Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast with Ryan, Travis, and Andy, where we dive deep into the world of toy collecting spanning the 1980s to the 2020s! In this episode, the hosts tackle the massive disruption of AI in toys, specifically focusing on Mattel's groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI to create AI-powered Barbies, Hot Wheels, and Fisher Price products. As toy giants like Hasbro and Lego explore similar ventures, introducing concepts like ChatGPT robots, the discussion shifts to the potential dystopian realities, referencing Terminator and M3GAN, and whether these "learning" dolls and figures will replace imagination and social engagement, leading to the "dumbing down of society". The hosts blend this futuristic debate by contrasting modern tech with beloved retro toys, revisiting classics like GI Joes, the nostalgic charm of Teddy Ruxpin, obscure lines like Power Lords, and the ongoing mysteries of vintage Star Wars Kenner figures and their production errors. If you are interested in both classic action figures and modern toy trends, tune in to hear the hosts debate the impact of AI on creativity and why they believe it’s the biggest mistake in the long run.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Tune in to Toy Federation with Ryan, Andy, and Travis as they delve into the nostalgic topic of their favorite toy stores growing up and examine how the toy collecting experience has changed from the 1980s through the 2020s. This episode is essential for anyone interested in vintage toys and retail history, as the hosts vividly recall the massive, floor-to-ceiling stock at legendary locations like Toys R Us and Child World, contrasted with the unique appeal of regional stores such as Lionel Play World, Kmart, and department stores like Sears. They discuss the glory days of seeing endless walls of Star Wars and GI Joe figures and lament the modern reality of limited stock, peg warmers, and scalping when searching for contemporary action figures like Marvel Legends at Target. Furthermore, the conversation explores unusual toy-buying spots—like drugstores and grocery stores—and provides insight into the shift towards toy investment and speculation, from comics to Beanie Babies, offering a comprehensive look at the world of toy retail.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast after the successful Retro-Horror Con after show, where the hosts dive deep into running their ambitious new venture: an "everything toy show" with a horror theme. Unlike most horror shows, which often lack a strong toy vendor base, this convention was designed specifically to be family-friendly and appeal to collectors interested in toys from across the decades. The show successfully merged interest in vintage toys with an array of modern collectibles, including popular lines like Funkos, NECA, Legends figures, and blind boxes. Listen as the team discusses the impressive turnout, securing high-profile guests like Roger L. Jackson (voice of Ghostface from the Scream franchise) and Jonathan Breck (The Creeper from Jeepers Creepers) despite being a first-year convention, and the unique vendors, including collectibles and toy manufacturers like Trick or Treat Studios and Grindhouse Toys. This episode details the challenging but rewarding process of building a new show, catering to collectors of both classic and modern figures, and the excitement for expanding this unique toy-focused event in the future.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Dive into the latest Toy Federation podcast where hosts share invaluable toy convention setup tips for toy vendors and collectors alike! Whether you're a seasoned seller or preparing for your first Retro Toycon, this episode covers optimizing booth display, crucial pricing strategies for vintage toys (including avoiding price gun damage and using sticky notes), and engaging with customers effectively. The discussion also takes a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s and 1990s, exploring the impact of Transformers the Movie (and Optimus Prime's death!) and G.I. Joe the Movie, along with experiences in comic book collecting (from its 90s boom to graded issues), the nuances of graded figures, and even the best methods for cleaning vintage toys to reveal their hidden glory. Plus, reminisce about classic 80s/90s pop culture and quirky TV commercials. Perfect for anyone interested in toys from the 1980s to 2020s, this episode is packed with insights for your toy collecting journey and potential toy business ventures!#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Welcome to the Toy Federation podcast with Ryan, Travis, and Andy, your ultimate guide to toy collecting from the 1980s to the 2020s! In this episode, the team shares insider tips and advice for collecting, encouraging listeners to collect what they genuinely like and enjoy rather than focusing solely on potential profit or market trends. They dive into discussions about diverse toy lines, from tracking down "worthless" '90s Star Wars figures with missing parts to the surprising value appreciation of initially unpopular Tron Legacy figures. The conversation covers the complexities of the modern toy market, including Hasbro's strategies for lines like G.I. Joe Classified and Marvel Legends, the challenges of blind assortments for retailers, and the impact of movies like Eternals on toy sales. Whether you're interested in the nostalgia of acquiring childhood treasures, the art of restoring vintage packaging, the debate between in-box and loose collecting, or navigating the world of third-party and bootleg Transformers, this podcast offers insights on budgeting, the enjoyment of the process, and what makes a collection truly valuable to you, emphasizing that sometimes the "uncool" or less sought-after items become the most interesting.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Join Ryan, Travis, and Andy from Toy Federation, a toy store in Greer, South Carolina, for their latest toy podcast! This episode primarily explores the widespread practice of figure reuse and repurposing across various toy lines, from classic Transformers to modern Marvel action figures. They also discuss the evolution of Star Wars Black Series figures, noting improvements in face sculpts over time and the impact of bootlegs and knockoffs on the secondary market. Beyond toy manufacturing, the hosts offer insights into the toy collecting market, sharing experiences with customers, valuing rare items (and identifying scams), and even their own creative "Wicked Warriorz" toy line with hilariously named characters like Pumpkosis and Artillazilla. Get ready for a candid discussion on pop culture, toy collecting challenges, and the unique history behind your favorite action figures, straight from a shop recently featured in "The Greer Bucket List".#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Welcome back to Toy Federation! In this episode, Ryan, Travis, and Andy dive deep into the fascinating world of iconic toy packaging, box art, and card art from the 1980s to 2020s. Discover toys with some of the most exciting packaging like He-Man's Castle Grayskull and the G.I. Joe Electric Train and Battle Set from Tyco, and lesser enjoyable toys worth buying for the cool box art alone. The conversation covers the evolution of appreciating toy art from childhood to adulthood, the allure of original production art for lines such as Star Wars and unreleased Robocop figures, and the charm of goofy superhero vehicles like the Justice Jogger (Superman's ride) or the Spider-Buggy. The team also explores the wild world of off-brand collectibles featuring characters like Spider-Man and Hulk on unexpected rides, and shares humorous insights into absurd names for Gobot characters and bootleg toys. Tune in for a nostalgic journey through toy history, discussions on licensing challenges in modern production compared to the past, and cautionary tales about autograph scams, offering a comprehensive look at what makes toy collecting truly special.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

The Toy Federation Podcast is LIVE from Toy Federation in Greer, SC! Join toy store owner Ryan Bonavia and his co-hosts Travis and Andy as they share their professional insight on all things toys while discussing the world of collecting, pop culture, and the toy industry itself. Through conversations focusing on hit toy lines as old as Masters of the Universe, Star Wars, G.I.Joe, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to newer indie toy trendsetters, Toy Federation shares their experiences running a busy toy store and addresses the challenges of buying and selling toy collections from across the country and even the world. #toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

Welcome to the Toy Federation podcast, featuring Ryan, Travis, and Andy from their South Carolina toy store! In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the diverse world of toy collecting and pop culture, covering items and experiences from the 1980s to 1990s. Discover insights on selling unique and sometimes "goofy" collectibles, from vintage He-Man and G.I. Joe action figures to rare Simpsons merchandise like nuclear reactor lava lamps and quirky movie popcorn buckets. The conversation also takes a nostalgic turn, sharing personal anecdotes about growing up in the '80s and '90s, high school shenanigans, college adventures, and iconic film influences that shaped their youth, including Gremlins, Indiana Jones, Top Gun, and various horror classics like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Universal Monsters. If you're a YouTuber interested in retro toys, modern collectibles, and pop culture nostalgia, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful listen that highlights the passion behind collecting and the enduring impact of childhood favorites.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

On this week's Toy Federation Podcast, Ryan, Travis, and Andy discuss movie-themed toy lines they wished had been produced, particularly from the '80s and '90s, highlighting the distinction between R-rated films and their cartoon adaptations that did get toys. They also touch on the evolution of action figures, from McFarland's revolutionizing the market with more static but well-posed figures to the current trend of companies re-releasing slightly altered versions of popular figures. The hosts also briefly discuss the history of Hasbro's toy lines, like G.I. Joe and Transformers, and their eventual transition towards a more corporate, licensing-focused model rather than direct toy manufacturing. The conversation concludes with anecdotes about classic TV shows like "Columbo" and "The Rockford Files," noting the prevalence of smoking in older media and the challenges of dealing with smoke-damaged collectible toys.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 5-7, 2025: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 21-23, 2025: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed