The Playground Podcast

Richard and Chris continue the conversation  with James Zahn of The Toy Book and John Baulch of Toy World UK as they look ahead at implications for the post-Covid world. From product categories to cultural changes to the seismic shifts in the entertainment and licensing businesses, they provide insights on topics that will affect the toy industry as it moves ahead into whatever the "new norma...

Richard and Chris talk with James Zahn of The Toy Book and John Baulch of Toy World UK about the year just passed, implications for the toy business, product, entertainment and more. Listen in as they discuss the changes that have happened this year, what it means for the toy business and what changes may become permanent. Then, stay tuned for Part 2, in which the conversation turns to what's ahea...

Richard and Chris talk to Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles about the supply chain, port operations and how the toy industry can approach shipping and distribution more effectively. From background on the port to operations, the conversation covers the current climate, what to look forward to and a bit of historic perspective. It's important information for anyone involved...

In this brief conversation, Richard and Chris talk about rising costs in China, how they'll affect the toy business, and what a new administration may mean for Chinese/American trade relations. What's causing the increases, and will manufacturers have to absorb them, or are we about to see toy prices go up? This conversation first appeared as The Endcap on our episode with Geoff Walker . The Playg...

Richard and Chris talk with Geoff Walker, CEO of KidKraft about the evolution of the company on his watch, the power of, and need for, innovation in the current market and the process of building a dynamic team of creative toymakers. Find out what drives Geoff, how a youthful passion for comic books and a next door neighbor in the toy biz set him on his path.  In The Endcap, Chris and Richard...

Join Richard and Chris as they talk with Nick Richardson, founder of Kids Insights as they talk about trends, the current kids' landscape, and Richardson's comprehensive approach to research. From global perspective to predictive modeling, Richardson and his team provide valuable information about consumption patterns, products, licensing and much more, all gathered from about a dozen major market...

In this brief conversation, Richard and Chris discuss the implications of a survey suggesting that as many as, 1,800 independent toy stores in the U.S. may struggle or fold as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. What does this mean for retail and toys? Listen in.  This conversation first appeared as The Endcap after the interview with Gerrick Johnson .  The Playground Podcast is suppor...

Gerrick Johnson, Toy & Leisure Analyst for BMO Capital Markets, is one of the most insightful, accurate and knowledgeable analysts covering the toy industry today. He's also a lot of fun. A lover of the toy industry and the people in it, Gerrick talks with Richard and Chris about his role as an analyst, what he sees as the trends for 2020 and into 2021 and how he thinks this very unusual year...

In an episode recorded back when we could still travel, Chris visited the Magic Workshop at JMP Creative in Irvine, California and spoke with president and CEO Jim McCafferty. The conversation ranged from invention to patents to creating dynamic partnerships with toy companies. Chris also found out why JMP has a spaceship in the offices. In the Endcap, Chris is joined again by Richard and they tal...

Listen in as David Norman, president of Goliath Games, talks with Richard and Chris about his career, Goliath Games and its history, and some very topical insights about 2020 and looking forward to 2021. From development of product to dealing with dynamic supply chain issues, David talks about it all. Currently in more than 75 countries, Goliath is the third largest game manufacturer in the U.S.,...

Join us for an insightful conversation as Richard and Chris talk about entrepreneurship and the growth of Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld . From an idle fiddling to a product, from the basement to a global enterprise, Aaron Muderick talks about how he's built  his business, the challenges of tariffs and Covid and how he supports his community. It's a lighthearted talk about building an empire on put...

You'll want to listen to this lively discussion as Richard and Chris talk with Kim Culmone, SVP, Global Head of Design Barbie & Fashion Dolls at Mattel. In this wide-ranging conversation, they talk about Barbie as a style icon, the importance of doll play, fashion and history. if you love Barbie, or if you're curious how a brand has survived for 62 years through all kinds of ups and downs (but...

In the wake of the postponement of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Chris and Richard discuss in this short conversation the implications for buying and the toy year, as well as what impact the rise of Shenzhen as an international trade show destination may have on the toy business.  This segment first aired as the Endcap in our interview with Chris Bensch about the Toy Industry Hall of F...

Join us for a lighthearted and informative conversation as Richard and Chris welcome back a favorite guest Chris Bensch of the Strong Museum in Rochester to talk about the Toy Hall of Fame. Get some backstage stories of the push to include toys, what toys make and what don't and the celebration of play that's at the center of everything the Strong Museum does. In the Endcap, Chris & Richard ta...

Chris & Richard talk about the implications for the toy business with the loss of word-of-mouth among kids in the schoolyard as education is increasingly remote. This Conversation first aired as The Endcap in our interview with Richard Dickson of Mattel.  The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts , KidStuff Public Relations , and The Toy Guy.

Richard and Chris talk to Richard Dickson, President & COO of Mattel and get his unique, inspiring and informative take on toys, play and the opportunities and responsibilities for Mattel in this dynamic time. From tools for parents to an organizational commitment to diversity to the launch of Mattel Creations, Richard's enthusiasm, vision and commitment to leading the world's largest toy comp...

Richard and Chris chat with Alan Dorfman about his career, how he became the biggest guy in miniature toys, and, of course, coping with the pandemic. Listen in for his insights on the power of creating and building a unique category in the toy biz over many years of success and the classic power of impulse toys for diverse audiences. He also talks about the revival of a 60s favorite Wacky Packages...

Richard and Chris catch up with the busy Richard North, one of the founders of Wow Stuff from his car on a busy London street and they talk about the growth of the company, the challenges and opportunities of working in the world of Covid...and the innovative product launching in October that's set to help the company make it through these challenging times. From a strategy that leverages hot prop...

Join Richard and Chris as we continue our series on Upstarts and Innovators with a conversation with Alex Tongue, CEO and founder of Vango Toys . Hear how this 27-year-old entrepreneur took the tremendous risk to start a new toy company even in a pandemic and the success of his first product, The Upside Down Challenge. Richard, Chris and Alex talk about the power of social media, how it's upending...

Join Richard and Chris in an engaging and lively conversation with Mattel's Chief Design Officer, Chris Down as they discuss Mattel's evolution into an increasingly design-led company, strategies and practices for dealing with Coronavirus and a look at the future of content. Down's experience and passion are evident in this segment, and you'll want to listen in. In the Endcap, Chris and Richard ta...

Richard and Chris talk to industry veteran Ken Lewis, CEO of 4Kidz, Inc. Ken is a second-generation toy executive who literally grew up in the business and shares his insights about how the business has changed, what the present situation represents, and how he's looking ahead. Get an inside look at a career characterized by innovation, market-responsiveness and a keen understanding of what makes...

Join Richard and Chris as they talk with Jo Hall, Chief Commercial Officer for Toys "R" Us Asia. Jo, a highly respected industry veteran, shares her insights on what's made TRU Asia such a success over so many years, their rapid response to the pandemic and perspectives on the international toy business. Hall, is dynamic and passionate personality whose love of the business is matched only by her...

Richard and Chris speak with Sarah Jordan, the new CEO of Canada's Mastermind Toys. Taking the reins in January of 2020, Jordan has had to deal with a pandemic, as well as keeping the nearly 40-year-old iconic chain vital and vibrant in this time. Jordan talks about her customer-facing strategies, emphasis on employees and how their mantra, "Play is kids work," inspired by Maria Montessori, has al...

Join Richard & Chris for a light hearted, but substantive conversation with Ronnie Frankowski, CMO of Moose Toys. Hear how the company has managed growth and expansion while maintaining its creative culture. From current promotional successes to leveraging toys as IP and entertainment, you'll want to hear Frankowski's take on where they've been, where they're going...and a positive outlook on...

Chris and Richard speak with Dr. Lisa Williams PhD, founder of Fresh Dolls . Here the amazing story of this trailblazing professor, researcher and passionate toy designer on how she created her successful line of African American and multi-cultural dolls. Dr. Williams is insightful and inspiring as she talks about the need for authentic ethnic dolls, the opportunity for toymakers, and the importan...