Toy Business Unboxed

In this episode, Cory shares how his background in advertising and illustration became a secret weapon in developing and marketing Witchborn. You'll discover his approach to balancing craftsmanship with cost-effective production, such as transforming vinyl maps into cost-saving cardboard double-sided maps that slashed expenses by 80%. Cory also walks through his experience with Kickstarter, reveal...

In this episode, Galen McCown, a psychotherapist turned board game creator, reveals how he combines psychology and design to craft engaging games like Super Snipers . Explore his journey from Kickstarter success to creating mint-tin games, and gain insights into product design, self-publishing, and leveraging community support. Whether you're a game designer or entrepreneur, discover practical tip...

In this episode, Tami Murphy shares her journey from game enthusiast to industry expert, revealing how to stand out in the toy market. Learn tactics for success through trade shows and digital channels, and avoid pitfalls like packaging mistakes. Tami offers insights on adapting packaging for retail and optimizing logistics. Discover why success isn’t one-size-fits-all and how to craft a business...

In this episode, join Alex, a toy industry veteran, as he shares how his family's legacy and pop culture expertise help him secure top licenses like One Piece before they trend. Discover his innovative approach to spotting trends early, using social media analytics and industry insights to craft captivating products. Learn practical tips on product design, licensing, and marketing across platforms...

In this episode, discover how Justin De Witt transformed his passion for board games into the successful Fireside Games. Learn how Castle Panic became a hit and explore insights into balancing design with business strategy. Uncover digital marketing tactics and the power of community feedback. Perfect for aspiring creators, this episode offers practical tips for building a standout brand in the ta...

In this episode, Leonie Grundler, founder of Lioness Game, discusses her journey from tech to board game creator, successfully raising over $400,000 for her game Biome on Kickstarter. She shares how building an engaged community and leveraging strategic partnerships before launch were key to her success. Leonie offers insights on cultivating authenticity, the importance of pre-launch testing, and...

In this episode, join Stephen Conway, founder of The Spiel Foundation, as he reveals how play can transform lives. Discover how his nonprofit has donated over 18,000 games to those in need, fostering community and joy. Learn about their global bundle program and game awards that celebrate strategic play. Stephen shares insights on building community spaces and offers advice for aspiring social ent...

In this episode, discover how Alex, creator of the award-winning game Numberella, transformed math from a chore into an engaging game for kids. Learn about the journey from classroom innovation to global success, packed with insights on resilience, creativity, and the power of play in education.

In this episode, Zev, a veteran with nearly 30 years in tabletop game publishing, explains that lasting success comes from prioritizing fun, originality, and strong community connections while adapting to industry changes like crowdfunding and the surge of new releases. He shares how he selects winning games using a highly selective approach that considers hype, international appeal, and long-term...

In this episode, Mathue Ryann shares how focusing on small, travel-sized games helped him tap into impulse buying and build a loyal community, transforming his approach to manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. He explores key lessons from early mistakes, along with practical strategies for crowdfunding, shelf positioning, supplier relationships, and retail expansion. From Kickstarter launche...

Join Joe Casey, co-creator of Ward Trading Card Game, as he shares how a dice-based system is transforming card games. From a cabin project to a community favorite, Ward offers accessible yet strategic gameplay. Discover the challenges and triumphs of growing an indie game in a competitive market. Perfect for game enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, this episode inspires innovation and perseverance.

In this episode, two co-founders share how their love for family game nights grew into a mission to revive real human connection through play. What began as a simple tradition became a social, inclusive game designed to bring people together, shaped by playtesting, problem-solving, and real player feedback. More than a game story, this episode explores the value of face-to-face connection in a dig...

Join us as we explore how Jennifer Ginty’s Moody Monster is changing the way children manage emotions. Inspired by her own PTSD journey, Jennifer developed a plush toy that empowers kids to express big feelings. Discover her path to creating this tool, overcoming challenges, and achieving MESH certification. Jennifer shares insights from working with autistic children and trauma centers, showing h...

In this episode, Giacomo shares the essential lessons learned from the front lines of indie publishing. He breaks down how a small team, driven by passion and targeted community engagement, can overcome industry giants. Discover why a unique, thematic game—focused on comic book history and nostalgia—became a standout success, and how involvement in online communities, conventions, and honest story...

Discover how indie comics can transform your board game publishing strategy with insights from Jay Cormier, founder of Off The Page Games. In this episode, Jay shares his journey from designing the hit game Belfort to creating a niche by integrating indie comic IPs into tabletop experiences. Learn how story-driven concepts attract fans, enhance market relevance, and offer creative control. Jay dis...

Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating standout toys in a crowded market with insights from toy industry expert Noshita Sahu. Discover why investing in design research and understanding user psychology is crucial for your toy startup's success. Noshita shares her journey from childhood curiosity to leading product development for companies like HAPE, revealing how her academic background in...

Join us with out guest. Simon Evans, co-founder of Strongpoint Games, as he shares his journey from a passion for board games to becoming a full-time indie publisher. Discover how Simon navigated challenges like manufacturing mishaps and fierce competition, while maintaining creative freedom through self-publishing. Learn about the importance of community resources, strategic marketing moves, and...

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed discover how Fairfield’s Michael Vanderschuere is revolutionizing plush toy manufacturing in the U.S. with strategies that cut container costs by 25x and reduce lead times to six weeks. Learn how a simple teddy bear went viral on TikTok and Instagram, selling out in days. Michael shares insights on leveraging U.S. manufacturing advantages like shipping effic...

Join us with Ruud, founder of Wulfhorn Games and Amsterdam Board Game Design, as he shares his journey from graphic designer to board game publisher. Discover how a homemade gift sparked a thriving business model focused on co-creation and community. Learn about the Amsterdam board game scene, strategic partnerships, and the power of staying true to your vision. Perfect for aspiring designers and...

Join us as we dive into the world of board game design with Ellie Dix, founder of The Dark Imp and author of The Board Game Family . Discover how Ellie transitioned from a classroom educator to a successful game designer, balancing her passion for creating games with the strategic demands of the industry. In this episode, Ellie shares insights on self-publishing during a pandemic, the importance o...

Join us with Dominique Quinque, co-founder of Heidi Huckleberry, as she shares how nature-inspired diorama kits are transforming childhood play. Discover how these eco-friendly toys foster environmental awareness and resilience, while promoting creativity and parent-child bonding. Learn about the importance of sustainability in the toy industry and Dominique's journey from East Germany to creating...

In this episode you'll discover how Castle Perilous Game and Book has thrived for over 30 years amidst digital retail giants. In this episode, Scott Thorne shares insights on the evolution of game retail, from strategic shifts in board games to the rise of collecting over playing. Learn how community events and exclusive in-store experiences can give brick-and-mortar stores a competitive edge. Sco...

Join us as Brian Burt, a seasoned legal expert, unveils the three critical paths to toy commercialization: licensing, direct sales, and entrepreneurship. Discover insider strategies to protect your IP, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize returns. Whether you're starting out or expanding, gain actionable insights on building a robust business plan, securing capital, and smart branding. Perfect for...

In this episode, you’ll discover the proven strategies Tommy used to turn playful characters into a multi-faceted empire — from live performances and books to music and digital content. We break down how his unique business model creates a seamless experience of fun and learning, capturing kids’ imaginations and parents’ trust alike. Plus, insights on adapting entertainment for different markets,...

Most parents struggle to find sensory toys that are safe, engaging, and truly helpful for their child's development especially with the limited options in markets like India. Khushboo Saraf reveals how her personal journey from corporate engineer to founder of Lattooland transformed a simple need into a mission-driven business that’s impacting thousands across the US and India. In this episode, Kh...