Best Fit Toy Design Podcasts (2025)

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where There's a Will There's a Way 1:09:49

Play Pause

1h ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Tom begins by recapping his adventures at the Dice Tower Retreat, and looks forward to the World Series of Boardgaming, before turning to the topic of figuring out what to do with your game collection after you're gone, and why it might be a good idea to make some choices sooner rather than later. Later, we share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, p…

1
#286: 3 Surprising Ways To Use AI To Save Money In Your Toy Business 32:13

1h ago32:13

32:13

Toy people, I see you. You’re trying to run your business, deal with tariffs, build your brand, pitch your ideas, and maybe even answer customer questions at 3AM. But what if I told you that AI could actually help you make the most out of your time and money as you build your toy business? In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m break…

1
#285: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Michael Harring 1:03:09

7d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Should you launch your toy on Kickstarter? That’s the question that we’re going to explore today. TCA alumni Michael Harring, launched Wayward Ghouls and his line of Squeaks toys on Kickstarter as what he says is “just a test.” With the goal of $49,000, Michael’s almost at 50% with a $19,000 pledge but he shared in our interview that for some reaso…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where You Least Expect 56:11

18m ago56:11

56:11

Tom sits at the small table. Eric's parents make friends on a cruise. Julie travels the country spreading boardgames wherever she goes. We also talk about what surprises await in those little pockets of games in places where you don't expect to find them. We delve into the mailbag for some pertinent questions, and we gather a new crop of Roses, Tho…

1
Designing Soft Play for Toddlers vs. School Age Children 5:42

18d ago5:42

5:42

🎙️ Episode: Designing Soft Play for Toddlers vs. School Age Children Soft play isn’t one-size-fits-all! 👶👧 In this episode, we explore how design choices change depending on a child’s age. From safe, squishy spaces for toddlers 🧸 to more challenging, skill-building setups for school-age kids 🧗‍♂️, you’ll learn what works best for each stage of deve…

1
#284: What the End of De Minimis Means for Toy Creators 36:00

16d ago36:00

36:00

For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you’re not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and …

1
Classroom Sensory Tables: Fun Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills 5:30

17d ago5:30

5:30

✨ Transform classroom playtime into powerful learning with sensory table activities! 🧩 These hands-on stations use resistance-based tools like tongs, tweezers, and textured materials to make play both fun and educational. 💪 By strengthening hand muscles, sensory tables prepare children for writing and daily tasks, while aligning seamlessly with you…

1
Musical Playground Equipment for Schools: Modular or Fixed? 5:59

10d ago5:59

5:59

When it comes to musical playground equipment for schools, should you choose a modular system or a fixed system? 🤔 🎶 Modular setups are flexible, expandable, and budget-friendly, making them perfect for schools with evolving needs. Fixed systems, on the other hand, are durable, visually striking, and long-lasting—though they come with a higher upfr…

1
5 Dentist Waiting Room Toys That Calm and Entertain Kids 4:57

12d ago4:57

4:57

🦷👧 When kids walk into a dentist’s office, first impressions matter! ✨ A welcoming waiting room eases nerves, keeps children entertained 🎲🎶, and helps parents feel more relaxed 💆‍♀️. The right toys make all the difference—especially when they’re durable, easy to clean, and built for busy healthcare settings. 🏥🌟 Discover kid-friendly solutions at Li…

1
Pediatric Waiting Room Design That Eases Anxiety 6:10

17d ago6:10

6:10

✨🏥 Thoughtfully designed pediatric waiting rooms can reduce anxiety by up to 70%! 🌿☀️ With natural light, plants, smart layouts, and specialized toys from Little People’s Cove, these calming spaces transform healthcare experiences for children 👧🧒 and caregivers 🤝—while improving clinical outcomes. 💖📈…

