that you know has potential but you've been feeling stuck on how to help it gain momentum, this episode will certainly give you a new perspective.Listen For These Important Moments:[04:06] - What do you do when a business is failing, but the brand still has magic? Sharon shares how she approached one of the biggest challenges of her career.[08:04] - Could saving a few pennies really turn a business around? This moment will make you rethink how you look at every product detail.[18:50] - In the middle of a crisis, Sharon made one simple change that completely shifted her team's mindset—and it led to record-breaking results.[24:58] -  “There are no tired brands, just tired marketers.”— This one quote changed how I see branding forever. If your business feels stuck, this is the wake-up call you need.[38:41] -  Think success means climbing a ladder step by step? Sharon has a different take that might just change your entire career outlook.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Is it time to stop manufacturing overseas? Or are these tariffs just temporary chaos?In this episode we're talking about the massive new tariffs shaking up the toy industry and what they mean for your bottom line. With import costs from China jumping up to 54% April 2nd, and a potential 104% threat looming over the horizon, toy creators everywhere are wondering what to do next. Should you absorb the cost? Raise prices? Cancel a launch? Shift production? I'll walk you through what's really happening, what's coming next, and how to make a smart move without panicking.On April 4th, I held a Tariff Toy Talk for Toy & Game Creators where we could get together and discuss what to do in light of the Trump administration's tariffs that are decimating our economy, and threatening the life of the toy industry. Since so many of you reached out wanting to hear the recording, I thought it would be best to make this talk readily available on this podcast.Tune in to hear from other toy people just like you—creators, inventors, and business owners—who joined me to share their questions, insights, and real-life experiences going through this rollercoaster. From surprise $9K tariff bills to last-minute Kickstarter cancellations and creative shipping workarounds, you'll get insights from the front lines.Listen For These Important Moments![00:01:16] — A quick look back at how the 2025 tariff news hit the toy industry starting right after Toy Fair wrapped. [00:04:27] — Several indie toy brands start to feel the heat. From canceled Kickstarters to massive clearance sales, the early ripple effects are real and painful.[00:08:11] — A few creators share the gut-punch of getting charged thousands of dollars on orders they thought were already squared away.[00:28:03] — Innovative responses begin to surface. 3D printing, fulfillment shifts, and DTC models come up as small brands brainstorm ways to stay afloat.[00:43:20] — The big manufacturing question gets unpacked. Can U.S. factories really step up for toy makers or is that just a hopeful dream for now?Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Have I ever told you that I'm allergic to cats? Well, lucky for me I recently met Katharine Burke, the creator of PurryFuls, a purring plush cat that is designed for on demand comfort that only a purring cat can provide.Katharine left a high-stress tech job to build Purryfuls, and in today's episode she shares exactly how she went from zero toy product experience to debuting her brand at New York Toy Fair and getting featured in Forbes!In this episode we go into detail about the skills that Katharine had to develop to create her first prototype, and why those skills likely saved her thousands of dollars. If you're interested in hearing a case study of a fellow startup toy entrepreneur taking a leap of faith on their toy product, give this episode a listen.Listen for These Important Moments:[02:23] – Burned out from a high-pressure tech job, Katharine made a bold decision that completely changed her life. She walked away to follow her toy dream.[05:21] – When she couldn't find a plush that mimicked a cat's purr, she realized something big: this product didn't exist yet… and she was going to make it.[07:02] – No sewing skills? No problem. Katharine taught herself everything from scratch (including coding) to bring her purring plush to life.[17:15] – Just one day into Toy Fair, her brand was already featured in Forbes. This unexpected media moment changed everything.[22:51] – Instead of diving straight into retail, Katharine took a smarter path that gave her more control, and it's one you might want to follow too.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

With over 13,000 followers on TikTok and millions of video views, Lost Boy Entertainment is forging a new path for launching a successful game brand. To continue our New York Toy Fair 2025 interview series, I sit down with Cameron Ring, co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment.Lost Boy Entertainment is a rising game company that started with just 500 copies of their first game in 2020 and now has products online and in major retailers.The company is composed of 3 cousins who handle everything from designing games to shipping orders and marketing. In our talk Cameron shares how they started small on Amazon, shipping games from their garage and how they eventually expanded into retail.This episode is a great 101 on the power of identifying a market gap, filling a need, and self funding your launch. If you're considering a show like New York Toy Fair might be the best next step for your brand, listen in on why rushing in too soon could actually hurt your business.My favorite takeaway from this interview with Cameron revolves around distribution channels, but you'll have to hit play to find out exactly what was so insightful about that conversation.Listen for These Important Moments![04:40]  - Cameron and his cousins manufactured just 500 copies of their first game Plunder, and after selling out multiple times on Amazon, they realized they had something special on their hands.[08:10] - Learn why Cameron says he values selling in multiple channels for different reasons. [14:39] - How did Cameron and the Lost Boy Entertainment team know that they were ready for New York Toy Fair? Well they started building at smaller shows first.[20:00] - What has been the biggest secret to the success of Lost Boy Entertainment? Was it TikTok marketing, smart distribution, or steady and slow growth? Perhaps all three…Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Have you ever wondered what it's like to run a business with your spouse? Is it all fun and games, or does every dinner conversation turn into a boardroom meeting? Do you get to celebrate the wins together, or do you find yourself debating packaging details at 10 PM on a Friday night?I was so curious about this dynamic that I sat down with Alex and Whitney Kimerling, the husband-and-wife team behind Hootenanny Games. But instead of just interviewing them together, I decided to interview them separately, asking them the exact same questions!Alex and Whitney have built a thriving inventor-driven game company, and in this episode, they share what it's really like to run a business together, how they develop games, and why they love working with inventors.You'll get an inside look at both the best and hardest parts of running a toy business with your spouse. You'll learn why Hootenanny Games exclusively licenses inventor-created products and what they look for in a game pitch—plus how you can pitch to them.If you've ever thought about inventing board games or working in the toy industry, you don't want to miss this one! And if you're curious whether Alex and Whitney's answers matched up… you'll have to listen and find out.

