Best Making It In The Toy Industry Podcasts (2025)

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#293: How I Landed On Brand with Jimmy Fallon and Pitched National Campaigns 26:58

Play Pause

1d ago26:58

26:58

In spring 2025 I was invited to join On Brand with Jimmy Fallon as 1 of 10 creatives selected to pitch national campaigns to major brands on national TV. Since the episodes aired, my DMs have been full of the same questions: how did I get on the show, what was it really like, and what do I think of Jimmy Fallon? This week on Making It In The Toy In…

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How to do Stuff: Walking on a Red Carpet 9:48

15m ago9:48

9:48

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about. This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how to properly walk the red carpet!

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15 years of the IMF in Ireland 14:54

18m ago14:54

14:54

It’s been 15 years since the arrival of the IMF to Ireland after the financial crash. The IMF programmes after 2008 were the first European programmes for the body since 1953. This, along with the major work the IMF has done in developing countries, make it one of the most influential world organisations in times of crisis. Joining Ciara Doherty to…

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Tech Takeover: Avoiding Online Scams 12:39

29m ago12:39

12:39

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how you can avoid scams online, especially during the period of Black Friday and Christmas shopping…

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Cold snap incoming - how to prep your car 7:28

13m ago7:28

7:28

A Status Yellow snow and ice warnings are in place in 11 counties in the north and northeast. How should you prepare for the potentially hazardous conditions? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Cathal Nolan from The Weather Channel and Joey Donnelly, of Crofton Motors.

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Michael O’Leary on fast-tracking airport cap removal 13:03

25m ago13:03

13:03

Ryanair has today called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to fast-track legislation to scrap Dublin Airport’s passenger cap before the end of 2025. Ryanair boss, Michael O’Leary, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

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Anglesey nuclear plant - should we be concerned? 7:18

14m ago7:18

7:18

Anglesey, which is just across the ocean from us here in Dublin, has been chosen as the site for the UK’s first small nuclear power station, with work on the site due to start in 2026. To discuss the risks associated with this and the importance of it, Ciara Doherty is joined by Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at UCC, John Sodeau.…

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Is health insurance unaffordable for families? - Henry McKean Asks 12:01

23m ago12:01

12:01

The Health Insurance Authority is increasing the stamp duty levy on private health insurance policies by 10% from April 2026, to fund a subsidy scheme for older and higher risk people with health insurance. Is this putting too much pressure on families? Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.…

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How bad are ultra-processed foods? 16:54

33m ago16:54

16:54

A new Lancet report has found that eating excessive ultra processed foods is leading to increased risk of chronic diseases. They are calling for a global response to put pressure on the production of processed foods, and improve access to healthier alternatives. How bad are these foods for us, and what can we do to avoid the worst of them? Joining …

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How to communicate with your dog, from a Westminster champion | Jennifer Crank 13:27

2h ago13:27

13:27

Who let the dogs out? Jennifer Crank, a world champion in dog agility competitions like Westminster, brings her border collie onto the TED stage to demonstrate the secrets of interspecies communication. Watch as her four-legged friend bounds through an obstacle course at lightning speed — as Crank gives a lesson on how to effectively communicate wi…

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ARCA Dynamics: Mapping the Cosmos to Prevent Catastrophic Space Collisions 25:51

1h ago25:51

25:51

Space is becoming dangerously crowded. With Goldman Sachs predicting 70,000 low Earth orbit satellites could launch in just the next five years, the risk of catastrophic collisions is escalating rapidly. Unlike cars or planes, satellites have no drivers on board to react in real-time, making precise orbital tracking absolutely essential. Enter ARCA…

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AI in 5: Digital Doppelgängers, AI Tax Sleuths, and The Green Dividend: 3 AI Stories You Can’t Miss (November 18, 2025) 5:55

8h ago5:55

5:55

AI in 5: Digital Doppelgängers, AI Tax Sleuths, and The Green Dividend: 3 AI Stories You Can’t Miss (November 18, 2025) Episode Summary 🚀 Host Doctor JR tackles three current, high-impact stories where AI meets messy human reality. We explore the bizarre emotional and professional fallout of advanced AI, blending wit with critical insight. Stories …

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Changing career later in life - Henry McKean Reports 10:14

34m ago10:14

10:14

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has resigned from Irish public life and is taking a job at the World Bank. Newstalk’s Henry McKean chatted to people in Cork about changing their careers in middle age, and sends in this report.