1
#283: 3 Costly Mistakes That Toy Creators Make with Factories 27:35

13d ago27:35

27:35

I’ll never forget the time I asked a factory to “just move the pen and scissors down a little” on a packaging layout. What came back? A sample where the entire arrangement was totally rearranged and the design I’d worked so hard on was completely off. Communicating with factories is one of the most exciting parts of the toy-making journey, but one …

1
Sensory Friendly Musical Playgrounds: Benefits for Schools And Daycares 5:10

18d ago5:10

5:10

🎶✨ In this episode, we explore how sensory-friendly musical playgrounds break down barriers and create joyful, inclusive spaces for every child. 🌈🤝 These multi-sensory environments support 🧠 brain development, 💖 emotional regulation, and 🤗 social skills while welcoming children of all abilities. 🎵👧🧒 Discover how schools, daycares, and communities c…

1
How to Design Gender Neutral Classroom Play Areas 7:12

18d ago7:12

7:12

Create play spaces where every child feels welcome! 🌈 Instead of following gender stereotypes, learn how to design interest-focused activity areas that support skill growth, creativity, and inclusion. ✨ We’ll share tips on using inclusive language, diverse materials, and neutral storage systems to build classrooms, libraries, and playrooms that inv…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Paint Me A Picture 1:08:51

23d ago1:08:51

1:08:51

Eric starts the show by sharing tales of his European adventures, which leads Tom to share some of our plans for Spiel in October. Then, we discuss the process for adding art to your game. How do you find an artist? How long does it take to draw a picture of a horse? What if the horse is holding a corn dog? Later, we share a tale of horror and a qu…

1
#282: Why Toy Companies Are Switching to Manufacturing in India with Joshua Punin 49:03

1M ago49:03

49:03

Even with the recent increased tariffs on India, many of my clients and students have been seeking out new factory partnerships in this country. For decades, China has been the go-to destination for toy production, and they are indisputably the best at producing high quality goods quickly, but what happens when rising costs, shipping delays, and sh…

1
Drums and Bongos vs Melody Makers for Musical Playgrounds 5:27

30d ago5:27

5:27

🎶 Drums, Bongos, or Melody Makers? Discover how each instrument brings something unique to your musical playground—from rhythm and coordination to sensory engagement and creative play. 🥁✨ Learn which is best for your space and budget! Explore more at 👉 Little People's CoveBy Little People's Cove

1
How to Build a Fun Library Sensory Room for Kids 4:52

1M ago4:52

4:52

📚✨ Transform your library into an inclusive haven for neurodivergent kids. 🌈 In this episode, learn how to create high-sensory 🔊🎨 and low-sensory 🌿🤫 spaces—whether with simple DIY setups 🧩 or full sensory rooms 🏗️. 👉 Explore Sensory Toys at Little People’s Cove 🧸🎶By Little People's Cove

1
Wood vs Composite vs Plastic Sandboxes: Durability Face-Off 5:36

1M ago5:36

5:36

🏖️✨ Thinking about adding a sandbox to your backyard, daycare, or playground? In this episode, we compare wood 🌲, composite 🪵, and plastic 🧩 sandboxes—covering durability, weather resistance 🌦️, and maintenance 🧼. 👉 Find the best long-term choice for endless outdoor fun 🎉👧🧒 and explore durable sandboxes at LittlePeoplesCove.com 🌈🛝…

1
#281: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Carrie Shaked 59:47

1M ago59:47

59:47

Building forts is a rite of passage for most kids and often the bane of organized parents. I can still picture my mom, coming home late from running her business, to find chairs flipped sideways, blankets draped across them, boxes forming doorways, and my brother and I, tucked away inside playing. It was 100% an eyesore to my parents and 1000% a sa…

1
Raising the Bar on Waiting-Room Play: LittlePeoplesCove.com Leads the Way 5:39

1M ago5:39

5:39

Ann and Brian say replacing loose toys with durable, wall-mounted sensory panels and age-specific zones creates clean, low-maintenance waiting rooms that nurture kids’ development, ease parents’ stress, and meet strict sanitation needs—benefits delivered by LittlePeoplesCove.com’s commercial-grade, engaging products. A child-friendly waiting space …

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Escaping Gen Con 2025 54:38

28d ago54:38

54:38

We are back from Gen Con, and ready to talk about our adventures! We discuss the crowds, the events, and the games we enjoyed, and maybe a little about the food we ate as well. We also share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and share our latest crop of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:46 - Announcements: Dice Tower West and Dice Tower Cruise 01:4…

1
New vs Refurbished Indoor Play Equipment: Which Pays Off? 5:54

1M ago5:54

5:54

🤔🛝 Looking to invest in indoor play equipment? New options ✅ bring better safety 🛡️ and warranties 📑 (though with higher upfront costs 💵), while refurbished equipment can save up to 50% initially 💲. But long-term expenses—maintenance 🔧 and lifespan ⏳—often make new equipment the smarter buy. At Little People’s Cove 🌈💡, we provide expert consulting …

1
Sensory Wall Panels: Enhancing Development in Children with Autism 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

Discover how sensory wall panels create structured sensory experiences that help children with autism process information safely. These interactive panels develop fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and cognitive abilities while providing crucial multisensory stimulation for brain development. Little People's Cove specializes in high-quality ⁠…

1
STEM Exploration Made Bright with Light Tables for Preschoolers 4:48

2M ago4:48

4:48

Discover how Little People’s Cove LED light tables transform preschool and kindergarten play! These glowing tables bring colors and textures to life, spark sensory exploration, boost STEM learning, and strengthen fine motor skills—all through hands-on, illuminated fun. See how ⁠Little People's Cove⁠ light tables can transform your educational envir…

1
How to Design an ADA-Compliant Pediatric Waiting Room 6:17

1M ago6:17

6:17

🎙️ Discover how to design an ADA-compliant pediatric waiting room that’s accessible & kid-friendly. 🏥✨ From barrier-free layouts 🚪 and seating 💺 to sensory-friendly features 🎶 and kid-safe furniture 🧸, we share practical tips to create welcoming spaces for all abilities. 🌈👧🧒 🎨 Explore inclusive solutions at LittlePeoplesCove.com 🧩🪑…

1
Buying Foam Climbing Blocks for Daycares: Safety Tips and Guidelines 5:41

1M ago5:41

5:41

🧸✨ Keep kids safe with high-density, tear-resistant foam blocks made from non-toxic materials. 🛡️🔒 Secure fastening systems and proper height limits add extra protection, while regular inspections, safe installation, and well-designed fall zones create a fun, worry-free climbing space. 🧗‍♀️🌈 At Little People’s Cove 🏡💙, we specialize in foam climbin…

1
#280: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Courtney Smithee 44:13

1M ago44:13

44:13

Ever wondered why all baby toys are so bright and loud? all primary and neon colors? Aesthetic-focused moms are craving a change. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m bringing you a powerful coaching session that spotlights someone who's filling that market opportunity. Playcor is a brand on a mission to make toys that look as beau…

1
Interactive Mirror Play: Sparking Kids’ Imagination 5:13

2M ago5:13

5:13

Discover how interactive mirrors turn playtime into a powerful tool for growth. From tummy time for infants to imaginative exploration for preschoolers, these reflective surfaces nurture self-awareness, coordination, and emotional intelligence—unlocking endless opportunities for learning and creativity. At ⁠Little People's Cove⁠, we specialize in c…

1
Toy Disinfecting on a Budget: Smart Tips for Daycares & Schools 4:48

2M ago4:48

4:48

🧸✨ Keep kids healthy 🧼 and your budget intact 💰! Discover simple, cost-effective ways to clean, sanitize, and disinfect daycare toys 🧽—from easy bleach solutions 🧴 to toy rotation systems 🔄 and smart cleaning schedules 📅 that stop the spread of germs 🦠. At Little People’s Cove 🌈💖, we’re dedicated to creating environments that nurture every child’s …