How To Make $6000-$15,000 In Passive Income Per Month Without Selling Anything

Are tariffs here to stay or not? That was the hot topic at New York Toy Fair 2025, and trust me—it's still got the toy industry buzzing. In Q1 of 2025, the Trump administration announced a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, and with 80% of all toys made in China, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are all bracing for impact.So, who's really going to absorb these extra costs? Will factories take the hit? Will retailers adjust their pricing? Or will consumers end up paying the price?Inspired by a thought-provoking LinkedIn post from Mike Searls, founder of Thin Air Brands, we sat down for a post-Toy Fair deep dive into how these tariffs will shake up the toy industry. Mike brings over 30 years of experience to the conversation, and he's seen the industry survive some major shake-ups before. In this chat Mike breaks down:

After four days of running (literally) from booth to booth, taking meetings, and soaking in the latest trends, I'm here to give you an inside look at what went down at New York Toy Fair 2025. If you missed New York Toy Fair or couldn't see everything, check out this first episode of NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview Series.Over the next month and a half, I'll be taking you inside the show floor for exclusive interviews with toy designers, licensors, CEO's, entrepreneurs and inventors who are Making It In The Toy Industry!In this episode, Jayson Esterow, President of License 2 Play Toys, shares how he turned a viral trend into a major licensing deal with Jeep. If you've ever heard of Jeep Ducking, you know how passionate Jeep owners are about their community. Jayson saw an opportunity to take this organic, fan-driven movement and transform it into an officially licensed toy line.Gavin Lawler, Creator of Deddy Bears, fresh off his TOTY win for Collectible of the Year, opens up about the challenges of breaking into the toy industry and how he used his F.B.O. (First, Best, Only) formula to develop a product that stands out. Plus, we dive into his major collaboration with Liquid Death and why identifying white space in the market is the key to launching a toy brand that captures attention and drives sales.Listen now for quick and in depth lessons on toy licensing, product innovation, and winning toy awards.Listen for these Important Moments:[00:00] - My Toy Fair 2025 Experience[03:28]  - Was New York Toy Fair 2025 a Hit or Miss?[08:47] - Licensing & White Space: The Key to Toy Fair Success[12:15] - Jayson Estro & The Jeep Ducking Toy Phenomenon[20:58] - Gavin Lawler & The Collectible TOTY Award Winner Deddy Bears[32:05] - Key TakeawaysSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

So, you're going to Toy Fair New York this year, but you aren't sure you're making the most of your trip? It's true, without a solid plan, walking into Toy Fair New York can be completely overwhelming. You can easily get lost in a few friendly conversations, pass too much time playing with toys at welcoming booths, and end up missing opportunities to grow your business, or sell your ideas. Once you walk through the doors of the Javits Center, the impact of the show is bound to hit you. So let's take a little time to pre-plan and make this show a success for you.In this episode, we're going to break down a game plan to navigate New York Toy Fair with a focus on achieving specific goals that will grow your business. Whether you're an exhibitor, inventor, retailer, or media professional, this episode includes five essential strategies to keep you focused, energized, and hopefully leaving Toy Fair with real opportunities.Find out how you can get your hands on my Toy Show Planning Assistant GPT, for an AI show planner, packing list, and event research tool.Listen For These Important Moments[01:13] - Why Attend New York Toy Fair 2025[07:15] - Top Five Essentials for Toy Fair Success[08:05] - Setting Clear and Measurable Goals[14:51] - Strategic Scheduling Tips[16:58] - Packing Smart for Toy Fair[18:37] - Attending Special Events[23:27] - Networking Like a Pro[26:50] - Introducing the Toy Fair Planning Assistant GPT[37:58] - Final Takeaways and Listener ReviewSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Let's be real—Toy Fair is chaotic. Buyers are rushing from booth to booth, seeing hundreds of products. If you want them to stop, pay attention, and actually care about your toy or game, your pitch needs to do more than just explain your product—it needs to demand attention.In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I'm breaking down 3 simple strategies that will help you:✨ Grab buyer attention in seconds (without feeling salesy)

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At nearly 40, Valerie is itching to pay off her student loans and finally become debt-free. But… how? On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace brings on Yanely Espinal, financial educator, author of Mind Your Money, and host of the Marketplace podcast Financially Inclined. Yanely breaks down the best ways to pay off your education debt without putting the rest of your life on hiatus.  If you liked this episode check out: How To Make a Big Purchase Without Panicking Do you have a problem that needs solving? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. How To's executive producer is Derek John. Joel Meyer is our senior editor/producer. The show is produced by Rosemary Belson, with Kevin Bendis.  Want more How To!? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock exclusive bonus episodes. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of the How To! show page. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Toy Fair is just around the corner and if you're preparing to launch your toy or game at this event, learn this lesson: it WON'T sell itself! Buyers see hundreds of pitches, and even the best ideas can get lost in the noise.The real secret? It's not just what you pitch, but HOW you pitch it. So, how do you make buyers stop, pay attention, and want to play? That's exactly why I'm bringing back an episode with Barry McLaughlin & Jason Lautenschleger, who share how to pitch and stand out at New York Toy Fair.In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Barry & Jason share their wildest Toy Fair pitch stories, including the time Jason literally proposed with Game Night in a Can—and walked away with a deal! These longtime friends (who have competed on 11 game shows together) have mastered the art of pitching with energy, humor, and theatrics to grab buyers' attention. From landing deals with Goliath Games and PlayMonster to turning trade show pitches into full-blown entertainment, their unique and fun approach proves that showmanship sells.Barry & Jason reveal how mini-games during a pitch can instantly engage buyers, and how reading body language cues (like the "surprise inhale" and “writing the nods”) can help you close the deal faster. Plus, they explain why not knowing all the rules of the toy industry actually helped them innovate.If you're prepping for Toy Fair or looking to level up your pitch game, this episode is full of must-know strategies. Learn how to grab attention, keep buyers engaged, and turn a pitch into an unforgettable experience. Put on your headphones and get ready to SELL MORE TOYS!Listen For These Important Moments[00:29] - Preparing for New York Toy Fair[02:17] - The Journey of Barry and Jason[06:03] - Creating Game Night In A Can[15:27] - First Toy Fair Experience[17:10] - Pitching Tips and Strategies[23:51] - Connecting Through Humor[24:15] - Adapting Your Pitch Strategy[26:25] - Memorable Pitching Anecdotes[30:50] - Handling Competition and Doubt[31:38] - Keys to Pitching with Pizzazz[33:07] - The Importance of Presentation[40:46] - Final Advice for Aspiring Game CreatorsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

