Richard and Chris talk to Andrew Yanofsky and Syndey Wiseman of WowWee, both second generation toy people. More than just a legacy, however, these dynamic professionals are at the forefront of product development, research, consumer knowledge and leveraging new media platforms to develop enthusiastic communities of consumers. Their great perspectives and insights and their passion for toys as a new generation of toy industry professionals make this a lively and informative conversation. You won't want to miss it.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the implications for the global toy industry from the ongoing war in Ukraine. Over and above the human tragedy of this war, which of course is the main story, businesses are facing challenges that will last for years. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

Producer Brian Volk-Weiss joins Richard and Chris for a second time. This time to talk  about the launch of his new toy company--Nacelle Toys. Brian is the producer of the successful Netflix series The Toys that Made Us and A Toy Store Near You, now entering its fourth season. In this lively conversation, Brian talks about the decision to roll out toys based on The Great Garloo, Robo Force and others...and the old schools "let's put on a show" passion that's driven this new venture. From trusting his gut to building a network of distributors, Brian is a classic toy impresario who's just going for it. Listen into this fun and fast-paced chat.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the implication for Russia deciding to suspend IP rights for properties such as Peppa Pig and others and what that means for the global IP and toy markets.  

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

In this special episode, Richard and Chris largely turn over the mic to Jay Foreman, chairman of the Toy Association Trade Show Committee. He lays out the case for the September Toy Fair in New York in light of the changing dynamics of the industry, the needs of manufacturers, buyers, and more, and the historic shift in the show that this move represents. 

Foreman makes compelling cases and digs into the the benefits to the industry from the date and the venue. He adds that the change has been many years in the making as production and purchasing schedules shift along with the role of the show in the industry. 

It's must-listening for people in the toy business.

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

Richard and Chris speak with Christian Braun of HobbyDB, the global hobby and collectibles database about collecting, what creates value, and best practices for companies that want to be in the collectible or limited edition business. They talk about what makes this sector different from traditional toy development and marketing, and such issues as "completion" and the reality that sometimes building long-term value means leaving money on the table. 

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard discuss recent news that the UN may limit petroleum-based plastic production, what that might mean, and a Spielwarenmesse survey of consumers in the EU about what is important to them in toys, particularly as the next generation of toy buyers confront and deal with the climate impact of plastics. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

This conversation about the recently announced move of New York Toy Fair to September 2023 looks at the challenges, opportunities and the industry-wide implications of this move. Richard and Chris talk about what it might mean for companies of all sizes and how the move reflects the dynamic toy business.  

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

Richard and Chris talk with Thomas Kaeppeler, president of Ravensburger North America about the puzzle business and hot it all fits together in this dynamic environment. From puzzler personas to the hit (non-puzzle) toy Gravitrax, Thomas provides insight, perspective and thoughts for the toy industry on the company's success.

In the Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the move of Toy Fair to September in 2023, what that means for the industry, the show, and companies of all sizes. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

Richard and Chris talk to Steve Markey, newly named VP Sales and Marketing for Hog Wild Toys about the return of a Toy Fair in London, and what it means for the business, the emergence of alternative channels of retail, and the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2022.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the ongoing issue of the fate of New York Toy Fair. Will it stay in NYC? When will it be? 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

In the second of their conversations recorded last November at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochesters, NY, Richard and Chris talk with games curator Nicolas Ricketts. Listen in as they talk about the histories of some of the games in the collection. From great stories about how the games were acquired to their impact on the culture, this lively conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in game history.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard discuss the 13 percent increase in retail sales recently reported for 2021 by the NPD Group...and what that really means in the context of the industry and inflation overall. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

Richard and Chris talk with Sarah Baskin, Vice President of Marketing Communications for Far Out Toys. She talks about the evolution of this "new type of toy company," their major investment in content and music, and has great tips fo companies looking to implement a content strategy in the current marketplace. Her insights and advice are invaluable, and you'll want to listen in.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the five-year decline in China's birthrate, the aging of the Chinese population, and what that means for the toy industry...and the world. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.

The Playground Podcast begins its fourth season with the first of a series of conversations with curators at the Strong Museum of Play, Richard and Chris talk with Michelle Parnett-Dwyer who oversees the doll collection. From the Edison talking doll to the newly inducted American Girl dolls, they discuss the history, significance and evolution of dolls in the culture and the collection.

In The Endcap, Chris and Richard discuss the new CEO at Hasbro, Chris Cocks, and how his arrival from the Pacific Northwest may impact Hasbro's culture and why his experience with Wizards of the Coast may be the ideal springboard for moving Hasbro ahead in a dynamic toy/entertainment environment. 

The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and ChizComm.