The Playground Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.