TOP 3: Winter Storm Updates, How To Make a Valentine's Pickle Bouquet, and Dolly Parton Musical to Premiere in Nashville in July! full 252 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:31:07 +0000 3fOqszWNDIc0JtHJZJdXxKD3hVrWc2Ok music,society & culture,news Kramer & Jess On Demand Podcast music,society & culture,news TOP 3: Winter Storm Updates, How To Make a Valentine's Pickle Bouquet, and Dolly Parton Musical to Premiere in Nashville in July! Highlights from the Kramer & Jess Show. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Music Society & Culture News

Actress Natalie Moon is fully bidialectal, meaning she's equally proficient in using two or more dialects of the same language. In fact, she's so proficient at being bidialectal that she's an in-demand accent coach, and has coached big bold names like Jon Voight and Kristin Chenoweth. She also produced How To Make it in Hollywood (When You're Foreign AF), Alessandro Miro's hilarious web series that skewered stereotypes around accents in the film biz. In addition to her work in the accent realm, Natalie is also a talented actor who has performed in an array of fan favourite productions, including The Flash, Motherland: Fort Salem, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Death Note, and a recent episode of Superman & Lois in which she portrayed Lex Luthor's ex-wife, Erica Alexandra del Portenza Luthor. In this fascinating conversation, Natalie talks about what it takes to be bidialectal, the creative ways she builds backgrounds for her characters, that time Sir Patrick Stewart read Moby Dick to her class at the Oxford School of Drama, and how she prepared to play Erica, Lex Luthor's ex-wife, on Superman & Lois (also: Sabrina shares her unpopular opinion on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine).Episode sponsor: UBCP/ACTRA

Polarizing topic incoming... DEI. When The Toy Coach was picking up steam, many people told me a focus on DEI and being black would be to the benefit of my business. There were so many opportunities to speak on and about diversity and struggle as a person of color that it was hard to feel justified looking the other way at those opportunities.My instincts told me that the DEI initiatives and opportunities offered, while tempting,  were not solid ground to build a business upon….and unfortunately, I was right.This episode explores my personal feelings about the DEI initiative rollbacks that started with the US federal government and spilled out into a few corporations, how we feel, what we think, and what we'll do now. Be sure to check the show notes for links to black-owned businesses you may be interested in buying from.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Let's face it: toy brands get almost ALL the glory, but the inventors behind the product—people like you—deserve the spotlight too. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I'm sharing 5 lessons to take you from hidden genius to rising star, inspired by my own experience and my recent convo with Tim Walsh, inventor of ‘Blurt!'.We're talking about why advocating for yourself matters (yes, you can request your name on the box), how to time your ideas to ride the perfect trend wave, and why pitching just one idea is a rookie mistake. (Spoiler: you need a whole pipeline of concepts.)I'll also give some insight into how to spot the white space in the market, using data-focused tools and cross-industry trends. Hit play if you agree with me and Tim Walsh that toy and game inventors are criminally unrecognized.

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 CareersSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

A terrarium-heavy podcast Stim studio Kristin is a funny guy with an ego; in celebration of the holidays, Kristin reads her bosses for filth Grace is a juggler in her heart and that's all that matters Tv shows someone should start, just not us; Anything but Therapy; Anything but Marriage See how far couples will go to not have to marry each other They cover living and not-so-living aka aesthetic terrariums  Make a plan to trick people into therapy Aesthetic terrariums–a great way to display stuff Ready to take on the responsibility of playing God, or you just want to learn about ecosystems Young, dumb, and full of piss Treat each day like you're gonna have to take a piss test Grace shirks her adult responsibilities, actively doing something shitty Resources  How closed terrariums work and the science behind them. How To Make a Terrarium: An In-Depth Tutorial

Building your dream toy business while working a 9-to-5 might be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a dash of creativity, you can take small, actionable steps to turn your big ideas into reality! It's all about getting scrappy, seeking unfiltered feedback, and spotting opportunities to stand out from the crowd.In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade shares the four key lessons inspired by her previous interview with Ron Weizman, the co-founder of South Beach Bubbles, that will help you launch and scale your toy business—even if you're working full-time.You'll hear why it's okay to get scrappy with your first orders, why honest and harsh feedback is the secret weapon for creating products that will strike an impact on your target market, and how to identify “white space” in even the most crowded markets. You'll also hear why launching your product before it's perfect is definitely okay and is necessary for your toy or product to thrive.This episode walks you through practical tips like using local shows to test your product, leveraging unfiltered feedback to improve your designs, and finding opportunities to innovate in competitive categories.If you're dreaming of creating your first toy or looking for strategies to grow, this episode gives you the tools to take your toy business to the next level, one small, strategic step at a time!Listen For These Important Moments:[00:00] - Exciting New Podcast Format Unveiled[00:47] - Recap of Ron Weizman's Interview[02:54] - Key Lesson #1: How To Get Your First Big Order[05:48] - Key Lesson #2: The Importance of Honest Feedback[13:32] - Key Lesson #3: Finding White Space in the Market[19:00] - Key Lesson #4: Just Launch Already[23:37] - Wrapping Up with Actionable Next StepsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

