Best Fit Toy Design Podcasts (2025)

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#291: Toy Creators Academy Coaching Call with Melanie Palmer 52:54

Play Pause

1d ago52:54

52:54

Your toy is 90% done… for the fifth time. You keep playtesting, tweaking, second-guessing, and you’re convinced it’s not ready. But what if all that perfectionism is what’s actually holding you back? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m coaching Melanie Palmer, Toy Creators Academy alum and founder of Emmers, a joyful toy brand des…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower: The Games of Essen 2025 56:59

2d ago56:59

56:59

Tom, Julie, and Eric run through their game plan for Essen Spiel 2025, including where they'll be, and what games are on the internet's radar, as well as trying to narrow down what three games are of the most interest to them personally. 00:59 - Bookkeeping: Dice Tower East, West, Cruise 01:57 - The Weather in Germany 03:12 - Eric's First Time Back…

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🐔Is Chargrilled Spiced Chicken the new Honey Soy Chicken? Is pistachio the new vanilla?🍦 [Road Test] 9:25

6d ago9:25

9:25

Are the new Red Rock Deli x Andy Cooks Chef Series chips worth investing in? How about the new pistachio gelato tub from Connoisseur? We will taste them and let you know. And then, of course… we dip the chips in the ice-cream because we have free will!!! Sweet and salty and unhinged! [0:40] Connoisseur Pistachio gelato [2.56] New Red Rock Deli flav…

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#290: Toy Creators Academy Coaching Call with Melissa Brody 54:35

8d ago54:35

54:35

Big feelings deserve a safe space and sometimes, that space looks like a soft, huggable friend with swappable expressions and a whole lot of heart…eyes! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, we’re opening up another coaching call episode featuring Toy Creators Academy alum Melissa Brody, a licensed therapist, entrepreneur, and new mom w…

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Ava N. Simmons — STEM entrepreneur and toy designer with dyslexia and dyspraxia 12:05

10d ago12:05

12:05

Ava N. Simmons, also known as Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®, is a 12-year-old S.T.E.M. Ambassador, Entrepreneur, Toy Designer, Author, and the creator of educational toy brand Team Genius Squad. Diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in 2021, Ava used S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engi…

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💪Cottage Cheese: From Fitness Girlie Snack to Cult Chocolate Bar🍫 28:26

13d ago28:26

28:26

This episode contains 112% of your recommended daily protein intake. If you’re into obscene retro recipes, there’s a “salad” in here that’ll haunt you for years — but, if you can believe it, there are also some genuinely delicious ones. We get to the bottom of why cottage cheese is suddenly impossible to find (and why it went viral), and discuss th…

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#289: The TCA Journey Behind a Toy Empowering Kids to Choose Kindness with Jana Hallam 23:38

15d ago23:38

23:38

A toy doesn’t need to be loud or flashy to leave a lasting impact. The most meaningful ones teach kindness, spark empathy, and build something real in a child’s heart. That belief is what led today’s guest to create a toy that’s about so much more than play. In this special replay episode, we’re passing the mic to guest host Virginia Lette, who sit…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Essen Prep 57:31

16d ago57:31

57:31

By Tom Vasel, Julie Ahern, and Eric Summerer

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🥒 How does popcorn pickle? And what are these mango gummies all about? [Road Test] 🥭 9:03

19d ago9:03

9:03

Another SNACK ROAD TEST where we put our mouths on the line by taste testing new snacks and then share our deep thoughts and feelings. Today we're starting in the popcorn aisle, then getting freaky with gummies. Strap in. Got any snacks you want us to try? Drop us a challenge on Instagram or even email [email protected] Thanks pals! [0:46] Pic…

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#288: How an Industry Veteran Rebuilt His Toy Knowledge Through TCA with Gerardo Davila 27:25

22d ago27:25

27:25

Every once in a while, I meet a toypreneur whose journey reminds me why I started this podcast… and today’s guest is one of those people. In this episode, we’re bringing back the story of a Toy Creators Academy grad who went from leading sales at Mattel to launching a heartfelt plush brand that’s changing bedtime for kids everywhere. Meet Gerardo D…

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Deaf and OCD representation in audio drama — with Caroline Mincks of Seen and Not Heard 35:31

26d ago35:31

35:31

Caroline Mincks is a writer, director, and voice actor who is best known for their audio drama “Seen and Not Heard,” which is about navigating hearing loss as an adult. Seen and Not Heard features disability representation, including deaf, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autistic characters. Caroline also works as a consultant, assisting ot…

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🍄 Shiitake: Is this powdered Shiitake snack completely unhinged? And what is a Stir Dry? 🫓 25:31

27d ago25:31

25:31

Is shiitake powder the ultimate MSG hit? What does it have to do with the spice trade and 16th century ketchup? And does it pull as well as pork? We also “invent” the stir-dry. It’s going to catch on, believe us. [1:49] Powdered [9:00] Ketchup [14:11] Pulled [19:05] Stir Dry Follow us on Instagram (@ingredipedia) and TikTok (@ingredipedia) to see v…

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#287: Looking Back at a TCA Alum’s Journey as a Game Designer with Chrissy Fagerholt 20:00

1M ago20:00

20:00

You know I love celebrating a toypreneur's full-circle moment and today’s episode is just that. We're revisiting the incredible journey of TCA alum Chrissy Fagerholt of EAP Toys and Games, from her very first appearance on this podcast to her latest game launch and ongoing success in self-publishing. This episode is a special highlight reel of Chri…

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

1M 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…

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🎂 Ten Years of Ingredipedia: Best Fails 19:19

1M ago19:19

19:19

We can’t believe it either, but Ingredipedia is 10 years old this month. To celebrate, we reaching back to two of our most cursed (and viral) fails. Liverwust Pineapple that didn’t make it out of the fridge, and Maple Butter that wouldn’t butter. Turns out failure is in our DNA. [3:40] Liverwurst Pineapple [9:44] Maple Butter Follow us on Instagram…

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

1M 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…

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Living with schizoaffective disorder – with Sally Littlefield 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

Content note: This episode describes my guest’s experience with psychosis, delusions, and suicidality / suicide attempts. Sally Littlefield is a national speaker and mental health advocate dedicated to changing how the world understands schizophrenia. After experiencing a 10-month long psychotic episode that led to a diagnosis of schizoaffective di…

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🍦Golden Gaytime: Ice-cream stardom and biscuit sleuthing🕵🏼‍♀️ 13:30

1M ago13:30

13:30

They’re an Australian icon, but what the hell do they have to do with the greatest New Zealand biscuit of all time? Plus, find out which international superstar eats five Gaytimes a day when they visit. [1.20] Golden Gaytime biscuits (and other collabs) [9.18] International stardom Follow us on Instagram (@ingredipedia) and TikTok (@ingredipedia) t…

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

1M 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…

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

2M 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…

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🍞Toast: Can sweat make it better? Plus, an AFL player shows us how to dunk it🏉 22:43

2M ago22:43

22:43

Are you missing out on the greatest form of French toast in the world?! How about the simplest sandwich you've absolutely never tried?! We also talk Frasier, cheap toasters and the baffling way the Melbourne Football Club's Christian Petracca eats Vegemite toast. [1.41] The greatest French toast [7.21] Christian Petracca toast [11.19] Toast sweat […

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

2M 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 …

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Identity, horror and artistic expression – with Tas The Artist 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

Content note: This episode discusses abuse in a religious cult, gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia, and the negative impact of U.S. current events on marginalized people. Tas The Artist is an autistic, queer, disabled and deaf graphic artist, illustrator, and advocate who blends storytelling with a passion for accessible design. Tas supports fellow …

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🍫Does anyone actually like Cadbury Twirl? Plus, Zooper Dooper Twisties [Road Test]🫣 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

We’re trying a lil something new! NEW SNACK ROAD TEST! We’ll put our mouths on the line by taste testing these new snacks and then share our deep thoughts and feelings. Today we’ve got a cavalcade of Twirl varieties and some disturbingly pink Twisties. Strap in. Do you want us to try more new snacks like this? Or stick to strictly the Civil War and…

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

2M 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 …

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

2M 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…

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😠Parsley: Does the curly one deserve the hate? Garlic bread investigation🍞 25:17

2M ago25:17

25:17

WHAT’S THE POINT OF PARSLEY? We start off asking the big questions and end up with parsley stuck in our teeth. There’s an investigation into supermarket garlic bread and Ben fires up about the merits of three different types of parsley. [1.25] What's the point? [6.57] Why it gets stuck in your teeth [12.42] Garlic bread investigation [18.58] Curly …

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

2M 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…

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Dyspraxia, dyslexia and autism – with Charis Hawkley 20:24

2M ago20:24

20:24

Charis Hawkley is an award-nominated disability advocate with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. She enjoys discussing her experiences as a neurodivergent woman through writing articles, guesting on podcasts and speaking at events. She has been editor of the Dyspraxia Magazine since September 2024 and enjoys helping others to find their voice and tell…

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🚫Rice cakes: Why the government ban? How to revive a stale one🍚 15:35

2M ago15:35

15:35

Are they delicious crispy spread canvases? Or boring stale cardboard? Either way you slice it, we find out which Australian state government has serious rice cake hate and give you two ways to crisp up stale rice cakes. [1.31] Government ban [7.33] How to revive a stale rice cake Follow us on Instagram (@ingredipedia) and TikTok (@ingredipedia) to …

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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🍫Dates: Can fruit really replace a Snickers? The best sticky date pudding's unexpected location🚗 24:51

3M ago24:51

24:51

From a fast-food sticky date pudding you’ve probably never heard of, to a “healthy” Snickers dupe, and even a butter-filled date that tastes like cookie dough – we’re uncovering the sweetest (and strangest) sides of this exotically-coded fruit. Plus, Ben’s deep dive into a famous breakfast buffet sauce! [1.10] Sticky date pudding [7.59] Mysteries o…

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

3M 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…

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Life as a neurodivergent preemie – with Preeti Kalra 33:38

3M ago33:38

33:38

Preeti Kalra is a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Masters in Health Administration. She is the Director of Partnerships and Communications and Chicago Network Lead for WE ARE SAATH, an organization dedicated to advocating for South Asian mental health and defying the sti…

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🇯🇵Pocky: Is Pepero coming for them? Plus, all the cutest limited editions 💕 16:21

3M ago16:21

16:21

Is Korea’s Pepero a copycat, a contender or just a chunkier-coated cousin? Plus, we share our all-time favourite limited edition Pocky flavours (heart-shaped sticks! real cheese!) and the truly wild varieties we wish we could try. From pumpkin to chilli crab, fortune-telling to Star Wars collabs, this episode is a stick-shaped biscuit lover’s dream…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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 -…

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🥝 Kiwi: Nature’s sleeping pill… or pizza’s next big scandal?🫢 24:40

3M ago24:40

24:40

Could a humble green fruit really help you sleep better? And more controversially… does it belong on a margherita? This week, we investigate the kiwi fruit: its surprising sleep science and its unexpected cameo on pizza. We also explore the fruit’s fuzzy history: where it came from and why it’s called “kiwi” (spoiler: it’s not originally from New Z…

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

3M 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…

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Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, “Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life.” She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at…

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🍋Solo: Can you taste the masculinity? What about the alcohol?💪🏻 11:28

3M ago11:28

11:28

We crack open Australia’s most questionably marketed soft drink and slam it down. Ben investigates the myth of the original ‘Solo Man’ and the sweaty, hyper-masculine world he paddled in from. Meanwhile, Em attempts a taste test to see if she can tell the difference between regular Solo and its boozy rebrand, Hard Rated. Is it still the “thirst cru…

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

3M 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…