​Coronavirus Toy Industry Update with Steve Pasierb,
CEO of the Toy Association
April 1, 2020
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Richard and Chris talk with Steve Pasierb about the current impact of the Coronavirus on the toy industry. The conversation includes information on how the Association is supporting its members, news, perspective, and updates and resources for companies in the business as we all try to negotiate the situation. As Pasierb says, "hope is not a strategy," but there are reasons to be hopeful as the business makes its way carefully through the crisis. (20 minutes, 34 seconds)
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​Current Toy Issues: Coronavirus, Plastics and Predictions
March 30, 2020
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Richard and Chris talk about current topics in the toy industry, including: The impacts of the Coronavirus on the industry, changing retail, sustainability, and the expansion of LEGO in China. What's happening now...and some predictions for what may be down the road.
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​Arnie Rubin: A Look Back, A look at Current Issues & His Secret of Long-Term Success
March 20, 2020
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Chris and Richard talk with Arnie Rubin. Rubin was a co-founder of Imperial Toy Company, and later went on to found Funrise. He's a 2012 inductee into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, and one of the most loved and respected industry leaders of the latter part of the 20th Century.
In this conversation, he shares some of his stories about coming up in the toy business, and the creative and management practices that have helped build is 50-years-plus success.
Arnie, Chris and Richard also have a candid conversation about one of the major product issues facing the industry in 2020, the challenge of private label.
Listen in as one of the icons of the industry (We'll say it because Arnie won't.) shares his experience and insights.
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​Transmedia Storytelling: What you need to know for IP & Licensing
March 3, 2020
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Richard and Chris sit down with Jeff Gomez, CEO of Starlight Runner, and Danny Simon, founder of the Licensing Group, Ltd. Listen in to an insightful conversation about "transmedia storytelling" (utilizing multiple media platforms to develop characters, properties, and narratives and compellingly engage audiences) and how Gomez and Simon are leveraging their expertise in the relaunch of Ultraman, a 50-year-old property generating $50 million annually in Japan and poised for a U.S. re-entry.
Find out what makes a viable licensing platform and a great story in this hotly contested and very crowded content arena. Get inside views and tips from two succesful industry veterans. This is a must-hear episode for anyone working with content and licensing.
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​Toy Fair New York 2020: Past, Present and Predictions
February 20, 2020
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Richard and Chris share stories about past Toy Fairs, trends that will be affecting the business in the year ahead, and a look at the TOTY awards and much more. Start your Toy Fair adventure here!
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​A Groundbreaking New Platform for Inventory Management: Alloy.ai's Matt Hansen
February 18, 2020
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Richard and Chris talk with Matt Hansen, client engagement manager for the start-up Alloy.ai. This data-driven platform helps toy companies manage inventory, track sales and forecast demand and supply down to the individual store level. Aggregating all data and putting it in a user-friendly dashboard, Alloy's cloud-based solution is a dynamic resource for everyone in the supply chain. Hear how and why it works and how businesses in our data-driven market can use this productively.
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LIVE from Nuremberg 2020 - Wrap up
Wrap-Up Trends and Conversations with Hog Wild
and Lottie Dolls
February 12, 2020
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Chris provides some perspective on the emerging trends at Spielwarenmesse. Plus conversations with Ian Harkin of Lottie Dolls and Josh Loerzel of Hog Wild. They talk about the unique benefits of the Spielwarenmesse and what's ahead for their companies in 2020.
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LIVE from Nuremberg 2020 - Day 3
Overall Trends, German Market Insights And
How Exhibitors Can Maximize the Show
February 2, 2020
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Richard and Chris discuss the trends emerging at the Spielwarenmesse. A chat with Jerry Kallman provides insight for would-be exhibitors, Lisa Hilbert discusses trends in the German and Austrian markets, and Chris sits down with Jorg Meister, trade editor and CEO of Little Big Things to talk more in depth about the German market and trends.
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LIVE from Nuremberg 2020 - Day 2
The Value of Toy Fairs, One Company's Sustainable Structure, and Timeless Dolls
January 31, 2020
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Chris and Richard talk the present and long-term value of international toy fairs with Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse, sustainability with Alain Derauw of Plan Toy and the challenges and opportunities of launching a high end doll line with Frances Cain, plus more on the world's largest toy fair.
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LIVE from Nuremberg 2020 - Day 1
An Interview with Mark Foster of Playmobil, Strategy, Expansion & More
January 30, 2020
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Live from the Playmobil booth at the Nuremberg 2020 Toy Fair, Richard and Chris sit down with Mark Foster, general manager of the U.S. and U.K. for Playmobil. Mark talks about current strategies, the company's successful expansion into licensing, entertainment and new launches for 2020. It's an engaging conversation about how a nearly 46-year-old brand holds onto its classic roots and expands to meet the demands, consumption and communication patterns of the audience in 2020.