The highest honor your toy can get in this industry is the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®). This award is so coveted, that just a nomination alone has been said to boost sales and recognition of the brands lucky enough to earn one. A TOTY win can trigger a flood of retailers knocking on your door, desperate to get your product on their shelves.So what does it take to get a TOTY nomination? That's what we're breaking down in today's episode.In this episode, Ron Weizman, co-founder of South Beach Bubbles shares how a simple idea to get his kids off screens turned into a thriving toy business focused on outdoor play. Ron shares how his team turned classic bubble play into the never-before-seen Poppin Colorz line, and how it made its way to be nominated at the 2025 Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards.Ron opens up about the scientific challenges of making stain-free colored bubbles, how to stand in a crowded toy market, and why waiting for perfection isn't always the best move for your idea. If your eye is on a future TOTY nomination, this episode is one you can't miss.Listen For These Important Moments:[01:46] - The Importance of Unfiltered Feedback in the Toy Industry[04:33] - The Birth of South Beach Bubbles[09:17] - What Went Through in Making PoppinColorz Bubbles[11:30] - Challenges and Successes that Ron & South Beach Bubbles Experienced[17:32] - Balancing Imagination and Practicality in the Toy Industry[18:47] - How Embracing Higher Price Points Can Lead To Your Toy's Success[19:20] - PoppinColorz In The Making[23:27] - How South Beach Bubbles Creates A Trend Of Their Own[27:44] - Why Perfection Isn't Necessary[31:26] - Creating a Lasting Community Impact by Giving BackSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Struggling to get your toy pitch noticed?

Ever wondered how toys come to life through photography?

Ready to turn your toy ideas into marketable products but feeling lost in the world of virtual pitching?

Ever wonder how a kid from the South Bronx grew up to be a superstar children's book author and illustrator?

This episode is brought to you by Ollie, Lifeforce, and Lumebox.  Relationships, communication, and intimacy are the cornerstones of meaningful connections in our lives, yet they often present some of our greatest challenges. In today's episode, leading experts explore the keys to fostering deeper relationships, improving communication, and creating lasting intimacy, offering practical tools to transform how we connect with those we love. Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, we bring you a special compilation episode featuring Dhru's conversations with experts on relationships, connection, and intimacy. Drs. John and Julie Gottman discuss the importance of recognizing what your partner is doing right. They also highlight key findings from a seven-year study on happiness, including how to turn toward your partner and implement bids for connection. Dr. Emily Morse explains why scheduling intimacy—even if it feels like a chore—is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship. She also dives into the "Three T's of Communication" and how to initiate conversations about intimacy. Esther Perel shares why letting go of the need to be right is essential, along with strategies to overcome the overwhelming feeling of disconnect when your partner doesn't see your point of view. She breaks down how all fights connect to core pillars and offers tips on practicing mirroring for better understanding. If you're ready to enhance your relationships and improve your communication and intimacy, this episode is a must-listen! In this episode, Dhru and his guests dive into: Evidence that your partner is doing things right (2:00) Seven-year study on happiness and turning toward your partner (3:10) Bid for connection and how to implement it (6:18) Interdependence versus independence (16:12) Scheduling intimacy (20:35) Who should initiate the conversation (23:35) The 3 T's of communication: Timing, Tone, and Turf (25:15) Mirroring what you heard (29:15) Initiating the conversation and carrying the burden (33:25) The need to be right (39:52) The overwhelming feeling of disconnect (42:57) Catching yourself, listening, and mirroring (46:32) The core pillars: What all fights are about (53:15) Final thoughts (56:30) Drs. John and Julia Gottman have studied over 3,000 couples and through their research have found the secrets to successful partnerships. The Gottmans help give individuals the tools they need to listen and connect with their partner while providing a safe space for conversation and growth without criticism or contempt. Dr. Emily Morse is the host of the award-winning number one sexuality podcast, Sex With Emily, which has been on the air for nearly two decades.  Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author, and is recognized as one of today's most insightful and original voices on modern relationships. Esther is also an executive producer and host of the popular podcast Where Should We Begin? and How's Work?  Also mentioned: Why Nobody Is Having Great Sex & How To Make it Amazing with Dr. Emily Morse 4 Big Signs That a Relationship Won't Last and the Latest Science on Creating Love with Drs. Julie and John Gottman Why Some Relationships Don't Last With Esther Perel This episode is brought to you by Ollie, Lifeforce, and Lumebox.  Want to give your dog the best in clean eating? Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Right now, Ollie is offering 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! Just head to Ollie.com, use the code DHRU and you'll get 60% off your first box of meals in your subscription.  Right now, you can save $250 on your first diagnostic and get personalized suggestions. Optimize your longevity and track your progress; go to mylifeforce.com/dhru!  Lumebox is offering my community 50% off their portable Red Light device for Black Friday! Just go to thelumebox.com/dhru to get your device. Sale ends 12/2.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn't working?In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler's subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it seemed like a dream come true—until the workload became unsustainable. That's when he made a bold decision to pivot to selling one-off products, a shift that transformed his business into a retail success story.Tyler shares how he tackled the challenges of transitioning from subscriptions to board games, landed his products in major retailers like Barnes & Noble, and mastered the art of adaptability in a competitive market. Whether you're looking to refine your toy business, connect with retailers, or learn how to pivot your brand to match market needs, this episode offers invaluable insights for creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals alike.Learn Tyler's strategies for navigating manufacturing, retail partnerships, and scaling your business without burnout. Don't miss the practical tips and inspiring lessons from this episode!

