With the release of List 4, tariffs of up to  25 percent appear increasingly likely on finished goods, as soon as July. Richard and Chris talk to Ed Desmond and Rebecca Mond about the tariff issue and its implications for the toy industry. We talk about what the Toy Association is doing, the current climate in Washington, and how members of the industry can get involved. 

Richard and Chris continue their conversation with Robin Raskin from Living in Digital Times. In this episode, they talk about the demise of Anki and its implications for toys and play, STEM in tech, changes in the family dynamics around tech and some best parenting practices around tech and kids. 

Richard and Chris sit down with family technology expert Robin Raskin, founder and president of Living in Digital Times. They talk about current technology, CES, and the role of tech in family entertainment and, of course, toys. 

Richard Gottlieb and Chris Byrne talk about the hot issue of STEM and STEAM in toys and play and their role in development. From the foundational to the curricular, they talk about how all play for kids is learning based and what makes a good STEM/STEAM toys.

Richard and Chris talk about developments in the domestic Chinese toy market, implications for the broader international toy business, and, of course, some fun stuff. Recorded on the floor of the show in Guangzhou, China. 

Richard and Chris continue the conversation about Toy Fair and product trends, with a (very) brief conversation about the evolution of the New York Toy Fair. 

Richard and Chris talk about news coming out of the Toy Fairs as the toy year heats up. Plus, a conversation about some of the trends that will be shaping the business in 2019. 

Richard Gottlieb and Chris Byrne introduce The Playground Podcast, and you're invited to join us!