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Toy Fair New York: What to Expect, What's New... and What's Ahead
January 24, 2020
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Richard and Chris sit down with Marian Bossard, EVP Global Market Events for the Toy Association to talk all things Toy Fair. From innovative educational programs, assistance for first-time attendees and the evolution and history of the show in response to a dynamic marketplace, this lively discussion gives you special insight into the opportunities and importance of this show on the eve of its 117th edition.
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The Decade in Review
January 6, 2020
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Richard and Chris talk about the toys that shaped the decade from Sing-A-Ma-Jigs, to Monster High, to the revolution in play ignited by the iPad, this freewheeling conversation covers some of the hits, and misses, of the past 10 years.
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Richard and Chris finish the first season of The Playground Podcast with a look at the trends that shaped the decade and their implications for the industry as we move into the 20's. From the changes in demography to trends in toys, to ecological developments. Listen in as they approach these issues and more from a variety of perspectives.
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Year-End Conversation with Steve Pasierb -
CEO of the Toy Association
December 27, 2019
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In the first of a two-part conversation, Chris and Richard sit down with President and CEO of the Toy Association, Steve Pasierb. Listen in as they discuss tariffs, counterfeits and the ongoing work of the association to work with Congress and promote the toy industry.
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In the second part of their conversation with Toy Association President and CEO Steve Pasierb, Chris, Richard, and Steve discuss the ongoing importance of a Los Angeles presence for toy companies, the need for, and benefits of, the Dallas Show, the evolution of New York Toy Fair, and the renewed emphasis on industry education. Plus, a look forward to the 2022 expansion of the Javits Center in New York, and much more.
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FAO's David Nigril Talks about The Iconic Store and Brand
December 17, 2019
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Richard and Chris talk with David Nigli about the return of FAO Schwarz and its role as an iconic American brand. From its founding in 1862 to today, FAO has a special place in the hearts of toy lovers worldwide. What makes that success? And while "experiential retail" may be the new buzzword, it's been the essence of FAO for 157 years. Listen in as Chris, Richard and David talk about this beloved toy institution.
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A Conversation with Keith Meggs of Far Out Toys
November 24, 2019
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Richard and Chris talk with Keith Meggs of Far Out Toys about building a company from the ground up, the importance of a solid business model, the process of innovation in the toy business and what it means to be a toy company created in the post-TRU toy business..
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Barbie, YouTube, Dallas and More: Current Toy Industry Issues
October 30, 2019
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Listen as Richard and Chris engage in a wide-ranging conversation talking about current issues in the toy industry. They'll discuss the state of Barbie and what's behind her resurgence, marketing, what the changes at YouTube might mean for toy companies, and the changes in the selling process as Los Angeles emerges as a destination for showrooms and buyers.
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The Inside Story: Content, Entertainment, Kids & More. A Conversation With the Head Writer of Paw Patrol
October 15, 2019
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Chris sits down with Ursula Ziegler, head writer of the smash hit Paw Patrol. Recorded in June, this episode talks about kids' entertainment, creating powerful content, the role of toys in entertainment and much more. Listen in and hear about what makes content that kids return to...and that drives toy sales.
As Paw Patrol's seventh season is in development, hear about what makes this a success as well as important things to consider for anyone who wants to create successful kid-directed content.
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Staying Safe, Avoiding Counterfeits and More for Q4:
A Conversation with the Toy Association
October 2, 2019
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Richard and Chris chat with Adrienne Aappell and Rebecca Mond of the Toy Association. They talk about battling aggressive NGO's and their "dangerous toy" lists, the consumer safety site Play Safe (www.playsafe.org), a new white paper on avoiding online knock-offs The Real Threat of Fake Toys, and a bit of fun coming up in the holiday season.
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A Conversation with Charles Albert, CEO Creativity, Inc.
September 24, 2019
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Join Richard and Chris as they talk with Charles Albert of Creativity, Inc. In an expansive discussion, Charlie shares his thoughts on dealing with the dynamic toy industry particularly with regard to the role of his company as a bridge between the digital and the analog worlds of toys. He shares insights on innovation and success stories about adding sounds and technology including what's worked in the past and how to be prepared for the future.
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Tariffs, China & The Dynamics of an Uncertain Market: A Conversation with Jay Foreman CEO of Basic Fun
September 12, 2019
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Chris and Richard sit down with Jay Foreman, industry veteran and CEO of Basic Fun. With more than 30 years of working with China, Jay has a unique perspective on the current trade situation. Listen as he shares his unfiltered, unabashed opinions and insights into the reality of what's going on and its implications for the toy business and the economy.
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Jay's bold point of view needs to be heard by everyone not just in the toy industry but who is doing business in China. Jay shares his clear-eyed assessment and straightforward approach to the realities of an industry facing uncertainty and turmoil.
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Industry Check-In: Tariffs, Hong Kong, Entertainment & More
September 6, 2019
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Richard and Chris discuss the current, dynamic state of tariffs, implications of the situation in Hong Kong and entertainment. Is Hasbro's purchase of Entertainment One, besides being a strong, strategic move for Hasbro, a game changer for the the industry? Listen in as they discuss these issues.