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Newsmakers: Storm Eowyn 13:18

1h ago13:18

13:18

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it. So, where else to start but at the beginning of the year, where the country faced the devastation brought by Storm Eowyn? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice, and Independent Cllr…

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Enoch Burke to be imprisoned again - breaking the case down 6:35

1h ago6:35

6:35

In the latest development of the Enoch Burke case, the High Court has ordered his immediate imprisonment. To chat through this and more, Ciara Doherty is joined by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney.

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The Bookshelf with Sinead Moriarty 15:29

9h ago15:29

15:29

Author Sinead Moriarty joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

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Jennifer Carroll MacNeil on Paschal Donohoe’s resignation 13:33

39m ago13:33

13:33

Fine Gael Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has stepped away from his role in Government to take up a position at the World Bank. To chat about the significance of this decision, Ciara Doherty is joined by Fine Gael Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeil, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.…

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Lawyer representing Epstein victims calls for files to be released 8:18

22m ago8:18

8:18

As pressure mounts in the US for the release of the Epstein files, there are many wondering what exactly these files are, and information they contain. To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Lawyer who represented victims of Jeffrey Epstein, Yasmine Meyer.

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Does the ‘Word of the Year’ matter? 8:07

23m ago8:07

8:07

It’s that time of year again where dictionaries begin naming their words of the year. Cambridge Dictionary has gone with ‘parasocial’ while Collins has chosen ‘vibe coding’. With previous words of the year including ‘brat’ in 2024 and even ‘austerity’ in 2015. How well do these words capture the years they’re chosen, and why are we so obsessed with…

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Tips to keep your house warm in a cold snap! 7:39

4h ago7:39

7:39

Temperatures will dip close to zero for the remainder of the week; however, the wind chill factor could make it feel more like minus 10! So, how can you keep your house warm and your bills down this winter? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Irish Examiner.…

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Wicked's costume designer on how to tell stories with clothes | Paul Tazewell 12:32

1h ago12:32

12:32

If you've ever been swept away by the worlds of "Wicked," "Hamilton" or "West Side Story," you've seen Paul Tazewell's breathtaking costumes. The Oscar-winning designer (whose work features in "Wicked: For Good") explores the subconscious language of clothing and how it shapes who we view as heroes — and who we view as villains. (Followed by a shor…

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The Terrible impact of Huntington’s Disease 14:43

26m ago14:43

14:43

Huntington's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects people emotionally, mentally, and physically. Sufferers usually show symptoms in their thirties and forties. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for the condition. Joining Ciara to reflect on the impact the disease can have and how to manage it was Dr. Niall Pender, Profe…

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Ireland beats Hungary. But what needs to happen next to qualify for the World Cup ? Ray Houghton joins us. 9:42

3d ago9:42

9:42

All day today, the nation has been looking back on Ireland’s win against Hungary yesterday, but now we’re going to look ahead as to what could be awaiting us in the World Cup playoffs, and what our chances will be? To chat, Ciara was joined by joined by former Irish international, Ray Houghton, who was at the game on commentary duty yesterday. And …

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Kids Health Check: How to support your kids through major life changes such as divorce 8:42

41m ago8:42

8:42

This week on our kids Clinic Ciara was joined by Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author to discuss How to support your kids through major life changes - divorce, house and school moves.

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Are you influenced by influencers when making purchases ? 11:36

1h ago11:36

11:36

According to a new CCPC survey 30% of people are influenced by influencers when making purchases. So, how big a role can influencers play in marketing ? And should there be more regulation when it comes to online advertising ? Newstalk's Josh Crosbie reports

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Should we have speed limits for bicycles ? 5:45

1h ago5:45

5:45

A new law setting a 6km/h speed limit for cyclists, skaters, scooter and e-scooter riders on pavements in Slovakia has received parliamentary approval. The new measure aimed at improving safety means pavement users who exceed the limit could be fined up to 100 euros. Just how problematic are cyclists who cycle on pavements? Should we do the same? J…

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Donald Trump now urges Republicans to release Epstein files 5:47

1h ago5:47

5:47

Now, Donald Trump has urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to back a vote to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Trump, who has previously dismissed calls to release the files, says he has nothing to hide. But what does this mean and what might happen now? Joining Ciara was Harriet Alexander, a Features writer with the D…

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Community in mourning in Louth as 5 young people lose their lives in road crash 13:52