This week's guest spent years putting off her coaching business even though she was already giving away her coaching services for free. She pushed the business part of coaching to the back of her mind even though she had a line of potential customers asking her for her help. Patrons from her gym asked her for her advice because they knew they could trust her. Khay knew she needed to make a change, but she needed help taking courageous action. To start her personal growth journey, Khay needed to start trusting herself.    Coach Khay is a mom of 2, a wife, and an experienced group fitness instructor. Coach Khay has been training and teaching kickboxing since 2001. She specializes in both small and large group sessions, as well as personal training. Her extensive experience includes instructing students of all ages, from young children to seniors. In addition to her kickboxing expertise, Coach Khay became a certified group instructor for TurboKick, a Beachbody program, in 2009. After a brief hiatus, she returned to teaching kickboxing and boxing conditioning classes at UFC Gym in San Bruno during the 2021 pandemic. For the past two and a half years, she has been a dedicated instructor at iLoveKickboxing in Brentwood, where she continues to share her passion for martial arts and fitness.   In this week's episode, Khay shares how she kicked through her mindset barriers by completing her courage project. Before she joined Courage Driven Latina, she was working through a ton of limiting beliefs all on her own. She thought she needed more certifications and qualifications before she started her own coaching business. Meanwhile, she was already coaching her patrons as a kickboxing instructor. She didn't need any more certifications, she just needed to have courage. Listen to Khay's episode to hear all about her personal growth journey and what's next for her coaching business.  Connect with Khay Mandap:  Instagram: @ladykhay415fitness Follow Erika on: Instagram @‌theerikacruzTikTok @‌theerikacruzLinkedIn Website: http://www.theerikacruz.com How to work with Erika: Sign up for the How To Make 2025 Your Courage Year webinar Join the waitlist for Courage Driven Latina here! Join the waitlist for the Magnetic Mastermind here! Podcast production for this episode was provided by CCST.  