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Innovation, Creativity and Transforming Businesses
with Jamie Gallagher
August 21, 2019
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Chris and Richard talk with Jamie Gallagher, CEO of Faber-Castell about the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment and how the Four C's (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) can provide a new path forward for toy companies, and many others, in the current economy. Jamie, Richard and Chris discuss the transformative power of creativity at all levels of business.
This is the first in our series on innovation. Join us as we discuss creative learning, what quality means and much more. This one's a little longer than our usual episodes, but we hope it will get you thinking about what creativity means and its practical application in any business.
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Live from the Sweet Suite 2019: Conversations with Industry Leaders
July 31, 2019
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Part 1: Listen in as Chris and Richard go live to the Sweet Suite event and talk to James Zahn, The Rock Father; Ashley Maddy of Basic Fun and Women in Toys; Lisa Wuuenneman from Play Monster, Ryan Birkhardt from Pacific Cycle and Erika Merklinger from Crayola. Find out what's new and hot, and how these executives are responding to trends and the changing toy industry.
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Part 2: Richard and Chris talk to Lisa Orman, founder of KidStuff Public Relations about new products and trends in marketing and PR. Then they chat with Jerome Dureau of Namco Bandai about a breakthrough, new learning and creativity software package called Tori that adds collaboration and family engagement to dynamic play.
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The Changing Entertainment Landscape:
What it Means for the Toy Business
July 18, 2019
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Join us for a conversation about the changing world of movies and children's entertainment and what it might mean for the toy industry. How has streaming changed the game? And what about kids as their own programmers? What new challenges and opportunities does that present to toy manufacturers and everyone in the business.
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Toys "R" Us and the Future of Toy Retailing
July 8, 2019
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Richard and Chris discuss the current state of toy retailing. Is there a need for a national chain? How has the current market changed for manufacturers, consumers, and kids? And what about the planned relaunch of the Toys "R" Us brand? Is it viable? How can it compete in this dynamic market. The hosts explore these ideas and more.
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Britain, Brexit & Baulch: A Conversation with John Baulch, Founder and Managing Editor of Toy World
June 20, 2019
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Richard and Chris talk with John Baulch of Toy World about the state of the UK toy market, implications of Bexit, retailing in the UK, the sate of innovation in the toy business and what may be ahead in the dynamic toy market.
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Living in "What Is" vs. "What If": A Chat with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow
June 26, 2019
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Chris talks with Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Free Range Kids movement, author and blogger at Let Grow. It's about giving kids freedom and not worrying and how kids are, and can be, self-reliant and fearless from an early age.
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Richard and Chris talk tariffs with Ralph Chow, Regional Director, Americas, HKTDC
June 11, 2019
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Chris & Richard talk with Ralph Chow, regional director for The Americas for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They talk tariffs, the changing face of the toy supply chains and how Hong Kong is continuing its leadership position in the global toy industry. Plus, a special event coming in September, 2019 seeking to foster greater partnerships between U.S. and Hong Kong companies. Join us!
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Licensing in 2019:
A Conversation with Maura Regan, President Licensing International
June 3, 2019
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Chris and Richard talk with Maura Regan, president of the newly re-branding Licensing International. Listen as they discuss the state of the licensing business in 2019 and insights into the power of licensing to build and expand brands.
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Tariffs: Implications & Predictions.
A Conversation with the Toy Association
May 22, 2019
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With the release of List 4, tariffs of up to 25 percent appear increasingly likely on finished goods, as soon as July. Richard and Chris talk to Ed Desmond and Rebecca Mond about the tariff issue and its implications for the toy industry. We talk about what the Toy Association is doing, the current climate in Washington, and how members of the industry can get involved.
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A Conversation with Tech Expert Robin Raskin
May 15, 2019
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Richard and Chris continue their conversation with Robin Raskin from Living in Digital Times. In this episode, they talk about the demise of Anki and its implications for toys and play, STEM in tech, changes in the family dynamics around tech and some best parenting practices around tech and kids.
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Stem Toys Substantive Learning... Or Marketing Tool?
May 8, 2019
Richard Gottlieb and Chris Byrne talk about the hot issue of STEM and STEAM in toys and play and their role in development. From the foundational to the curricular, they talk about how all play for kids is learning based and what makes a good STEM/STEAM toys.
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Talking About the China Toy Market (and more) From the Guangzhou Toy & Edu Fair
May 1, 2019
Richard and Chris talk about developments in the domestic Chinese toy market, implications for the broader international toy business, and, of course, some fun stuff. Recorded on the floor of the show in Guangzhou, China.
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2019 Trends & Toy Fair Wrap-Up (Part 2)
April 26, 2019
Richard and Chris continue the conversation about Toy Fair and product trends, with a (very) brief conversation about the evolution of the New York Toy Fair.
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2019 Trends & Toy Fair Wrap-Up (Part 1)
April 22, 2019
Richard and Chris talk about news coming out of the Toy Fairs as the toy year heats up. Plus, a conversation about some of the trends that will be shaping the business in 2019.
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