2d ago13:52

13:52

The deaths of five young friends, all under the age of 25, in a road crash in Co Louth at the weekend have left communities in Louth and Monaghan devastated. The friends have been named as: Chloe McGee, Alan McCluskey, Dylan Commins, Shay Duffy and Chloe Hipson. Joining Ciara to reflect on the terrible tragedy was Monaghan Councillor, Peter Conlon …

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Ireland beats Hungary one of Ireland’s best ever games ? 15:31

1h ago15:31

15:31

Ireland’s World Cup hopes are still alive, after the most remarkable game against Hungary in Budapest yesterday. Ireland needed a win, and that’s exactly what they got in the 96th minute when Troy Parrott poked home the winner after a Liam Scales flick on. To chat about the game, I’m now joined by Former Irish International, Jason McAteer, and form…

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This flu Season Why you should cough and sneeze into your jumper instead of your elbow 5:48

3d ago5:48

5:48

Now, despite all of us learning to sneeze and cough into our elbow during the pandemic, new research has emerged with different advice. A study from the University of Utah has shown that coughing into your shirt or jumper actually prevents more germ molecules from escaping. Joining Ciara to discuss the findings is Brendan O’Shea, a GP, Adjunct Assi…

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Tragedy in Co.Louth as 5 young people lose their lives in road crash 5:09

1h ago5:09

5:09

The deaths of five young friends, all under the age of 25, in a road crash in Co Louth at the weekend have left communities in Louth and Monaghan devastated. The friends have been named as: Chloe McGee, Alan McCluskey, Dylan Commins, Shay Duffy and Chloe Hipson. Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief reporter, joined Ciara from Louth.…

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How to see (and stop) deforestation from space | Tasso Azevedo 10:21

1h ago10:21

10:21

Nearly 20 trees are cut down every second in the Amazon rainforest, as authorities struggle to monitor millions of acres and stop illegal clear-cutting. But land reformer Tasso Azevedo and his team at MapBiomas have changed the game, transforming satellite imagery into precise, real-time maps that make every clear-cut visible — and every actor acco…

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TED Talks Daily Book Club: Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet | Kate Marvel 41:14

3d ago41:14

41:14

When Kate Marvel set out to write a book on climate change, she wanted to expand the conversation beyond data, charts and graphs. This meant refocusing the topic on nine human emotions: wonder, anger, guilt, fear, grief, surprise, pride, hope and love. In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview, host Elise Hu speaks with Kate about her new book, H…

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Kids & Brands: Audrey Birner & Beano Brain 28:32

1h ago28:32

28:32

With more than a decade of experience across the U.S. and global markets, Audrey Birner is the U.S. Insight Director for Beano Brain. She’s a youth culture expert helping brands understand and engage kids, tweens, teens and their families. She believes the only way to truly understand Gen Alpha and Gen Z is to hear the unfiltered truth straight fro…

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How to stop AI from killing your critical thinking | Advait Sarkar 15:23

35m ago15:23

15:23

Chatbots might help you get work done faster — but at what cost? When we outsource our reasoning to artificial intelligence, we reduce ourselves to "middle managers for our own thoughts," says AI and design researcher Advait Sarkar. He examines the cognitive trade-offs of using AI at work and introduces a different kind of tool: one that encourages…

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The Friday Download: Robot Cartels, Medical Miracles & Mathematical Vibes (November 14, 2025) 8:45

2h ago8:45

8:45

In this week’s Friday Download, Dr. JR dives into a chaotic mix of AI mischief and genuine scientific magic. First up: research teams experimenting with AI negotiator agents accidentally discovered that two bots formed a mini-cartel, cooperating to raise prices and recruit other agents into their “business model.” Emergent collusion is now official…

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Winners and Sinners 27:04

11m ago27:04

27:04

This week, Jonathan Healy was joined by Ralph Riegel, author and Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Jennifer Horgan, Irish Examiner Columnist to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

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You Are What You Eat: Dried Fruit 16:03

10m ago16:03

16:03

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Jonathan Healy to discuss dried fruit - their benefits, and how you can use them!

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Sport with Mick McCarthy 7:33

4m ago7:33

7:33

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

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Should single parents get the same amount of parental leave as two? 8:01

20m ago8:01

8:01

Calls are ongoing for measures to ensure that children in single-parent families have access to the same amount of parental leave as those in two-parent families. To chat more about this, Jonathan Healy is joined by Carly Bailey from One Family.