Are you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business?In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG -  Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before.' You'll see firsthand how AI can significantly 10x your toy development process with a custom GPT solution. Azhelle talked about identifying bottlenecks, researching AI tools, and planning, testing, and training your team to implement AI effectively. Take advantage of learning the five-step process to integrate AI seamlessly while preventing the pitfalls. Watch the full episode to understand how to employ AI from idea generation to creating compelling visuals and pitches that can streamline and potentially level up your toy business. Listen For These Important MomentsOverview of AI-Enhanced Workflows – [00:03:13]Integrating AI Without Overload – [00:06:53]Using AI to Refine Business Bottlenecks – [00:08:57]Custom GPT for Idea Refinement – [00:12:37]MakeItToyetic Custom GPT Demo – [00:13:52]Testing AI's Effectiveness – [00:16:20]Enhanced Workflow with Cast Magic – [00:21:21]Addressing AI Concerns and Limitations – [00:25:41]Generating Toy Ideas Using ChatGPT – [00:29:34]Implementing AI in Teams and Processes – [00:33:29]Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Have you ever wondered how a simple office toy evolved into a toy phenomenon? In this episode of 'Making It In The Toy Industry', host Azhelle Wade sits down with Aaron Muderick, the creative mind behind Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. From a child's love for tinkering to creating a renowned brand, Aaron's journey is a testament to innovation, persistence, and passion. He discusses the importance of staying connected to your audience, maintaining product quality, and the critical lessons learned in balancing growth and focus. Learn about the unique steps of toy design, the challenges of innovation, and what it really takes to succeed in the competitive toy industry. Aaron's insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at toy development that every aspiring creator and toy enthusiast will love. From inspiration to production, this is an episode you don't want to miss!Listen For These Important Moments00:36 Aaron's Journey: From Silicon Valley to Putty Innovator02:35 The Slime Craze and Establishing a Permanent Footprint04:02 Developing Thinking Putty for Adults05:13 The Accidental Discovery of Putty07:24 The First Steps to Entrepreneurship09:27 Scaling Up: From Office Pool to Retail Success15:51 The Importance of Focus and Specialization19:41 Sustainability and Local Manufacturing25:01 Navigating the Slime Craze30:48 Quality and Consistency35:19 Innovations and Future TrendsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also today, Clark shares insights from his man on the street retirement survey. Hear the questions he put to those surveyed and see how your answers compare.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 What Clark's Retirement MOTS Survey Reveals: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Walmart+ Membership Program: 4 Things To Know These Are the Credit Cards in Clark Howard's Wallet My 7 Rules for Using Credit Cards - Clark Howard Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): What's the Difference? Changing Jobs? Don't Make This Costly Retirement Mistake Should You Rollover Your 401(k) to a New Employer? How To Make the Right Decision What Should I Do With My 401(k) at My Old Company? What Is a Flexible Spending Account? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what it takes to successfully launch on a crowdfunding platform? Many creators go to the world of crowdfunding believing it's simply about having a great idea and posting it online. However, there's far more strategy involved than we realize. The process requires meticulous planning, audience engagement, and a strong narrative to capture backers' hearts and minds.In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade talks with Lisa Ferland, a seasoned crowdfund consultant who has helped raise over $1 million for creators on platforms such as Kickstarter, BackerKit, and Indiegogo. Lisa shares tips on everything from evaluating if crowdfunding is right for you, to understanding the importance of community, and the critical role of storytelling in the toy industry. Discover why the pre-launch phase is crucial and learn specific strategies to keep backers engaged throughout your campaign. Listen to the full episode to absorb these insights and more—perfect for both seasoned and aspiring creators!Listen For These Important Moments05:25 Lisa's Journey: From Editing Stories to Crowdfunding Consulting11:22 The First Steps for a Successful Kickstarter Launch18:47 Indicators That Crowdfunding Might Be Right for You24:30 The Importance of Building an Audience for Crowdfunding Success30:56 Engaging and Maintaining a Community of Backers36:45 The Role of Visuals and Multimedia in Kickstarter Success41:03 The Significance of the Pre-Launch Phase in Crowdfunding49:20 Understanding and Navigating the U-Shaped Curve of Campaigns55:12 Key Elements of Post-Launch Engagement for Repeat BackersSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Ever wondered how to truly captivate buyers in the toy industry? Or why do some sales pitches fall flat even when the product is amazing?In today's episode, we will talk about the magic of storytelling in the toy industry! We'll cover how sales reps and vendors approach things differently, plus the secrets to crafting pitches that go beyond a quick sale and build lasting customer relationships. Discover how storytelling can be the key to success in this highly competitive toy market. Join us in this storytelling showdown with our guests, Tres Patton and Rachel Jones! Tres reveals techniques for crafting a compelling brand story, while Rachel discusses the importance of seeing through a child's eyes and building long-term relationships. Learn the art of maintaining passion, educating retail partners, and ensuring your product stands out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in toy sales who's ready to level up through the art of storytelling!Listen For These Important Moments02:26 The Storytelling Face-Off Begins05:49 Defining Storytelling in Sales06:53 Building Trust Through Product Experience14:30 Adapting Storytelling for Tough Sales18:26 Understanding the Roles: Vendor vs. Sales Rep25:38 Rediscovering Passion in Sales26:08 Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Sales26:50 Balancing Work and Personal Life28:42 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales31:32 Building Relationships Through Storytelling36:26 When Storytelling Falls Flat41:32 Favorite Toys of Tres and RachelSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Want to know how to ‘wow' your way into the competitive toy industry? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career's turning points, such as being featured in Channel 4's Secret Millionaire TV Show, including the emotional inspirations behind the creation of Wow! Stuff and groundbreaking ideas that keep the company pushing forward.Find out the importance of mentorship, early business ventures, and how innovation can stem from unexpected places like the novelty 'Butt Face' towel. Get ready to be inspired by Richard's stories from personal heartbreaks to meeting scientists, forging a path toward tech-infused toys and revolutionary 'puppetronics.' Listen to this episode for expert insights and fascinating anecdotes that captivate and educate aspiring toy creators like you! Listen For These Important Moments01:17 Early Challenges in the Toy Industry04:01 Building a Resilient Team07:35 The Importance of Recruitment09:40 Richard's Entrepreneurial Journey21:20 The Psychology of Consumer Behavior27:04 Why Richard Started Wow! Stuff33:53 From Novelties to Toys36:17 Innovating with Wow! Stuff39:36 Collaborations and Future Plans49:20 A Heartfelt Business Story52:44 Childhood Toys and Final ThoughtsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up?In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You'll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans for events like POP Week and ChiTAG, and how this merger is shaking things up for the toy industry. The guests shared what sparked this merger and the opportunities that await toy creators, inventors, and enthusiasts in the long run.You'll also get to hear solid tips on how to make the most of toy fairs and events like pitching, networking, and thriving in an industry that's always leveling up. Whether you're a toy biz vet or just starting to dip your toes in the toy industry, LISTEN to this episode because it is packed with everything you need to level up your toy game!Listen For These Important Moments01:36 The Major Merger: The Toy Association and People of Play08:27 Maintaining the Spirit of POP13:11 Immediate Changes and Future Plans20:00 Nostalgic Toys and Their Comebacks21:35 ChiTAG and POP Week: Coming this November 2024!24:15 Young Inventor Challenge and Industry Opportunities25:57 Networking Tips for New Inventors29:52 How to Make the Most of ChiTAG and POP Week32:55 Encouraging New Toy InventorsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Ever wondered how a toy brand can also serve as a wellness tool? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade interviews Marina Khidekel, the founder of Hugimals World. Discover how Marina transitioned from a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur on a mission to address anxiety and stress with weighted plush toys. Marina shares personal life experiences that inspired the creation of Hugimals, which has been featured in prominent media outlets such as, Time Magazine, Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping's Best Toys, and the Today Show's It List. During this chat you'll learn a bit about product development and distribution, the brand's marketing strategies (plus how to make them your own), and the power of thoughtful media engagement. Marina Khidekel details her unexpected journey into the toy industry, highlighting the importance of aesthetic appeal and emotional connectivity in product design. Walk through the challenges and triumphs of launching a plush line, and creating a whole new category in the toy industry.Marina shares her experience working with experts to ensure product efficacy, and how grassroots efforts led to media success.  If you are considering launching a toy line in a newish category that may not be getting a lot of love right now, this episode is a must listen.Listen For These Important Moments02:51 Marina's Journey: From Journalism to Toymaking04:49 Creating a New Toy Category During the Pandemic05:55 Aesthetic and Design Story of Hugimals08:12 Hugimal's Recognition in Big Publications12:19 Role of Pilot Programs in Product Validation25:46 Leveraging Media Expertise for Brand Success29:55 Changes in the Media Industry35:27 New Products from Hugimals World38:49 Importance of Experts & Research in Toy Development49:37 Marina's Favorite Toy as a KidSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Have you ever thought about switching careers and diving into a completely new industry? In this episode of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' student host Virginia takes the reins to interview Chrissy Fagerholt, a former floral designer turned toy entrepreneur. As one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), Chrissy shares her incredible journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs she experienced while getting her products licensed by heavyweights like Mattel and Goliath. From her initial licensed game, Friend or Faux, to her newest hit, Girls in Bar Bathrooms, Chrissy provides a backstage look into what it takes to succeed in the toy industry.In this episode, listeners will gain valuable insights into the nuances of the toy business including the critical role of industry education, the financial realities of self-funding, and the power of social media marketing. Chrissy also gives an honest account of balancing creativity with business management and what aspiring inventors can expect if they choose to follow in her footsteps. Whether you're an inventor, entrepreneur, or someone with a keen interest in the toy industry, this episode offers a treasure trove of insider tips and inspirational stories.Listen For These Important Moments02:03 Chrissy's Journey to Toy Creation03:09 The Toy Creators Academy Experience03:43 From Licensed Products to Self-Publishing08:52 Chrissy's Success Stories10:03 The Story Behind 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms'14:08 Chrissy's Social Media Presence16:01 Discussing Business Structure and Origins17:26 Balancing Work and Personal Life19:15 Financial Realities of Running a Business21:24 Navigating Business Challenges and Growth24:10 Inventor vs. Entrepreneur: A Personal Reflection26:20 Exploring the Game 'Girls in Bar Bathrooms'30:24 The Joy and Value of GamesSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

These are 10 Etsy Hacks to Blow Up Your Shop... In this video, I break down the best Etsy tips to blow up your shop in 2024! Whether you just opened a new Etsy shop or you've been selling on Etsy for years, these 10 tips will unlock your potential for making more money on Etsy!

Want to learn secrets to growing your toy brand online? In episode 238 of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade revisits an extended interview with her mentor, Amy Porterfield, a multi-million dollar online business owner and expert in email marketing. During the podcast, Amy shares her journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of list building and personal storytelling in email marketing. Azhelle and Amy discuss the evolution of Amy's business, the significance of clear partnership expectations, and tips for creating effective lead magnets for building email lists. The conversation offers valuable insights for toy industry entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses through digital marketing strategies.Listen For These Important Moments:00:33 On the Road: Astra Board Meeting01:04 Introducing Amy Porterfield04:13 Amy's Journey to Entrepreneurship17:48 The Value of Partnerships20:21 The Importance of Affiliate Partnerships21:08 Lessons from a Business Partnership25:17 The Power of Email Marketing33:10 Creating Effective Lead Magnets38:20 Childhood Inspirations and Final ThoughtsSend The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Ever wondered how to turn your toy idea into a fully-funded product without breaking the bank? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade sits down with two crowdfunding experts from BackerKit, Lafia and Maddie, to spill all the secrets behind running a successful crowdfunding campaign.They dive into how BackerKit helps creators manage backers, collect pledges, and fulfill rewards (without losing their minds in spreadsheets). You'll also hear about "Topias"—group launches where multiple creators team up to support each other's campaigns—and how to build an audience that will help you hit your funding goals in no time. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your toy product to the next level, Lafia and Maddie share real success stories, smart strategies, and tips for growing your email list and marketing your campaign like a pro.If you've got a big idea and want to learn how to make it happen with crowdfunding, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss!Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!The Toy Challenge: Idea To Prototype in Just 5 Weeks! Click Here for details and to join. Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

What Can a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Teach Us About Toys?In Episode 236 of "Making It in the Toy Industry," host Azhelle Wade chats with pediatric occupational therapist, Kerri Wilmot, who has a treasure trove of insights from her nearly 25 years in the field.Kerri uses toys to help children improve fine motor skills, coordination, and overall performance in self-care tasks. Her work with kids facing ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy is testament to the transformative power of play. Want to help your child master the art of tying shoelaces? Kerri's got a tip for that—use toy tools like tweezers to build up the necessary hand strength. Is your kid's sensory processing a roadblock to engaging in play? Kerri's got that covered too in her book “Wired Differently.” And if you're worried about how tech has sidelined physical activities, her new book “Fine Motor Foundations” addresses this head-on with practical advice.Episode Cliff Notes:Learn the secret to using household items for enhancing your child's fine motor skills. (Timestamp: 10:15)Find out how AI can creatively assist parents in developing engaging activities for their kids. (Timestamp: 15:45)Find out the unique toy recommendations Kerri shares for developing fine motor skills, and how you might already have these items in your kitchen. (Timestamp: 18:42)Hear expert insights on the impact of sensory regulation and how to improve your child's focus through play. (Timestamp: 22:30]Hear Kerri Wilmot's personal stories about memorable toys from her childhood. (Timestamp: 30:05)Mentioned In This Episode: For the links mentioned in this episode visit www.thetoycoach.com/236Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!The Toy Challenge: Idea To Prototype in Just 5 Weeks! Click Here for details and to join. Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Join us for this special episode where Ted Fells and I are being interviewed by Dr. Terri Levine on her Heartrepreneur Facebook Platform: https://www.facebook.com/groups/heartrepreneurswithterrilevine Dr. Terri, our gest from episode #299, has successfuly exited 8 businesses at the multi million dollar level, and has helped over 7,200 entrepreneurs reach their goals! During this episode you will discover: * How To take action whether you feel like it or not! * How To prioritize! * How To make the most of the time you have! and more! Listen NOW as we reveal: "How To Make 'The Present' The Gift" PS. To see how to work with Dr Terri, visit: https://terri675456.typeform.com/to/XXKgz6Mg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/30minutehour/support

