The Toy Book Podcasts by Adventure Media & Events

In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes David Gardiner, founder of Well Played Toys.

Gardiner began his career at Hasbro and has since held executive roles at Basic Fun!, MEGA Brands, and more. As founder and president of Well Played Toys, Gardiner is developing products for kids and collectors alike with top licenses, including Lost In Space, Borderlands, SpongeBob Squarepants, JoJo Siwa, Peeps, and more.

On the show, Albritton and Gardiner discuss the nuances of seeking a toyetic license and how streaming content is fueling an increasingly brisk pace for licensing. Additionally, the duo discusses the intersection of toys, video games, and licensing in creating new products for all ages.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Paul Weibel, manager of consumer sales at Trend Enterprises.

Over the course of his career, Weibel — a former sea captain — has held positions at a variety of toy and game companies, including MindWare, The Manhattan Toy Co., Asmodee, Hansa Creation, and Magnetic Poetry. At Trend Enterprises, Weibel is leading sales as the company seeks to carve a unique niche in the toy space.

On the show, Albritton and Weibel discuss how fun and play can become a part of the sales process and how Trend is making big plans in the toy department while continuing to produce products for the educational market.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Blinger creator Angie Cella to the show.

In 2014, Cella devised an invention that lets kids easily add sparkle to their hair. Through further development, Kickstarter campaigns, and self-funded experimentation, Cella scored a deal with Wicked Cool Toys at a Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Empowerment Day. Blinger was given a wide release from Wicked Cool Toys — and later, Jazwares — and now Cella has detailed her journey in a new book, Blinger: An Entrepreneur's Faith-Based Journey which was released this month by RosettaBooks.

On the show, Cella and Albritton discuss the dream that sparked her into action and some of the challenges and successes that she's experienced along the way.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Doug Putman, the new owner of Toys "R" Us Canada and Babies "R" Us Canada. Putman's latest venture places the iconic retailer into a portfolio that includes Everest Toys, Sunrise Records, Alex Global Products, and FYE.

On the show, Albritton asks Putman about his backstory and what drives him to purchase and grow iconic retail chains. Putman shares details on why he believes that brick-and-mortar retail has a bright future for many years to come and how companies can balance a kid-friendly experience with revamped store organization tactics that the toy industry can use to boost sales.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Joel Morris and Mike Horn, co-founders of Cubles — sturdy, paperboard characters that are made in the U.S.

On the show, Albritton asks the duo about engineering the unique articulation of their Cubles figures and the challenges of creating an environmentally friendly business model. Additionally, the conversation delves into the wide array of marketing opportunities that exist with Cubles, as the brand has already delved into licensing with KISS, Dog Man, and more.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Melissa & Doug's Chief Commercial Officer, David Henderson to the show.

Henderson, who previously held roles at Hasbro, Coca-Cola, and Newell Baby brands, joined Melissa & Doug last year as the company entered a new chapter of growth.

On the show, Henderson shares his early toy stories, including selling into the famed Sears Wish Book and how he learned to manage brands while aligning manufacturer, retailer, and consumer expectations. Additionally, Albritton asks Henderson to elaborate on the development of Melissa & Doug's growing distribution footprint and how its entry into licensing via a partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products for PAW Patrol and Blue's Clues and You! will drive the company forward.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes award-winning producer, director, composer, John Papa to the show.

Papa is the co-founder and executive producer at Massimoto Media, a New England-based production outfit that creates commercials, films, and videos for clients including Hasbro, TOMY, Rollplay, and more. Papa was recruited by Hasbro to build and establish its in-house Hasbro Studios where he led its growth across the production of commercials and videos for the company's iconic toy brands.

On the show, Albritton and Papa discuss the early days of Hasbro Studios and how the company began its push into content-based entertainment. From there, Papa discusses some of his favorite projects, including the stop-motion animation created for TOMY's line of John Deere Monster Treads and how he and his wife, Katy Magee, collaborate to create compelling content.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes WowWee's Vice President of Brand Development and Creative Strategy, Sydney Wiseman.

Since joining WowWee, Wiseman has helped shape the company's new product portfolio across innovations including Fingerlings, Lucky Fortune, and this year's Got2Glow Fairy Finder.

On the show, Wiseman discusses how WowWee infuses robotics and technology into all of its toys, including the Robosapien and MIP, along with new product offerings such as My Squishy Dumplings.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes The Heart Supply's Johnny Schillereff to the show.

Schillereff founded Element Skateboards in 1992 and built a world-renowned brand known for manufacturing high-quality skateboard decks, apparel, and footwear. After reaching more than $200 million in sales, he sold Element in the early 2000s. Now, along with his family, Schillereff has launched a new brand, The Heart Supply, and seeks to #GiveSkateboarding to kids around the world.

On the show, Albritton and Schillereff ponder "Are skateboards toys?" and discuss The Heart Supply's new deal with Jakks Pacific and Target and how it will help power the company's mission to give back to kids around the world.

In this week’s episode of the "Power Kid Podcast," host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Hape CEO Peter Handstein to the show.

Since its founding in 1986, Hape has become known as a premier designer and manufacturer of high-quality wooden baby and kid's toys. Hape's products are sold in more than 100 countries and are crafted from sustainable materials.

On the show, Handstein delves into his backstory in selling outdoor play equipment for use in kindergartens and the similarities between that business and selling toys to consumers. From there, Albritton and Handstein discuss the importance of sustainability, the advances in sustainable manufacturing, and the way that many of the great toy designs are often rooted in need. Finally, the duo discusses of Hape balances capturing trends while delivering classic play patterns simultaneously.