Best How To Design A Toy Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

3h 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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#52 Online Play 1:03:13

37m ago1:03:13

1:03:13

So Tom kinda just willed Daybreak into Shelf Stable legality and I don't know how I feel about that. On one hand it's an excellent game, but on the other it sets a dangerous precedent a la Beetlejuice. He can just say something enough times and it materializes like some kind of antithetical podcast ghost. I'm going to have to go back to the lab for…

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Bucherer’s Jillian Chisari on Marketing Luxury Watches in a Digital World 24:43

21h ago24:43

24:43

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Jillian Chisari, vice president of digital at Bucherer, a leading luxury watch retailer. Listen in as Chisari details the difference between luxury and traditional retail marketing, balancing the legacy of the Bucherer brand with inn…

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Episode 235: The Next Step® – Building Confidence and Careers 28:00

4h ago28:00

28:00

Ali Main and Shairvi Sardana of Iowa State UniversityBy Cambridge

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

1d 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

6d 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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Ep. 33 - Beyond the Swipe: Dating Skills, Deeper Bonds & the Road to Real Love with Ken Blackman 53:43

7d ago53:43

53:43

What if your best relationship is still ahead of you? In this episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer sits down with Ken Blackman—former Silicon Valley engineer turned sought-after relationship coach—to unpack how we evolve from casual dating to true connection. Ken shares his journey from feeling insecure and disconnected to helping…

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#51 Board Game Black Mirror 1:09:49

7d ago1:09:49

1:09:49

Do you ever get the feeling that we're just living in one big simulation? Like we might just be pawns in a big Game of Life, and we're just being played by hyper-dimensional beings who are complaining about how badly the host taught them the rules? No? Well, you should probably listen to a different episode, then. This week we're crowdsourcing our …

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

9d 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

13d 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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How BARK CXO Meghan Knoll Brings Storytelling to Dog Toy Design 39:22

14d ago39:22

39:22

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Meghan Knoll, chief experience officer (CXO) at BARK, the leading global omnichannel dog brand known for its monthly subscription, BarkBox. Knoll provides an overview of her primary responsibilities as CXO, a few learnings from build…

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#50 Burnout 1:08:44

14d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

We've all been there. You want to show your cool high school teacher that Code Geass is a lot like an ancient philosopher's teachings. Then you show the clip for a bit too long and all of a sudden you're watching booty shots and some boys love... Games we played: 5:43 - Great Western Trail (2016, Alexander Pfister, eggertspiele) 15:03 - The Game: F…

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Ep. 32 - Weighty Issues: Fasting, Fitness & First Dates 35:20

14d ago35:20

35:20

What does intermittent fasting have to do with flirting? More than you think. In this episode of Dateless in Delray, Steve Feingold returns to share his personal transformation—physically and romantically—after committing to a fasting lifestyle. Joining the conversation is communication coach Laurie Schloff, who reveals how the language we use abou…

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

16d 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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Episode 234: Designing a Practice That Feeds Your Soul 38:40

19d ago38:40

38:40

Chelsea Scomak of Via BrioBy Cambridge

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

21d 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…

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#49 Deck of Cards 1:00:50

21d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Gatorade is like the LaCroix of LaCroix which is not to be confused with carbonated water which is the Spindrift of LaCroix. Water is mid and the LaCroix of water is obviously [drumroll...] LaCroix. Why do they call it LaCroix when you la croix the cold drink la "cwa" hot drink the drink? Stroke and/or deep cut. Jury is out. Games we played: 5:03 -…

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Ep. 31 - Open House, Open Heart: Ken O'Brien on Looking for Love After 50 34:09

21d ago34:09

34:09

Ken O’Brien knows how to close a deal—and he’s still searching for the one that truly moves him. In this episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer chats with Ken, a former Las Vegas bartender turned Florida real estate agent, mentor, and investor, who’s also a fitness enthusiast with a couple of bodybuilding wins under his belt. They t…

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Mazak: The Machine Tools Powering Sustainable Manufacturing 16:59

22d ago16:59

16:59

Mazak Europe is part of the Yamazaki Mazak Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of CNC machine tools and laser cutting machines. These machines use ultra-precise multi-axis tools to shape the components used in everything from medical devices to Formula One cars. But Mazak’s focus is not just on performance, it is on sustainability…

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🌮Tortillas: Are hard shell tacos actually tacos? (And did we just invent the gummy taco?)🌮 23:33

23d ago23:33

23:33

Hard shell tacos: iconic or imposter? Em investigates the surprisingly complicated history of crunchy tacos. Meanwhile, Ben makes a tortilla filled with Doritos and gummy bears (yes, really) and shares his deep love for his favourite kitchen gadget which tbh, is pretty impressive. Also, we explain how tortillas have saved lives (well, at least one)…

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

28d 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…

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#48 Mid Year Eval 57:24

28d ago57:24

57:24

It's like horse racing but the horses are waifus. What's a waifu? Well that's kind of hard to explain. Have you heard of a gatcha? No? NorthernLion? Oh... well I don't know if this is going to work out. Thanks for the interview, I wish you the best of luck in finding a candidate. Games we played: 3:16 - 51st State (2010, Ignacy Trzewiczek, Portal) …

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Ep. 30 - First Impressions & Fashion Confessions: Dating Style with Kim Bolufé 37:05

28d ago37:05

37:05

What does your outfit say before you even open your mouth? In this stylishly honest episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer is joined by celebrity stylist, Delray Beach boutique owner, and host of the Do You Have It? podcast Kim Bolufé, to talk all things fashion, dating, and confidence. From first-date faux pas to post-divorce close…

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Why Empathetic Leadership Matters to BP's North American CMO 15:58

29d ago15:58

15:58

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Alyssa Callahan, chief marketing officer, North America for bp, a global energy company. Listen in as Callahan discusses how her leadership style has evolved as her career moved into different industries, from beauty to travel to ene…

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🐸Which ‘90s Freddo did we bring back from the dead? Plus, Ben's childhood nickname trauma😖 15:47

30d ago15:47

15:47

We’re diving deep into the murky chocolate waters of Freddo Frog history — from lost flavours of the ’90s to chocolate frog-inspired emotional trauma. Em brings back a colourful, much-loved Freddo (kind of), while Ben shares why he used to be called “Freddo Frog” at school and a wild story that links biosecurity and cane toads to the humble Freddo.…

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Episode 233: Advocacy in Action 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

Dale Brown of Financial Services InstituteBy Cambridge

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#47 ft. Tom Brewster, Iteration and Innovation 1:53:31

1M ago1:53:31

1:53:31

Lesser Tom is joined by the Tomb Rewster of Shut Up & Sit Down fame this week to talk board games (shock) and video/podcast creation. Listen in on some Type III fun as we get into the nitty gritty of Cuppy Flicky 2. Wait- where is the typical deranged show note synopsis? Not this week buddy. I had a relaxing weekend and wrote this baby up while the…

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🫣Kangaroo is my main protein. Am I a monster? Would you eat a McRoo?🦘 25:07

1M ago25:07

25:07

Em makes a shocking confession: a huuuuge portion of the red meat she eats is kangaroo and she feels weird about it. We unpack why eating Australia’s most iconic animal still feels taboo, even though it's iron-rich, sustainable, and weirdly delicious in tacos. Also in this episode: - Why there’s no McRoo on the Macca’s menu - A completely subjectiv…

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Ep. 29 - Second Acts & Dating Comebacks: Live from Pod-A-Palooza with Andrea McGinty 18:16

1M ago18:16

18:16

Recorded live at Pod-A-Palooza in Boca Raton, in this abbreviated episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer takes her show on the road, with matchmaking expert Andrea McGinty. She's the founder of It’s Just Lunch and the author of Second Acts.: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50. Andrea shares tips and advice for dating over 50, fro…

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Cluely: Roy Lee - The 21-year-old who built a $500k/month Ai SaaS in 2 Months 1:33:06

1M ago1:33:06

1:33:06

By Brett malinowski

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

1M 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…

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Wayfair Finance Chief Kate Gulliver on Her 'Next Right Move' Career Mindset 36:31

1M ago36:31

36:31

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Kate Gulliver, chief financial officer at Wayfair, one of the world's largest home retailers. Listen in as Gulliver walks through her career journey that led to her current role, how she evaluates the right next move, what’s expected…

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#46 Free to Play 1:06:49

1M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Psst... Hey kid. Get over here. I heard you like games. Get a load of these bad babies. We got all kinds. Dexterity role playing. Social deduction consims. Tom's sexy dice. I tell you what, first one's on me. You take this one home and you play it with your family. Tell 'em old Ken is selling. And if you snitch I'll getcha. Now scram. Games we play…

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🍫Mars Bar: Is Moro the ‘Temu’ version? Uncanny Mars Bar tweaks worldwide🤯 12:54

1M ago12:54

12:54

Does the Mars Bar deserve it's status as one of the elite chocolate bars? Or have major developments in the Moro landscape have it quaking in its boots? Also, just what the f**k is a Mars Bar in other countries? Because it's not the one we're used to. [1.08] Is Moro finally coming for the Mars Bar? [6.10] Uncanny Mars Bar tweaks around the world Fo…

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

2M 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 …

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#45 Toy Factor 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Tom may have had some weird takes, but he was a good person. Today we honor his memory as he would have wanted us to: by participating in the unholy ritual he bestowed upon the listenership on that fateful June morning. Please join me in assembling our 7000+ Millennium Falcons and inserting our XXXL Bad Dragons in honor of all that is TOY... Cold o…

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Ep. 28 - Still Got It: Situationships and Sex Toys with Suzanne Noble 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

Think your best sex is behind you? Think again. In this episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer gets cheeky and candid with Suzanne Noble, author, media maven, and host of Sex Advice for Seniors. Together, they dive deep into the modern realities of aging, intimacy, and why “situationships” might be exactly what we need—especially af…

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🍓Matcha: Are strawberry matcha lattes over? Matcha vs coffee jitters😰 22:18

2M ago22:18

22:18

Plus, can matcha give you a jitter-free caffeine boost (unlike coffee)? And we explore whether “ceremonial grade” is a con. And yes, we look into what’s next in the iced strawberry matcha latte world and also think about whether matcha can make ANYTHING better! [1.07] Is the strawberry matcha trend over? [7.30] Can matcha make everything better? [1…

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

2M 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…

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#44 Five Games for Doomsday 57:13

2M ago57:13

57:13

Just a hypothetical. Tom and Kenny can neither confirm nor deny that there is an impending robot invasion. Prepare you bodies with meat-grinder-proof materials and essences. Drop the Gloomhavens; too heavy. MREs only for the rest of time. Hope you like veggie lasagna and instant coffee type II. Games we played: 4:04 - Millennium Blades (2016, D. Br…

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Ep. 27 - Dating from Your Worth: Magic, Miracles & the Sexual Awakening with Lauren Elise Rogers 39:46

2M ago39:46

39:46

What if the secret to better dating isn’t in the apps—but in how you feel about yourself? In this empowering episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer is joined by Lauren Elise Rogers—Certified Holistic Sexuality Educator and Embodied Intimacy & Relationship Coach—to explore how healing shame, embracing desire, and dating from your wor…

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🤨Milo: Has it finally gone too far? And why is it huge in Malaysia?🦖 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

How do you drink your Milo? Everyone has their own personal rituals which we’ll explore, but we’ll also cover the incredible ways it’s enjoyed in Malaysia. And of course, we get a little ranty about all the wild Milo products on supermarket shelves. Crack the tin and inhale it with us! [1.28] Why is Milo big in Malaysia? [7.46] Has Milo gone too fa…

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Episode 232: Coaching, Technology, and Real-Life Impact 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Chris Gall of Luminous Financial GroupBy Cambridge

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

2M 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…

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#43 The Wildest Games We Know 1:07:14

2M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

I can't wait for the sick and twisted fan that is going to mash up all the games we talk about on this episode into one big megagame. It takes 72 hours to play and if you die in the game, you die in real life. Bring it on, we were born for this. I'll get my duel disc and we can hit the playground after school. 0-2 players, nose snakes included. Gam…

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Ep. 26 - It’s Complicated: Love, Estrangement & Blending Families with Dr. Jeff Segal 52:28

2M ago52:28

52:28

In this unflinching episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer sits down with Dr. Jeff Segal to explore what really happens when long-term marriages end—especially for the children left to make sense of it all. Whether they’re still at home or grown with families of their own, kids often carry the emotional ripple effects of their paren…

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😖Seaweed: How the f*ck do you open an onigiri? Bento box salad secret!🤯 21:09

2M ago21:09

21:09

Plus, we find the king of all chips – the one everyone else looks up to! And find a cool way to cook and eat seaweed you may not have come across. [1.09] How the f*ck do you open an onigiri? [5.50] Seaweed knots? [10.47] Uncovering the bento box seaweed secret [15.25] The king of all chips Follow us on Instagram (@ingredipedia) and TikTok (@ingredi…

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

2M 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 …

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How iFIT's Global Marketing Head Creates a High-Trust Environment 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Kirsten Spittel-Sloan, global head of marketing at iFit, a leading health and fitness platform operating brands NordicTrack, ProForm, and FreeMotion. Listen in as Spittel-Sloan walks through her work-life balance non-negotiables as a…

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Ep. 25 - Uncover to Discover: Emotional Truths, Connection & Dating with Liv Kammerman 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

What if your most painful emotions were actually the key to deeper connection and lasting love? In this soul-stirring episode of Dateless in Delray, host Susan Heller Shoer welcomes speaker, singer, and emotional connection coach Liv Kammerman. Together, they explore how embracing vulnerability, healing old wounds, and “uncovering to discover” can …