Chris and Richard talk to Didier Pietri about how he built a toy business from a business-to-business operation, their entry into the market, how they’ve developed unique products, and marketing. From creating their own animation studio, to managing current supply chain issues, to the decision to sell exclusively direct-to-consumer; Pietri talks about navigating the market…and answers the question he always gets: “You want to start a toy company. Are you insane?”

After a successful 10-store pilot, the Canadian trend retailer Showcase is coming to the U.S., and that is big news for the toy industry. Richard and Chris talk to the retailer's CEO Samir Kulkarni about the store, their growth, their U.S. strategy and the unique and powerful combination of high tech systems and a deep understanding of trends to create a retail destination in malls across the U.S. Twenty-seven stores are planned for 2022 alone, with more to come.

It's a dynamic conversation that you won't want to miss.

Richard and Chris talk with Toy Industry Hall of Fame designer Jeffrey Breslow about his career, his time with Marvin Glass and associates, the inspirations and tragedies that shaped his career. "Brez," as he's known, entered the toy industry when he was hired by Glass on the spot and spent the next 41 years developing games, and ultimately leading the company. 

The conversation covers all that and more, as well as advice for young toy designers looking to enter the business. Breslow's book telling the full story A Gamemaker's Life will be out in August, and The Playground Podcast has an exclusive first look. Listen in!

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

Richard and Chris talk with Chad Gharring of Boley about the dramatic rise of the company as a private label, brand building company and as an innovator in sustainability--and increasingly hot and important topic in the toy industry. They also talk about the advantages of being a Chinese/American hybrid company. You'll want to know more about this big and competitive company that, till now, has largely flown under the radar. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

Richard and Chris talk to Kenny Davis, CEO of the start-up Action Face about the new platform that allows users to create avatars, action figures and much more using advanced scanning technology, right on the phone. They discuss the evolution of the concept, Kenny's background, and how managers can maximize the new virtual world of work. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

Richard and Chris talk with Aaron Muderick, executive chairman of the Toy Association, about Toy Fair in New York in 2023, Dallas in 2022, and related issues. They also talk about the Association's efforts on lobbying and challenges and opportunities for the industry as it moves into a new era. Muderick's thoughtful and insightful comments make this a must-hear interview for this dynamic industry. 

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about a recent survey about price increases in the toy industry and what that may mean for the rest of the year ahead.

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

CEO of Star Stable Entertainment Johan Sjöberg calls his game "World of Warcraft...for girls." The hugely successful game is now making its move into toys under a licensing agreement with Just Play. In this episode, Richard and Chris talk with Sjöberg about the development of the brand, how they engage with kids and the expansion onto iOS and Android platforms as well as the strategy that has made the game a hit in more than 180 countries.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard have a serious talk about animated characters...and have a bit of fun as well. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

Richard and Chris talk to Barry Schwartz of Schwartz PR about his incredible career. From his start as a kid in vaudeville, Barry moved into PR (another kind of showbiz, he notes) and was the creative and PR force behind many hits of the mid-20th Century. From introducing LEGO and the Othello game to the United States, to launching Hello Kitty in America to the recent TOTY winner Create-A-Castle, Barry shares stories of how this happened and how the world of PR has evolved over nearly half a century. This is must-listen industry history, direct from someone who lived it and created it.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the potential demise of The Star Ferry in Hong Kong. It's a lighthearted, but heartfelt, conversation about a fixture of Hong Kong, which may be going away.

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

Richard and Chris talk to Choon Ng, inventor of the Rainbow Loom and new CEO Chris Tidwell about the history of this phenomenon, how the company has grown, strategies for keeping kids engaged and the always-present challenge of fighting infringements and knock-offs. It's a great story, and Choon's management philosophy: "I want to have fun." is an inspiration for everyone. 

In The Endcap Chris and Richard talk about advertising to children. Though it comes under a lot of fire from consumer groups, there are benefits in teaching kids to be intelligent consumers in a consumer society. It's a lighthearted conversation with some memories of comic book purchases and much more. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.

In this important and insightful episode, Richard and Chris talk with Eric Pliner, CEO of YSC Consulting about what today's managers can learn from the current political, employee and public image crisis at Disney. Pliner's insights on the changing nature of ethics and employment are essential for anyone who wants to function effectively in the contemporary market. Pliner previously appeared on The Playground Podcast to talk about DEI programs. Now, he takes all of that information to the next level to help managers understand what's coming...and be prepared.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard have some fun with a recent article posted on Global Toy News about the Top Retro Toys in the U.S. It's a lighthearted conversation in this serious time, and it reminds us of the joy of play. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and Beacon Media Group.