The Wow in the World podcast is the centerpiece of a groundbreaking entertainment platform--and an emerging licensing powerhouse. In this episode, Chris talks to Nicole Blake, chief brand office at Wonderry and Andy Quartin, CEO of Thames & Kosmos. It's a conversation about a dynamic licensing program, that capitalizes on contemporary entertainment...with a healthy dose of classic play. Listen in as these two game changers talk about their individual and joint journeys. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

In this episode Chris talks to Nelo Lucich, one of the co-founders of Skyrocket Toys about the company and notably their introduction of Poe: The AI Storytelling Bear. Nelo and Chris talk about the process, the underlying structure and a little bit about the future of AI in the toy business. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, Th Toy Guy and Beacon Media Group. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

Designing effective and engaging learning toys for children is always a challenge. It's one that Dr. Ben Miller has embraced. He's a learning scientist and senior learning designer for LeapFrog. He talks with Chris about the concept of purposeful play, designing for learning, the opportunities and challenges for AI in learning toys, and best practices for those developing learning toys. It's a wide-ranging conversation, but you'll be impressed by Ben's insight and passion for building play-based learning. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast ..read more

Serial inventor, professor, inveterate innovator and advocate of play Brendan Boyle of Fuse London joins us for a lively and wide-ranging conversation. From his early career to his current gig with Fuse, Brendan has been a joyful advocate of play for kids, for organizations and for enhancing life overall. Join us for a super fun episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

Richard and Chris talk with John Baulch from Toy World UK and James Zahn from The Toy Book for our 4th Annual year-end conversation. From inventory levels to new challenges, to the potential for the revitalized Toys "R" Us, to, of course, the issue of Toy Fairs, the panel looks back at 2022 and ahead to 2023 and beyond.  The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy,  Beacon Media Group, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

In this episode, Chris talks to Barry and Jason of the eponymous Barry and Jason games about their careers, their work, the process of pitching games, and more. Listen in as two of the most entertaining and thoughtful guys in the business talk about what they're doing, and what's next. We promise you a good time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

Chris talks to drag racing star Alex Taylor who has been a star in her field since she was 16. She is the co-host of Hot Rod Garage and has a popular YouTube channel as well. This is a story that goes beyond cars and talks about passion around which to build a life and career. Even more, it's a great tale for folks in the industry looking to build meaningful marketing relationships to build brands, and sales and expand franchises. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

In this episode Chris talks to industry veteran and technology whiz kid Josh Garrett about his career, his vision, and how leveraging technology in a kid-centric way contributes to positive, enriching, and immersive play experiences for kids. Josh is the chief creative officer for Readyland and vice president of design for Creativity, Inc. This is a "must-listen" episode for anyone looking to enhance toys and play through technology. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

In this episode, we talk to Greg Ahearn, the new president and CEO of The Toy Association. Greg takes the reins in a dynamic time for the 108-year-old organization, and talks about its vital role in the industry today and where it's going in the future. Listen in and get a new appreciation for all the association does, and much more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more

With Pickleball a huge trend in the U.S. in 2024, leave it to savvy industry veterans Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler to adapt that into a clever, fun, and opportunistic game. Listen in as Chris talks to them about how they did it, how a popular sport became a card game, and how they Jeffrey and Frank are riding the trend to create a new game company. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support ..read more