Thank you for tuning in for another episode of Life's Best Medicine. Casey Ruff has been a certified personal trainer since 2007. He successfully ran a metabolic testing program for a large gym and oversaw 13 programs in the west region. He has multiple certifications as a personal trainer, lifestyle coach, and performance enhancement specialist. With his nutrition coaching certifications, he specializes in low-carbohydrate lifestyles, including ketogenic and carnivore diets. He has helped thousands of clients over seventeen years learn how to achieve their best lifestyle through movement, lifestyle management, and proper diet. Together with Bethany, they created Boundless Body LLC during the 2020 pandemic. He is the host of two podcasts, Boundless Body Radio, which has over 500,000 downloads worldwide, and The How To Make a Podcast Podcast. He lives in South Jordan, Utah, with his wife Bethany, and their two dogs Rex and Tucker and their cat Lily. In his free time, he loves to cycle, play hockey, and paddleboard. In this conversation, Dr. Brian and Casey talk about… The inception of Boundless Body Casey's entrance into the fitness industry The difference between fat and carbs as fuel sources Problems with the carb-loading theory The most important lifestyle factors for metabolic health Why fructose is not healthy for humans The benefits of sauna, cold plunges, and grounding Fasting and the OMAD diet For more information, please see the links below. Thank you for listening! Thank you for listening. Have a blessed day and stay healthy!   Links:   Casey Ruff: Boundless Body Website Boundless Body Podcast YouTube   Dr. Brian Lenzkes:  Arizona Metabolic Health Low Carb MD Podcast   HLTH Code: HLTH Code Promo Code: METHEALTH HLTH Code Website   Keto Mojo: Keto Mojo

Is Your Email Marketing Consent-Compliant, or Are You Just Spamming? In digital marketing circles, consent in email marketing has never been a hotter topic. Before the toy industry gets left in the dust on what constitutes as "consent" in email marketing, you NEED this episode.Today on Making It in the Toy Industry, The Toy Coach shares a conversation with email marketer Tarzan Kay to break down why getting clear, informed, and revocable consent is more important than ever. With the rise of regulations in email marketing it's essential to ensure that your email list is not only compliant, but engaged. How many times have you come back from a toy show only to be bombarded by random newsletters you never signed up for? Not only is this an annoying reality, but it's a surefire way to tank your reputation, deliverability, and those all-important open rates. Tarzan joins the show to get real about to build a valid email list—whether it's with lead magnets, trade show contacts, or discount codes. In this episode learn tips on how to keep your list engaged, rather than running for the unsubscribe button.

Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you!  This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy industry and my 1:1 client work. When applied correctly, the 3 lessons taught in this episode will save you time and money in the toy development process.Why You Should Be Pantone ObsessedBeing Pantone-obsessed can make or break your toy design. In this episode, I'll break down the magic of Pantone color matching and why having a Pantone booklet in your toolkit is non-negotiable.Get Specific or Get Ready to Pay Another Sample FeeVague instructions are the kryptonite of successful toy production. I'm sharing a personal story of how such nonspecific language led to a production disaster.Slow Down On Pre-Production ApprovalsPre-production samples should be approved SLOWLY and with care. In this episode, I'll tell you why. This episode will transform your view of pre-production samples to avoid production mistakes.Episode Cliff Notes:Discover how a universal color standard can save you time and money in your toy production. [00:01:44]The major pitfall of using vague language in your product development requests. Learn how to be specific and clear to ensure your toy comes out exactly as you envisioned, without unnecessary delays. [00:14:09]Why it's crucial to always review a physical pre-production sample, rather than relying on photos or videos, to catch any overlooked issues and ensure your final product is flawless. [00:21:24]After this episode you'll be aware of the top 3 mistakes most new creators make when working with a factory and how to avoid them.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!The Toy Challenge: Idea To Prototype in Just 5 Weeks! Click Here for details and to join. Support the Show.Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

The millionaire entrepreneur revealing Wall Street's secrets and simplifying finance for the masses Scott Galloway is a Professor of Marketing at the New York Stern School of Business and host of the ‘Pivot' podcast about technology and business. He is also the best-selling author of books such as, ‘The Algebra of Happiness', ‘The Four', and ‘The Algebra of Wealth'.  In this conversation, Scott and Steven discuss topics such as, billionaire money hacks, the 6 fundamental rules of investing, how to make $7 million from nothing, and how marriage can make you rich. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Why Some Become More Rich Than Others 03:15 Where Do We Learn About Money? 08:43 Where Would We Be Without Those Connections? 13:04 No Matter How Old You Are You Can Still Make More Money 20:21 When To Take Risks And When To Diversify 23:27 Should We Go For Our Dream Jobs? 27:05 Having Money Is Fun! 31:18 Why Should You Have A Number Of How Much Money You Need? 32:41 How To Make 9-Figures 37:18 Where You Should Live To Be Financially Successful 40:02 How Do You Get Out Of Your Current Job Situation 42:39 Good Places To Make Money Vs Bad Places To Make Money 45:19 How Do You Find A Mentor? 49:10 The Psychological Formula For Networking 56:58 How To Be A Great Decision Maker 01:01:48 Is Marriage Good For Wealth? 01:03:39 Relationship Investing Is The Key To Wealth 01:06:17 Can Anyone Start A Company? 01:08:11 The Power Of Storytelling 01:10:01 How Does The Average Person Develop The Skill Of Storytelling? 01:12:54 What Is The Algebra To Storytelling? 01:16:25 How Has Scott Changed Over The Years? 01:18:56 Where Should I Invest My Money? 01:27:12 Investing $1000 A Month In S&P Visual 01:30:42 Is Real Estate Worth Investing In? 01:34:59 Playing The Tax Game 01:41:37 The Importance Of Tax Advice 01:43:53 Last Guest Question Follow Scott:  Instagram -  https://g2ul0.app.link/JCoalDTC7Kb  Twitter - https://g2ul0.app.link/9EftqvWC7Kb  You can purchase Scott's book, ‘The Algebra of Wealth', here: https://g2ul0.app.link/g6AkFeRC7Kb  Watch the episodes on Youtube - https://g2ul0.app.link/DOACEpisodes  My new book! 'The 33 Laws Of Business & Life' is out now - https://g2ul0.app.link/DOACBook  You can purchase the The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards: Second Edition, here: https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb  Follow me: https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: PerfectTed - https://bit.ly/DOAC-POD-DIARY15 - Code: DIARY15 at checkout for 15% off NordVPN - https://nordvpn.com/doac - give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord's 30 day money-back guarantee!' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices