In Episode 5, Todd Lustgarten and Steve Reece sit down with Deborah Stallings Stumm, founder of CreatorCaster.com and one of the most forward‑thinking voices in the creator‑economy‑meets‑licensing space. Deborah has spent years helping digital creators, influencers, and emerging IP owners turn online audiences into real‑world product lines — and in this conversation, she breaks down exactly how that transformation happens.

From spotting creator‑led brands with genuine licensing potential, to navigating manufacturer partnerships, to understanding what retailers now expect from social‑first IP, Deborah shares a masterclass in where the next generation of toy and consumer‑product hits will come from. Whether you're a toy company scouting fresh IP, a brand owner exploring new channels, or a creator dreaming of your first licensing deal, this episode is packed with practical insights and industry‑savvy guidance.

As always, the show is powered by the Toys & Licensing Consultancy at ToyLicensing.com — helping toy companies, creators, and brand owners build smarter partnerships and unlock global growth.

Episode 4 — When Toy Licensing Meets Collecting (with Christian Braun, HobbyDB)

In this episode of the Toys & Licensing Podcast, Todd and Steve explore one of the most powerful forces shaping the modern toy industry: the point where licensing meets collecting — and they're joined by someone who sits right at the centre of that universe.

Christian Braun, founder & CEO of HobbyDB, joins the show to unpack how collecting has evolved into a global economic engine, a cultural movement, and a strategic advantage for brands that understand it. With HobbyDB's mission to catalogue every collectible ever made and its community of hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, Christian brings a unique, data‑rich perspective on what truly drives collector behaviour.

Together, they dive into:

• Why certain licensed toys become long‑term collectibles — and why others don't
• The rise of the adult collector and what it means for licensors and licensees
• Why communities — not companies — increasingly decide what becomes iconic
• How platforms like HobbyDB are reshaping the collector economy
• What brands can learn from the patterns hidden in collector data

Christian also shares behind‑the‑scenes insights from building one of the world's largest collectible databases, the trends he's seeing across categories, and what the next decade of collecting will look like for toy companies, licensors, and fans. We also discuss Christian's work on the Pop Culture Hall of Fame and Model Car Hall of Fame.

Whether you're a brand owner, licensee, retailer, or simply someone who loves the thrill of the hunt, this episode connects fan passion with industry strategy — and shows why the future of licensing is inseparable from the future of collecting.

In Episode 3 of the Toys & Licensing Podcast, hosts Todd Lustgarten and Steve Reece turn the spotlight on trade shows—the beating heart of the toy and licensing industries. From networking opportunities to deal-making moments, trade shows are where brands, licensors, and toy companies come together to shape the future of play. With the forthcoming Licensing Expo in Las Vegas just around the corner, Todd and Steve share their insider perspectives on how to make the most of these events, what trends to watch, and why the Expo remains a must-attend gathering for anyone serious about licensing.

Powered by the Toys & Licensing Consultancy at ToyLicensing.com, this episode offers practical advice and strategic insights for navigating the show floor, building relationships, and spotting opportunities that can transform a business. Whether you're a seasoned attendee or gearing up for your first Licensing Expo, Todd and Steve's expertise will help you approach trade shows with confidence and clarity.

Episode 2 of the Toys & Licensing Podcast brings a special guest into the mix—James Zahn, widely known as The Rock Father. With his unique blend of pop culture expertise, toy industry knowledge, and media savvy, James has carved out a distinctive voice in the world of toys, entertainment, and licensing. Todd Lustgarten and Steve Reece sit down with him to explore his journey, his perspective on the evolving toy landscape, and the crossover between toys, media, and fandom culture.

As always, the conversation is powered by the Toys & Licensing Consultancy at ToyLicensing.com, the go-to resource for navigating licensing deals, brand partnerships, and toy business strategy. This episode offers listeners a fresh perspective from one of the industry's most recognizable voices, alongside the seasoned insights of Todd and Steve. Together, they unpack the trends shaping the future of play and licensing, making this a must-listen for anyone serious about the business of toys.

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Toys & Licensing Podcast! Hosted by two long-time industry veterans, Todd Lustgarten and Steve Reece, this show dives deep into the world of toys, licensing, and brand building. With decades of combined experience shaping strategies, negotiating deals, and guiding companies through the ever-evolving toy and licensing landscape, Todd and Steve bring insider knowledge and sharp insights that you won't find anywhere else. Their passion for the business and their track record of success make them the perfect guides for anyone looking to understand how toys and licensing intersect to create global phenomena.

This podcast is brought to you by the Toys & Licensing Consultancy, the team behind ToyLicensing.com. Whether you're a brand owner, toy company, or entrepreneur, their consultancy helps navigate the complexities of licensing agreements, product development, and market expansion. Episode 1 sets the stage for what promises to be an engaging series—where Todd and Steve share stories, strategies, and practical advice to help you thrive in this dynamic industry.

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