1
Mirror Play for Babies & Toddlers: Stages of Self-Discovery 5:19

2M ago5:19

5:19

👶✨ Between 6–18 months, babies enter the mirror stage—starting to recognize themselves and build self-awareness. 🪞💡 This growth continues into toddlerhood through curious looks 👀, playful interaction 🎲, and social imitation 🤗. 🌈 At Little People’s Cove, our funhouse mirrors make this journey exciting and engaging, fostering both emotional 💖 and cog…

1
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Playground Equipment Grants 5:55

2M ago5:55

5:55

🛝✨ Need funding for your new playground? 💡 Boost your chances of winning grants with clear goals 🎯, detailed budgets 📊, and tailored applications 📋. Assign a strong project leader 👩‍💼, apply for multiple grants 📨, and tap into Little People’s Cove resources 🌈 to bring your playground dreams to life. 🌟🤝…

1
#279: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Kieche O’Connell 52:36

2M ago52:36

52:36

The most innovative toy ideas I’ve ever seen come from people outside the toy industry. When I met Dr. Kieche O’Connell, the creator of Catoms, I was completely blown away. She found a way to merge her love of science and the periodic table into a collectible plush toy line. Kieche’s deep understanding of chemistry and the unique traits of each ele…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Gen Con Bound 2025 1:01:57

2M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

We're on our way to Gen Con! And here are the games we're most excited about (as well as the ones that are getting the most buzz online). You'll also here where to find us in Indy, where we plan to eat, and how we plan to survive the Best Four Days in Gaming. 00:45 - Releases in the second half of the year. 02:23 - Preparing for Crowds at Gen Con -…

1
#278: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Manish Punwani 53:25

2M ago53:25

53:25

Ever feel like your toy or game idea is too niche or catch yourself wondering if you’ve really got what it takes to break into the industry? Maybe you’ve been sitting on a killer concept, or you’re already knee-deep in prototypes and second guesses. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m chatting with TCA alum and current Accelerator…

1
#277: Game Pitching Tips From a Toy Industry Insider with Tanya Thompson 1:04:42

2M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Have you ever had a game idea pop into your head and thought, “This could be huge… but how do I even pitch it?” Or maybe you’ve been sitting on a finished prototype, wondering if it’s really “good enough” to get in front of a big toy company. If you’ve been dreaming of turning your game concept into a real product on shelves, this episode is made f…

51
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Going East 2025 1:00:53

2M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

It's time to recap our adventures at Dice Tower East 2025. We discuss the games we played and events we ran, and you also get to hear what Eric and Julie got up to when working at the Dice Tower Booth, which includes brainstorming ways to get Tom to remember the difference between Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:46 - We Didn't See Each Other 01:4…

1
#276: TCA Accelerator Coaching Call with Joanna of Fren Forest 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

If you've ever wished you could sit in on a real coaching call inside Toy Creators Academy, today’s your lucky day. This episode is part of a special behind-the-scenes series where I bring you inside the TCA Accelerator for a one-on-one strategy session with Joanna, the creator of Fren Forest. Joanna is a sculptural artist with a love for cozy char…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Road Trip 1:04:50

3M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

Today, we discuss our recent travel adventures. Eric has returned from a Ninja Escort Mission and ran into gaming opportunites at every turn. And Tom and Julie have the full scoop on the 50th Origins Game Fair in Columbus, OH. Then, we finish the show with a gathering of our latest Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:48 - Convention Season - Dice Tow…

1
#275: 3 Unmissable Lessons to Turn Your Hobby Into a Hit Game 17:35

3M ago17:35

17:35

Can your hobby become the next best selling board game? If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your weekend hobby into something magical and marketable, this episode is your cheat sheet. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m unpacking the gold that Elizabeth Hargrave, the brilliant mind behind Wingspan, dropped in our conversation from…

1
#274: Turn Your Hobby Into a Best-Selling Board Game with Elizabeth Hargrave 47:26

3M ago47:26

47:26

What are your hobbies? I personally enjoy dance, specifically latin dance and often I wonder, “What if I could translate salsa dancing into a toy or game?”. Well today, we’re going to explore that possibility. Today my guest shares how she turned her hobby into a best selling board game! In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m joined …

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Small Wonder 1:02:01

3M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

This time, Tom gives us an update on his replay of the Catan expansions before we take a big look at small games. What are the pros and cons of games that can fit in your pocket? Also, we share a new Tale of Horror, as well as our latest batch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:03 - Summer: Origins, Dice Tower East, Dice Tower Cruise, Gen Con 05:…

1
#273: The Tabletop Game Licensing Blueprint that Closed Major Deals with April Mitchell 27:48

3M ago27:48

27:48

Licensing a tabletop game doesn’t require years of experience or a perfectly polished prototype. What it really takes is a strong idea, a strategic approach, and the confidence to put yourself out there. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m sitting down with April Mitchell, motivational speaker, licensing expert, TCA Alumni, and fo…

1
#272: How Labubu Became The Most Wanted Plush in the World 36:08

3M ago36:08

36:08

It started with a fuzzy little monster, hiding in the pages of a picture book inspired by Nordic fairy tales. She wasn’t famous. She didn’t have a movie deal. But when one K-pop superstar hugged her on Instagram… everything changed. This week on Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m diving into the jaw-dropping rise of Labubu, the “ugly-cute” characte…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Judging The Book 1:04:21

4M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Tom, Julie, and Eric run through the nominees for the German Game of the Year awards before focusing on the episode's main topic: box covers. How does what you put on the front of the box attract a particular audience? We also have a tale of horror? as well as a question from the mailbag, and of course our usual assortment of Roses, Thorns, and Hul…

1
#271: Email Marketing Rules You Can’t Break 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

Are you sleeping on the money-making magic of your email list? If you've been pouring all your energy into TikToks, Reels, and likes… hold up. Because while social media might be where the buzz is, your email list is where the buying happens. It’s your direct line to superfans, curious retailers, and future customers who actually want to hear from …

1
#270: The Pricing Strategy That’s Getting Buyers to Say YES 19:53

4M ago19:53

19:53

What if your toy’s price point was the only thing standing between you and a “yes” from a major retailer? You’ve got the product, the mission, and maybe even a booth at Toy Fair but if buyers are walking by without placing orders, it might not be your toy that’s the problem… it might be the price. In this episode, you’ll hear how one Toy Creators A…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Home Base 57:12

4M ago57:12

57:12

This time, Tom gives us an audio tour of the new Dice Tower Studios in Ft. Myers, with tales to tell about the adventurous move. We present a Tale of Amazement and delve into the mailbag, and we close the show with our Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:09 - Moving to Ft. Myers 04:51 - The New Studio 23:04 - Tale of Amazement 28:55 - Question: What …

1
#269: Thinking Differently About Toy Production with Lisa Doiron of Basic Fun 16:12

4M ago16:12

16:12

Before we dive into one of the most creative plush lines I’ve ever seen, we need to talk about something serious — TARIFFS. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, I’m kicking things off with an urgent update about the current U.S.–China tariff situation and how it could affect your toy business. I’m sharing what I would do right now if I…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Plugging In 1:04:18

5M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

This time, Tom shares his adventures in Mexico, and Julie has tales to tell from Greece. Then, we kick of our discussion of video games that feel like board games with Eric's obsession with Blue Prince, before moving on to a bunch of other electronic games, including some that have made the leap to boardgames. We open up the mailbag for a question …

1
#268: The Truth Behind Being a Game Inventor with Jeremy Posner 44:53

4M ago44:53

44:53

Behind every “yes” in the toy industry, there’s a mountain of “no’s,” countless hours of hustle, and more trial and error than most people expect. At one point, he came close to walking away from it all—until a single line from an episode of Bluey reminded him that making games was exactly what he was meant to do. In this episode Making It In The T…