Best Fit Toy Design Podcasts (2025)

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

1h 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…

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

27m 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 …

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

5d 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…

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

13d 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 …

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#268: The Truth Behind Being a Game Inventor with Jeremy Posner 45:39

20d ago45:39

45:39

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…

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#267: Winning a TOTY Award and Scaling a Toy Business Through 3D Printing with Solobo Toys 48:36

26d ago48:36

48:36

Can 3D printing really replace traditional toy manufacturing? One founder says “absolutely” and she’s got the award to prove it. In this episode, I’m chatting with the amazing Courtney Peebles, founder of Solobo Toys, about how she won a TOTY Award for her hit plush toy, Emotional Baggage, and how rising manufacturing challenges pushed her to trans…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where Do Boardgames Come From? 1:19:19

27d ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Tom is busy moving the studio, so Julie and Eric invite Robert Geistlinger from Arcane Wonders (and also Julie's husband) to join in a discussion about boardgame production. Where do the materials that go into our games come from? What do you look for in a manufacturer? And why doesn't everybody print their games in Cleveland? And of course, we clo…

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Episode 14 - What is Executive Functions in Children 6:33

29d ago6:33

6:33

Send us a text Executive functioning (EF) encompasses crucial cognitive abilities that guide goal-oriented behavior and adaptation. For children aged 4 to 12, the cultivation of these skills, such as planning, working memory, and inhibitory control, is particularly important. The development of EF significantly impacts academic achievement, social …

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#266: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Sharon Price John 44:25

1M ago44:25

44:25

“There are no tired brands, just tired marketers.” That quote alone has been living rent-free in my head since this interview. It has challenged me to take a look at my own brand and ask, am I doing everything I can to keep it thriving? In this episode, Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop and Chairwoman of the Toy Associat…

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ADHD apps designed for children 18:54

1M ago18:54

18:54

Send us a text In this podcast I and my friend Josh discuss ADHD apps designed for children, particularly elementary schoolers, and their role in supporting executive function skills. It highlights how these digital tools aim to improve areas such as focus, emotional regulation, and task management, often through gamified learning and interactive f…

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#265: Navigating the Tariff Changes in The Toy Industry | April 2025 1:04:40

1M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Is it time to stop manufacturing overseas? Or are these tariffs just temporary chaos? In this episode we're talking about the massive new tariffs shaking up the toy industry and what they mean for your bottom line. With import costs from China jumping up to 54% April 2nd, and a potential 104% threat looming over the horizon, toy creators everywhere…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where Credit is Due 1:05:02

1M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Today, we focus on what designers should do when they've built a design on an existing game. How much borrowing is too much borrowing? We also look ahead to some upcoming events, share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and run through our latest batch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:49 - Tom's Apology 01:25 - Dice Tower Cruise and Dice Tower E…

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#264: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Purryfuls 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Have I ever told you that I’m allergic to cats? Well, lucky for me I recently met Katharine Burke, the creator of PurryFuls, a purring plush cat that is designed for on demand comfort that only a purring cat can provide. Katharine left a high-stress tech job to build Purryfuls, and in today’s episode she shares exactly how she went from zero toy pr…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Life, The Universe, and Everything in the Rulebook 1:11:33

2M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

We kick off this episode with some chit-chat regarding the moving of Dice Tower HQ, some upcoming events, Tom's efforts to impress the chef at a Japanese restaurant, and the most played games at Dice Tower West. A listener question leads us to discuss the layout of rulebooks and how best to do so. We share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and clos…

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#263: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Cameron Ring 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

With over 13,000 followers on TikTok and millions of video views, Lost Boy Entertainment is forging a new path for launching a successful game brand. To continue our New York Toy Fair 2025 interview series, I sit down with Cameron Ring, co-founder of Lost Boy Entertainment. Lost Boy Entertainment is a rising game company that started with just 500 …

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#262: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Hootenanny Games 27:09

2M ago27:09

27:09

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to run a business with your spouse? Is it all fun and games, or does every dinner conversation turn into a boardroom meeting? Do you get to celebrate the wins together, or do you find yourself debating packaging details at 10 PM on a Friday night? I was so curious about this dynamic that I sat down with Alex an…

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#261: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Thin Air Brands 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

Are tariffs here to stay or not? That was the hot topic at New York Toy Fair 2025, and trust me—it’s still got the toy industry buzzing. In Q1 of 2025, the Trump administration announced a 20% tariff on Chinese imports, and with 80% of all toys made in China, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are all bracing for impact. So, who's really going…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Western Expansion 1:05:29

2M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

This time, we are recording in person at Dice Tower West (with some new mics!). We talk specifics about our new-ish venue for DTW, and then get more general with a chat about our convention strategies and planning. The Tale of Boardgaming Horror is one for the ages, and we close the show with some Roses, Thorns, Hula Hoops, and Crossovers. 00:47 - …

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#260: NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview with Jayson Esterow & Gavin Lawler 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

After four days of running (literally) from booth to booth, taking meetings, and soaking in the latest trends, I’m here to give you an inside look at what went down at New York Toy Fair 2025. If you missed New York Toy Fair or couldn’t see everything, check out this first episode of NY Toy Fair 2025 Exclusive Interview Series. Over the next month a…

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#259: How to Maximize Your Experience at Toy Fair New York 2025 43:05

3M ago43:05

43:05

So, you’re going to Toy Fair New York this year, but you aren’t sure you’re making the most of your trip? It’s true, without a solid plan, walking into Toy Fair New York can be completely overwhelming. You can easily get lost in a few friendly conversations, pass too much time playing with toys at welcoming booths, and end up missing opportunities …

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - GOOOOOOAL! 55:12

3M ago55:12

55:12

This time, we're talking sports, and how game designers can best emulate them. Plus, Horror, Hula Hoops, Roses, and Thorns. 00:59 - Announcements: Dice Tower West and East 02:04 - Sports Boardgames 20:10 - Tale of Boardgaming Horror 25:48 - Charcuterie 30:24 - 1 A.M. Jailbreak 33:07 - Helionox Chronicles 37:47 - Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Secon…

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#258: 3 Ways To Grab Buyer Attention and Land More Deals at Toy Fair 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

Let’s be real—Toy Fair is chaotic. Buyers are rushing from booth to booth, seeing hundreds of products. If you want them to stop, pay attention, and actually care about your toy or game, your pitch needs to do more than just explain your product—it needs to demand attention. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I’m breaking down 3 simp…

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#257: How To Win Over Buyers at Toy Fair with Barry & Jason 48:03

3M ago48:03

48:03

New York Toy Fair is just around the corner and if you’re preparing to launch your toy or game at this event, learn this lesson: it WON’T sell itself! Buyers see hundreds of pitches, and even the best ideas can get lost in the noise. The real secret? It’s not just what you pitch, but HOW you pitch it. So, how do you make buyers stop, pay attention,…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Upping the Ante 58:33

3M ago58:33

58:33

This time, Eric gives an update on his Middle School Game Night before the gang launches into a discussion of how playing games for tangible prizes changes the vibe at the table. Then, we move on to a Tale of Boardgaming Horror, check the mailbag, and share some Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:48 - Announcements: Gamefound, Dice Tower West 02:33 …

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Bedtime Story A Tale of Two Mornings in Chomchomville - How Cherry and Lee Get Ready For School 6:01

4M ago6:01

6:01

Send us a text Our story today highlights the concept of reward charts and how two siblings with different personalities navigate their morning routines. It emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, and responsible decision-making, especially for young Cherry as she learns to manage her time and impulses. For everyone thinking what a reward chart…

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#256: Why We’re Not Surprised About The DEI Rollbacks 34:24

4M ago34:24

34:24

Polarizing topic incoming... DEI. When The Toy Coach was picking up steam, many people told me a focus on DEI and being black would be to the benefit of my business. There were so many opportunities to speak on and about diversity and struggle as a person of color that it was hard to feel justified looking the other way at those opportunities. My i…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Talk At The Table 1:04:09

4M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Tom complains about the cold before we all discuss forms of Table Talk. What just bends the rules, and what breaks the game? We share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, a couple of questions from the mailbag, and some new Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:40 - It's cold in Florida 01:41 - Gamefound - SupportDicetower.com 02:11 - Dice Tower East and …

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#255: 5 Lessons to Take You From Hidden Genius to Rising Star Toy Inventor 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

Let’s face it: toy brands get almost ALL the glory, but the inventors behind the product—people like you—deserve the spotlight too. In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I’m sharing 5 lessons to take you from hidden genius to rising star, inspired by my own experience and my recent convo with Tim Walsh, inventor of ‘Blurt!’. We’re talki…

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The Big Race Bedtime Story: Learning about Kindness and Competition 4:50

4M ago4:50

4:50

Send us a text Hey there, Everyone! It's your host Pubali Sen here, and I'm so excited to welcome you to "Mindfulness For Kids"! Get ready for amazing stories that will help you chill out and feel super good. And guess what? Parents, we've got some cool tricks for you too, so you can help your kids feel their best. Come on, let's zoom into the incr…

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#254: This Game Unites Boomers to Gen Alpha and It All Started in a Third-Grade Classroom with Tim Walsh 49:59

4M ago49:59

49:59

What if a simple classroom activity could unite generations across decades? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re celebrating 30 years of Blurt with its inventor, Tim Walsh, and uncovering the incredible story behind the game that connects Boomers to Gen Alpha. Discover how a third-grade classroom exercise—reading dictionary defin…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Buoyant Breakfast 2025 54:20

4M ago54:20

54:20

On board the Dice Tower Cruise 2025, Tom, Julie, and Eric run through their holiday gaming opportunities. Julie asks how we prefer to to vacation, and we end the show with a bunch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops that we encountered on the ship. 00:44 - We're on a Ship 01:32 - Holiday Happenings 02:18 - Star Realms Rise of Empire 07:59 - Ito, Jackb…

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Bedtime Story : The Unicorn - Cherry Shares Her Toy [ A heart warming story about setting boundaries and good sibling communication] 4:38

4M ago4:38

4:38

Send us a text This heartwarming tale follows Cherry, a six-year-old girl, and her brother Lee, who are embroiled in a heated argument over a birthday gift – a fluffy pink unicorn. Their sibling rivalry threatens to overshadow Cherry's special day. In this tale wise Chomchom, Their pet Beagle help them understand each other. The air in the living r…

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#253: 4 Key Lessons to Launch and Scale Your Toy Business While Juggling a 9-to-5 26:54

4M ago26:54

26:54

Building your dream toy business while working a 9-to-5 might be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a dash of creativity, you can take small, actionable steps to turn your big ideas into reality! It’s all about getting scrappy, seeking unfiltered feedback, and spotting opportunities to stand out from the crowd. In this episode of Making I…

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Chomchom's Time-In Adventure - A bedtime Story 4:03

4M ago4:03

4:03

Send us a text Chomchom was a little beagle boy with floppy ears, a waggly tail, and a nose for adventure! He loved exploring every nook and cranny of his home, from the sunny spots on the rug to the mysterious corners under the sofa. Sometimes, though, his adventures got him into a bit of trouble. "Chomchom! No chewing on the table leg!" his mom w…

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#252: How One Company’s Bubble Toy Got Nominated For A Major Toy Award with Ron Weizman 37:36

5M ago37:36

37:36

The highest honor your toy can get in this industry is the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®). This award is so coveted, that just a nomination alone has been said to boost sales and recognition of the brands lucky enough to earn one. A TOTY win can trigger a flood of retailers knocking on your door, desperate to get your product on their shelves. So what do…

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Replacing Time Outs with Time Ins - A New Approach 10:53

5M ago10:53

10:53

Send us a text Host 1: Okay, so let's dive right into this parenting dilemma that's been around forever. You know that moment when your kids are just in full meltdown mode? Host 2: Yeah. Host 1: And you're just like, "What do I even do?" Timeout always seems like the go-to. But are we maybe doing more harm than good? Host 2: Right. Host 1: So today…

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#251: Write Click-Worthy Email Subject Lines For Your Next Toy Pitch: Extended 32:52

5M ago32:52

32:52

Struggling to get your toy pitch noticed? 🚀 In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade reveals the secrets to crafting email subject lines that grab attention and boost your chances of success. Learn the powerful 'Four U’s' formula—Urgent, Useful, Unique, Ultra-Specific—and discover proven tips to make your emails stand out…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Looking Back at 2024 1:06:34

5M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Julie and Eric spend some time recapping PAX Unplugged before all of us take a look at the year that was 2024. What was the easiest game to teach? The game that you'd best set aside a day to play? The Hoopiest Hula Hoop? All will be revealed, dear listener! 01:00 - PAX Unplugged Recap 14:03 - The Quiet House 16:49 - Star Trek TNG VCR Game 20:41 - 2…

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Mindful Moments for Kids - Tips and Part of Life 14:59

5M ago14:59

14:59

Send us a text Welcome to our deep dive into mindfulness for kids and teens. We've got a really interesting mix of sources for this one: articles with activities, a popular app, and even a look at how physical activity can help with anxiety. By the end, you'll have a ton of strategies to help the kids in your life deal with, well, everything. So, o…

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#250: The Art Of Toy Photography with Mitchel Wu: Extended 48:32

5M ago48:32

48:32

Ever wondered how toys come to life through photography? 🎨✨ Mitchel Wu, an acclaimed toy photographer known for his brilliant use of motion and emotion in toy imagery, joins Azhelle Wade in this episode to unravel the magic behind his spectacular work with major clients like Marvel, Disney, and Hasbro. Learn how he transitioned from a mundane consu…

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Episode 6: Tiny Humans, Big Emotions - Learning to Label Emotions 5:44

5M ago5:44

5:44

Send us a text Helloooo, and welcome back! I'm your host, Pubali Sen, mama bear to two little cubs – five-year-old Ihaan, my resident volcano of emotions, and two-year-old Elena, the queen of dramatic sighs. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the wild jungle of toddler emotions, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving deep into the…

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#249: 7 Tips To Improve Your Virtual Toy Pitch: Extended 46:51

5M ago46:51

46:51

Ready to turn your toy ideas into marketable products but feeling lost in the world of virtual pitching? 🚀 Don’t worry, this episode is definitely for you! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade drops all the tips you need to nail your next virtual toy pitch. Discover why energy is your secret weapon, how to create an u…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Mission: Middle School 56:39

5M ago56:39

56:39

This time, Eric is looking for advice from Julie and Tom about running a game night at his son's Middle School. How deep a hole has he dug for himself? Plus, a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, a question from the Listener Mailbag, and a bouquet of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:47 - Dice Tower Winter Spectacular 02:24 - Tom's Anniversary Cruise, …

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#248: Breaking Through Barriers in Children’s Book Publishing with Charles George Esperanza: Extended Cut 53:00

6M ago53:00

53:00

Ever wonder how a kid from the South Bronx grew up to be a superstar children's book author and illustrator? 🚀 In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, join host Azhelle Wade as she chats with Charles George Esperanza, the creative mind behind Boogie Boogie Y’all! 🎨📚 From dreaming of drawing comics to becoming a HarperCollins author, Charl…

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#247: How to Fix What’s Not Working in Your Toy Business with Tyler Turk 38:37

6M ago38:37

38:37

How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn’t working? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler’s subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it …

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Delicious Cardboard 57:02

6M ago57:02

57:02

Tom, Julie, and Eric share some Thanksgiving recipes before launching into a discussion of how designers tackle the theme of cooking in games. We have a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror that pushes our Angry Button, and we close the show with a Thorn-heavy set of games played. 00:57 - Announcements: Dice Tower East, West, and Cruise 2026 02:22 - Than…

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#246: How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before with Azhelle Wade 38:45

6M ago38:45

38:45

Are you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG - Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and…

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#245: Crazy Aaron’s Secret Formula for Perfect Putty with Aaron Muderick 49:11

6M ago49:11

49:11

Have you ever wondered how a simple office toy evolved into a toy phenomenon? In this episode of 'Making It In The Toy Industry', host Azhelle Wade sits down with Aaron Muderick, the creative mind behind Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. From a child's love for tinkering to creating a renowned brand, Aaron's journey is a testament to innovation, persis…

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At The Table with The Dice Tower - Trendy 1:05:52

6M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Tom, Julie, and Eric discuss some Thanksgiving plans before reacting to some recent manufacturing trends in the boardgame industry, from environmentally friendly choices, to the insistance that every game have a custom insert. Our Tale of Boardgaming Horror is a case of mistaken identity, and we close the show with some Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoop…

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#244: Choosing The Right Crowdfunding Platform For Your Launch with Lisa Ferland 42:32

7M ago42:32

42:32

Have you ever wondered what it takes to successfully launch on a crowdfunding platform? Many creators go to the world of crowdfunding believing it's simply about having a great idea and posting it online. However, there's far more strategy involved than we realize. The process requires meticulous planning, audience engagement, and a strong narrativ…

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